Miner’s Lettuce – Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata & mexicana

(klay-TOH-nee-uh per-foh-lee-AY-tuh mex-i-KAY-na.)

Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)

Native to: Western U.S. to Baja, often in coastal areas, but also in deserts; common in seasonally

moist, often shady or disturbed sites.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual mature height: to 1 ft. mature width: 1 ft.

Numerous fleshy stems from base. Leaves surround the stem (interesting shape) and foliage is an

attractive green to red-green color. Young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked – a

gourmet winter salad green. Leaves can be picked through winter/spring; will produce new leaves

until days get too long.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms Feb-June. Flowers small, white, in clusters above leaves. Many small

black seeds in papery capsules that explode open to spread seeds.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a ground cover in moist, shady areas of garden. Would

also do well in winter salad garden with lettuce, spinach, etc. Fine in containers if kept moist.

suitable for bogs and water gardens, pond edges.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual groundcovers; lettuce & other greens.

Attracts: Seed-eating birds (such as doves) enjoy the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to full shade; best in partial sun and does well under trees.

Soil Any pH, texture; does particularly well in sandy soils

Water Winter/spring water; can extend summer growth with water. OK at edges of

watered lawns.

Fertilizer Low needs; no added fertilizer

Other

Management: Very easy to grow. Will reseed on bare ground – sometimes too much so.

Gophers like roots.

Propagation: from seed: easy. Best if sown in prepared soil in fall. Will germinate in short days

of fall/winter.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 10, 13 11/26/10

© Project SOUND

Seep (Common) Monkeyflower – Mimulus guttatus (MIM-yoo-luss guh-TAY-tus)

Family: Phrymaceae (Monkeyflower Family) – formerly Scrophulareaceae (Figwort Family)

Native to: Much of western U.S. from Canada to N. Mexico; moist to wet soils of springs, seeps,

marshes, meadows, and stream banks.

Growth characteristics: herb. perennial/annual mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.

Short lived perennials, usually grown as annuals. Plant dies back entirely in summer. Leaves are

bright green, simple, oval and often toothed.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-Aug. The bright yellow flowers start in the spring and last through the

fall if constant moisture is present. The flowers are typical of monkeyflowers – look like yellow

snapdragons with bright red spots. Very showy plant with adequate water.

Uses in the garden: Moist places in the garden are best. Useful along the edges of ponds or the

fountains, and under the birdbath. Use with Juncus spp. (rushes) and Carex spp. (sedges). Leaves

can be eaten but seeds are poisonous.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native snapdragons and other flowering plants of damp places.

Attracts: Excellent insect habitat, providing nectar for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies. Also larval

food for caterpillars. Also good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement Sun Full sun (with water) to part-shade

Soil Any texture, including heavy clays; any local pH

Water Needs damp soil to summer flowering; can even grow in pots in shallow water in

pools and ponds

Fertilizer Benefits from moderate fertilizer and/or organic mulch

Other

Management: Self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes (roots) so may become weedy in damp areas.

Probably benefits from a dry period in late summer/early fall. Remove unwanted seedlings.

Propagation: from seed: easy; best to sow in place in fall, but can start in pots.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 24 12/10/10

© Project SOUND

California Sun Cups – Camissonia bistorta (kam-is-OWN-ee-a bis-TOR-ta)

Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

Native to: Southwestern CA to Baja; sandy fields near coast and openings in grasslands, coastal-

sage scrub or chaparral, especially after fire or other disturbance.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual/perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft. Low growing, somewhat sprawling short-lived perennial, often grown as annual. Stem is reddish.

Leaves linear in a basal rosette, more lance-shaped on flowering stalks.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-June. Masses of ½ - 1" bright yellow, open, cup-shaped flowers.

Flowers are typical for Camissonia, with ball-shaped stigma (female parts). Very showy and long-

blooming. Fruit is an elongated, linear capsule with many tiny seeds.

Uses in the garden: Excellent addition to wildflower beds, native prairies. Early and long-blooming.

