- Native flowering plants<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>
- Native vines<\/a><\/li>
- Native grasses and sedges<\/a><\/li>
- Native trees and shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native plants for California cities<\/a><\/li>
- FAQ about California native plants<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Native flowering plants<\/span><\/h2>
\u200b\u200bBeardtongue (Penstemon<\/em> spp.)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Penstemon](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Beardtongue-Penstemon-spp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: undefined undefined<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Commonly known as penstemon, beardtongue plants produce long-lasting, showy flowers. California has many native species of beardtongue that bloom in the early spring in stunning shades of purple, pink, white, and red. The plants get their nickname from the pollen-free stamen that protrudes from its tubular flowers, which makes them look similar to a bearded iris.<\/p>
Penstemon is a staple in many perennial gardens. These workhorse plants are drought-tolerant, and they\u2019ll survive in poor, rocky soils as long as they\u2019re well-draining. Just make sure to give them plenty of space; they don\u2019t like rubbing elbows with their neighbors.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>1 inch per week in the summer<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-draining sandy or rocky soils<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>6 inches to 4 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy beardtongue:<\/strong><\/p>
- Lowe\u2019s, Multicolor Beard Tongue<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Blue-eyed grass (Sisyrinchium bellum<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Blue-eyed](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Blue-eyed-grass-Sisyrinchium-bellum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Carol Dekle<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blue-eyed grass is both a native flowering plant and grass. It produces blue to purple-blue flowers from January to July and serves as a great ornamental grass, albeit a shorter one. <\/p>
Numerous light green leaves form tufts or clumps. Blue-eyed grass goes dormant in the hot summer months if they don\u2019t receive supplemental moisture. Water specimens twice a month, and they\u2019re good to go. Blue-eyes grass readily self-seeds and is low-maintenance.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-9<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Twice per month once established<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Prefers moist loam but will tolerate sand or clay<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 2 feet tall; 3 inches wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy blue-eyed grass:<\/strong><\/p>
- Lowe’s Blue-Eyed Grass in 2.5-Quart Pot<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
California fuchsia (Epilobium canum<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/California-fuchsia-Epilobium-canum.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Sundry Photography<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> California fuchsia is a popular, fire-resistant native with scarlet, trumpet-shaped flowers. This low-lying perennial blooms during the hottest months and is common in the foothills and coastal areas. <\/p>
This beauty is cold-tolerant down to zero degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, it will bounce back stronger in the spring if you cut specimens to ground level once they\u2019re done flowering in the fall. The California Native Plant Society (CNPS) notes that California fuchsia is a top choice to attract hummingbirds to your pollinator garden.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8-11<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Drought-tolerant but benefits from supplemental moisture during drought <\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Sand, clay, or California\u2019s serpentine soils<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>Up to 1.5 feet tall; 3 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy California fuchsia:<\/strong><\/p>
- Lowe’s Orange California Fuchsia<\/a><\/li>
- Native Here Nursery, Epilobium canum<\/em><\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
California milkweed (Asclepias californica<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"California](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/California-milkweed-Asclepias-californica.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Joe Decruyenaere<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The California milkweed is one of the state\u2019s 15 native milkweed species, most of which host the beautiful monarch butterfly. These drought-tolerant wildflowers have thick, white, hairy stems that add interest to your flower garden. Round clusters of tiny flowers bloom in the spring and summer, ranging in color from lavender to bright pink, white, or lilac. <\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 7-10<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Sand or clay<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>Up to 3 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy California milkweed:<\/strong><\/p>
- Wings of Change, California Milkweed (Asclepias californica<\/em>)<\/a><\/li>
- Moosa Creek Nursery, California Milkweed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
California poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>) <\/span><\/h3>
![\"California](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/California-poppy-Eschscholzia-californica-.jpg\")
Photo Credit: virginijavaidakaviciene<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The brightly colored California poppy doesn\u2019t need an introduction. Growing across most of the state, gardeners prize it for its yellow, orange, and golden blossoms. The California state flower blooms from February to September, surviving as an annual or perennial depending on your winter climate.<\/p>
California poppy prefer full sun. These easy-to-grow beauties don\u2019t require fertilizer and are drought-tolerant. However, they will go dormant during the summer if they don\u2019t get a little extra water.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8-10<\/li>
