PLANTS
ACACIA (Acacia cyclops)
Where it grows: This ornamental plant is native to some areas of Australia and invasive in Northern, Central and Southern California. It grows in coastal areas or scrublands.
How to ID: A shrub or tree that grows up to 8 m tall, the Acacia plant produces thin stems, fleshy pods and yellow spikes of flowers. This plant reaches maturity in 2 to 3 years and produces thousands of seeds, which are viable for decades.
Invasive Species: Acacia plants increase fire risk and change soil composition. These changes in soil last long after plants have been removed. The large amount of seeds and long seed viability mean that acacia plants can crowd out native vegetation after a fire.
Resources: Invasive Species Specialist Group
http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Acacia+longifolia
ALKALI HEATH (Frankenia salina)
Where it grows: Alkali Heath grows along the California coast and is sometimes found in Nevada and Mexico. It grows in alkaline soils, mountain habitats, valleys and salt marshes.
How to ID:.This perennial herb forms thickets of semi-succulent leaves with white or pink flowers that appear between April and October. Alkali heath grows 0.3 m tall, excretes salt and spreads by rhizomes. This plant contains tannins and can be used as an astringent for congestion.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports butterflies and insects. It is also a host plant for the parasitic Cuscuta salina plant.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Frankenia-salina-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/alkali-heath/
ALKALI WEED (Cressa truxillensis)
Where it grows: Alkali weed is native to beaches and alkaline flats in the western U.S. and Mexico. It is also native to Ecuador, Chile and Argentina.
How to ID:.This perennial herb that forms fuzzy oval leaves and stems up to 25 cm tall. White, five-pointed flowers form at the end of stems in April through September. Each flower produces one seed, and plants need full sun and low moisture. It is not yet entirely clear how Alkali weed excretes salt.
Wildlife Supported: Insects
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Cressa-truxillensis-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/alkali-weed/
ARROYO WILLOW (Salix lasiolepis)
Where it grows: This plant grows in marshes and oak woodland areas in Northern, Central and Southern California.
How to ID:.This deciduous tree can grow up to 10 m tall and produces spiny, long fuzzy catkins with tiny yellow flowers. Willow leaves and bark contain salicin, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. Arroyo willows need a constant source of freshwater. Leaves are oblong and may contain reddish galls that host Sawfly larvae, or parasitic wasp larvae.
Wildlife Supported: Arroyo Willows support many birds, amphibians, mammals and insects including the Western Tussock Moth caterpillar, Lourquin’s admiral, Mourning Cloak, and Tiger Swallowtail butterflies.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Salix-lasiolepis-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/arroyo-willow/
BEACH EVENING PRIMROSE (Camissoniopsis cheiranthifolia)
Where it grows: This plant forms mats in coastal dunes and sandy soils in California and Oregon.
How to ID: This perennial shrub forms mats of silver-green leaves with bright yellow flowers. Flowers have four petals and fade to red. This plant does well in windy, sandy conditions.
Wildlife Supported: Beach Evening Primrose supports birds and butterflies, including the Pacific Green Sphinx Moth and Phaeton Primrose Sphinx Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
BEARDLESS WILD RYE (Elymus triticoides)
Where it grows: This plant is native to wet habitats in the Western U.S. and Canada, and it is sometimes planted in rangelands.
How to ID:. Also called “Creeping Wild Rye,” this plant creates an extensive root system that prevents erosion. It grows up to 1.3 m high, has blue-green leaves that project from the stems and flower stalks that grow up to 20 cm long.
Wildlife Supported: This plant is important for the Woodland Skipper Butterfly, as well as the Nevada Skipper Butterfly, the Armyworm Moth, and Bronzed Cutworm.
Resources: Calscape.org
BLACK MUSTARD (Brassica nigra)
Where it grows: Found in all Western states except Wyoming, this plant is native to Europe and grows along roadsides, riparian ecosystems in mild winter climates.
How to ID: An annual plant that grows 2 m tall and produces dense, bright yellow flower stalks. The oil of this plant contains sulfur compounds that can irritate mucous membranes and the thyroid. Black mustard only reproduces through seeds, which can last decades when buried deep in soil.
Invasive Species: Black Mustard forms dense growth that dries and becomes a fire hazard during the dry season. This plant outgrows natives and can be toxic to livestock.
