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1419 shrubs native to California
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1
Big Berry Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glauca) is a large shrub to small tree native to California and Baja California, where it grows in the chaparral and woodland of coastal and inland hills. Individuals growing in desert regions tend to be shorter than those on the coast. Unlike some manzanita species, Big Berry Manzanita cannot resprout from its stump after fire; instead, it produces generous seed, which facilitates greater plant diversity. Leaves are light gray-green and up to 2 inches long. T...
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2
Blueblossom (or Blue Blossom) Ceanothus is one of the most popular species of Ceanothus in landscaping applications. It varies dramatically in form and size over its natural range, with some plants growing fairly upright to 30 feet and others growing in a mounding form to only 2-3 feet tall.
Blueblossom Ceanothus is evergreen, with leaves ranging from bright green to dark green. It has small flowers that are produced in a dense, puff-shaped clusters, that are white, light blue, dark blue or pu...
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3
The Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) is a small deciduous tree or shrub found in the foothills and mountains of California. In the northern, rainier part of its range, it grows more often on dry slopes in mountain foothills. In the southern and drier part of its range, it grows most often near near higher-elevation creeks, canyon bottoms and other moister areas. The thin, shiny brown branches bear shiny heart-shaped leaves which are light green early in the season and darken as they age. Lea...
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4
Ceanothus maritimus is a rare, narrow endemic species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common name Maritime Ceanothus. It is endemic to San Luis Obispo County, California, where it is known from only a few occurrences in the vicinity of Hearst Ranch. It shares the same range as the similarly rare Ceanothus hearstiorum, growing on the coastal bluffs.
This species looks unlike other Ceanothus and is said to resemble the non-native Cotoneaster. This is a spreading or asc...
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5
Best known for its spectacular bright yellow flowers during spring blooming season, Flannel Bush (Fremontodendron californicum) is an eye-catching large evergreen shrub. The vibrant blooms attract bees and butterflies. This plant gets its name from fuzzy hairs that cover its leaves. These hairs can be an irritant to eyes and skin.
Flannel Bush has unique moisture and site-selection requirements. In its natural environment, it grows in sandy or chalky soil, about 10 feet away from a water source...
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6
Berberis nevinii (syn. Mahonia nevinii) is an evergreen species of flowering shrub known by the common name Nevin' =s barberry. This plant is endemic to southern California, where it is known from very few occurrences in the chaparral of inland canyons and foothills.
It is a federally and state listed endangered species; there are thought to be about 500 individuals remaining, with half of those being naturally occurring plants. It is also widely cultivated in gardens and parks.
This is an e...
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7
Mission Manzanita is a shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall, and 20 feet in diameter. Its native range is very limited, comprising Southwestern and Pacific coastal California from San Diego county through north-central Pacific coastal Baja California, a small area in the foothills northwest of Pasadena in Los Angeles Country, a bit of southern Riverside County near Temecula, and Santa Catalina Island. Mission Manzanita is a slow growing shrub that resembles the true manzanitas (Arctostaphylos). T...
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8
Eriogonum arborescens is a species of wild buckwheat known by the common name Santa Cruz Island buckwheat. This shrub is endemic to the Channel Islands of California.
The stems bear narrow, fuzzy green leaves at the ends of the branches. The bush erects clusters of densely clustered, frilly flowers. Each flower is tiny, very light pink in color, with nine protruding stamens. The flowers turn brown as they age. The bark is red and ribbony.
This is an uncommon plant in its native range on a few ...
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9
Common manzanita is a beautiful shrub: its red branching structure, delicate white lantern-shaped flowers, blush-colored berries, and bright foliage provide year-round interest. Use these gorgeous plants as specimen trees and to provide structure. Their graceful, twisting branches add an unbeatable sculptural effect. With their winter blooms and summer berries, they are a pollinator and wildlife all-star, supporting local birds and insects. Common Manzanita is easy to grow in a variety of soils....
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10
Berberis aquifolium is a species of flowering plant found widely across western North America. It is the state flower of Oregon. In California, it grows throughout the mountains and foothills of northern and central California, and in Southern California, it grows primarily in the Transverse Range Mountains, Sierra foothills and higher elevations of the Peninsular Range.
This evergreen shrub spreads slowly by rhizomes. The leaves are dark green and holly shaped, and will often turn to hues of ...
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11
Carmel Ceanothus (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus var. griseus) is a variety of flowering shrub of Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (also called Carmel Ceanothus). It was formerly named Ceanothus griseus and was considered a separate species, with a popular variety formerly named Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis (Carmel Creeper Ceanothus); some sources may still use this terminology. This Ceanothus is endemic to coastal California, where its distribution extends from the Central Coast region through the souther...
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12
Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is a beautiful perennial shrub native throughout the western part of California and the Sierra foothills. It is a prominent component of the coastal sage scrub plant community, and is a part of drought-adapted chaparral and mixed oak woodland habitats. It is also known by the common names Christmas berry and California Holly from the bright red berries it produces. The city of Hollywood was named for this plant. It often grows to about 8 feet tall, but some specta...