Good edging plant. Also does well in planters, pots and hanging baskets. Safe for pets, including

desert tortoises. Young leaves are edible (boiled as greens) as are seeds. Sensible substitute for: Non-native Evening Primrose and other cascading yellow annuals.

Attracts: Excellent nectar source for bees and other pollinators.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun

Soil Sandy best; should be well-drained

Water Requires winter rains/watering; needs summer drought to set seeds

Fertilizer None required

Other

Management: Little required. Manage like any South Bay native annual. Will re-seed on bare

soil.

Propagation: from seed: Allow seed to mature on plant, then gather near-ripe pods or let plant

self-seed. Sow in prepared beds/pots from winter through spring. Relatively easy.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 13, 16, 20 11/25/10 © Project SOUND

Fringed Red Maids – Calandrinia ciliata (cal-an-DREE-ee-uh sill-ee-AY-tuh)

Family: Portaculaceae (Rush Family)

Native to: Much of California w. of the Sierras; open grassy places and cultivated fields, open

forests and near desert edge on sandy, rocky or loamy soils.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height:1-2 ft. mature width:1-2 ft.

Low, spreading annual with narrow, fleshy leaves and stems. Height depends on soil, water and

other conditions. Foliage color is light green to blue-green.

Blooms/fruits: Spring bloomer (Mar-May). Flowers are small (< ½ in.), rose-red with darker

veins, along the stems. Showy when massed. Flowers only open when the sun is shining.

Uses in the garden: Often used in mixed beds with other native annuals and perennials. Makes a

nice addition to the vegetable garden. Wonderful in pots, mixed with annuals, native bulbs/corms.

Young foliage makes a zesty addition to spring salads. Use in moderation or cook as boiled greens

to remove some of the oxalic acid. Seeds can be parched and eaten as pinole.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native salad greens and pink wildflowers.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: birds, small mammals & insects all eat the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun.

Soil Light to medium well-drained soils; sandy soils probably optimal.

Water Needs good winter/spring moisture – rains often sufficient. No watering after

flowering is complete.

Fertilizer None.

Other

Management: Easy to grow. Sprinkle seeds on prepared ground/in pots in late fall/winter. Rack

in (barely cover). Will reseed on bare ground.

Propagation: from seed: see above

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 10 11/25/10

© Project SOUND

Hooker’s Evening Primrose – Oenothera elata ssp. hirsutissima & hookeri (ee-no-THEE-ruh el-AH (or LAY)-tuh)

Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)

Native to: Much of California & U.S. southwest (ssp. hirsutissima) and S. CA (ssp. hookeri);

generally moist or seasonally moist places, meadows, bluffs.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous biennial/perennial mature height:3-6 ft. mature width: 4 ft.

Herbacious biennial that may be a short-lived perennial or even an annual in our climate. In nature,

first year is just a rosette of leaves – flowers the second year. Basal leaves are large (to 6”) gray-

green. Mature plant has one main stalk with many side branches.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms for long period in summer into fall (July or Aug though Oct.). Blooms open

sequentially. Blooms are large (1 inch), bright lemon-yellow, showy. Flowers open in late

afternoon and remain open until sun hits them the next morning. Nice summer floral color.

Uses in the garden: Most often used in natural plantings, but fine in other dry garden settings.

Good with native grasses, annual & perennial wildflowers. Just remember that it gets big & it re-

seeds. Roots can be cooked and eaten. Young foliage can be eaten as raw or cooked greens.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Evening Primroses.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides nectar for moths, large bees & hummingbirds & seeds

for seed-eating birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade

Soil Light to medium soils best; does great in sandy/rocky soils

Water Wide range of tolerance: Zone 1-2 to 2-3 (little to occasional summer water)

Fertilizer None needed; but not a problem

Other

Management: Simplicity itself to grow from seed. Re-seeds very well – just pull up the ones you

don’t want in late spring. Propagation: from seed: in prepared beds, fall to spring. No pretreatment required.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 8, 10, 12-14, 16, 20 12/10/10

© Project SOUND

California Sea-lavender – Limonium californicum (lie-MOW-nee-um ka-li-FOR-ni-kum)

Family: Plumbaginaceae (Leadwort Family)

Native to: SW U.S. (AZ, NV) including coastal CA to Baja; Coastal strand, salt marshes, sand hills,

beaches, bays, alkaline flats under 200 ft elevation.