Resources: CAL IPC, Weed Control in Areas in the Western United States
https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_B/Brassica_nigra.pdf
BLACK SAGE (Salvia mellifera)
Where it grows: Black sage is the most common sage in California, and it grows well along the Southern California coast.
How to ID:.This semi-deciduous shrub can grow 1 - 2 m high and 3 m wide and has complex smooth leaves with a fuzzy underside. It can survive drought by curling its leaves in the dry season and grows in a variety of mineral soils. Black sage has a pleasant smell and white, pale blue or rose flowers that are an important food source for wildlife.
Wildlife Supported: Quail and Towhees eat the seeds of this plant, and hummingbirds, butterflies and bees rely on the flowers. This plant supports the Gray Hairstreak Butterfly, Alfalfa Looper Moth the Virginian Tiger Moth, and others.
Resources: Calscape.org
BLADDERPOD (Peritoma arborea)
Where it grows: Bladderpod is native to Southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal dune and desert areas.
How to ID: This perennial shrub forms mats of silver-green leaves with bright yellow flowers. Flowers have four petals and fade to red. This plant does well in windy, sandy conditions.
Wildlife Supported: Bladderpod attracts harlequin bugs, birds, and butterflies including the Checkered White, Becker’s White and Western White butterflies.
Resources: Calscape.org
CALIFORNIA BLACKBERRY (Rubus ursinus)
Where it grows: Also known as the Pacific Blackberry, this evergreen shrub or vine grows ijn moist soil from Canada to Baja California and from the coastline to the Rocky Mountains.
How to ID:.California Blackberry grows up to 2 m tall with thorny branches, white flowers and dark purple mature fruits. The compound berries are edible and seeds form within the different ‘cells’ of the fruit. Leaves grow in groups of three and have jagged edges. The name ursinus refers to bears’ affinity for this fruit.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports small mammals, bears, birds, insects, and butterflies including the Blackberry Skeletonizer Moth.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Rubus-ursinus-(Pacific-Blackberry)
Oregon State University
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/rubus-ursinus
CALIFORNIA BUCKWHEAT (Eriogonum fasciculatum)
Where it grows: California Buckwheat grows in coastal dunes and chaparral habitats in the Southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico.
How to ID:.This shrub, also known as Leafy California Buckwheat, produces light green or gray, fuzzy leaves that are rolled along the edges. The clusters of flowers are white and turn rusty red when dry. These plants need sunlight and proper drainage, and they are a keystone species for scrublands.
Wildlife Supported: California Buckwheat supports birds, insects, bees, and butterflies such as the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, the Acmon Blue, and the Bramble Hairstreak.
Resources: Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Eriogonum-fasciculatum-(California-Buckwheat)
CALIFORNIA BUSH SUNFLOWER (Encelia californica)
Where it grows: This plant is found in Southern California and Baja California coastal brush.
How to ID:.California Bush Sunflower grows up to 1.5 m tall, has rounded diamond shape leaves and bright yellow daisy-type flowers. This shrub is drought tolerant but goes dormant in Summer and blooms in February to June. Spreads easily.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports small birds like goldfinches, insects, bees and butterflies, including the Fatal Metalmark, Orange Tortrix Moth and Dwarf Tawny Wave.
Resources: Calscape.org
CALIFORNIA POPPY (Eschscholzia californica)
Where it grows: This plant grows in open grassy areas of California, Oregon, Southern Washington, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Baja California.
How to ID:. California Poppy plants have silky, bright orange or yellow lobed flowers and light green or blue-gray, branching stems. The flowers close at night and the fruit pods release seeds from capsules 3-9 cm long. In mild conditions, this plant is a perennial, but in harsher conditions, it is an annual herb.
Wildlife Supported: Birds, small herbivores, bees and butterflies including the Dotted Blue and Acmon Blue rely on this plant.
Resources: Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Eschscholzia-californica-(California-Poppy)
CALIFORNIA SAGEBRUSH (Artemisia californica)
Where it grows: Native to California and Baja California, this shrub grows along the coast and foothills.
How to ID: California Sagebrush can grow up to 2.5 m tall and sprouts thin stems with small, lobe-like, slightly curled green or gray leaves. Disk flowers are yellow or red and they form small, hard seed casings. California Sagebrush is very drought tolerant and prefers dry soil.