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13
A species of manzanita known by the common name Little Sur manzanita. This shrub is endemic to California where it grows on the coastal bluffs of Monterey County. This is a petite, low-lying manzanita which forms mounds and patchy mats in sandy soil. The leathery leaves are small and rounded to oval, dark green and shiny when mature and red-edged when new. The flower clusters are dense with flowers, which are small, urn-shaped to rounded, and waxy white to very pale pink. The fruit is a shiny, r...
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14
Creek Dogwood (Cornus sericea ssp. sericea) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It was formerly known as Cornus stolonifera and is still referred to by that name in some sources. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in a semi-upright form to a height of up to 15 feet, with active growth during the spring and summer. It is noted for its red bark, especially on new growth. Flowers are white and striking, and bloom in the spring. L...
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15
Channel Islands Tree Poppy (Dendromecon harfordii) is a flowering shrub or small tree in the poppy family. It is sometimes treated as subspecies harfordii of its relative, Dendromecon rigida.Its thin, branching stems are covered sparsely in smooth-edged, oval-shaped silvery leaves 1 to 3 inches long. Throughout most of they year, it is covered in showy flowers, each with four bright yellow petals. The fruit is a curved, cylindrical capsule almost 3 inches in length.Channel Island Tree Poppy is s...
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16
Arctostaphylos hookeri is a species of manzanita known by the common name Hooker's manzanita. This shrub is endemic to California where its native range extends from the coastal San Francisco Bay Area to the Central Coast. This is a low shrub which is variable in appearance and has several subspecies. These are generally mat-forming plants or low bushes with small green leaves, dense flower clusters of white to pink flowers, and shiny egg-shaped or round red drupes. It does not form a burl and c...
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17
Ceanothus cyaneus is a rare species of flowering shrub known by the common names San Diego Ceanothus and Lakeside Ceanothus. This Ceanothus is found in the mountains of San Diego County, California, and its range probably extends just into Baja California. Most of the remaining natural specimens are in a small area in the hills around Lakeside and Ramona in San Diego County. This is a tall, erect shrub which may approach 5 meters in height. Its spreading branches are gray-green, with the younger...
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18
Comarostaphylis diversifolia is a rare shrub in the heath family known by the common name Summer Holly. It is slow growing in an upright form up to a height of 20 feet or more, with striking white flowers in the spring, an incredible summer display of holly-like red berries , and attractive gray bark. It is native to southern California and northern Baja California, where it grows in coastal chaparral habitat, usually on well drained slopes. Its bark is gray and shreddy and the tough, evergre...
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19
Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii) is a native tree that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Channel Islands region, though with some specimens on the coastal Southern California mainland. It tends to grow on slopes, at elevations from 0 to 2000 feet. It is fast growing once established, as well as moderately long-lived. It grows in an upright form, with active growth during the spring, summer, and fall. Older trees are said to resemble Coast Live Oak. Flowers...
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20
Island Snapdragon (Gambelia speciosa) is a somewhat vine-like perennial plant native to the Channel Islands and to Guadalupe Island, Mexico. It has trumpet-shaped red flowers that attract birds, especially hummingbirds. Under the right conditions it can bloom almost year round.Island Snapdragon is easy to grow, fast growing and beautiful, a perennial widely available in native California nurseries. It prefers sun or part shade (more shade inland), but you will get more flowers in full sun. It li...
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21
Attractive, hardy, and easy to grow, the Blue Elderberry is also an important food source for California wildlife. In spring, large clusters of cream-colored flowers attract butterflies and bees. The abundant blue berries provide food for birds and other animals. Humans can eat the fruit as long as it?s cooked.This fast-growing shrub is tolerant of a variety of growing conditions, although it does best in sun and well-drained moist, rich soil. It can grow to the size of a small tree, up to 30 fe...
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22
Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) is an evergreen shrub to small tree that grows in chaparral in dry canyons and slopes below 4300 feet in southern California, Arizona and Baja California. In the southern part of its range (in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties), Sugar Bush generally grows in the foothills and mountains, and the closely related Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) grows closer to the coast. It has a rounded appearance, often growing wider than tall. Sugar Bush has thick,breddish twi...
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23
The Bush Anemone (Carpenteria californica), an attractive evergreen shrub, is a rare California native plant and closely related to the Mock Orange (Philadelphus lewisii). It has abundant bright white and yellow flowers bloom in late spring and early summer. The blooms have a pleasant fragrance and are attractive to bees and butterflies. The narrow leaves are dark green and glossy.
Bush Anemone is easy to grow and adapts to a variety of soil types, as long as the soil iswell-draining. It grows...
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24
Ceanothus crassifolius is a species of flowering shrub known by the common name hoaryleaf ceanothus. This Ceanothus is found throughout the coastal mountain ranges of the southern half of California below 3,500 ft., and its range extends into Baja California. It is an erect, spreading shrub which can exceed three meters in height. The branches become long and the younger twigs are fuzzy with white or light brown hairs. The small evergreen leaves have widely-spaced teeth along the edges and the u...
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25
Native to Southern California’s coastal sage scrub region, White Sage (Salvia apiana) is one of the state’s most important Salvia species. White Sage is fragrant, with silver-white leaves, and clusters of white flowers with lavender streaks. Young leaves start off green and turn white as they get older.
White Sage is deeply rooted in the cultures and lifeways of Indigenous communities of Southern California and northern Baja, the only region this sage naturally occurs in the world. This pla...
