Plant Database
We’re here to help you navigate the process of creating a thriving native landscape.
We’re passionate about your success with native plants. Our goal is to expand this resource over time, empowering gardeners, contractors, and architects with the knowledge they need to create thriving native landscapes.
We prepared these plant profiles with anecdotal experiences: insights from our own gardens and stories shared by others. We encourage you to comment on the plant profiles and share your experiences and recommendations.
We’ve started with 50 of our hardiest species and will continue adding from our inventory.
Anemopsis californica (Yerba Mansa)
Naturally found along stream and pond edges, requires moist soil. Beautiful spring blooms.
Achillea millefolium (Common Yarrow)
Easy to grow with bright spring and summer flowers that attract pollinators.
Clinopodium douglasii (Yerba Buena)
A spreading perennial found in shady, moist areas. It has a pleasant fragrance and the leaves can be used for tea.
Grindelia stricta venulosa (Gumweed)
A particularly hardy and fast growing evergreen groundcover with yellow flowers. Great for erosion control.
Monardella villosa ‘Russian River’ (Russian River Coyote Mint)
Mint scented foliage and purple flowers that butterflies love. A natural selection from the Russian River that is easier to grow.
Muhlenbergia rigens (Deergrass)
A large clump forming grass. Great as textural accent or planted en masse.
Quercus engelmannii (Engelmann Oak)
A beautiful rare oak native to Southern California that has lost much of its native habitat due to development.
Quercus chrysolepis (Canyon Live Oak)
The most wide-spread oak in the state, typically located alongside creeks and in drainage swales, thriving in moist and cool microhabitats.
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak)
One of the only native oaks that thrives in coastal environments. An iconic tree that serves as an essential species for wildlife and the surrounding ecosystem.
Sphaeralcea ambigua (Desert Globemallow)
A drought tolerant perennial with vibrant orange blooms. Works great in hot, sunny areas.