Wildlife Supported: California Sagebrush is very important for the California Gnatcatcher, which is a threatened species. It supports Quail, other birds and insects such as the Painted Lady and American Lady butterflies.
Resources: Calscape.org
CALIFORNIA SYCAMORE (Platanus racemosa)
Where it grows: Also known as Western sycamore, this tree is native to canyons, floodplains and wetland areas of California and Baja California.
How to ID: California Sycamore grows up to 35 m tall and 1 m wide. The trunk may branch into smaller trunks and the light green leaves resemble maple leaves. The bark appears streaked with white, grey, pink and beige. Male and female flower stalks form in February through April and are pollinated by wind. Seeds are spiny. This deciduous tree requires a lot of water but is often planted in urban areas because the roots grow down into soil.
Wildlife Supported: California sycamore trees are important for birds, hummingbirds, the Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and insects like the Sycamore Borer Moth.
Resources:
Calscape
https://calscape.org/Platanus-racemosa-(Western-Sycamore)
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/california-sycamore/
CALIFORNIA WILD ROSE (Rosa californica)
Where it grows: This flowering shrub grows in coastal, footland, and mountainous regions of California and Northern Baja California. It is found near streams and wetlands.
How to ID: California Wild Rose forms thorny, drought-tolerant thickets that grow up to 2.4 m tall and produce white to pink flowers with a central cluster and five petals. Plants may spread through rhizomes and the fruits are important for deer and small mammals which may eat these rose hips in the winter. This is a good plant for erosion control.
Wildlife Supported: California Wild Rose supports birds, deer, small mammals, bees and butterflies. It supports the Grey Hairstreak Butterfly, and the open-facing flowers are attractive for pollinators.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Rosa-californica-(California-Wildrose)
USDA
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/capmcpg13761.pdf
CARNATION SPURGE (Euphorbia terracina)
Where it grows: This plant is native to Europe and was recently introduced to the Southern California coastline. It forms dense shrubs in coastal, wetland, rangeland and riparian woodlands.
How to ID: A perennial that grows about 90 cm tall and forms dense clusters that prevent native growth. Identify this plant by checking for a taproot and latex sap that irritates the eyes, skin and mucous membranes in humans and cattle. This plant grows oblong leaves and yellow flowers.
Invasive Species: Carnation spurge has only been found in Southern California, but it has the potential to spread. Seeds remain viable for up to 8 years, and new plants can arise from root fragments or stems. Small patches can be removed by hand.
Resources: CAL IPC, Weed Control in Areas in the Western United States
https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_E/Euphorbia_esula-oblongata-terracina.pdf
CASTOR BEAN (Ricinus communis)
Where it grows: Castor bean plants are native to Europe and Asia. This plant has escaped farmland and established itself in riparian areas of Southern and Central California, Arizona, Utah and the Southeastern U.S. It grows best in wet conditions but can survive drought.
How to ID: A semi-woody large shrub, castor beans grow in the Summer and can be an annual or perennial plant. It can grow up to 3 m tall and produces large, star-shaped leaves with stems attached to the center. This plant forms terminal clusters of toxic fruit covered in gray-green or purple spines.
Invasive Species: Castor bean plants are incredibly toxic. The seeds of this plant are lethal and touching the plant causes skin problems. Wear gloves when removing or handling this plant.
Resources: CAL IPC
https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_R/Ricinus.pdf
CATTAIL (Typha angustifolia)
Where it grows: Cattails grow in marsh areas of Northern, Central and Southern California. It is native to much of North America.
How to ID: This perennial herb grows 1.5 m tall and grows in sandy or clay-based soils. Flowers grow on stalks that later produce brown seeds dispersed by wind. It may hybridize with Typha latifolia and
Wildlife Supported: Cattails are important food for waterfowl, butterflies and moths. Muskrats use this material for their dens.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Typha-angustifolia-(Narrowleaf-Cattail)
Go Botany (Native Land Trust)
https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/typha/angustifolia/
USDA
https://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/graminoid/typang/all.html
COAST GOLDENBUSH (Isocoma menziesii)
Where it grows: Coast Goldenbush grows in coastal Central and Southern California and Baja California.