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26
Kinnikinnick is a popular low-growing manzanita that is often used as a groundcover and lawn replacement plant. It is a spreading evergreen shrub that features small, pinkish-white flowers and red berries. Both the flowers and fruit are attractive to birds and insects.Kinnikinnick and its cultivars grow best in cooler mountainous or coastal regions of California. When planted in hot, dry inland areas, it requires afternoon shade and supplemental water. Kinnikinnick likes loamy, acidic soil....
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27
Hyptis emoryi (Desert Lavender) is a fragrant, multi-stemmed shrub species of flowering plant in the Lamiaceae (mint family). The genus Condea (formerly Hyptis) is commonly known as the bushmints. Desert Lavender is a medium to large perennial shrub found in the deserts of southwestern United States of Arizona, Nevada, California, and northwestern Mexico in Sonora and Baja California at elevations below 3,000 ft.Desert Lavender prefers sandy or gravelly soils with good drainage, and full sun or ...
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28
Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It tends to grow upright (10- 30 feet tall) but sprawls next to beaches. It is often found in coastal canyons below elevations of 900 meters, where it sometimes dominates entire hillsides. There is a small inland population on Mount Palomar at over 1000 meters. The Lemonade Berry's petioles are pink or brownish and leaf blades are leathery, ranging from two to four centimeters wide and five to seven centimeters in length. Le...
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29
Woolly Bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum) is named for its curled, fuzzy flowers that bloom in brilliant shades of blue and lavender. These striking flowers bloom in dense clusters on branching stems from fall to spring. A favorite of hummingbirds, the flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and other insects.
This shrub is a member of the Mint family. Its narrow, bright green leaves have a pleasant, minty fragrance. It can quickly grow to an impressive size in the first year, although as a fire-...
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30
Ceanothus hearstiorum is a species of flowering shrub known by the common names Hearst Ranch Buckbrush and Hearst's Ceanothus. This Ceanothus is endemic to California, where it grows wild only on the hilly coastline of San Luis Obispo County. This shrub is generally wider than it is tall and often lies prostrate in a mat on the ground. The younger branches are hairy and somewhat feltlike in texture. The distinctive evergreen leaves are oval to almost rectangular and have a cupped, rippled surfac...
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31
Golden currant is a small to medium-sized deciduous shrub with golden spring blooms. The flowers and fruit of this fragrant and attractive shrub make the golden currant a valuable wildlife plant. Hummingbirds, butterflies, and bees are attracted to the golden yellow trumpet-shaped flowers. The fruit is an important food source for many bird species as well as small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks. The berries are also used in pies, preserves, and other dishes.
Golden currant is very easy t...
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32
California Wax Myrtle (Morella californica) is a native shrub in the Myracaceae (Myrtle) family that is found primarily along the coast in northern and central California, although it does occur as far south as Los Angeles County and as far north as British Columbia. It is moderately fast growing and long-lived. It grows in an upright form, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are yellow and bloom in the early summer. Dark-green leaves remain on the plant throughout the year....
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33
San Diego Mountain Mahogany is a beautiful native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in coastal Orange and San Diego counties, and in the western side of the Peninsular Range region, mostly at elevations from 0-4300 feet. It grows quickly to 8 feet, and then fairly slowly after that. Leaves are small and birch-shaped, delicate and emerald green in the winter and spring, and dark green, thick, and curled down during the dry season. Flowers are yellow. Probably its most spectacular...
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34
The evergreen silver lupine provides year-round interest in the garden. A member of the pea family, it has attractive silver-green leaves that add a pop of color and texture to the garden. In the spring, it boasts large flower spikes that range in color from pale blue to deep purple. The blooms are attractive to pollinators, especially bees.
This stunning shrub prefers dry, sandy, well-drained soil. No need to add compost; silver lupines do best in nutrient-poor soil. Plant in full sun and limi...
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35
Coffeeberr (Frangula caylifornica) gets its name because its berries contain seeds that look like coffee beans. It is a fairly common plant native to California and southwestern Oregon. This dense evergreen shrub has dark red branches. Its leaves are an attractive dark green with reddish tint. The flowers are inconspicuous, small and greenish-white with five petals; flowers are produced in clusters. The plant is prized more for its fruit, which turns red, then purple, and finally black over the ...
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36
Coast Silktassel (Garrya elliptica) is a common evergreen shrub native to the coastal ranges of southern Oregon and California, south to Los Angeles County. It is one of a small biological family of approximately 20 known species in the family Garryaceae, most of which are Garrya. Female and male sexual organs of all the Garrya are found on separate plants. All Garrya are associated with warm temperate regions of North America. This native plant's attractiveness and neat growing habit make it ap...
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37
The desert willow is a small, multi-trunk tree that's notable for its fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom in shades of pink, lavender, and white. The flowers attract pollinators, including hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Narrow leaves give this plant its name, but it is a member of the bignonia family, not a willow. It produces long seed pods and is winter deciduous.The desert willow is native to southern California's desert regions and is a good choice for inland gardens. Plant in ...
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38
St. Catherine's lace (Eriogonum giganteum) is large and showy buckwheat endemic to the Channel Islands of California. It flowers densely, in carpets of clustered tiny pinkish white flowers. Young flower heads are white and lacy, gradually turning to warm, reddish brown over the summer. This plant is fast-growing and variable in size, from 2 feet tall and wide to a sprawling or rounded bush over 9 feet high and wide. One variety, the Santa Barbara Island buckwheat, is particularly rare so should ...