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Medium green, somewhat fleshy leaves, mostly in basal rosette. Looks like non-native Sea-

lavenders. But smaller and more dainty. Attractive, evergreen foliage with some moisture.

Relatively slow-growing.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms from summer through fall, even into Dec. Flowers are small, white/purple,

bell-shaped in spray-like clusters. Showy, but not as abundant as non-native species.

Uses in the garden: Best for coastal gardens that have the right conditions. Makes a nice small

specimen plant near fronts of beds, along walkways or on low berms. Good as ground cover - fire

retardent properties. Excellent for stabilizing sandy slopes. Leaves are edible (cooked greens).

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Limoniums (Asian, Canarian & Algerian sea-lavender; Statice)

Attracts: Good butterfly nectar source.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Light shade to part-shade

Soil Sandy to sandy loam; other well-drained soils; any local pH

Water Moderate to regular water (Zone 2-3 to 3). Tolerates brackish water, some

seasonal flooding.

Fertilizer None.

Other Good salt tolerance

Management: Fairly easy to grow in sandy soils. Susceptible to fungal disease if air circulation is

poor. Cut back or divide to rejuvenate.

Propagation: from seed: germinates in 30 days by cuttings: soft-wood & division probable

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16 4/2/15

© Project SOUND

Scarlet Monkeyflower – Mimulus cardinalis (MIM-yoo-luss kar-din-AL-iss)

Family: Phrymaceae / Scrophulariaceae (Mimulus family)

Native to: Much of California; partially shaded stream banks and seeps in local foothills and

mountains from coastal sage scrub to montane coniferous forest .

Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.

Freely-branched, erect to spreading perennial from a rhizome, with sharp-toothed, sticky leaves.

Plant is completely dormant in fall/winter. Moderately fast-growth. Lives 3-10 years (usually 5).

Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr.-Oct. Blooms are showy, tubular scarlet flowers, sometimes with

yellow markings. Flowers resemble large snapdragon flowers. Hummingbird pollinated.

Uses in the garden: Bright spots in summer flower beds. Good as an edging along walks. Does

great around ponds or other wet places (for example, under a birdbath, near lawns, etc.). Good for

re-vegetation because of it’s sprawling growth and tendency to re-seed vigorously. Horticultural

cultivars include: ‘Red Dragon’, 'Santa Cruz Island Gold’ and ‘Yellow’. Sensible substitute for: Non-native summer-blooming perennials; snapdragons.

Attracts: Excellent hummingbird habitat. Common Checkerspot and Buckeye butterfly caterpillars

feed on the foliage.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Best in partial shade; will take anything from full sun to almost full shade

Soil Any texture; wide pH range (4-9) so fine for both acid & alkali soils

Water Likes moist soil, tolerates some seasonal flooding. Even OK in ponds (plant in

containers; pot can be covered by several inches of water)

Fertilizer Medium; can supply with low doses or regular or organic fertilizer, humus

Other

Management: Spreads by rhizomes and seed; can form large colonies in wet areas. Severely

prune after flowering to prevent weedy appearance. Pruning promotes new growth and a heavy

second flowering.

Propagation: from seed: easy, in prepared beds or pots by divisions, layering: easy in

summer

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 8, 10-14, 16, 19-21, 24 12/9/10

© Project SOUND

* Henderson’s Angelica – Angelica hendersonii (an-JEL-ih-kuh HEN-der-son-ee-eye )

Family: Apiaceae (Carrot Family)

Native to: Coastal areas from WA state to Santa Barbara county; on coastal bluffs and dunes to

1000 ft. elevation.

Growth characteristics: herbaceaous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.