How to ID: Also called Menzie’s Golenbush, this shrub has fuzzy, gray-green stems with oval or square jagged leaves and deep yellow cylindrical flowers. It grows up to 1 m tall and may flower in Spring, Summer or Fall.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports insects and butterflies such as the Sunflower Moth and the Orange Tortrix Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
COYOTE BRUSH (Baccharis pilularis)
Where it grows: This plant grows along the coast and foothills of California, Oregon and Baja California.
How to ID: Coyote Brush grows 1-3 m high and produce yellow or white clusters of flowers in winter. This plant is often sticky and has feathery seeds that are dispersed by wind. Leaves have jagged edges and are coated in a waxy substance that prevents water loss.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports bees, butterflies and other insects. Gall wasps may lay eggs in Coyote Brush, and it supports the Coyote brush Gall Moth, the Orange Tortrix Moth, and the Tamarack Looper.
Resources: Calscape.org, The Nature Collective
https://calscape.org/Baccharis-pilularis-(Coyote-Bush)
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/coyote-brush/
CROWN DAISY (Glebionis coronaria)
Where it grows: A flowering plant native to the Mediterranean region, crown daisies are found on Central and Southern Californian coasts and are a common garden variety.
How to ID: An annual plant that grows 76 cm tall and produces white or yellow flowers up to 6 cm wide. Leaves are feathery and fernlike. Crown daisies only reproduce through seeds, and they bloom in Spring and early Summer.
Invasive Species:: Dead plants prevent native plant growth and crown daisy produces seeds after seasonal rain. All parts of this plant are edible.
Resources: CAL IPC
https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/chrysanthemum-coronarium-profile/
https://www.cal-ipc.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Glebionis_coronaria_Cal-IPC.pdf
DEERWEED (Acmispon glaber)
Where it grows: Found in dry chaparral areas of California, Arizona and Mexico, this plant is often among the first species to return to disturbed sites.
How to ID: Deerweed can grow up to 1 m tall and has branched stems, pinnate leaves and bright yellow flower clusters that bloom in March through August. This plant fixes nitrogen and may become dormant in Summer and Winter.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports insects, bees and butterflies like the Bramble Hairstreak, Afranius Duskywing, Persius Duskywing, Acmon Blue and Chalcedon Checkerwing
Resources: Calscape.org
EVERLASTING CUDWEED (Pseudognaphalium canescens)
Where it grows: This plant grows from Western Canada and the Western United States to Mexico in mountain and coastal regions.
How to ID: This grey-green fuzzy perennial herb grows up to 1 m tall and produces stems with light yellow flowers. This plant flowers in the Summer and fall. It requires very low moisture.
Wildlife Supported: Everlasting cudweed supports many species of bees and butterflies including the American Lady Butterfly and the Orange Tortrix Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
FREMONT COTTONWOOD (Populus fremontii)
Where it grows: Fremont Cottonwood grows in riparian areas of the Southwestern U.S. and Mexico.
How to ID: This deciduous tree grows 12-35 m high, produces jagged, heart-shaped leaves and grows catkin with flowers that bloom in March and April. The catkins later grow fuzzy outer coatings that fall to the ground, covering the surrounding area with a layer of fluff. Fremont Cottonwood requires a steady source of fresh water. The bark of this plant is originally smooth but it develops cracks as the tree grows older. The leaves and bark contain salicin, which is the active ingredient in aspirin. This plant is sacred to the Hopi in Arizona.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports birds and butterflies including the Viceroy Butterfly, Western Tent Caterpillar, Western Tiger Swallowtail and the Mourning Cloak Moth.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Populus-fremontii-(Fremont-Cottonwood)
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/fremont-cottonwood/
ICEPLANT (Carpobrotus edulis)
Where it grows: This plant is native to South Africa and was introduced along coastal highways in Central and Southern California.
How to ID: A perennial succulent that forms mats of green or yellow leaves that form a triangle cross-section and turn red with age. It forms yellow or purple flowers and a dense fibrous root that allows new growth over decaying matter or native plants. It spreads through seeds and plant clippings.
Invasive Species: Deadly for native plants. It smothers native vegetation, changes soil pH and increases levels of harmful soil nutrients. Remove the plant and any clippings to avoid regrowth.
Resources: Invasive Species Specialist Group
http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/species.php?sc=1010
LEMONADE BERRY (Rhus integrifolia)
Lemonade berry with red berries
Where it grows: Lemonade Berry grows in Southern Californian coastal dunes and coastal canyons, as well as on Mount Palomar.