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39
Fremontodendron mexicanum is a rare species of shrub in the mallow family known by the common name Mexican flannelbush. It is known from about ten occurrences in northern Baja California and adjacent San Diego County, California, but it has most recently been confirmed to exist in only two of those locales today. In 1993, fewer than 100 individuals were thought to exist. In the United States it is a federally listed endangered species. The shrub grows in chaparral and coniferous forests among Te...
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40
Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) is a small, evergreen shrub in the Mint family (Lamiaceae). The small gray-green leaves are very fragrant, as are the whorls of purple flowers. One shrub can perfume the whole garden on a warm, summer afternoon. Hummingbirds adore the nectar from the tubular flowers. It also attracts butterflies, bees, moths, and other pollinators. This is an important food source during the heat of summer.
It is native to chaparral and coastal sage scrub in Southern Californ...
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41
Ceanothus verrucosus is a rare species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common names wart-stem ceanothus, barranca brush, and white coast ceanothus. It is endemic to Baja California and San Diego County, where it grows in coastal chaparral and scrub. Much of the coastal land that hosts this plant in the San Diego area has been claimed for development, but many populations still remain scattered around the region, such as one protected at Torrey Pines. This is an erect s...
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42
Arctostaphylos pajaroensis is a species of manzanita known by the common name Pajaro manzanita. It is endemic to California, where it is known mainly from Monterey County. Historical occurrences have been noted in Santa Cruz and far western San Benito Counties; these may no longer exist. Most of the extant populations are located in the hills south of the Pajaro River Valley. It is a member of the chaparral plant community. This is an erect shrub growing at least a meter tall and known to exceed...
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43
Ceanothus integerrimus (Deer Brush) is a woody shrub in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family native to the western United States, in Arizona, New Mexico, California, Oregon, and Washington. It grows in a wide range of habitats including chaparral mountain shrub regions, in hardwood forests of the west, and in fir, spruce, and Ponderosa Pine communities, being most abundant in chaparral in California. Due to its widespread distribution, it exhibits a variety of forms. In some locations it is a decid...
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44
Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) is a distinctive-looking shrub that provides visual interest in the landscape. It is known for its long, fuzzy seeds that resemble curled feathers and shine in the sun. “Cercocarpus” means fruit with a tail. The evergreen, birch-like leaves have edges that are smooth at the bottom and toothed at the top. Its small yellow flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Mountain Mahogany is named for its dark bark color, but this plant is actually a mem...
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45
Ceanothus arboreus is a species of shrub endemic to California, especially to the Channel Islands. It is known commonly as feltleaf ceanothus. It is a species of what are sometimes called California lilacs, and may be referred to as the California mountain lilac or island mountain lilac. It is one of the tallest of the genus, growing up to 25-30 ft. in height, bearing glossy dark green leaves which are leathery or felt-like on their undersides. It is sometimes planted as a fast-growing ornamenta...
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46
Eastwood Manzanita is one of the many Manzanitas native to California. This Manzanita can be found along coastal slopes that stretch from Baja California all the way up through Oregon.
It is an evergreen shrub with edible fruit and white and pink flowers. It blooms during the spring and winter, attracting hummingbirds and other local pollinators. It can be bristly and sometimes hairy to the touch, it’s also important to be mindful that it can secrete sticky oils.
It is ideal to plant Eastwo...
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47
Atriplex lentiformis is a species in the Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot) family known by the common names Big Saltbush and Quail Bush. It is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where it grows in habitats with saline or alkaline soils, such as salt flats and dry lake beds, coastline, and desert scrub. It can also be found in nonsaline soils on riverbanks and woodland. This is a spreading shrub reaching one to three meters in height and generally more in width. It is highly br...
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48
Coyote Bush (also called Coyote Brush) is a common California native shrub. It is versatile and adaptable in a wide range of landscape applications. Its short height and spreading habit make this plant a practical choice for groundcover and bank stabilization. It is also said to be fire-resistant and can tolerate recycled water.
It has small, evergreen leaves and abundant white and yellow flowers that are very attractive to insects. Coyote Bush grows well in most soil types. It is a drought-ada...
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49
Black sage is the most common sage in California. Though less showy than other salvia species and cultivars, it is an important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. The flowers are small and pale blue-lavender in color. After blooming, black sage seeds provide food for birds, including quail and towhees.A black sage shrub can grow up to 6 feet tall and 10 feet wide. In the garden, this aromatic plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil. It is a low-moisture plant, requiring n...
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50
Vine Hill Manzanita (Arctostaphylos densiflora) is a very rare species of manzanita, endemic to Sonoma County, where it is known from only one extant population of 20 to 30 individuals. These last wild members of the species are on land near Sebastopol that is owned and protected by the California Native Plant Society. The local habitat is mostly chaparral on sandy shale soils. This manzanita is also cultivated as a landscape plant. The species is the origin of several popular cultivars includin...
