https://nativeplants.org/activitycollection daily 0.75 2026-02-24 https://nativeplants.org/activitycollection/plant-sales monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/7688ed3b-67ad-4986-b55e-97ddb44a1b65/plants.jpg Activity Collection - Plant Sales - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nativeplants.org/activitycollection/weekend-and-holiday-tours monthly 0.5 2025-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/54dd9269-6456-4eae-8dc6-32627b436d69/tour3.jpg Activity Collection - Garden Tours - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/drawing-and-painting-wildflowers-throughout-the-west-j95nz monthly 0.5 2026-03-21 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/drawing-and-painting-wildflowers-throughout-the-west monthly 0.5 2026-03-21 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/2-day-botanical-watercolor-workshop monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-cnps-2026-conference monthly 0.5 2026-02-10 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-botanizing-mt-williamson-and-environs monthly 0.5 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1769259321674-XG4ICPDMIMONSXNS3PD6/uhler.jpg Events - Wayne Roderick Lecture: Botanizing Mt. Williamson and Environs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-amanitaritas-freaky-and-fabulous-fungi monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/lichen-walk-feb-8-2026 monthly 0.5 2026-01-22 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderic-lecture-succulents-and-bulbs-of-south-africa monthly 0.5 2026-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1767460257843-JBV8NFP7U043G8MRQ0D3/albuca+spiralis.jpeg Events - Wayne Roderick Lecture: Succulents and Bulbs of South Africa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-the-path-to-speciation monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/images-and-tales-from-iceland monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-lichens monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-the-watershed-project-wildcat-creek-and-more monthly 0.5 2026-01-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/patagonian-flora-highlights monthly 0.5 2025-12-29 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-flora-of-western-australia monthly 0.5 2025-12-07 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-alpines-of-berthoud-pass monthly 0.5 2025-12-03 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-flora-of-new-zealand monthly 0.5 2025-12-07 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/lichen-walk-dec-13-2025 monthly 0.5 2026-01-22 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wayne-roderick-lecture-flora-of-crystal-springs-watershed monthly 0.5 2025-11-05 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/1u7xop8tnh04gyh0ia65daju1q31vi monthly 0.5 2025-10-29 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/rzfrqf6mb03k321sb3hmxtyrxyxvpa monthly 0.5 2025-11-06 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/october-butterfly-walks monthly 0.5 2026-04-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/asl-butterfly-walk monthly 0.5 2025-09-25 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/august-butterfly-walks-m9db4 monthly 0.5 2025-09-03 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/twilight-bat-walk monthly 0.5 2025-08-14 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/august-butterfly-walks monthly 0.5 2025-08-14 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/july-butterfly-walks monthly 0.5 2025-07-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/5eykntt0xoamk7fclxten7ic1mhpi4 monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/s8y0s1huyxcbxf2tscj5bz0awtjukl monthly 0.5 2025-04-26 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/spring-plant-sale monthly 0.5 2025-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/c7f21b4e-94e9-4564-832e-ddd2c094ed28/plantswagon.jpg Events - Spring Plant Sale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/lichen-walk monthly 0.5 2025-12-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/flora-of-the-hawaiian-islands monthly 0.5 2024-12-14 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/new-zealand-plants-and-gardens monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/beartooth-range-in-montana monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/horticultural-lessons-from-the-high-line monthly 0.5 2025-01-29 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/ca-cultivars-carol-bornstein monthly 0.5 2025-01-22 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/climbing-trees-for-research monthly 0.5 2024-12-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/poppy-talk-the-luminous-relations-of-the-california-poppy-and-human-populations-of-the-bay-area monthly 0.5 2024-12-01 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/brstpz55qm2lowxzs347x61jbodnya monthly 0.5 2024-11-23 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/calochortus-treasure-hunt monthly 0.5 2024-12-05 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/chemistry-of-weeds monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/california-colorado-connection-xsrpm-skhem-2r67p-d2wr9 monthly 0.5 2025-01-24 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/six-months-of-wanderings monthly 0.5 2025-01-17 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/plants-of-the-pacific-crest-trail monthly 0.5 2024-12-14 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/wr-ben-anderson monthly 0.5 2024-12-14 https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/events/redwoods-and-their-relatives monthly 0.5 2024-12-05 https://nativeplants.org/tours/tour-evaluation-form daily 0.75 2025-03-10 https://nativeplants.org/guides/butterflies-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e459ff7d-5a67-4100-9101-28d8d3c5d0e6/Pipevine+Swallowtail+1+closed+IMG_3756.jpg https://nativeplants.org/acmon-blue daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/0029ce8f-002f-479e-93de-b335d25e201c/Acmon-Blue-1-closed-IMG_1989-scaled.jpg Acmon Blue - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/db9a5db7-65a6-4f35-a1af-30b28e7f1f4c/Acmon-Blue-2-open-male-IMG_9917-scaled.jpeg Acmon Blue - Open, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/8d40d035-6954-43c8-8cbe-f98de1620250/Acmon-Blue-3-open-female-June-2023-Pinnacles-IMG_0585-scaled.jpeg Acmon Blue - Open, female * Typically females are dark brown on the upper side. However, form cottlei females have a little irridescent blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774993929198-0FEPZ0K66QYVBTQD4TU4/Acmon+Blue+3b+open+female+cottlei+IMG_0425.jpeg Acmon Blue - Open, female, form cottlei * Typically females are dark brown on the upper side. However, form cottlei females have a little irridescent blue. There is also some blue on the forewings, which would show up from a different angle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/2b0a77f1-848b-49fd-8e20-efec8228920a/Acmon-Blue-4-Mating-Aug-2019-Pt-Reyes.jpeg Acmon Blue - Mating https://nativeplants.org/anise-swallowtail daily 0.75 2025-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720637780631-VQNSSPLT897ONB9FUOK8/Anise+Swallowtail+2+closed+June+2020+home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/44959120-1609-4f57-9ff5-5cd261cfe1d9/Anise-Swallowtail-1-open-April-2020-home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/c4ae9977-b0ff-47a3-8562-6ac731c74b47/Anise-Swallowtail-3-eggs-August-2021-home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Eggs * Eggs are laid singly. This may be the result of three separate visits by the same individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722878576397-IYVRBCRGEYN7VL1KWZ3J/Anise+Swallowtail+3b+eggs%2C+mature.jpg Anise Swallowtail - Mature eggs * Just before they hatch, the eggs change color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634732619-3ME4V40LPBYSVUO1GDKV/Anise+Swallowtail+4a+caterpillar%2C+early+instar+Aug+2016+home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Early instar caterpillar * Caterpillars molt 4 times; it is the fifth instar that pupates. The early caterpillar instars tend to resemble bird droppings. That is a defense mechanism, to deter predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634735845-438FYI5BYGBQDX12OHKK/Anise+Swallowtail+4c+caterpillar%2C+early+instar+Aug+2016+home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Initially... * ... the appearance of the caterpillar does not change very much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634735908-PIOX6VRNXQWYEIGG24L9/Anise+Swallowtail+4b+caterpillar%2C+early+instar+Mar+2019+UCBG.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Third instar caterpillar * Towards the end, the pattern changes several times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634736966-7WG1K9P28P0NH8I3IRV3/Anise+Swallowtail+4d+caterpillar%2C+early+instar+Aug+2016+home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Fourth instar caterpillar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634740306-TO9HKSG8GFZQSTRUE8XF/Anise+Swallowtail+5+caterpillar+late+instar+Oct+2028+UCBG.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Fifth and final instar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634738996-L5KFZR6FS2A53R1B4FFZ/Anise+Swallowtail+6+pre-pupa+April+2014+home.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Caterpillar just before pupating * The caterpillar has hooked itself up into pupating position with a girdle of silk. The next step will be to shed the exoskeleton ("skin"). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/ac2a4127-28a8-4d72-b8a0-21cfce5af872/Anise-Swallowtail-7-chrysalis-IMG_3144-scaled.jpeg Anise Swallowtail - Chrysalis * Chrysalises can also be green. Whether a chrysalis turns out green or brown depends on several interacting factors. The color of the surface they are pupating on comes into play. In addition, for some reason, it also matters whether the pupation surface is smooth or rough. Smooth surfaces favor a green chrysalis, rough surfaces favor a brown one. However, when the days get short, that overrides color and texture, and gives rise to a brown chrysalis regardless (since the chrysalis is likely to overwinter, and brown offers the best camouflage over the winter). https://nativeplants.org/common-checkered-skipper daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/ffcdef15-12ef-46b0-bf9c-2844f19246fa/Common-Checkered-skipper-1-male-open-IMG_5897-scaled.jpg Common Checkered-Skipper - Open, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/180cc3b3-abe8-438c-b359-302880c68869/Common-Checkered-skipper-1b-IMG_6501-scaled.jpg Common Checkered-Skipper - Open, female * The white bands are narrower, which makes the overall appearance darker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727106163795-QCQ1J82FOEGUAC46A10Q/Common+Checkered-skipper+2+closed+Sep+2019+Vallejo.jpg Common Checkered-Skipper - Closed * They rarely perch with closed wings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/5ebca922-8aad-4010-8d5f-65aad7e0e1fc/Common-Checkered-skipper-3-mating-August-2021-home.jpeg Common Checkered-Skipper - Mating pair * The female is on the right. https://nativeplants.org/cabbage-white daily 0.75 2026-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e12d8a9e-c9ba-4ddb-8a80-ad055927517c/Cabbage-White-1-closed-August-2017-GLM.jpeg Cabbage White - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/9adc4294-7cb6-43f2-8e35-2a8a4fcc451f/Cabbage-White-3-open-male-IMG_0456-scaled.jpeg Cabbage White - Open, male * Males have one black spot on the forewing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/a835a149-8f4f-417c-9160-f822f1e9971d/Cabbage-White-2-open-female-home-April-2020.jpeg Cabbage White - Open, female * Females have two black spots on the forewing. This female is in the mating refusal posture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e2aa6805-bc28-4599-b966-ef93884e47da/Cabbage-Whites-4-Mating-home-June-2019.jpeg Cabbage White - Mating pair, female on the left * One of the three spots showing on the female is from the hind-wing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808495898-S32CHP3A8XBY1TTO4YJ0/Cabbage+white+Pieris+rapae+-+Brent+Haglund.png Cabbage White - Egg (photo Brent Haglund) https://nativeplants.org/california-pipevine-swallowtail daily 0.75 2026-03-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/53285a08-1524-46ad-9437-d11bc8f6fb2f/Pipevine-Swallowtail-1-closed-IMG_3756-scaled.jpg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/cc3478d9-dfeb-4975-bb38-e8082f17d0c2/Pipevine-Swallowtail-2-open-male-Sept-2019-UCBG.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Open, male * Males have an iridescent blue sheen on the upper side of the hindwings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/b1e49124-6ce2-44d3-a88e-f4f372246a1b/Pipevine-Swallowtail-3-open-female-April-2016-UCBG.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Open, female * Females have much less blue, or none at all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e20ef6dd-7d68-4088-8ee4-900500231950/Pipevine-Swallowtail-4-Mating-IMG_8031-scaled.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Mating pair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721785116416-0QG0BFDXDXQ2RK5Y4PLO/Pipevine+Swallowtail+4b+laying+eggs%2C+M%3AK+Sep+2020.jpg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Laying eggs * Note how the tip of the abdomen curls to touch the stem. I have seen this iridescence on the abdomen only twice. Both times, they were very fresh females. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774238674702-OF3WB1WVBMF8WGMMS9JT/Pipevine-Swallowtail-5-eggs-IMG_1720-scaled.jpg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Eggs * On the huge California Pipevine plant in the Valley-Foothill section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808580403-Q3ZRLSF5HL4EODP4NZLJ/Pipevine+swallowtail+Battus+philenor+-+Brent+Haglund.png California Pipevine Swallowtail - Eggs (photo Brent Haglund) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1728411148626-7JERZLOJNRWVPC4ELFVG/Pipevine+Swallowtail+6a+caterpillars+and+eggs+IMG_0333.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Caterpillars * They are 4 or 5 days old, I think. So probably second instar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/b00e1291-822b-4ce0-a113-59448a6f1bda/Pipevine-Swallowtail-6-caterpillars-on-same-leaf-IMG_1805-scaled.jpg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Caterpillars feeding * One rarely sees two large caterpillars chomping on the same leaf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721761419993-QCEFG9P3P3G2UBCB3THS/Pipevine+Swallowtail+7+caterpillars+eating+fruit+RPBG+May+2022.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Caterpillars eating Pipevine fruit * I've seen this only once. Normally, you only see them eating leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/ff998f5d-677a-4417-a797-74f44add6c85/Pipevine-Swallowtail-7-chrysalis-IMG_5767-scaled.jpg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Chrysalis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1752600532527-8GY9J1C5WLQLT15GZKZP/Pipevine+Swallowtail+chrysalis+Brown+IMG_1656.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Chrysalis * Brown chrysalises can exhibit considerable variation in their coloration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1758987000308-ST2CVV1NA16BZQPNONAV/Pipevine+Swallowtail+%2522brown%2522+chrysalis+IMG_4521.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Chrysalis * Brown chrysalises can exhibit considerable variation in their coloration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1724861019236-R7L84GRUUHGOY06SWODW/Pipevine+Swallowtail+9+chrysalis+IMG_4278.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Chrysalis * This chrysalis is upside down. When attached to a wall like this, the chrysalis would normally slope up from the attachment point, held up by a silk girdle (see the photograph of the green chrysalis). Not sure if this caterpillar wasn't able to spin/attach the silk girdle, or if it was somehow destroyed. This chrysalis was on the east wall of the Visitor Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774127887318-TP4L2SI1T87RRVNEQ1VA/IMG_9877.jpeg California Pipevine Swallowtail - Parasitized Chrysalis * You can see a small exit crater near the top, just below the dark area, on the right. Clearly, a small parasitic insect has emerged from this hole. An expert suggested to me that the insect may be Pteromalus puparum, a small pupal parasitoid wasp. A single chrysalis may produce 30 to 40 tiny wasps, which all exit through the same hole. https://nativeplants.org/california-sister daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/7104f9b7-162e-492b-859f-459d3465be85/California-Sister-1-closed-IMG_1388-scaled.jpg California Sister - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727148538383-C3JZSFMFNWXCSK9YJM8O/California+Sister+2+HenryCoeStatePark-10June2018-Tom-P1000575.jpeg California Sister - Open * (Photo Tom Peterson) California Sister and Lorquin's Admiral can be distinguished by looking at the orange spot at the tip of the forewing. California Sister has a larger and sharply defined spot; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower spot that fades away at the edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/049f9b7b-ad60-4b8d-bcc5-1e94da8ee291/Lorquins-Admiral-2-open-june-2018-ucbg.jpg California Sister - Open, Lorquin's Admiral * California Sister and Lorquin's Admiral can be distinguished by looking at the orange spot at the tip of the forewing. California Sister has a larger and sharply defined spot; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower spot that fades away at the edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727148311124-PYP8SG5MA9C7WUV4W9PK/CS-LA+Dave+2015_04_28+Sisters+%26+Lorquin%27s-6588+copy.JPG California Sister - California Sister versus Lorquin's Admiral * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) Nice to see the comparison in a single photograph. California Sister has a larger and sharply defined spot at the tip of the forewing; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower spot that fades away at the edges. https://nativeplants.org/california-tortoiseshell daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1435e7ad-15a6-46bb-84f4-9ccf90c94734/California-Tortoiseshell-1-closed-September-2017-UCBG.jpeg California Tortoiseshell - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721687770332-OPJRFFR8CEJYZUH2L679/California+Tortoiseshell+3+IMG_2688.jpeg California Tortoiseshell - Closed; note the blue band! * One hardly ever sees this band as blue. Usually grey or black, or sometimes a metallic silver. I think you see blue only if the light catches the wing just right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727218680715-CCDJRC5U6GMFUKS82FEO/California+Tortoiseshell+2+open+Dave+2016_04_26+Nymphalis+californica-0459+RSA+copy.jpeg California Tortoiseshell - Open (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1761755742496-1SE6QRYPKZUTWISYB620/California+Tortoiseshell+4+caterpillars.jpg California Tortoiseshell - Caterpillars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/8f04fe09-e1cd-470f-8383-e63dc1c59607/California-Tortoiseshell-3-caterpillars-IMG_2021-scaled.jpg California Tortoiseshell - Caterpillars * Four entwined caterpillars on Ceanothus. A somewhat unusual grouping. Normally, California Tortoiseshell caterpillars are gregarious when small, but turn solitary well before they get this large. https://nativeplants.org/checkered-white daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721696316218-7V17C7C20MEJ8KTMAYL1/Checkered+White+1+open+IMG_9084.jpeg Checkered White - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721696314247-V2T0NDALCI4WBY1R60OO/Checkered+White+2+closed+Mt+Diablo+count+2022.jpeg Checkered White - Closed https://nativeplants.org/about/about-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-07-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/2e7d6eb0-0a57-40ac-8aa9-f581a76afd3a/botanic_garden.jpg https://nativeplants.org/publications/manzanita-quarterly daily 0.75 2025-11-06 https://nativeplants.org/guides/monthly-plant-guide daily 0.75 2024-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822506516-IR29GRSFBK6LZN05X60O/silktassel.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - January (canyon silktassel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823317786-MDR92MP4OOTRQ3OMNC2L/pipevine.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - February (pipe vine) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823755081-ZPQTLGZSC3Z5FCTZ89ZU/cercis_occidentalis.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - March (redbud) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823970417-YU5B6C0NROCIJ9TCR2Y2/ceanothus_impressus.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - April (ceanothus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824064624-P4938FO2ZTDA59M5RXM6/fremontodendron_mexicanum.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - May (fremontia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824179790-RCID5ICLST7UQOKTB9IF/lilium_parvum.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - June (lily) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824288919-E3IA69YU4RWWE33KERK3/keckiella_cordifolia.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - July (keckiella) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720825663667-WHB3CZ4VHRI5WDDPZYU0/buckwheat.