How to ID: This evergreen shrub grows up to 9 m tall and produces leathery leaf blades up to 7 cm long. Lemonade Berry flowers in Spring and produces tart red or gray edible fruit. This plant is similar to Sugarbush (Rhus ovata.)
Wildlife Supported: The berries from this plant support birds, small mammals and butterflies including the Walter’s Silkmoth.
Resources: Calscape.org
MARSH JAUMEA (Jaumea carnosa)
Where it grows: Marsh Jaumea is a perennial herb and succulent native to wetlands and salt marshes on the Western Coast of the U.S.
How to ID: This plant flowers in Spring and Summer. The ray or disk flowers have fleshier petals than those seen in ice plant and leaves may be green or slightly red with rounded tips. Like Pickleweed, this plant accumulates salt inside its leaves.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports the Western pygmy blue butterfly.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Jaumea-carnosa-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/salty-susan/
Encyclopedia of Life
MEXICAN RUSH (Juncas mexicanus)
Where it grows: Mexican Rush grows in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and South America.
How to ID: This perennial grass grows up to 80 cm tall and produces flowers from the side of the stem. These flowers vary in appearance, and flowers may be white with long red stamens and very large anthers. This plant reproduces sexually through seeds and asexually through rhizomes.
Wildlife Supported: Mexican Rush supports a variety of butterflies and moths.
Resources: Calscape.org
MULE FAT (Baccharis salicifolia)
Where it grows: Mulefat grows in deserts, washes and sandy habitats in the Southwestern U.S., Mexico and South America.
How to ID: This evergreen shrub grows near sources of fresh water and produces sticky leaves with fuzzy white flowers that grow year-round. This plant looks similar to the Arroyo Willow but can be distinguished by its three parallel leaf veins (willows will only have one parallel vein.)
Wildlife Supported: Mulefat galls host tiny mites, and this plant supports birds, bees and insects including the Fatal metalmark and Coyote Brush Gall Moth.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Baccharis-salicifolia-(Mulefat)
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/mule-fat/
MYOPORUM (Myoporum laetum)
Where it grows: This plant is an evergreen shrub or small tree that is invasive to riparian areas of Northern, Central and Southern California and native to New Zealand.
How to ID: Myoporum produces small, white flowers with purple specks and dark crimson fruits. New growth is sticky and plants can grow 3 to 10 m tall. This plant may form a large hedge or bush that contains dead, flammable branches.
Invasive Species: Myoporum can crowd out native plants and is toxic to livestock. It can re-sprout if trunks are not removed.
Resources: Cal IPC
https://www.cal-ipc.org/plants/profile/myoporum-laetum-profile/
https://www.cal-ipc.org/resources/library/publications/ipcw/report63/
PAMPAS GRASS (Cortaderia selloana)
Where it grows: This plant is native to South America and was introduced along trails and highways in Central and Southern California.
How to ID: A thick, perennial tapered tall grass that grows 3.5m high with ornamental feathery stalks that may grow up to 4m tall. Flowers form in Summer or Autumn.
Invasive Species: This grass prevents native growth and quickly becomes overgrown and can become a fire hazard. When removing and disposing of this invasive plant, ensure not to spread airborne seeds.
Resources: Invasive Species Specialist Group
http://www.iucngisd.org/gisd/speciesname/Cortaderia+selloana
PICKLEWEED (Salicornia pacifica)
Where it grows: This herb grows in salt marshes in Northern, Central and Southern California as well as along the West Coast from Alaska to Mexico. It grows along the Eastern Coast of the U.S. and the Gulf of Mexico.
How to ID: Pickleweed is an edible perennial plant that grows from branching bright green or purple-red nodes. Flowers and leaves on this plant are very small, and may be hidden in nodes. It has a salty taste. Pickleweed accumulates salt in vacuoles and this causes parts of the plant to turn red and fall off.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports the Pygmy Blue butterfly and birds such as the endangered Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, which lives in Pickleweed.
Resources: Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Salicornia-pacifica-()
Central Coast Biodiversity
https://www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/sea-asparagus-bull-salicornia-pacifica.html
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/pickleweed/
PURPLE SAGE (Salvia leucophylla)
Where it grows: Purple Sage grows on arid, open hillsides in Southern California from Santa Maria and down into Baja California.