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51
Mock Orange (Philadephus lewisii) is a deciduous shrub in the Hydrangeaceae (Hydrangea) family native to western North America, from northwestern California in the Sierra Nevada, north to southern British Columbia, and east to Idaho and Montana. It is widespread but not terribly common, usually appearing as an individual plant amongst other species. It was entered into Western record by Meriwether Lewis in 1806.The shrub sends out long stems, which are red when new and fade to gray with age, the...
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52
Known by the common names Mountain Buckbrush or Desert Ceanothus, it is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico where it grows in desert scrub, sagebrush, chaparral, and other dry habitat. This shrub grows erect to nearly 2 meters in maximum height. Its woody parts are gray in color and somewhat woolly. The evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged and variable in shape. They may be toothed or smooth along the edges. The flower cluster is a small cluster of many white flowers...
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53
Giant Coreopsis is a woody perennial plant native to California and Baja California. Its stem is actually a tall, thick trunk, occasionally branching. Bright green leaves and flowers adorn the top of the trunk; the rest of the trunk is bare. The flowers are daisy-like and yellow, from about 8 to 8 inches in size. It is summer deciduous, leaving a bare trunk in summer. Its unusual form and generous flowering nature make this plant a welcome addition to gardens near the coast.
Giant Coreopsis is...
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54
CPoint Reyes Ceanothus (Ceanothus gloriosus) is a species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). It is endemic to California, where it is known from the coastline of the San Francisco Bay Area and areas north and south. It grows on seaside bluffs and the slopes of the coastal mountains.
This shrub grows flat and spreading to erect. Its three recognized wild varieties have different characteristics, and each is considered rare. There are also a few horticultural varieties such as 'Ancho...
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55
The shrub Ribes viburnifolium has several common names, including Catalina Currant. It is found in Southern California in the United States, especially on Santa Catalina Island, and into northern Baja California in Mexico.
It is a rare member of the chaparral plant community, and more common in landscaped drought-tolerant gardens. It grows in only a handful of locations on the mainland U.S. The shrub grows low to the ground, extending long reddish stems horizontally where the tips may root and...
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56
Del Mar Manzanita Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia
Del Mar or Costa Baja Manzanita (Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. crassifolia) is a rare native shrub that grows in Southern California, primarily in the South Coast region. Depending on the time of year, leaves can be pinkish, slivery, blue green or dark green. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 0-700 feet. It can grow to 8 feet, but is usually under 4 feet with a loose mounding form.Del Mar Manzanita is beautiful, relatively easy to grow and among the...
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57
Eriodictyon crassifolium, or thick-leaved Yerba Santa, is a shrub in the Borage family (formerly in the Hydropyllaceae or Waterleaf family). It is endemic to California, where it grows in several types of habitats in the coastal and inland hills and mountains below 6,000 ft., mainly in the southern part of the state. It is a hairy to woolly shrub growing one to three meters tall. The leaves are up to 17 centimeters long by 6 wide, gray-green with a coat of woolly hairs, and sometimes toothed alo...
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58
The flowering shrub Acalypha californica is known as the California copperleaf, and sometimes by the older name Pringle three-seeded mercury. It is the only Acalypha species native to California, where it is found from the Peninsular range foothills hills into the lower desert of San Diego County. It is a member of the chaparral plant community and most often grows in crumbling granite rocks, ledges and cliff faces, though it occasionally grows in sand washes. The plant bears beautiful light gre...
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59
California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) is a shrub with a variable appearance, forming a patchy, compact bramble or a spreading bush. The leaves are leathery, woolly on the undersides, and rolled under along the edges. Profuse clusters of pink to white and cream-colored flowers appear as early as March and dry to a pretty red rust color.
California buckwheats are tough and easy to grow, even in very dry conditions. They prefer a well draining sunny site. Once established, no qatar is nee...
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60
Hollyleaf Redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) is an evergreen native shrub that grows in the foothills and mountains of southern and central California, the Sierra foothills, and the foothills west of Sacremento Valley. It primarily grows at elevations from 500 to 6600 feet. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Rhamnus crocea but is now considered a separate species. Their ranges overlap considerably, and they resemble each other superficially. This plant is reasonable to grow if properly sited....
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61
Bladder Pod (Peritoma arborea) is a species of the Caper family. It is native to California (primarily southern) and Baja California, where it grows in a variety of habitats from coastal bluffs to desert arroyos. This densely-branching shrub produces abundant bright-yellow flower clusters at the ends of its stem branches.The fruit is an large, inflated capsule, which is edible. It is smooth and green when new, aging to light brown. A typical flower cluster bears a number of unopened flower buds ...
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62
Fuchsiaflower Gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) is one of the most spectacularly blooming native California shrubs during the wet season, with beautiful fuchsia-red flowers hanging down in abundance from the branches throughout the bush. The tube-shaped flowers with their protruding stamens and stigmas look a little like red-dressed ballerinas dancing in a line.
The plant grows in a somewhat upright mounding form, quickly reaching 6-10 feet in height, and 3-8 feet in width under favorable condition...
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California Grape (Vitis californica) is a species of wild grape that grows throughout central and northern California and occasionally in southern California. Specifically, it grows as far south as the foothills of the Transverse Range, over the entire range of Sequoia and Cascade Foothills, occasionally in the San Joaquin Valley, and throughout the Sacramento Valley, North Coast Range and Klamath Range, and into southern Oregon. Its grapes provide an important food source for a variety of wild ...