Winter-deciduous herbaceous perennial from a stout taproot. Leaves compound, large and stiff,

green above and wooly-white below. Note: skin allergies possible in sensitive persons; wear gloves

when handling.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – usually May-June. Many tiny white (sometimes pale pink)

flowers in compound umbels typical for the Carrot family. Very showy in bloom – very natural look

that reminds one of Queen Ann’s Lace. Seeds elliptic with pronounced wings.

Uses in the garden: Most often used in natural gardens, especially along the coast. Old-fashioned,

natural look – reminds one of older country gardens. Good choice around ponds, fountains.

Excellent plant for attracting beneficial insects. Would be a good choice near vegetable gardens.

Young spring shoots and summer roots are edible raw or cooked. In the past, Angelica roots were

often candied to make a sweet. Plant was used medicinally as a tonic, for stomach ailments, as a

gargle for sore throats & other uses.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Queen Ann’s Lace and similar perennials.

Attracts: Excellent insect habitat plant: provides nectar & perches. Birds eat seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun along coast; light to afternoon shade further inland.

Soil Well-drained; local pH fine

Water Occasional to regular water – Water Zone 2-3 optimal; taper off in fall.

Fertilizer Fine with light fertilizer.

Other Leaf mulch beneficial.

Management: Prune off dead stalks in fall – be sure to wear gloves. Easy.

Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; wash in several changes of water

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 8 7/2/12 © Project SOUND

Southern Island Mallow – Lavatera assurgentiflora ssp. glabra (lav-a-TEER-uh a-sure-gent-i-FLOR-uh GLAB-ruh)

Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)

Native to: Southern Channel Islands and possibly S. CA Coast. Coastal bluffs, sandy flats, rocky

places. Very rare in native habitat: CNPS “endangered” list.

Growth characteristics: large woody shrub mature height:10-12 ft (to 15 ft) mature width:2-12+ ft.

Semi-evergreen (drought-deciduous) large shrub/small tree with gray bark, light green leaves.

Lifespan: relatively short ~10 years, but reseeds well so can grow a replacement.

Blooms/fruits: Showy “hibiscus-like” flowers throughout year (with water). Flowers are pink-

magenta, extremely attractive. Flowers attract hummingbirds like a magnet!

Uses in the garden: As a specimen plant – looks nice year-round. Can be grown as a large shrub or

small tree. Good for open hedge or windbreak. Easy to grow. Can be espaliered against wall.

Tolerates seaside conditions. Lavatera ‘Purisima’, often available, is a hybrid between Lavatera

assugentiflora and L. venosa. ‘Purisima’ has larger and darker flowers.

Sensible substitute for: Hibiscus and similar large flowering shrubs.

Attracts: Bees, butterflies, hummingbirds (flower nectar). Other birds eat seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to partial shade (esp. away from coast)

Soil Any well-drained soil; any pH fine; tolerates alkali and slightly salty soils

Water Monthly during establishment and after to keep green; tolerates drought or soil

moisture

Fertilizer None needed

Other

Management: Needs little attention if watering is not excessive. Regular watering and fertilization

may attract pests. Can prune for structure, aesthetics, its natural shape is pleasing.

Propagation: from seed: easy. Will send up lots of volunteers on bare ground. Allow seedheads

to dry on plant. Start Sept-Jan. Sow seeds thinly. From cuttings: hardwood cuttings in fall/winter.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20, 24 12/6/10

© Project SOUND

Catalina (Fernleaf) Ironwood – Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius &

floribundus (ly-on-oh-THAM-nus flor-ih-BUND-us as-pleen-ee-ih-FO-lee-us)

Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Native to: Channel Islands (Catalina & San Clemente); in canyons and rocky slopes in oak

woodland, and chaparral.

Growth characteristics: Woody tree mature height: 10-50 ft. mature width: 15-35 ft. Many-branched, upright evergreen tree or large shrub, generally with a narrow crown (somewhat

conifer-like). Leaves leathery, dark green and fern-like in appearance. Ssp. aspendiifolius has

many-lobed leaves. Bark is red-brown to gray and shaggy in mature trees. Trunk structure is also

very interesting and decorative. Fast-growing.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring-early summer. Clusters of showy, small white flowers with

yellow centers. Seed-heads and fallen leaves are rust-brown in late-summer/fall.