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - August (buckwheat) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824489849-0X3SZGMUSSCGI3DG2Q28/epilobium_septentrionale.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - September (fuchsia) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824616930-HK47KPGY9OBHQQ0FI6LQ/toyon.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - October (toyon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824713184-0PFSGHMEO1GYQ24USC95/acer_circinatum.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - November (vine maple) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726266200793-ASRCLFEI0BM423ORKBOB/pajaro-manzanita.jpg Monthly Plant Guide - December (manzanita) https://nativeplants.org/about/faq daily 0.75 2025-01-12 https://nativeplants.org/about/in-the-news daily 0.75 2025-08-09 https://nativeplants.org/echo-azure daily 0.75 2025-08-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/205d9e3e-aa3f-40b5-a693-480bdc3d061c/Echo-Azure-1-closed-March-2019-UCBG.jpeg Echo Azure - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e520bf39-cc10-4fea-9012-b33174f3b43b/Echo-Azure-3-male-open-June-2021-home.jpeg Echo Azure - Open, male * Males have chalky blue upper wings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/123adab6-0c51-44ac-b1bc-364d46f4c1b1/Echo-Azure-2-female-open-June-2017-UCBG.jpeg Echo Azure - Open, female * Females have less blue with a wide, dark gray border. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721782681752-QUE3A8K91RBJ278O671H/Echo+Azure+4%2C+laying+eggs+UCBG+June+2017.jpg Echo Azure - Laying eggs * Note how the tip of the abdomen curls to make contact with the California Buckeye flowers. https://nativeplants.org/field-crescent daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/b02b4d3b-183e-4056-a7a5-43acb94172c1/Field-Crescent-1-open-IMG_9635-scaled.jpeg Field Crescent - Open * No difference in the wing patterns for males and females, but there is a lot of variation, both in the pattern and the color. The forewing, as well as the hindwing, has a row of crescents along the outer edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/5f2f97cb-6488-4277-8c7c-95a42f86bef8/Field-Crescent-2-closed-IMG_3215-scaled.jpeg Field Crescent - Closed * One crescent on the hind wing really stands out. This may be where the name Crescent comes from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/0755332b-d50a-42cf-a79d-87645c02e2d6/Field-Crescents-3-mating-IMG_9573-scaled.jpg Field Crescent - Mating pair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721700090888-NP5D4VUXFI60ATDX63PW/Northern+Checkerspot+2+open+female+June+2015+UCBG.jpeg Field Crescent - Northern Checkerspot, female * Superficially similar to Field Crescent, but the patterns can easily be distinguished. Two areas to focus on are the inner corners of the forewing, and the bands of spots on the hindwing. https://nativeplants.org/field-skipper daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721701593863-H3AESI3OQSARGBQYY22C/Sachem+1+closed%2C+male+IMG_0085.JPG Field Skipper - Closed, male* The underside pattern is somewhat variable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/24538f42-2eb9-4d4a-aeed-b4da2c327b59/Field-Skipper-1-closed-IMG_9493-scaled.jpg Field Skipper - Closed, female* The underside pattern is somewhat variable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726278171825-6J309Z5IALADR1257BOS/Field+Skipper+1b+closed%2C+male+IMG_4588.jpeg Field Skipper - Closed, male or female* The underside pattern is somewhat variable. Both male and female can also look like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/dd32e14d-89e4-4f32-b7ca-4b7a30a4f37c/Field-Skipper-2-open-male-Nov-2022-Falcon-State-Park.jpeg Field Skipper - Open, male * The male is orange with jagged black/brown borders and black stigmas on the forewing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721701602376-H82LLPPJIBJQ0OWEHNLT/Sachem+4+open%2C+female+RPBG+Aug+2017.jpg Field Skipper - Open, female * The female is primarily dark brown, with orange spots. https://nativeplants.org/fiery-skipper daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721693432139-UO8DHCO2HSW1NIKGNEWE/Fiery+Skipper+1a+male+closed+IMG_9620.jpg Fiery Skipper - Closed, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/8fd9604e-7422-4f8f-ba89-38bcb2e291b4/Fiery-Skipper-1-closed-IMG_1969-scaled.jpg Fiery Skipper - Closed, female * Females have larger and more numerous spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774030516082-K94DCQQQPOQA5Z8PGZAO/Fiery+Skipper+aberrant+IMG_9918+Mar+2026.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Aberrant individual * The characteristic spots are almost invisible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/73346678-8a09-4b6d-a3a6-222a1f24e666/Fiery-Skipper-2-open-IMG_2374-scaled.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Open, male * The male is orange with jagged black/brown borders and black stigmas on the forewing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/f4f9a2e5-5788-4882-b061-44174140c6ff/Fiery-Skipper-2b-open-female-NBC-Nov-2022.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Open, female * The female is primarily dark brown, with orange spots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/f75438fc-faac-4df6-a1e0-c6a26430097a/Fiery-Skipper-3-IMG_3687-scaled.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Front-end view * This shows the characteristic wing configuration of grass skippers. The forewing is above the hindwing, instead of the two wings being side-by-side. When they sit, the forewing is typically at a 45-degree angle to the hind-wing, making them look like jet fighters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/6e9ad659-2c4e-4dd2-bc3a-03b07752da3e/Fiery-Skipper-3-IMG_8817-scaled.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Female, from down-under * The spots are large and numerous. A slightly different view of the unique wing configuration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1760550409347-WNKHVBTXNJQD4FSUJ8TK/Fiery+Skipper+courtship.jpg Fiery Skipper - Courtship * The male is behind the female. Courtship proceeds by scooting closer, and eventually nudging the female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/edb15db9-22b4-4c16-b332-92099e0841d4/Fiery-Skippers-4-mating-home-June-2020.jpeg Fiery Skipper - Mating pair * The female is on the right, with more numerous and larger spots. https://nativeplants.org/gray-buckeye daily 0.75 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/b1a2f414-b95c-42a8-b25a-58f4ea41e9bf/Gray-Buckeye-1-open-IMG_4217-scaled.jpeg Gray Buckeye - Open * Most commonly seen with open wings. Usually, on the ground rather than on plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/0faa5124-78ca-45a4-ad23-86890b319260/Gray-Buckeye-2-closed-September-2016-UCBG.jpeg Gray Buckeye - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1743720299985-2NI67U2ZSIZFRINR9MLN/Gray+Buckeye+IMG_9920.jpg Gray Buckeye - Closed * The colorful part of the forewing doesn’t always show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/93bb8782-4b84-447f-b70e-cb0a551bcbd7/Gray-Buckeyes-3-mating-IMG_4122-scaled.jpeg Gray Buckeye - Mating pair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727219083364-19W17V5CXYGLU747C111/Gray+Buckeye+4+caterpillar+Dave+2023_06_04+Buckeye+Caterpillar-2527+PINN+%281%29.jpeg Gray Buckeye - Caterpillar (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://nativeplants.org/gray-hairstreak daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/03561567-8c67-4f4f-8115-51d7ea3e6d28/Gray-Hairstreak-1-closed-IMG_5161-scaled.jpg Gray Hairstreak - Closed * On California Phacelia (Phacelia californica). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1757183523847-NVSP6D1MHAXR2G6CM15K/Gray+Hairstreak+female+Rohnert+Park+2020.jpeg Gray Hairstreak - Open, female * They don't perch with open wings too often. Females have an all-gray abdomen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1757183521855-M3I6K6NAVUM5ED4TM2TW/Gray+Hairstreak+male+UCBG+2019.jpeg Gray Hairstreak - Open, male * They don't perch with open wings too often. The tip of the abdomen is orange for males. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1748113971712-FJ6EYE9KYKZ4FYRLGZ1M/IMG_1516.jpeg Gray Hairstreak - Closed * The coloring can exhibit some variation, although this is an extreme case. The butterfly doesn't really look worn, but the red/orange color is virtually absent. https://nativeplants.org/common-ringlet daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721707581264-XI9FBMAFOAQXOB69MAQU/Common+Ringlet+1+IMG_0277.jpg Common Ringlet - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727147659636-GVRPZ9BF4GIWSWJDP06U/CR+open+Dave+2007_04_09+Ringlets+courting-12344+RSA.JPG Common Ringlet - Open, and courtship * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) This butterfly almost never shows the upper side of the wings. Here the female, who is being harassed by a male, has opened its wings to adopt the mating refusal posture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727147659721-BQEQBEET8V0GEWCUJ6N2/CR+mating+Dave+2009_04_01+Coenonympha+tullia+california+pair-33104+copy.JPG Common Ringlet - Mating (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://nativeplants.org/gulf-fritillary daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/83ac3e15-51e3-4fa5-9d42-da2278cfd38b/Gulf-Fritillary-1-open-IMG_2764-scaled.jpeg Gulf Fritillary - Open * Wikipedia: "The average duration of the adult stage is roughly 14 to 27 days after the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis depending on … the availability of food, the presence of predators, competition between individuals." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/88297725-8430-46c2-a741-4e4217fb4025/Gulf-Fritillary-2-half-open-IMG_6838-scaled.jpg Gulf Fritillary - Half-open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/13f73c26-4130-4394-b1f9-a7dde738c82d/Gulf-Fritillary-3-closed-November-2022-Falcon.jpeg Gulf Fritillary - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/76e9322f-12b8-4691-8547-3a1ae50459fd/Gulf-Fritillary-4-mating-IMG_3539-scaled.jpg Gulf Fritillary - Mating Pair https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1724215643676-YQUGQU4MRMB6VVHL2IZI/Gulf+Fritillary+5+egg+Aug+2016+home.jpg Gulf Fritillary - Egg * After hatching, the caterpillar eats the egg casing for food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1849a24a-09bd-40b2-9f09-228ec9d29493/Gulf-Fritillary-6-caterpillar-IMG_7685-scaled.jpeg Gulf Fritillary - Caterpillar * Despite being covered in spikes, this is not a stinging caterpillar. The spikes are soft to the touch, and serve only to intimidate predators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/6ed9b8b8-7336-4b07-9bf2-c54bed343d7a/Gulf-Fritillary-7-pre-pupa-IMG_7681-scaled.jpeg Gulf Fritillary - About to pupate * This is the classic J-position also adopted by Monarch caterpillars. Wikipedia: "When the time comes for the caterpillar to create its chrysalis it turns a grayish color and begins to spin a silk-like substance into a ball on top or against a malleable surface. It then attaches its rear end to the "silk" lump and hangs upside down in a "j" position. By small contractions of the muscles it begins to shed its skin and head revealing a soft pinkish tan form. Quickly the soft form hardens and becomes grayish brown. The chrysalis stays in this form for eleven to twenty-one days. After that period of time, a small crack begins to form at the tip of the chrysalis revealing the butterfly's head. It continues to slowly move down through the bottom of the chrysalis until its legs are free to cling onto the shell of the chrysalis and pull itself the rest of the way out. Much like the monarch butterfly, it begins to pump the fluids from its bulging abdomen into its shriveled wings. When its wings are fully expanded it releases excess fluids from its abdomen. For the next ten to fifteen minutes it stays still and allows its wings to dry. Finally it fans its wings out and takes flight." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721689126966-GVI12FUFLQO0LC7ITBC3/gulf+fritillary+8+chrysalis.jpg Gulf Fritillary - Chrysalis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721689127321-WGXQMFVIGOKIJTGBT1QV/Gulf+Fritillary+9+mature+chrysalis+IMG_1622.jpg Gulf Fritillary - Mature chrysalis * Just before the butterfly ecloses, the chrysalis turns transparent. This happens for all butterflies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721689129122-VWNU2XY6Y50JR4YFID8C/Gulf+Fritillary+10+flexing+chrysalis+IMG_8669.jpeg Gulf Fritillary - Chrysalis, flexing * Unlike most butterflies, Gulf Fritillary chrysalises keep moving about, and flexing themselves into contortionist angles. https://nativeplants.org/visit/hours-admission daily 0.75 2024-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1717694442660-IHILU4FN8XT4PXGODHD7/1-007BG.jpg https://nativeplants.org/visit/directions daily 0.75 2025-10-29 https://nativeplants.org/visit/weddings-and-memorials daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1717694444068-P0TIPJL9NTL71RWJMBC5/Styrax2.jpg https://nativeplants.org/visit/garden-map daily 0.75 2026-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/27a1466d-d0c7-493d-bcfd-d6427dae842d/brochure-cover.png Brochures & Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/39caedb5-3856-45fb-90c7-46fff82d9c16/brochure-cover-sp.png Brochures & Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1a71d98d-8b5b-4698-bb3b-b90de2d8dbf3/lichen-brochure-cover.png Brochures & Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/a5c8bbe9-3034-439b-aed2-b6cf77ec4b11/birds-eye-map.png Brochures & Maps https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/50712217-5e87-4f61-8c38-c470f807183c/gardenmap.jpg https://nativeplants.org/support/friends-of-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-11-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/b7de5c56-2a12-459e-b7c7-2711dee70820/CG14_full-bloom.jpg https://nativeplants.org/support/donations daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/80382052-60c7-470d-96aa-ba2def47445a/holt_430_0773.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/0d51a3a5-5e93-4007-b1f8-7e95e3b93e8f/RPF.jpg https://nativeplants.org/volunteer/become-a-docent daily 0.75 2025-10-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/47e99c49-f56e-494f-82a0-e3865564d470/sage.jpg https://nativeplants.org/volunteer/propagate-plants daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/c7f21b4e-94e9-4564-832e-ddd2c094ed28/plantswagon.jpg https://nativeplants.org/volunteer/collect-seed daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d9baf74e-9e64-4245-aa36-4df75f5cc1a8/seedpacks.jpg https://nativeplants.org/volunteer/assist-the-gardeners daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/37b54b19-0abe-4429-acd7-af78128603a8/plantingbulbs.jpg https://nativeplants.org/publications/four-seasons-and-changing-seasons daily 0.75 2025-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/efa88050-661d-449f-949f-45391b7f9a77/fourseasons.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/52b4606e-cb1c-462e-a96b-034f54e73fb3/cs12.jpg https://nativeplants.org/visit/plant-sales daily 0.75 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/7688ed3b-67ad-4986-b55e-97ddb44a1b65/plants.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d9baf74e-9e64-4245-aa36-4df75f5cc1a8/seedpacks.jpg https://nativeplants.org/visit/guidelines-for-visitors daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d047f850-3f3f-4262-a023-9624e5f2b4e5/silk+moth.jpg https://nativeplants.org/publications/resource-guide daily 0.75 2026-02-28 https://nativeplants.org/weekend-holiday-tours daily 0.75 2025-09-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/54dd9269-6456-4eae-8dc6-32627b436d69/tour3.jpg https://nativeplants.org/publications/newsletter daily 0.75 2026-04-01 https://nativeplants.org/support/become-a-friend daily 0.75 2025-09-15 https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/january daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822504229-1WST52LEJWCEGHQZS9FT/arctostaphylos_pajaroensis.jpg January - Pajaro manzanita - John Rusk Pajaro manzanita (Arctostaphylos_pajaroensis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822504388-98PYA2X1K8XJBPJNMZBT/aspendogwoodsj.jpg January - Dogwood and aspen color - Stephen Joseph Contrasting colors of red creek dogwood (Cornus sericea) and gray quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) are a winter attraction in the Sierra section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822505308-YBXS0BU2E5CE8KT66JTO/chamaebatia_australis.jpg January - Southern mountain misery - John Rusk Southern mountain misery (Chamaebatiara australis) has highly scented leaves and blooms most of the year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822505580-GSQGM9XEQY6YF2V3EX6O/manzanita.jpg January - Manzanitas - John Rusk Many species of manzanitas bloom throughout the Garden. This species (Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp. insulicola) is native to the Channel Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822506516-IR29GRSFBK6LZN05X60O/silktassel.jpg January - Silktassels - John Rusk Silktassels (Garrya spp) begin to bloom. Male and female plants are different, with more dramatic flowers on male plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720822506702-5CFZC87KZ95HOWUHKBLH/wildcatcrk.jpg January - Wildcat Creek in winter - Don Fuller Wildcat Creek flows briskly after winter rains. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/february daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823316120-V8PYSZOMWVK08JRDTA48/arctostaphylos_franciscana.jpg February - Franciscan manzanita - John Rusk Franciscan manzanita (Arctostaphylos franciscana) is rare and endangered in the wild. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823316121-IEQKEN6J8JSNHXPYAEE8/oxalis_oregana.jpg February - Redwood sorrel - John Rusk Redwood sorrel (Oxalis oregana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823317786-MDR92MP4OOTRQ3OMNC2L/pipevine.jpg February - California pipevine - John Rusk California pipevine, or Dutchman's pipe, (Aristolochia californica) begins to bloom. This plant is the sole food source for larvae of the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823317741-ZMVOZ2E0YRJ9H6U67V9D/primula_clevelandii_insularis.jpg February - Shooting stars - John Rusk Padre's shooting star (Primula clevelandii insularis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823318840-C7UF7IMSI23POKXXKJ20/ribes_sanguineum.jpg February - Pink flowering currant - Charles Olsen Pink flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823319140-6VBN2NBJLLYQ2GDUVI38/ribes_speciosum.jpg February - Fuchsia flowered gooseberry - John Rusk Fuchsia-flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum). These bright red flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823319970-JGNTY6IK2Y7ZEBRIKFT0/scoliopus_bigelovii.jpg February - Slinkpod - John Rusk Slinkpod (Scoliopus bigelovii), or fetid adders tongue, growing among sorrel in the redwood section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823320279-RI5LDQCA4BPXON568MK8/vaccinium_ovatum.jpg February - California huckleberry - John Rusk California huckleberry (Vaccinium ovatum) https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/march daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823753508-Y51Y39Z0UPICVM8UPIQ8/allium_cratericolum.jpg March - Lava onion - John Rusk Lava onion (Allium cratericolum) blooms in the bulb bed near the Juniper Lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823753455-1YL7Z6ZYAG7O9LTBZBVK/berberis_fremontii.jpg March - Fremont's barberry - John Rusk Fremont's barberry (Berberis fremontii) and other barberries bloom throughout the Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823755081-ZPQTLGZSC3Z5FCTZ89ZU/cercis_occidentalis.jpg March - Western redbud - John Rusk Western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) blooms in several locations in the Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823755198-FNYHT8044RC7ZSZPTC4T/cynoglossum_grande.jpg March - Hound's tongue - John Rusk Western hound's tongue (Cynoglossum grande) is reportedly named for the shape of its leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823756798-2HUR617W418VXBMOW4A3/fritillaria_pluriflora.jpg March - Adobe lily - John Rusk Adobe lily (Fritillaria pluriflora) blooms in the bulb bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823756561-TQBIYR5NT3EERZNP75GI/fritillaria_purdyi.jpg March - Purdy's fritillary - John Rusk Prudy's fritillary (Fritillaria purdyi) blooms in the bulb bed near the Juniper Lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823757507-PZMS9B27CP2JM9DXRU3H/linanthus_californicus.jpg March - Prickly phlox - John Rusk Prickly phlox (Linanthus californicus) blooms for many months in the Southern California section https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823758016-DK90NVXU7XCKG9TAH2QW/oemleria_cerasiformis.jpg March - Osoberry - John Rusk Osoberry (oemleria cerasiformis), also called Indian plum. Male and female flowers occur on different plants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823758584-X7JEHPPWYSXQY0UU86EC/ornithostaphylos_oppositifolia.jpg March - Baja birdbush - John Rusk Baja birdbush (Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia) is a member of the heather family, Ericaceae https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823758910-UWR3DLPSX1MC2HY5QV1C/petasites_frigidus_palmatus.jpg