How to ID: The leaves of this plant are light gray and fold in on themselves, and this plant produces long clusters of purple flowers.This shrub is aromatic and drought tolerant.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports bees, hummingbirds, and insects such as the Alfalfa Looper Moth the Virginian Tiger Moth, and others.
Resources: Calscape.org
RIPGUT BROME (Bromus diandrus)
Where it grows: This plant is native to Europe and spreads in many Western states. It replaces natural grasses in open rangeland or riparian areas and becomes dry during fire season.
How to ID: An annual grass that grows 76 cm tall with stalks up to 3 m long, and produces spiky florets that harm range animals. Seeds are dispersed with wind and can last up to 5 years.
Invasive Species: Ripgut Brome can harm range animals and become a fire hazard. And it prevents native vegetation growth.
Resources: CAL IPC, Weed Control in Areas in the Western United States
https://wric.ucdavis.edu/information/natural%20areas/wr_B/Bromus_diandrus-madritensis-tectorum.pdf
SACRED DATURA (Datura wrightii)
Where it grows: This perennial herb grows in disturbed areas of the Northwestern U.S.
How to ID: A member of the nightshade family, Sacred Datura produces wavy, broad leaves and fragrant, large white trumpet-shaped flowers in all seasons that wither soon after blooming. This plant produces spiny fruit. This poisonous plant is a deliriant and touching the plant may cause dermatitis. This plant is important to some Native American ceremonies.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports insects such as sphinx moths, hawk moths, and beetles.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Datura-wrightii-()
U.S. Forest Service
https://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/beauty/Sky_Islands/plants/Datura_wrightii/index.shtml
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/sacred-datura/
SALTBUSH (Atriplex lentiformis)
Where it grows: This evergreen shrub is native to alkaline salt flats, coastal areas, dry lake beds and deserts in the Southwestern U.S. and Northern Mexico.
How to ID: Also known as quail bush, this plant grows 3 m high and produces silver-green leaves with long male flower clusters and smaller female flowers from Spring to Fall. Saltbush prevents erosion and is fire resistant.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports the Saltbush Sootywing and Pygmy Blue Butterflies, as well as birds like quail and thrashers.
Resources: Calscape.org
SALTGRASS (Distichlis spicata)
Where it grows: This grass is native to saline areas of the U.S. and very common in California. It is also found in Canada, Northern Mexico and parts of South America, and has been naturalized in other areas.
How to ID: Saltgrass is usually 0.3 m tall but may grow up to 1 m tall. This plant is spiny and survives in saline environments because it excretes salt via salt glands. Flowers may be pink or purple, and seeds form together on a spike. This plant also reproduces via rhizome systems.
Wildlife Supported: This plant is important for skipper butterflies, birds and small mammals.
Resources: Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Distichlis-spicata-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/saltgrass/
SEACLIFF BUCKWHEAT (Eriogonum parvifolium)
Where it grows: Along the coastal dunes and cliffs of Central and Southern California
How to ID: An evergreen shrub 30 to 100 centimeters high and wide, with thick small green to reddish tinged leaves that are lance-shaped, rounded, sometimes folded under with a triangular look, smooth on the top and wooly underneath. Flowers are white to pinkish, sometimes yellowish-green.
Wildlife Supported: Important for pollinators, especially butterflies. Host plant for the El Segundo Blue Butterfly, and supports many others including Acmon Blue, Grey Hairstreak and many more.
Resources: Calscape.org
SEASIDE HELIOTROPE (Heliotropium curassavicum)
Where it grows: This plant is native from Canada to Argentina and grows in damp, disturbed alkaline areas.
How to ID: This perennial herb may creep along the soil or grow 0.3 m talland grows white bell-shape flowers with five lobes and a purple base. These flowers grow on an uncoiling stalk and bloom from March to October. The foliage on this plant varies but new plants typically arise from the roots as opposed to seeds.
Wildlife Supported: Seaside Heliotrope supports the Eight-barred Lygropia Moth and Acmon Blue Butterfly.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Heliotropium-curassavicum-()
The Nature Collective
https://thenaturecollective.org/plant-guide/details/salt-heliotrope/
SILVER DUNE LUPINE (Lupinus chamissonis)
Where it grows: Silver Dune Lupine is a bushy shrub native to the coastal dunes of Northern, Central and Southern California. It also grows along highways in these areas.