Uses in the garden: Excellent evergreen tree for yard or patio. Evergreen, with a ‘woodsy’ look to it

(looks somewhat like a conifer). Does well on banks and slopes. Excellent specimen plant due to

interesting flowers, leaves and bark. Makes a good street or parkway tree in coastal areas.

Consider using as a tall dense screen or creating a ‘grove’ with several plants. Rare in the wild.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native podocarpus, oleander, eucalyptus, Pervuvian Peppertree.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Good nectar source for bees

and other native pollinators, including butterflies.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade (inland)

Soil Any local pH; any texture from sandy or rocky to clay; best in well-drained soils

Water Semi-dry in summer; may water deeply once a month in summer

Fertilizer None required; may need iron in clay soils with excessive watering

Other Hardy to 15˚ F; tolerates some wind, but best in non-gusty setting

Management: Early pruning needed to train a good shape; pruning needed less frequently with

age. Requires removal of suckers (prone to suckering).

Propagation: from seed: easy from fresh seed; no pre-treatment by cuttings: probably

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 9, 11, 14, 19, 20 12/9/10 © Project SOUND

Giant Buckwheat/St. Catherine’s Lace – Eriogonum giganteum vars. formosum & giganteum (er-ee-OG-uh-num jy-GAN-tee-um)

Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)

Native to: San Clemente (var. formosum) and Catalina (var. giganteum) Islands; Dry slopes and

ridges, rocky cliffs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub.

Growth characteristics: perennial shrub mature height: 3-8 ft. mature width: 4-6+ ft. Large rounded shrub with spreading branches and silvery-green foliage. Semi-deciduous.

Attractive gray-green foliage.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms May-Aug. Tiny pink-cream flowers in dense flat heads held above the

foliage. Flowering heads look like baroque lace (hence the name ‘St. Catherine’s Lace’. Showy.

Flowers turn to bronze-red as they age.

Uses in the garden: Tall informal hedge, on dry sunny slopes, erosion control, specimen plant. Dried

flowers can be used in arrangements. Nice against walls or in the back of beds. In large pots, it can

be pruned up to show its thick, rough trunk and branching structure. Showy and big, it requires

adequate space to showcase its character.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native open-branched shrubs.

Attracts: Excellent nectar source of bees, butterflies and other insects. Larval food for Blue and

Hairstreak butterflies. Also good bird and small animal habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement Sun Full to partial sun

Soil Best in rocky, well-drained soils; any local pH

Water Little to no summer water (will be somewhat drought deciduous)

Fertilizer None needed

Other

Management: Easy to grow. Cut back after blooming. Hybridizes with other native buckwheats, so

don’t plant near native buckwheat stands.

Propagation: from seed: yes, use fresh seed by cuttings: hard/semi-softwood in late summer/

fall

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 8, 9, 13, 14, 16, 19, 20, 24, 25, 28 11/29/10 © Project SOUND

Canaigre Dock – Rumex hymenosepalus ( RU-mex hi-men-oh-SEE-pal-us)

Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)

Native to: Southwestern U.S. including S. CA; usually in summer-dry sandy places in coastal

sage scrub, valley grassland, chaparral, joshua tree woodland, creosote bush scrub below 5000 ft.

Growth characteristics: spreadinging perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft. Drought-deciduous (dies back to root) herbaceous perennial. Large (to 1 ft long) fleshy leaves in a

basal rosette are blue-green to light green with some purple-pink. Similar to Curley Dock, but leaf

edges are not wavy. A bold-appearing plant.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring or early summer depending on climate. Flowers are small, yellow-

pink densely packed on a stout flowering stem. The flowers are rapidly replaced by showy pink

bracts/seed pods. This is by far the prettiest of the Docks – very dramatic, showy.

Uses in the garden: Mostly planted for its useful traits – but could be used more generally. Early

spring leaves can be used sparingly as cooked greens. Their oxalic acid adds tang to any dish.