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Keckiella cordifolia (formerly Penstemon cordifolius) is a species of flowering shrub in the plantain family known by the common name heartleaf keckiella. It is native to the coast and coastal mountains of southern California and northern Baja California, and it is a resident of chaparral and coastal woodland plant communities. This is a spreading shrub reaching maximum heights in excess of two meters. Its shiny green leaves are oval to heart-shaped, pointed, and edged with small teeth. They are...
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Palmer's Abutilon (Abutilon palmeri) is a relatively rare species of the Malvaceae Family (mallows) native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. It grows primarily on the eastern slopes of the Peninsular Range and the Western Sonora Desert, and in San Bernardino County in the low foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains (1080-3600 feet). Flowers are cup-shaped, approximately one inch in size. They produce small fruits which are round, capsular, multi-parted and covered with silky fine h...
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Keckiella antirrhinoides (formerly Penstemon antirrhinoides) is a species of flowering shrub in the plantain family known by the common names snapdragon penstemon and chaparral beardtongue. It is native to the chaparral, deserts, and pinyon-juniper woodlands of California, Arizona, and adjacent Baja California. This shrub grows one half to two and a half meters tall, with spreading branches. The oppositely-arranged leaves are up to 2 centimeters long and are lance-shaped or narrow ovals. They ar...
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Ribes aureum var gracillimum, known by the common name Golden Currant, is a species of small to medium-sized deciduous shrub that grows 3-6 feet tall. It's native to the coast and foothill regions of California, growing most commonly in the southern foothills of the Transverse Range, and more rarely in the coastal ranges as far as the Mendocino National Forest. It blooms in spring with racemes of conspicuous golden yellow flowers, often with a pronounced fragrance similar to that of cloves or va...
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The bush monkey flower is notable for its cheerful orange and yellow blooms, said to resemble a monkey’s face. It’s also sometimes called sticky monkey flower because the leaves produce a protective sticky resin. It is a perennial subshrub with flowers that attract hummingbirds and bees.
This low-water plant tolerates a variety of soil types, as long as they are well-draining. In coastal areas, bush monkey flower likes full sun; plant in partial shade in inland gardens.
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Scrub Oak plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity by attracting birds and a diverse range of butterflies. Its ability to thrive in various conditions and benefits to local wildlife make it a valuable addition to gardens.
It is a medium-to-small oak. Its green leaves are leathery on the surface and somewhat hairy on the underside. Scrub Oak is a versatile plant that thrives in full sun to part shade. In cooler regions, it remains compact, while in warmer areas, it spreads out and grows sev...
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Ribes indecorum is a species of currant known by the common names white-flowered currant and white chaparral currant. It is native to the southern California Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges, from around Santa Barbara County in California south into northern Baja California.It is an erect shrub approaching three meters in maximum height. The stem is fuzzy and glandular in texture. The deciduous leaves are 1 to 4 centimeters long. The thick, wrinkly blades are divided into t...
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Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is a large, densely-branching shrub or tree. Its leathery, sticky, dark-green leaves are up to 1 1/2 inches long and lance-shaped.The small cream flowers appear in spring in clusters of up to three. It produces a small, dry fruit.
It is very drought-adapted and hardy, which makes it great for the high desert and for slopes. It is also a good choice for a screen or background shrub. It takes full to part sun and well-draining rocky soil.
Th...
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Buckbrush (Ceanothus cuneatus) is a flowering shrub in the Buckthorn family that is one of the most common and widespread native plants in California. It flowers abundantly in spring, bearing rounded bunches of tiny white flowers that are sometimes tinted strongly with blue or lavender. It is a spreading bush, rounded to sprawling with evergreen leaves that are stiff, tough and fleshy. The fruit is a tiny round capsule with horns. This plant may vary in appearance due to its wide distribution an...
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Eastwood Manzanita Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa
Arctostaphylos glandulosa ssp. glandulosa, or Eastwood Manzanita, is a beautiful low-growing manzanita that grows primarily in the western foothills and mountain ranges of California. It tends to grow in rocky outcrops, slopes and ridges, at elevations from 1000-6200 feet. Very diverse with many varieties; a common species of disagreement among botanists.
Leaf colors vary from a vibrant yellow-green to grey green to dark green, depending on the season and the amount of water. Flowers are white...
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Spice Bush (Calycanthus occidentalis) is a native shrub that grows in canyons, streamsides and moist places, at elevations from 0 to 5000 feet in the California Coast Ranges, Sacramento Valley, Sierra Nevada, and Cascades. Also found in Washington State, localized in the Seattle area.This deciduous shrub has bright green leaves. Its bark has a strong camphor smell that is released when stems are scraped. The smell remains strong on twigs that have been stored several years in a dry environment. ...
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The Red Osier Dogwood (Cornus sericea, syn. C. stolonifera, Swida sericea) is a species of dogwood native throughout northern and western North America from Alaska east to Newfoundland, south to Durango and Nuevo Len in the west, and Illinois and Virginia in the east. Other names include Redtwig Dogwood, Red-rood, American Dogwood, and (subsp. occidentalis) Western Dogwood. In the wild, it commonly grows in areas of damp soil, such as wetlands. It is a medium to tall deciduous shrub, growing 1....