How to ID: This bushy evergreen shrub grows up to 2 m tall and grows in sandy, sometimes saline soil. Leaves and pods have a fuzzy texture, and form clusters of small purple whorls in Spring.
Wildlife Supported: Important for pollinators, including the Boisduval’s Blue Butterfly and the Sweetclover Root Borer Moth. This plant is especially important for native bees.
Resources: Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Lupinus-chamissonis-()
SOUTH COAST BRANCHING PHACELIA (Phacelia ramosissima var. austrolitoralis)
Where it grows: Found along the Southern Californian coast in meadows, forests and sometimes in wetlands areas, South Coast Branching Phacelia is vulnerable to invasive species. It is one of about 90 species of Phacelia in California.
How to ID: South Coast Branching Phacelia is a perennial herb that grows about 1 m tall and blooms in March through August. This plant grows lobate-type leaves and small, cream flowers with long stamens. It may cause dermatitis when touched.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports bees and butterflies including the Bilobed Looper Moth, Geranium Plume Moth and Orange Tortrix Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
TELEGRAPH WEED (Heterotheca grandiflora)
Where it grows: This plant is native to the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, and it has been naturalized in Hawaii. It grows along roads and dry, undisturbed areas.
How to ID: Leaves are oblong, light green and fuzzy, and plants can grow up to 2m tall. This perennial or annual herb goes dormant in the Summer. Flowers are yellow, spiny, look similar ro daisies and have an unpleasant smell.
Wildlife Supported: This plant supports bees and butterflies, including Gabb’s Checkerspot Butterfly and the Virginian Tiger Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
TOYON (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Where it grows: This perennial shrub is found along the coast of California as well as in chaparral and woodland areas.
How to ID: Toyon usually grows 2.5 m tall, but in some areas of the Los Padres National Forest it grows up to 9 m tall. It produces small white flowers in Summer and many small, bright-red berries. Toyon prefers damp soil and can resist fire when hydrated.
Wildlife Supported: Mockingbirds, American Robins, cedar waxwings and even mammals such as coyotes eat Toyon fruit. Bees and butterflies are attracted to this plant, which supports the Pacific Azure Butterfly, the Destructive Pruneworm Moth, and the Western Avocado Leafworm Moth.
Resources: Calscape.org
TULE (Schoenoplectus acutus)
Where it grows: Also called Hardstem Bulrush, this grass is native to Northern, Central and Southern California. It can also be found throughout North America except for the southeastern states below Tennessee. Many locations in the Southwestern U.S.contain the name of this plant. For example, these plants grew around Tulare lake before the area was drained.
How to ID: This grass grows 1 to 3 m high, forms dense growth and produces light brown clusters of flowers. Tule uses rhizomes to reproduce and is effective at controlling erosion. In some states, this grass is threatened. Tule depends on saline environments and grows back quickly after fire.
Wildlife Supported: Waterfowl may hide in Tule or eat the seeds of this plant, and rodents may eat the fresh root growth of the plant. Since this grass grows tall it may still be visible in winter, but it provides little nutrition for grazing animals. This plant also supports butterflies and moths.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Schoenoplectus-acutus-()
USDA NRCS
https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_PLANTMATERIALS/publications/idpmcpg11461.pdf
WHITE ALDER (Alnus rhombifolia)
Where it grows: White Alder is native to the Western U.S. and grows from Washington state to Montana and as far south as San Diego. This plant is heat tolerant and may grow in sandy or clay soils.
How to ID: This deciduous tree is a member of the Birch family. It grows up to 25 m high and produces rounded, serrated glossy leaves 4 to 10 cm long. Young trees are smooth and grey but the bark of older trees is cracked and takes on a reddish hue. The roots are sometimes considered invasive. In fall and summer, this tree produces long flowering male catkins as well as smaller female catkins.
Wildlife Supported: This plant is important for birds and insects such as the Western Tiger Swallowtail butterfly and the Large Red-Belted Clearwing Moth.
Resources:
Calscape.org
https://calscape.org/Alnus-rhombifolia-(White-Alder)
Landscape Plants
https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/alnus-rhombifolia