- Life cycle: <\/strong>Tender perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun; tolerates partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Sand, well-draining<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 18 to 24 inches tall and wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy California poppy:<\/strong><\/p>
- Outsidepride Eschscholzia californica<\/em> California Poppy Native Garden Wild Flower Seed<\/a><\/li>
- Green Acres Nursery & Supply, California Poppy<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
\u200b\u200bCommon yarrow (Achillea millefolium<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"common](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Common-yarrow-Achillea-millefolium.jpg\")
Photo Credit: aga7ta<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A member of the aster family, yarrow produces tiny clusters of fragrant white flowers through the spring and summer. Its delicate leaves have a feathery shape and lacy texture, giving the plant an airy appearance. It\u2019s often included in butterfly gardens because of its dependability and low-maintenance needs. <\/p>
Common yarrow goes by many names: old man\u2019s pepper, nosebleed plant, devil\u2019s nettle, and thousand-leaf. It thrives in poor, rocky soils, making it a great addition to your xeriscape garden. <\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: <\/strong>3-9<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to full shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Tolerates most soil types<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 1 to 3 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy common yarrow:<\/strong><\/p>
- Prairie Restorations, Inc., Achillea millefolium<\/em> (Yarrow)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Island alum root (Heuchera maxima<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Closeup](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Island-alum-root-Heuchera-maxima.jpg\")
Photo Credit: NNehring<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Island alum root, aka Jill-of-the-rocks, thrives in many gardens across mainland California but is only native to the Channel Islands off its coast. It grows best in coastal areas where it\u2019s humid, and the temperatures are moderate.<\/p>
Hummingbirds love island alum roots\u2019 tiny, bright pink flower clusters that bloom in the spring. Additionally, it looks beautiful even when it isn\u2019t blooming thanks to attractive foliage, and makes a fantastic addition to your garden or under your favorite oak trees.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8-11<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to full shade<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low, may require water in the summer<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-draining sand or rock<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>1 to 2 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy island alum root:<\/strong><\/p>
- Neel\u2019s Nursery, Heuchera maxima<\/em> Island Alum Root<\/a><\/li>
- Landscape Plant Source, Island Alum Root<\/a><\/li>
- Annie\u2019s Annuals & Perennials, Heuchera maxima<\/em>, \u201cAlum Root\u201d<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Mountain violet (Viola purpurea<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Mountain](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Mountain-violet-Viola-purpurea.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Gerald Corsi<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Mountain violet, also known as goosefoot violet, is a true violet, but its flowers aren\u2019t violet or purple. Instead bright yellow flowers bloom in the spring. However, mountain violet\u2019s leaves have a purple tint and are shaped like a goose\u2019s foot.<\/p>
Mountain violet has several subspecies that grow throughout California and into Wyoming. When growing naturally, it prefers lower elevations. It is deer-resistant and a host plant for many butterfly varieties.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 6-9<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Drought-tolerant; water during bloom period<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Silt or sand<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>10 to 12 inches tall<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy mountain violet:<\/strong><\/p>
- Amador Flower Farm, Mountain Violet<\/a><\/li>
- Moonlight Valley, Mountain Violet<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Salvia (Salvia <\/em>spp.)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"photo](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Salvia-Salvia-spp.jpg\")
Photo Credit: T-Tadanobu<\/a> \/ Canva Pro \/ License<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Salvia is heat- and drought-tolerant. It produces tall, narrow flower spikes with beautiful blooms in shades of white, pink, red, purple, and blue. It attracts butterflies and other pollinators to your yard, and its blossoms appear from the late spring to early summer, usually lasting through early fall. Salvia grows well in hot, dry climates, and it offers gorgeous, often pungent, scented foliage.<\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: <\/strong>7-11<\/li>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Drought-tolerant<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-draining, slightly acidic<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 1.5 to 5 feet tall<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy salvia:<\/strong><\/p>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Moonlight Valley, Mountain Violet<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Landscape Plant Source, Island Alum Root<\/a><\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8-11<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Green Acres Nursery & Supply, California Poppy<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Life cycle: <\/strong>Tender perennial<\/li>
- Moosa Creek Nursery, California Milkweed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Native Here Nursery, Epilobium canum<\/em><\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8-11<\/li>
- Life cycle:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- USDA hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-9<\/li>
- Life cycle<\/strong>: Perennial<\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>