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.
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.
Heuchera maxima (Island Alum Root)
Endemic to the Channel Islands where it grows on rocky or sandy cliffs. Good for coastal and woodland gardens as a groundcover in full sun or partial shade.
Heteromeles arbutifolia ‘Davis Gold’ (Golden Berry Toyon)
An upright growing, evergreen small tree with yellow berries instead of the typical red Toyon berries. This selection has larger leaves and a particularly attractive branching structure.
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.
Ribes viburnifolium (Catalina Currant)
Good low growing bush or tall ground cover for shady areas, spreads at a medium rate through layering. Has beautiful clusters of deep red flowers that bloom in late winter/early spring.