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Quercus dumosa is a species of plant in the Fagaceae family. This shrub/small tree goes by the common name Coastal sage scrub oak. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It is threatened by habitat loss. The species Quercus dumosa lends its name to the eponymous plant community Quercus dumosa chaparral, in which Coastal sage scrub oak and toyon often co-dominate. It is easily confused with other scrub oaks such as Quercus berberidifolia, with which it may hybridize.This plant is an evergre...
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Ceanothus prostratus is a species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common names prostrate ceanothus and mahala mat. It is native to the Pacific Northwest of the United States, into northern California and Nevada, where it grows in coniferous forest and open plateau. This is a flat, mat-forming shrub growing 6 inches tall up to about 8 ft. wide. The evergreen leaves are oppositely arranged, oval in shape with several large, sharp teeth along the edges. The upper surface ...
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Jojoba; Goatnut (Simmondsia chinensis) is a common native shrub that grows in Southern and Central California, primarily in the Peninsular Range and Sonoran Desert regions. It is moderately fast growing and long-lived. It grows in a rounded form to a height of 7 feet, with active growth during the summer and fall. Flowers are yellow and bloom in the late spring. Male and female flowers are borne on separate plants, the "goatnut" fruits only being found on female plants with male plants nearby. L...
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Baccharis salicifolia is a flowering shrub native to the desert southwest of the United States and northern Mexico, as well as parts of South America. Its usual common name is mule fat; it is also called seepwillow or water-wally. This is a large bush with sticky foliage which bears plentiful small, fuzzy, pink or red-tinged white flowers. The long pointed leaves may be toothed. It is most common near water sources.
Mulefat is an extremely tough and easy to grow plant, flowers year round, and...
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Fairy Duster is a low, spreading shrub native to deserts and arid grasslands in California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico.
The flowers, which appear between late winter and late spring, have dense clusters of pale to deep pink stamens and are about 2 inches wide. As with many other desert trees and shrubs, it is a member of the Fabaceae family. It belongs to the Mimosoideae subfamily, in which the long, colorful filaments of the anthers are the most attractive part of the flower.
Alt...
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Malacothamnus densiflorus is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family known by the common name few-rayed bushmallow. It is native to the Peninsular Ranges of southern California and northern Baja California, where it is a member of the chaparral plant community. This is a shrub with a slender, multibranched stem approaching two meters in maximum height. It is coated in thin to dense yellowish or tan hairs. The thick to leathery leaves are oval in shape, a few centimeters long, and somet...
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Ceanothus impressus var. nipomoensis is a variety of flowering shrub in the Rhamnaceae (buckthorn) family known by the common name Nipomo Mesa Ceanothus. It is one of two recognized varieties of the species C. impressus. This variety is endemic to the coast of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties where it can be found on coastal slopes and mesas. It is thickly branched with dark brown twigs and stem. The evergreen leaves are about 2 centimeters long and oval shaped, highly ridged and wrink...
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Malva Rosa (Lavatera assurgentiflor) is a species of flowering plant in the mallow family. It is endemic to California, where it is native only to the Channel Islands. It can also be found growing in coastal mainland California.It is grown as an ornamental plant and as a windbreak. This sprawling perennial herb or bushy shrub features leaves up to 6 inches long and wide, each divided into 5 to 7 toothed lobes. Each showy flower has five dark-veined deep pink petals, somewhat rectangular in shape...
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Bush Poppy (Dendromecon rigida) is an attractive compact shrub native to California and Baja California. It is covered in petite, buttercup-like yellow flowers during the winter-spring blooming season. Bush Poppy is a fast-growing shrub that maintains a rounded form with light pruning. The Bush Poppy?s narrow, grayish-green leaves are evergreen, providing year-round color in the landscape, even when not in bloom.This plant is robust and easy to grow when planted in the right dry, sunny condition...
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Justicia californica is a species of flowering shrub native to the deserts of southern California, Arizona, and northern Mexico. Its common names include chuparosa, hummingbird bush, and beloperone. It is one of the northernmost distributed species of the mostly tropical genus Justicia. This is a low bush which grows in dry, hot regions in the sand or rocky terrain of the desert floor. For a short time it bears succulent leaves. It loses its leaves and then produces plentiful tubular flowers, u...
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Cneoridium is a monotypic genus in the Rutaceae (citrus family) which contains the single species Cneoridium dumosum, known by the common name Bushrue. This is an aromatic is shrub native to the coastal bluffs of southern California and Baja California. This highly-branched shrub may exceed a meter in height and sprawl about as wide. Its twigs are covered in small linear green leaves and flowers in clusters of one to three. Each flower is just over a centimeter wide with four or five rounded whi...
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Ceanothus tomentosus is a species of shrub in the Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) known by the common name Woollyleaf Ceanothus. It is most commonly found in the foothills and canyons of San Diego, Orange and Riverside Counties, north up into the foothills of the Transverse Mountains, and south down into Baja California. The plants formerly called Ceanothus tomentosus var. tomentosus from the Sierra Nevada are actually more closely related to Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (see Burge et. al. Nov. 2011). C...
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Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica) is a colorful, fast-growing shrub that is very easy to grow. A member of the Daisy family, its quick growth rate makes it a popular choice for new native and pollinator gardens. Gardeners sometimes choose to remove it after other plants become established. The large yellow flowers bloom from winter to spring and attract butterflies and bees. They are also attractive as cut flowers. After blooming, the seeds provide food for small, seed-eating birds.