March - Coltsfoot - John Rusk Arctic sweet coltsfoot (Petasites frigidus palmatus) blooms in the Shasta-Klamath section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823759647-L6OSZXGP4SUDRXUFM3KK/primula_clevelandii_insularis.jpg March - Shooting stars - John Rusk Island shooting stars (Primula clevelandii insularis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823759821-WGMEHRAH8UEO07NT24LE/prosartes_smithii.jpg March - Fairy bells - John Rusk Largeflower fairybells (Prosartes smithii). Flowers are somewhat hidden under the leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823760534-5TORDMLM64Y8IUK7NB64/pseudotrillium_rivaleao.jpg March - Brook trillium - Anne Olsen Brook trillium (Pseudotrillium rivale) is endemic to the Siskiyou mountains of northern California and southern Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823760716-K4LURNF2A1VPSZUKORDA/quercus_kelloggii.jpg March - Black oak - John Rusk New leaves on the deciduous black oak (Quercus kelloggii) have a beautiful pink appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823763317-HQ4M99QYIATIFFN21FNB/ribessanguineum2.jpg March - Pink flowering currant - Charles Olsen Pink flowering currant (Ribes sanguineum glutinosum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823763774-LKRLTUSHASPZ4EIOCQM3/trillium_chloropetalum.jpg March - Giant wakerobin - John Rusk Giant wakerobin (Trillium chloropetalum) https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/april daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823970417-YU5B6C0NROCIJ9TCR2Y2/ceanothus_impressus.jpg April - Ceanothus - John Rusk Many ceanothus species bloom in the Garden. This is the Santa Barbara ceanothus (Ceanothus impressus). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823970258-SY14N036974FFA8FI7YN/trichostema_lanatumcr2.jpg April - Woolly blue curls - Celia Ronis Woolly blue curls (Trichostema lanatum), a member of the mint family, has highly scented leaves and blooms for several months in the Southern California section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823971326-QP3MMCU6QZIQ3M35G0UZ/rhododendron_macrophyllum.jpg April - Rhododendron - John Rusk California rose bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) blooms in the Redwood section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823971531-WNPQ9Y2WHTLVE9IXC7X0/mimulus_pictusswe.jpg April - Calico monkeyflower - Stephen W Edwards Calico monkeyflower (Mimulus pictus). This tiny monkeyflower blooms in one of the bulb beds near the native meadow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823972424-09Z0ZO026EN1JOWAC08T/maianthemum_stellatum.jpg April - False lily of the valley - John Rusk False starry lily of the valley (Maianthemum stellatum) blooms in areas with a bit of shade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823972894-QX0VSMMDNHZ9DPEMU815/lupinus_sericatus.jpg April - Cobb Hill lupine - John Rusk Cobb Hill lupine (Lupinus sericatus) has striking leaves with large silvery leaflets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823973512-7DV9JDSMM9EJERECRTLQ/iris_douglasiana.jpg April - Iris - John Rusk Douglas iris (Iris douglasiana) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823974617-9G6XY3ULL6OG8TI8H416/fremontodendron_californica_margo.jpg April - Fremontia This flannelbush cultivar (Fremontodendron californicum "Margo") blooms for many months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823974927-XMRNJK0EO4VT01PSQ4CC/erythronium_californicum.jpg April - Fawn lilies - John Rusk California fawn lily (Erythronium californicum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720823975621-JXP1GQG7CWRYVQUEJ43A/erysimum_concinnum.jpg April - Bluff wallflower - John Rusk Bluff wallflower (Erysimum concinnum) blooms in the Sea Bluff section with a wonderful fragrance. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/may daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824058644-QX9F1RVH6VNR6BI1TJRZ/viburnum_ellipticum.jpg May - Western viburnum - John Rusk Western viburnum (Viburnum ellipticum) is a deciduous shrub with clusters of small white flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824058393-IZJDZEWV669S512S325S/staphylea_bolanderira.jpg May - Bladdernut seed pods - Rosie Andrews Sierra bladdernut (Staphylea bolanderi) has beautiful inflated seed pods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824059659-JI1DJUBAJ2W88R9R4ZL7/salvia_clevelandii.jpg May - Cleveland sage - John Rusk Cleveland sage (Salvia clevelandii) blooms for several months in the Southern California/Desert section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824059766-ZAG291QZQ8AKDKPF477W/rhododendron_occidentale.jpg May - Western azalea - John Rusk Western azalea (Rhododendron occidentale) blooms in the Redwood section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824060699-9SZTZJBTI7AQRMB4LBZ7/rhododendron_macrophyllum.jpg May - California rose bay - John Rusk California rose bay (Rhododendron macrophyllum) in the Redwood section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824061247-1PG43LNXKEA7XJ545YLA/physocarpus_capitatus.jpg May - Pacific ninebark - John Rusk Pacific ninebark (Physocarpus capitatus) is named for its shredding bark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824061703-564ZIHX00KPVAJA75HWB/philadelphus_lewisii.jpg May - Mock orange - John Rusk Mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii). Enjoy the fragrant flowers on this shrub in the Shasta-Klamath and Sierra sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824062430-OI0XX2PKP8MFN7HN5RZ4/neviusia_cliftonii.jpg May - Shasta snow wreath - John Rusk Shasta snow wreath (Neviusia cliftonii) is endemic to Shasta County and was not discovered until 1992. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824063301-HG3H92GLVAO0IMQYAAL0/mimulus_guttatus.jpg May - Seep monkeyflower - John Rusk Seep monkeyflower (Mimulus guttatus) blooms along the edge of Wildcat Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824063521-70BA5Y7GI34B94RAG9LL/lewisiajolonswe.jpg May - Bitterroot - Stephen W Edwards Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva) blooms in the bulb bed near the Juniper Lodge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824064337-W3RCKKCK3STMVM3EISAI/lewisia_cotyledon.jpg May - Cliff maids - John Rusk Cliff maids (Lewisia cotyledon) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824064624-P4938FO2ZTDA59M5RXM6/fremontodendron_mexicanum.jpg May - Flannelbush - John Rusk Mexican flannelbush (Fremontodendron mexicanum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824065452-IK6MZOGAGLO21YCA6ZPG/eschscholzia_californica.jpg May - California poppies - John Rusk California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), our state flower, blooms in several areas of the Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824066118-W961SN3WECAP79IFIWX5/dicentra_formosa.jpg May - Bleeding hearts - John Rusk Bleeding hearts (Dicentra formosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824066317-QGKDV1P8IIJFROGHFOS6/dendromecon_hardfordii.jpg May - Channel Islands bush poppy - John Rusk Channel Islands bush poppy (Dendromecon hardfordii) blooms for many months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824067874-3BE42NAE4X9YUUDMI8WJ/carpenteria_californica.jpg May - Bush anemone - John Rusk Bush anemone (Carpenteria californica) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824067724-9PL02DLKRIZMG35KJS1O/calochortus_amabilis.jpg May - Diogenes lantern - John Rusk Diogenes lantern (Calochortus amabilis) in the bulb bed by the Juniper Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824068685-N7E3IDZBTOPL5YD7VM4E/anemopsis_californica.jpg May - Yerba mansa - John Rusk Yerba mansa (Anemopsis californica). Look for it by the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824069079-701V3BJ8J9PVROBX2Q0K/amelanchier_alnifolia.jpg May - Pacific serviceberry - John Rusk Pacific serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia) https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/june daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824176056-MHCK7M37M6MM6NP7T4IO/wyethia_elata.jpg June - Hall's mule ears - John Rusk Hall's mule ears (Wyethia elata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824175913-JJP78G7VQ1YZN1ZMMRQP/sidalcea_setosa.jpg June - Bristly checkerbloom - John Rusk Bristly checkerbloom (Sidalcea setosa) is a member of the mallow family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824177266-40ZRLREAJ1FCNTCSVTZL/rosa_californica.jpg June - California wild rose - John Rusk California wild rose (Rosa californica) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824177432-A7XYZ5MIUGOX1ZTU4VZR/romneya_coulteri.jpg June - Matilija poppy - John Rusk Matilija poppy (Romneya coulteri), sometimes referred to as "fried egg flowers". https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824178171-HWZGVKEYZ1LLJYD4EWGR/opuntia_phaeacantha.jpg June - Mojave prickly pear - John Rusk Mojave prickly pear (Opuntia phaeacantha) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824178332-7T6BUBNP8Y22VK3BWLYH/mimulus_aurantiacus.jpg June - Sticky monkeyflower - Stephen W Edwards Sticky monkeyflower (Mimulus aurantiacus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824179790-RCID5ICLST7UQOKTB9IF/lilium_parvum.jpg June - Alpine lily - John Rusk Alpine lily (Llilium parvum) is native to the subalpine region of the Sierra, growing near streams and meadows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824180064-JDQPWATQF8NBCCIDQQJC/lilium_pardalinum_giganteum.jpg June - Leopard lily - John Rusk Leopard lily (Lilium pardalinum). This variety, called "giganteum" can grow up to 6 ft tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824180859-LJ59R2HMTUJTZCTIJCW9/lepechinia_calycina.jpg June - Pitcher sage - John Rusk Pitcher sage (Lepechinia calycina) is a member of the mint family with a strong scent that some people like, while others find disagreeable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824181024-S0MZD3MDL1Q599AE8I9P/erigeron_glaucus.jpg June - Seaside daisy - John Rusk Seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus) blooms in the Sea Bluff section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824182255-K3SSBIZJDOYM535JTPL1/dichelostemma_ida_mai.jpg June - Firecracker brodiaea - John Rusk Firecracker brodiaea (Dichelostemma ida-maia) is native to northern California and part of Oregon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824182312-4RVSSFJB2IS81LK2XI4P/cypripedium_californicum.jpg June - California lady's slipper - Anne Olsen California lady's slipper orchid (Cypripedium californicum) in the new serpentine slope in the Shasta-Klamath section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824183712-GTZ2VWPBJ7PWV82WL9D9/clarkia_gracilis_albicaulis.jpg June - Clarkias - Ashika Narayan Many species of annual Clarkias bloom throughout the Garden. This is Whitestem Clarkia (Clarkia gracilis albicaulis). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824183602-7C3EN9HAZIWDGX3UFY59/calycanthus_occidentalis.jpg June - Spicebush - John Rusk Spicebush (Calycanthus occidentalis). The flowers, with petals in a spiral arrangement, have a red wine-like scent and are pollinated by beetles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824184581-ZG2FAKFEDWFJ9MJBG1YG/asclepias_speciosa.jpg June - Showy milkweed - John Rusk Showy milkweed (Asclepias speciosa). Milkweeds are an essential food source for Monarch butterfly caterpillars. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/july daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824285430-BTT53PWP2M8HRXPI4MLK/perideridia_kelloggii.jpg July - Yampah - John Rusk Yampah (Perideridia kelloggii) is a host plant for the beautiful Anise Swallowtail butterfly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824285928-2HXBD3553FU25RX8D9JX/oenothera_deltoides_howelii.jpg July - Antioch Dunes evening primrose - John Rusk Antioch Dunes evening primrose (Oenothera deltoides howelii) is rare and endangered and grows only in the Antioch Dunes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824286318-12ORW3ROYMTWWIIJD36U/monardella_macrantha.jpg July - Scarlet coyote mint - John Rusk Scarlet coyote mint (Monardella macrantha) is native to southern California. Difficult to establish, it is currently growing in planters outside the Visitor Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824287000-ELKMIVBOHO23UY7NHO7I/lobelia_cardinalis.jpg July - Cardinal flower - John Rusk Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824287855-M8JPQ043M74FH02DQL12/lilium_pardalinum_giganteum.jpg July - Giant leopard lily - John Rusk Giant leopard lily (Llium pardalinum giganteum) can grow up to 7 feet tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824288164-KAGDRQZC52HTOMKUQW6M/leucothoe_davisiae.jpg July - Sierra laurel - John Rusk Sierra laurel (Leucothoe davisiae) blooms in Shasta-Klamath section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824288919-E3IA69YU4RWWE33KERK3/keckiella_cordifolia.jpg July - Bush penstemon - John Rusk Heartleaf keckiella (Keckiella cordifolia). This bush penstemon is drought tolerant and a great hummingbird plant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824289149-7PRCIRZZXTO3OC7QPQ2O/gentiana_calycosa.jpg July - Explorers gentian - John Rusk Explorers gentian (Gentiana calycosa) blooms in the serpentine slope in the Shasta-Klamath section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824289970-DW7NOAJWNFZ9Z9JBM4W0/epipactis_gigantea.jpg July - Stream orchid - John Rusk Stream orchid (Epipactis gigantea) grows in wet or moist areas throughout the western US. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824290272-PJS9URNN4EEMQPZG9FT3/datura_wrightii.jpg July - Jimson weed - John Rusk Jimsonweed (Datura wrightii), a member of the nightshade family, blooms for several months with huge petunia-like flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824291102-M3P2WD1YFDVRI4KWNEXV/clarkia_williamsonii.jpg July - Clarkia - John Rusk Many Clarkia species continue to bloom around the Garden. This is Foothill Clarkia (Clarkia williamsonii). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824291441-G0XEIOGHLDO08A67HCYR/berberis_aquifolium.jpg July - Oregon grape - John Rusk Berries ripen on the Oregon grape (Berberis aquifolium). Named for the appearance of the berries, this is not related to the edible grape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824292127-MSVMQ4VJYASV0ST22920/aralia_californica.jpg July - Elk Clover - John Rusk Elk clover (Aralia californica) is not a clover, but a member of the Ginseng family that also includes ivy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824292907-3K01ETOTXKHNLQSZPKST/adiantum_aleuticum.jpg July - Five finger fern - John Rusk Five finger fern (Adiantum aleuticum) is winter deciduous. Enjoy it during summer in the Redwood and Shasta-Klamath sections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824293332-VBYEQ2R4GZQB7Z2LCPM9/achillea_millefolium.jpg July - Yarrow This pink variety of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is from the Channel Islands. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/august daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824380635-ESFXMQZYBJ56T8A091CC/solidago_spathulata.jpg August - Dune goldenrod - John Rusk Dune goldenrod (Solidago spathulata) is native to the coastal strand and coastal scrub communities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824380206-QKXI30OD6DF527PW1G0L/oenothera_elata_hookeri.jpg August - Hooker's evening primrose - Stephen Joseph Hooker's evening primrose (Oenothera elata hookeri) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824381180-H8PRCSJ4OQL94SC7MZBV/monardella_villosa_franciscana.jpg August - Coyote mint - Charles Olsen Coyote mint (Monardella villosa) has a mint-like fragrance and is popular with butterflies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824382185-R71E53IQB8ZDERGCECDL/helianthus_californicus.jpg August - California sunflower - John Rusk California sunflower (Helianthus californicus) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824384648-RBPSXWBY47WYB5E5MRED/frangula_californica.jpg August - Coffeeberry - John Rusk California coffeeberry (Frangula californica). The showy berries contain seeds that resemble coffee beans but are not edible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824384465-6T24LBSS2SWI450N6D6D/eriogonum_umbellatum_dumosum.jpg August - Sulfur buckwheat - Charles Olsen Sulfur buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum dumosum) begins to show fall color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824385887-WBPMIMTL0PGV9J564CU5/eriogonum_arborescens.jpg August - Santa Cruz Island buckwheat - Charles Olsen Santa Cruz Island buckwheat (Eriogonum arborescens) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824385948-EF1L8QQI8HVRY55XY9BE/epilobium_septentrionale.jpg August - Humboldt County fuchsia - John Rusk Humboldt County fuchsia (Epilobium septentrionale) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824387103-DK7NUVKXJSP898EAIOMN/datura_wrightii.jpg August - Jimson weed - John Rusk Jimsonweed (Datura wrightii), a member of the nightshade family, blooms for several months with huge petunia-like flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824388154-10MTDE0UK698T15WC2AD/chrysolepis_chrysophylla.jpg August - Chinquapin - John Rusk Chinquapin (Chrysolepis chrysophylla) is noted for its spiny nutlets and gold underside of the leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824388095-HFIV4CO15KIIOC52P40R/cephalanthus_occidentalis.jpg August - Buttonwillow - John Rusk Buttonwillow (Cephalanthus occidentalis) is not a willow, but a member of the coffee family, Rubiaceae. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/september daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824487136-EQNU2R8AB137TEG1FRDE/solidago_spathulata.jpg September - Dune goldenrod - John Rusk Dune goldenrod (Solidago spathulata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824487312-NU5PE7ADL394Y33UBDPT/mentzelia_laevicaulis.jpg September - Blazing star - John Rusk Blazing star (Mentzelia laevicaulis) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824488223-LRLKSPK0QI0GDCUACZXK/heterotheca_sessiliflora_bolanderi.jpg September - Golden aster - Charles Olsen Golden aster (Heterotheca sessiliflora bolanderi) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824488699-85BSUUA82N7QRJ869563/grindelia_stricta_platyphylla.jpg September - Gumplant - Charles Olsen Coastal gumweed (Grindelia stricta platyphylla) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824489422-X3WZOQMQXD5IXOHSNAYX/eriogonum_umbellatum_dumosum.jpg September - Buckwheat - Charles Olsen Sulfur flower buckwheat (Eriogonum umbellatum dumosum) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824489849-0X3SZGMUSSCGI3DG2Q28/epilobium_septentrionale.jpg September - California fuchsia - John Rusk Humboldt County fuchsia (Epilobium septentrionale) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824490714-98S1D4EY9Y18Y5KCP0PQ/comarostaphylis_diversifolia.jpg September - Summer holly - John Rusk Summer holly (Comarostaphylis diversifolia) displays clusters of red berries. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/october daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824615964-5C5B3MY6371D9PISP59I/vitis_rogersred.jpg October - Roger's Red grape - Charles Olsen Roger's Red grape. DNA testing revealed that this grape is a hybrid between the native grape, Vitis californica, and a European wine grape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824615646-XW9KTB1O8RY4ROTY75JS/veratrum_fimbriatum.jpg October - Fringed corn lily - Charles Olsen Fringed corn lily (Veratrum fimbriatum) blooms in the Redwood section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824616930-HK47KPGY9OBHQQ0FI6LQ/toyon.jpg October - Toyon - John Rusk Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) berries begin to turn red. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824617434-JU0QA6PFD6OWOBTPLE7F/solidago_californicadf2.jpg October - California goldenrod - Don Fuller California goldenrod (Solidago velutina californica) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824618100-28QW5777SL8DT7JUT2U8/cornus_sessilis.jpg October - Blackfruit dogwood - John Rusk Blackfruit dogwood (Cornus sessilis) in the Shasta-Klamath section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824618365-4GT8EQZ5MSFDF88DK34M/corethrogyne_filaginifolia.jpg October - Sand aster - Charles Olsen Sand aster (Corethrogyne filaginifolia) blooms in the dune bed. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/november daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824710684-4OWT5YWK6DCH8I9FU50B/usnea_intermedia.jpg November - Beard lichens - John Rusk Bushy beard lichens (Usnea intermedia) are seen on many trees and shrubs throughout the Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824711121-YD0Q7KTZCO07ZBIBKD9D/symphoricarpos_albus_laevigatus.jpg November - Snowberry - John Rusk Snowberry (Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus) is easily recognized by its bright white berries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824712077-YIR7YWTYSD2AL6YSA10K/lichens.jpg November - Lichens on aspen - John Rusk Orange lichen (Xanthoria parietina) stands out against gray aspen trunks in the Sierran section meadow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824712481-V6KY7MQT9L9NMBHA7I90/ericameria_ericoides.jpg November - Goldenbush seed heads - John Rusk Seedheads form on California goldenbush (Ericameria ericoides) in the Sierran section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824713184-0PFSGHMEO1GYQ24USC95/acer_circinatum.jpg November - Vine maple - John Rusk Vine maple (Acer circinatum) in fall color. https://nativeplants.org/about/monthly-plant-guide/december daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824790407-HWGA7INXRCKSJDBC2IE4/xylococcus_bicolor.jpg December - Mission manzanita - John Rusk Mission manzanita (Xylococcus bicolor) is not in the Arctostaphylos genus, but is similar enough to be called a manzanita. Native to southern California and northern Baja. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824790408-P5KWITF7J75YBKXN90HW/mossdf.jpg December - Mosses - Don Fuller Mosses turn bright green with winter rains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824791728-EN61ZJ44QRXB792URIBH/garrya_veatchii.jpg December - Silktassels - John Rusk Canyon silktassel (Garrya veatchii) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824792173-VHZ4KME34PF1RB61YP48/chamaecyparis_lawsoniana.jpg December - Conifers - John Rusk Winter is a great time to enjoy the Garden's many conifers, such as this Port Orford cedar (Chamaecyparis lawsoniana). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720824793529-D4BC4GNBRUPLRYALGCFV/aspenssj.jpg December - Aspens in winter - Stephen Joseph Quaking aspens (Populus tremuloides) are reflected in the pond on winter days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726266200793-ASRCLFEI0BM423ORKBOB/pajaro-manzanita.jpg December - Pajaro manzanita - Sandy Steinman https://nativeplants.org/collections/introduction daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/bf3f5f3f-a503-489c-8abc-d99a8e43ebb4/ManzanitaBerriesSJ.jpg https://nativeplants.org/collections/living-collection daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/dcd9bef7-861d-437b-908a-7cc555f999ad/SeaBluff2SJ.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/fcfd451e-3865-4f8f-88a9-99d8720bcd23/YerbaMansaSJ.jpg https://nativeplants.org/collections/accessions daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1717694468759-2VM28ALKJN4P8AP5TJJN/KinnikinnickAO.jpg https://nativeplants.org/collections/conservation daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1717694469155-8FFZMRWH6KBSENAB4RRE/Oenothera_deltoides_howelii.jpg https://nativeplants.org/publications/manzanita-quarterly/calochortus-photos daily 0.75 2024-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076913143-UZYK0F0QOBJ95KCCVOKJ/calochortus_vestae-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus vestae Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076913057-ECVDCM4MNSNKKTQGRSH3/calochortus_vestae-dsc_2973-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus vestae Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076914221-FYI5ERP9WEWJSHG310JP/calochortus_vestae_mendocinoco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus vestae Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076914739-FH7H99NLALHGR67I6HW1/calochortus_vestae_glennco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus vestae Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076915452-KG5HVS5BXV3UC7DJQVV0/calochortus_venustus_sanbenitoco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus venustus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076916016-T6PT5EG5602QGUXOYO5W/calochortus_venustus_sanbenitoco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus venustus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076916847-YNNFICQHLPWOVE905DQ3/calochortus_uniflorus_lakeco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus uniflorus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076917313-B7OY3IONH3H8HXF0PAXC/calochortus_uniflorus_jacksoncooregon.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus uniflorus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076918069-LEPKUZ5FQCWFC0DKC4YG/calochortus_umbellatus-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus umbellatus Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076918455-1WW2ZWKQVK7LT5U12YWW/calochortus_umbellatus_marinco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus umbellatus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076919854-WLAR9Q545EO1J7KYU67R/calochortus_umbellatus_marinco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus umbellatus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076923027-8KZB9VO135YMTZ7T4F5L/calochortus_tolmiei-san-mateo-county-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tolmiei Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076923094-U0CZMRF579AFSZI1SR7D/calochortus_tolmiei-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tolmiei Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076924558-8ITVTV112FDIBLM7HRV6/calochortus_tolmiei-dsc_2777-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tolmiei Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076925147-9OF1YNLDBPJYCLXZ8XNC/calochortus_tolmiei_sonomaco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tolmiei Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076926091-2HDM8P530E1G1XLVZDSN/calochortus_tolmiei_sanmateoco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tolmiei Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076926363-247JOPVO9ULCHTQZSJGN/calochortus_tiburonensis-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tiburonensis Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076927843-VEI3ZH2F35D17SE7K2DA/calochortus_tiburonensis_marinco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tiburonensis Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076928286-YPN75QKZ30RSYK8WXMZG/calochortus_tiburonensis_marinco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus tiburonensis Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076929322-P31K9HSANSW2GADPWLOF/calochortus_splendens_venturaco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus splendens Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076929684-KS1S610HGJ3Y8M63KZQR/calochortus_splendens_santabarbaraco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus splendens Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076930591-GKCET8MAXRFXH84QS49U/calochortus_pulchellus_contracostaco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus pulchellus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076931364-9SOW4K2W84EYBYY4CWLQ/calochortus_pulchellus_contracostaco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus pulchellus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076931816-YXS75PP5JISLHUZKFKLB/calochortus_luteus_sanmateoco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus luteus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076932712-3CFY0XFL85FBRUB8O4RP/calochortus_luteus_marinco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus luteus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076933161-C80ZZ9AQG3WWSP8S2JNF/calochortus_davidsonianus_glennco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus davidsonianus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076934057-U3ETBIQJ87B9E81657SB/calochortus_davidsonianus_glennco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus davidsonianus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076934526-GTU4PVF085Z30KESM2AL/calochortus_argillosus_sanmateoco2.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus argillosus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076935482-X5Q3COKC23Y205OAXKXT/calochortus_argillosus_sanmateoco.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus argillosus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076935786-V0YDFQ77R49D0CZI9U77/calochortus_argillosus_edgewood-park-san-mateo-county-mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus argillosus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076936629-N1HHTPVSI99NS0NL8BXQ/calochortus_amabilis_mg.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus amabilis Mary Gerritsen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076937197-CWFCCE9NSTLE91C94R7J/calochortus_amabilis_lakeco-sm.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus amabilis Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076938241-YQMJ2M4RRRK2PPB8G6B2/calochortus_albus_sanmateoco2-sm.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus albus Ron Parsons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721076939375-RKI7H6I1UMQ6SDZARSDA/calochortus_albus_sanmateoco-sm.jpg Calochortus Photos - Calochortus albus Ron Parsons https://nativeplants.org/publications/manzanita-quarterly/superbloom-photos daily 0.75 2024-07-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077037465-X9RBLIINZ04S0A6W9U68/wh-nemophila-spatulata-sierra-baby-blue-eyes.jpg Superbloom Photos - Nemophila spatulata Wen Hsu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077037310-OWHYI3VA3EB9A76MJZ2K/wg-20170401_122722.jpg Superbloom Photos - Padrone Canyon Road Wendy Gollop & Alan Bade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077039394-RDDDX22HCB8RFTBGLQ1L/vs-2017_05_06_5268c.jpg Superbloom Photos - Rhododendron macrophyllum Vernon Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077039508-HZVCZRJ4P6Y5QOAQRTAG/vs-2017_04_30_4738c.jpg Superbloom Photos - Calochortus luteus Vernon Smith https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077040491-842JL6KOHIGIU4AW46LI/ss-calochortus-albus.jpg Superbloom Photos - Calochortus albus Sandy Steinman https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077040928-UWUTLY3GN9UWK9HSA7WD/rd-05-_mg_2068.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range, Carrizo Plain Richard Dickey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077041888-T2OENMYW69C22DHGFJRH/rd-01-01_mg_2119.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range, Carrizo Plain Richard Dickey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077042160-5A9DJSRADUNPJTY1SU7F/raindrops-on-flowers-of-clarkia-acrobat-from-table-mountain.jpg Superbloom Photos - Clarkia arcuata, Table Mountain Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077044282-6LBT8MMMPGQ8M3C2Q4TE/ra-ithuriels-spear-and-tidy-tips.jpg Superbloom Photos - Triteleia laxa and Layia glandulosa Rosie Andrews https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077043849-9MBBOYUXJ3KF8NVYZCRE/ra-carrizo-plain-from-caliente-ridge.jpg Superbloom Photos - Carrizo Plain from Caliente Ridge Rosie Andrews https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077045339-C84RZ34UA20K7V1JRYJO/ra-canterbury-bells-phacelia-campanularia.jpg Superbloom Photos - Phacelia campanularia Rosie Andrews https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077046262-R5Q2S6RN08IR0O0GSWRE/pv-06-33955387642_8d07444cd5_o.jpg Superbloom Photos - Caliente Range Pete Veilleux https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077047170-6JOLV18Y2ZSTXXDA5P6Y/pv-05-33423577530_ed606c1881_o.jpg Superbloom Photos - Caliente Range Pete Veilleux https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077047901-DKDE9CAJN5XQUWPFW4J6/pv-03-33687260262_c665f1e82c_o.