Showing 129–144 of 144 results
Common tule Common tule is found along marshes and shorelines in waters up to 1.5 m deep. Plants grow up to 8′ tall. This plant provides food, cover, and nesting habitat for waterfowl and other birds. It acts as a buffer for wind and wave action and is currently used for bank stabilization and to…
Bush senecio Bush seneicio is an evergreen, fast-growing, short-lived (3 to 6 years) bushy perennial shrub growing to about 3-4 feet tall.This shrub becomes covered in 1″, showy flowering heads of yellow ray flowers in the summer and fall. A very colorful addition to a drought tolerant garden Sun:Â Full Sun, Part Shade Water:Â Dry, Light Soil:Â Sand,…
California goldenrod A spreading, semi-evergreen perennial. California goldenrod provides a great burst of brilliant yellow in the late summer through fall, just when you think the bright colors of spring and summer are long gone. Their abundant small flowers lined up along the top 6–12″ of wands that can reach up to 3′ in length…
Alkali sacaton This is a 1-3 ft., warm-season, perennial grass growing in large, tough bunches. The name sacaton is derived from the Aztec/Nahuatl word for grass, zacatl. It is enjoyed for its lacy seed heads that create a pink-hued haze above the foliage. Alkali Sacaton flowers for a many months, beginning in June. Its narrow,…
Shortspike hedgenettle This low-growing perennial herb is part of the mint family. Delicate looking, but very hardy, Shortspike hedge nettle is great as a ground cover. It grows 1-2 ft tall. Can be cut back pretty hard, as it is a fast grower. Blooms from June to Sept. Prefers moist conditions. It’s roots form a…
Nodding needlegrass Nodding needlegrass is a 2-3′ perennial bunch grass that grows in the foothills of California. Space 1-2 ft apart. It is very drought tolerant and showy. Not only is it a beautiful native grass it is also very drought tolerant. The panicles of thin, fine, nodding awns have a silky aspect and are…
Foothill needlegrass This perennial bunchgrass grows 1-3’ tall and is very drought tolerant. Space 1-2 ft apart. This fine-bladed, tufted bunchgrass is commonly found along chaparral margins in the Coast Ranges and in the Sierra foothills. Its graceful flower stalks have needle like awns that shimmer in the afternoon light. Excellent choice for dry meadow,…
Purple needlegrass This perennial bunchgrass is long-lived and drought tolerant and grows from 1-3’ tall. Space 2-3 ft apart An excellent choice for dry meadow, accents in mixed border, in rock gardens or in containers. Purple needlegrass is one of the key components of California’s native grasslands. Roots extend down 20 ft to tap soil…
Snowberry This deciduous shrub grows 2′ tall by 3′ wide. Snowberry is named for its attractive white berries that provide winter food for birds. When planted in the garden, one can expect to attract quail, pheasant and grouse. Don’t indulge yourself as berries contain an alkaloid making it poisonous to humans. Good plant choice under…
Creeping snowberry A deciduous sub-shrub typically growing only 1 ft tall but spreading by rhizomes 3-4 ft wide. The tiny snow white berries of this native shrub appear in late summer, as the soft pink bell shaped flowers fade. Fruit is edible, but tastes a bit like bath soap, and is appreciated more by birds…
Dune tansy Dune tansy is a lovely evergreen low growing, spreading perennial that grows 1-2 feet tall. It is native to the sand dunes of San Francisco Bay and is fairly rare. The finely dissected leaves can be very aromatic and the long lasting, button like, yellow flowers appear from May to September. It will…
Seaside arrow-grass This herbaceous perennial grows 2-3’ tall and works well in a pond setting in the native garden. The purple spike of flowers emerges summer through fall. After bloom, the long, ropey seed head catches your attention and adds an attractive vertical element in the landscape. Found in brackish and saltwater marshes, this plant…
California bay (laurel) This handsome evergreen tree can grow to 80′ when fully mature (80-100 years). Space 20’0″ apart. The leaves are aromatic like its cousin from Greece. Thrives in fairly moist soils, but tolerates dry soil as well. In its natural coastal montane habitat, it likes sun. If planted in a dry inland habitat,…
Western vervain Western vervain, a dicot, is a perennial herb that grows throughout many regions in California. It can grow aggressively, but is great for erosion control and attracts loads of butterflies and pollinators. Verbena adapts to many garden conditions, usually growing between 2-3 ft tall and 4-5 ft wide. This plant has a long…
Modesty A semi- deciduous to evergreen low growing, trailing groundcover. Modesty is a hardy and delightful groundcover in shade. On a slope it can help keep the soil in place. In warmer inland areas occasional summer water can improve appearance. In cooler foggy areas it can go without any supplemental water. Relatively drought tolerant once…
Giant Chain fern Giant chain fern is California’s largest fern with fronds that can reach 6′ in height. It’s stature is strong and upright or spreading silhouette. It grows in moist shady locations, often along streams in woodland setting. In an urban garden it is an excellent choice for planting in the under story or…