Often used a substitute for rhubarb in Southwestern U.S. Colored roots provide yellow, orange and

red-brown dyes & medicines. Excellent bird habitat plant. Fine for winter-wet areas of the garden.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native Docks, Canna.

Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Larval food for Copper

butterflies in other areas of the Southwest.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade.

Soil Most local soils – often somewhat heavy soils in wild; any local pH.

Water Likes good winter/spring rains (even flooding); summer dry (Zone 1-2 to 2) with

one watering in late summer (like summer monsoonal rain-storm).

Fertilizer OK with light fertilizer; better with leaf mulch.

Other

Management: Cut back dry flowering stalks in fall.

Propagation: from seed: direct seed - spring by divisions: dig up tuberous roots in fall.

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 6, 13, 16, 38 1/29/13

© Project SOUND

* Rubber Rabbitbush – Ericameria nauseosa (formerly Chrysothamnus nauseosus) (air-ee-cam-AIR-ee-uh (kris-oh THAM-nus) naw-see-OH-suh)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Much of western Northern America. Locally in foothills of the San Gabriels and Mojave

Desert; usually in sunny, open sites in a diverse range of habitats.

Growth characteristics: woody sub-shrub mature height: 2-5+ ft. mature width: 3-5 ft. Woody shrub or sub-shrub with many branches and a mounded shape. Stems primarily upright,

may be covered with dense white hairs. Leaves small, leathery, medium green to gray-green.

Foliage aromatic – somewhat like sunflower, though some find it disagreeable.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late summer or fall for 2-3 weeks. Plant is literally covered with bright

yellow blooms in mounded clusters. Individual flowers are somewhat like those of Mulefat or

Bricklebush. Extremely showy in bloom – a real traffic stopper! Fluffy seeds.

Uses in the garden: Most often used as a water-wise shrub in gardens throughout the Southwest.

Excellent choice for a habitat garden. Can be trimmed as a hedge. Great for slopes and other

‘difficult to water’ places. Flowers make an unparalleled yellow dye. Plant used extensively as a

medicinal for respiratory complaints, bacterial infections. Plant produces rubber latex.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Flowers attract and wide range of pollinators including, flies,

bees, butterflies, beetles and others. Birds eat seeds. Shrub provides shelter for small creatures.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun

Soil Just about any soil. Tolerates clays, high pH (> 8.0) and salty soils.

Water Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1-2 to 2). Occasional late summer

water promotes good flowering.

Fertilizer None – likes poor soils.

Other

Management: Prune to about 6 inches (or just above woody part of stem) in fall after blooming.

Propagation: from seed: in winter/early spring. Keep wet to germinate. by cuttings: probably

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 16 6/21/10 * Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

Mock Heather/CA Goldenbush – Ericameria ericoides (er-ik-a-MARE-ee-uh er-i-KOI-dees)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Northern CA to Los Angeles Co. coast; on sand dunes or in sandy areas including coastal

dunes, coastal strand to coastal sage scrub. This is an early (pioneer) shrub on coastal dunes.

Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 1-5 ft. mature width: 1-5 ft.

Mounded woody evergreen shrub with many stiff branches. Shape variable – mounded to upright.

Leaves dark green, short, and needle-like (like heather – hence the common name). Foliage is

sticky. Short-lived. May reseed on bare ground.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms primarily in fall (Aug-Nov.). Flowers are small, yellow, in heads typical of

the Sunflower family (both ray and disk flowers). More subtle than some other fall-blooming shrubs,

but quite attractive. Fruits are small wind-born seeds with fluffy hairs.

Uses in the garden: Most commonly used as a specimen plant in dune-habitat gardens. Good for

erosion control on banks, hillsides and dunes. Can be pruned for a low hedge or shrub. Fine

background shrub in backs of beds, where it provides some fall color.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs

Attracts: Excellent insect food source in fall. Nectar will attract butterflies. Also provides cover

and seeds for seed-eating birds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun on coast; light shade in hot gardens

Soil Sandy; requires very well-drained soils

Water No summer water once established (Zone 1)

Fertilizer none

Other Tolerates salt-spray

Management: The key to success is well-drained soil and no summer water – susceptible to soil

fungus. Can prune back to 6 inches above old (woody) growth in fall to shape.