Bush Sun...
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Bush Monkey Flower (Diplacus aurantiacus var. puniceus) is a small shrub native to the coast areas of Southern California. It grows to about 2 feet high, has dark green leaves, and bright red trumpet-shaped flowers that can last for most of the year. However, the blooming period depends greatly on the rainfall pattern. It is an important food source for hummingbirds. It prefers full sun by the coast and part shade inland.In most cases, this plant needs to go semi-deciduous in the summer. Direct ...
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Eriogonum parvifolium is a species in the Polygonaceae family that occurs on dune formations and sea cliffs in the coastal area of Central and Southern California. This evergreen shrub grows to a height of 30 to 100 centimeters with a spread of approximately the same dimension. This plant is an important host for a number of pollinating insects including certain endangered species. E. parvifolium occurs both on bluffs along the Pacific Ocean coast as well as Coastal Strand dunes formations, but ...
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Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla) is an aromatic sage native to the southern coast of California and Baja California, with a range stretching from Santa Maria southward, at 150-2500 feet altitude.The leaves are gray-green, 1-3 inches long, with a puckered surface. The large spikes bear whorls of beautiful purple flowers, 0.2-0.6 inches long. The flowers are highly aromatic and attract a variety of birds and insects. One variety of Purple Sage, Salvia leucophylla Point Sal, makes a great groundcov...
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Ocotillo is a curious-looking and unique desert plant of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Common names include Ocotillo, Coachwhip, Jacob's staff, and Vine Cactus, although it is not a true cactus. For much of the year, the plant appears to be an arrangement of large spiny dead sticks, although closer examination reveals that the stems are partly green. With rainfall the plant quickly becomes lush with small 2-4 centimeter ovate leaves, which may remain for weeks or even month...
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The shrub California barberry (Berberis pinnata) was formerly known as Mahonia pinnata, and some sources still refer to it that way. The genus Mahonia is sometimes considered to be part of Berberis. Other common names for this species are wavyleaf barberry and shinyleaf mahonia. It is a dark green bush which resembles holly with its serrated leaves but bears round purple fruits that look like small grapes. This species is quite similar to the Oregon-grape (Mahonia aquifolium), and is sometimes c...
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Ceanothus impressus is a species of flowering shrub in the Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn) family known by the common name Santa Barbara Ceanothus. This species is endemic to a small area of the Central Coast of California, where it can be found on coastal slopes and mesas. It is thickly branched with dark brown twigs and stem. The very small, evergreen leaves are about 2 centimeters long and oval shaped, highly ridged and wrinkled and curling under along the edges. They may be gland-dotted and have gray...
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Constancea is a monotypic genus of flowering plants in the aster family containing the single species Constancea nevinii (formerly Eriophyllum nevinii), which is known by the common name Nevin's woolly sunflower. It is endemic to three of the Channel Islands of California, where it grows in coastal scrub habitat. This is a small shrub or subshrub generally growing up to one or 1.5 meters tall, and taller when in erect form, with a branching, woolly stem. The whitish, woolly oval leaves may be up...
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Chaparral Mallow is an attractive evergreen shrub with pale pink flowers that grow on branching, elongated clusters. In full bloom, one plant can have thousands of flowers. It is attractive to butterflies, hummingbirds, and other small birds. This plant has a fast growth rate and can reach up to 16 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is a good choice for bank stabilization and erosion control in larger spaces. In smaller gardens, pruning can help keep it under control.
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With its aromatic fragrance and threadlike, silvery-green foliage, California Sagebrush (Artemesia californica) is a feast for the senses. This resilient, easy-to-grow shrub thrives in the toughest environments. It’s a good choice for dry, sunny, and sloped areas. It tolerates nutrient-poor sandy soil, as long as it’s well-draining.California Sagebrush is extremely drought adapted; some summer water is optional but not required. A little pruning keeps it compact in the garden. This important...
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Hollyleaf Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia) is a native evergreen tree or shrub in the Rose family that grows in the coastal and inland valleys strip of northern, central, and southern California. It tends to grow on slopes or in valleys, at elevations from 0-5200 feet. It grows in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and southern oak woodland habitats and can vary greatly in size depending on conditions. In dry, rocky or shallow soils it will be bush-like from 5 to 15 ft. In richer soils wit...
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Thimbleberry (Rubus parviflorus) is a perennial in the Rose family and is related to raspberries and blackberries. Spreading through underground rhizomes, the thornless canes can create a dense stand that is topped by large, maple-like leaves. In the spring, large white flowers bloom above the leaves. A bright red, edible fruit that resembles a raspberry (or a thimble, as the name suggests), ripens in summer. Bees and other pollinators are attracted to the flowers, and the leaves are a host plan...
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Also known as the baldhip or dwarf rose, the wood rose is a woodland shrub that grows best in shady or sun-dappled areas. Delicate, fragrant blooms in shades of pink and lavender are flat and open-faced. The stems are covered in long, straight spines and vibrant green leaves.
The flowers attract butterflies and bees. After blooming, the hips are a food source for birds. The wood rose is a good plant selection for a waterwise dry shade garden. It is drought tolerant and has low water requirement...
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