Propagation: from seed: low germination rates by cuttings: probably – before or after

blooming

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 10, 16 11/29/10 © Project SOUND

Narrowleaf (Interior) goldenbush – Ericameria linearifolia (er-ik-a-MER-ee-uh lin-ee-air-i-FOH-lee-uh )

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Drier parts of CA, AZ, UT & NV. Locally in Santa Monica, San Gabriel Mtns; among rocks,

coarse sandy to gravelly areas, low-elevation shrub communities to pinyon-juniper woodlands.

Growth characteristics: sub-shrub mature height: 3-5 ft. mature width: 3-5+ ft.

Part-woody sub-shrub with many upright stems and mounded shape. Bark red-brown. Leaves

drought-deciduous, simple, gray-green and very narrow, up to 2 inches long. Pretty foliage.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring/summer – March to August. Flowers in typical sunflower ‘head’,

though central disk flowers are few. Both ray & disk flowers a bright golden yellow on long stems

(like Encelia). Very showy – bushes can be literally covered in blooms. Fluffy seeds.

Uses in the garden: Makes a nice easy-care shrub for water-wise gardens. Thrives on hot, dry

slopes; nice along dry creeks, infiltration swales. Great addition to a habitat garden. Pretty paired

with bush lupines, Ceanothus or local Salvias; this is one of the prettiest Ericameria species.

Poultice of leaves/stems used for bruises, swellings and painful rheumatic joints.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native bush asters.

Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Flowers attract butterflies & a wide range of insect pollinators.

Birds eat the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Best in full sun. OK in part-shade.

Soil Needs well-drained soils. Grows in sandy/rocky soils in nature.

Water Best with occasional summer water – Water Zone 1-2 (several times per summer).

Fertilizer None needed.

Other Inorganic mulch best ; thin (1 inch or less) organic mulch.

Management: Plants are easy to grow. Don’t over-water. Prune branches back by 1/3 to ½ in

fall for best shape May re-seed if happy.

Propagation: from seed: Easy from fresh seed by cuttings: ?? spring or summer

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 10, 16, 38 3/21/15 © Project SOUND

Broom Snakeweed – Gutierrezia sarothrae (Goo-Tea-air-ez-ee-uh suh-ROTH-rye)

Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)

Native to: Much of the west, including the Santa Monica & San Gabriel Mtns; dry, open, calcareous

mesas, plains & disturbed areas – many plant communities

Growth characteristics: sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.

Bushy, short-lived (10-20 years), native, perennial shrub or sub-shrub. Many stick-like stems make

a mounded form if pruned yearly. Leaves alternate, threadlike, folded; margins are entire. Glands

on the leaves produce resin, making the leaves slightly sticky.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer/fall – Aug.-Oct. Flowers are a bright showy yellow – in

sunflower heads. Very pretty low-growing perennial. Very good pollinator/seed-eater plant. Flowers

used for yellow dye.

Uses in the garden: Most often used in desert-themed or rock gardens, but deserves a place in

other water-wise gardens. Good accent mid-bed for fall color. Mix with cool-season grasses. Good

choice for large containers. Excellent addition to habitat garden. Very important medicinal plant

where ever it grows.

Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubby asters.

Attracts: Attracts wide range of fall pollinator insects; birds love the seeds.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade (best).

Soil Likes well-drained soils. Grows in sandy/rocky soils in nature. Can grow in clays.

Water Very drought tolerant; little to no summer water.

Fertilizer None.

Other Thin (1 inch or less) leaf mulch is ideal.

Management: Plants are easy to grow. Don’t over-water. Will spread via seeds. Best form if

pruned back in fall.

Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed; viable 2+ years by cuttings: spring or summer

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 16, 20, 59 3/29/15 © Project SOUND