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range Pete Veilleux https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077048570-VT18PY9OB2DFQSB3DN0B/pv-02-33270071934_156c5b87ac_o.jpg Superbloom Photos - Caliente Range Pete Veilleux https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077048970-UNIQ0LHCBO5DC98ZFEZB/ke-tidy-tips.jpg Superbloom Photos - Layia platyglossa, Carrizo Plain Katie Eskridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077049865-AN5QR5HYD5PDHDE7F48E/ke-seaside-woolly-sunflower-at-sunset.jpg Superbloom Photos - Eriophyllum staechadifolium Katie Eskridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077050159-PCVOHHTPRIB9VOW2M5FD/ke-sea-side-daisy.jpg Superbloom Photos - Erigeron glaucus Katie Eskridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077050918-TAPM1Q04KBU9GBW6Y41F/ds2-1-dscn9930.jpg Superbloom Photos - Iris chrysophylla David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077051147-19QZU23NEVJ5GPXMI2V2/ds2-1-dscn7647.jpg Superbloom Photos - Lasthenia californica near Carrizo Plain David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077051973-EJFUGH27VINFV2906QXS/ds2-1-069-dscn9468.jpg Superbloom Photos - Calypso bulbosa David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077052098-N32RS88IJ08U91WP8RVB/ds1-05-p1240520-002.jpg Superbloom Photos - Erythronium tuolumnense Dee Shea Himes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077053183-7CT7ZSYPM3GDLMX5TL0B/ds1-04-dsh-c-striatus-cropped.jpg Superbloom Photos - Calochortus striatus Dee Shea Himes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077053965-I51C3C6W9J4WFNRQNXTW/dn-d-neubauer_temblors3.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range, San Luis Obispo County Dylan Neubauer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077054295-CN3JHFQ6WR7P5WWP8NTV/dn-d-neubauer_temblors2.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range, San Luis Obispo County Dylan Neubauer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077055455-QXERSWEXQFY4X1L578QD/dn-d-neubauer_temblors1.jpg Superbloom Photos - Temblor Range, San Luis Obispo County Dylan Neubauer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077055836-ULPBE5FGOAVJWOJKRJZQ/df-oenothera.jpg Superbloom Photos - Oenothera deltoides Dianne Fristrom https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077056725-NNEDIA6ULAN84XGFP97E/cp-botgardencontest3.jpg Superbloom Photos - Pedicularis densiflora Cynthia Powell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077056811-4UNWL93PEOURTYCJM7G1/cp-botgardencontest2.jpg Superbloom Photos - Hosackia gracilis Cynthia Powell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077057811-22JL2JPBOWSVJ7UWJZM4/calochortus-albus-on-table-mountain.jpg Superbloom Photos - Calochortus albus, Table Mountain Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077058570-NUJU2THPZGLK0NHTLNVD/as-08-another-table-mountain.jpg Superbloom Photos - Table Mountain, Oroville Alicia Springer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077059372-27I361JC74UZRRVHHZA3/as-03-picture-3.jpg Superbloom Photos - Anza Borrego Alicia Springer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077059744-RZKA8ULRB43RC71YKG5N/as-02-picture-2.jpg Superbloom Photos - Table Mountain, Oroville Alicia Springer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077060752-I7375Q0TSGZ6DR1B5DG2/as-01-spring-bloom.jpg Superbloom Photos - Caliente Ridge, Carrizo Plain Alicia Springer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077061611-S0UMX4OT9ZM4WEMELBWC/ar-audreys-backyard.jpg Superbloom Photos - Audrey's Backyard Audrey Rust https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077061859-QP2PE2MITSQ2C1HZ6HEH/allium-serra-or-pink-onion.jpg Superbloom Photos - Allium serra, Mt. Diablo Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077062713-F0NKB3U7R542PE9W7PCG/ak2-13-malacothrix-coulteri-etc.jpg Superbloom Photos - Malacothrix coulteri Allison Kidder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077063072-XYMAM81Y3TVVQP5N9OE1/ak2-03-caulanthus-anceps-closeup.jpg Superbloom Photos - Caulanthus anceps Allison Kidder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077064794-URRWCQTWUZL7GFGREZNP/ak2-02-across-soda-lake-to-temblor-range.jpg Superbloom Photos - Carrizo Plain Allison Kidder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077065219-EE8OUFYT3L5IEMAEE1K0/ak2-01-carrizo-plain.jpg Superbloom Photos - Carrizo Plain Allison Kidder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077066079-E7SVEG5I72WTNJFBHAYN/ac-presidio-clarkia.jpg Superbloom Photos - Clarkia franciscana Arlyn Christopherson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077066657-2YJ36M0B4ZIERQ8LL6J3/ac-monolopia-lanceolata.jpg Superbloom Photos - Carrizo Plain Arlyn Christopherson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721077067994-4H8Q8EBC2C5TVD1UH61X/ac-aquilegia-formosa-mount-diablo.jpg Superbloom Photos - Aquilegia formosa Arlyn Christopherson https://nativeplants.org/southern-california daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067142262-2SZ9MEOP0AGNLCQV9RZT/0-collage-04yr.jpg Southern California - Salvia apiana - White Sage Evergreen perennial shrub that reaches 4.3 to 4.9 ft tall and 4.3 ft wide. Whitish evergreen leaves have oils and resins that release a strong aroma when rubbed. Flowers are white to pale lavender. Requires well-drained dry soil, full sun, and little water. The seed is a main ingredient of pinole, a staple food for Pacific indigenous peoples. Leaves burned by many native American tribes, with the smoke used in different purification rituals. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067142262-W7MM07NCATW7YZM1377B/0-collage-03yr.jpg Southern California - Yucca baccata - Fleshy fruited Yucca Evergreen, spring flowering. Fleshy, succulent, edible fruit is a traditional food of the Apache and Navajo. Fruits often picked before maturity and ripened off the plant to keep wildlife from eating them before they could be harvested. Blue-green leaf blades 12– 40 in long can be woven into baskets, used to make brushes, or with the fleshy leaf tissue removed the remaining stiff fibers can be made into a combination needle and thread. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia (Stan Shebs); Detail - Wikimedia (Stan Shebs). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067147946-ER2WBBY5DUVOQP8YJ9TG/0-collage-02yr.jpg Southern California - Ephedra californica - California Mormon Tea Spindly gymnosperm shrub. Bark is gray-brown, irregularly fissured, and cracked. Grows 0.82–3.28 feet in height, with a similar spread. Tiny leaves grow at nodes on the twigs and dry in drought, to crumble away to leave brownish ridges there. Male plants produce clumps of pollen cones at the nodes, and female plants produce egg-shaped seed cones each about 0.4 in long. Native peoples use it as a medicinal plant, culinary ingredient, and for making tools. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067147472-4VR8LE0XT0484MHLIOZF/0-collage-01yr.jpg Southern California - Nolina interrata - Dehesa Nolina State-endangered species. Produces a branching stem, part of which grows underground, lined with rosettes of stiff, waxy, blue-green leaves, up to 45 per rosette. Leaves are thick and somewhat fleshy at the bases, and shreddy and serrated along the edges. Erect inflorescence may be up to 5 feet tall, bearing branches lined with tiny flowers each with six whitish tepals. Fruit is a papery capsule containing reddish brown seeds about 0.2 in wide. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067198691-521DB38I4MJJEN9V3N83/0-collage-14sp.jpg Southern California - Mahonia nevinii - San Fernando Barberry An evergreen shrub/small tree that grows slowly to 5 feet. Produces fragrant yellow flower spikes, 2-in long from Mar.-Apr. This is followed by hundreds of edible red berries. Its foliage is kind of a blue-gray-green with brown-red stems and yellow 0.1-in spines on the leaf margins. It likes full sun to part shade. It is very drought tolerant. Deer proof in most sites. It is a favorite of western bluebirds. It tolerates sand, high traffic (people walking on it), and deer. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067198002-PNXBHH6WUJ075PLUWPYR/0-collage-13sp.jpg Southern California - Styrax officinalis - Snowdrop Bush A 4-6 foot slow growing, deciduous shrub that produces an abundance of fragrant waxy white blossoms, is readily propagated, long-lived, and tolerant of a wide range of conditions from full sun to bright shade and of drought or regular water. The most common dispersal mechanism seems to involve the seed either rolling downhill or floating downstream. The species epithet, redivivus, presumably refers to its ability to spring back to life after fire or severe pruning. The base of the plant forms a swollen growth from which it re-sprouts. Bees and butterflies feed on the flower nectar. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz.; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067205836-CHXJXNCI2EFPPJQQLFDF/0-collage-12sp.jpg Southern California - Agave shawii - Shaw Agave Very rare and critically endangered. A very slow-growing, small-to-medium sized agave, with green ovate leaves 8 - 20 in long and 3 – 8 in wide, and a variable pattern of marginal teeth. When it blooms at the end of its life, the large, clubby inflorescence forms a panicle 6.5 - 15 feet in height, whose 8 - 14 lateral umbels are subtended by large purple bracts. Each umbel consists of a mass of yellowish or reddish flowers. It generally flowers February to May, and as typical for agaves, the rosette dies thereafter. This agave species is frost tender, with damage starting at 23°F and becoming extensive at 17.6°F. Plants enjoy a sandy loam soil that has good drainage. Roots very rapidly respond to rain and dry plants have been documented to start growing feeder (rain) roots within 3 hours after exposure to the rain. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067206602-NY9LU934S4LGBP67BCF6/0-collage-11sp.jpg Southern California - Salvia spathacea - Hummingbird Sage A low growing semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial sage with woody bases and a somewhat sprawling habit with upright flowering stems. 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading slowly by underground rhizomes to about 4 feet. Slightly sticky to the touch with pleasingly aromatic arrow-shaped light green leaves that can grow to 6 inches long and are wrinkled on top and hairy beneath. The deep rose-pink flowers grow in large pagoda-like whorls on 30-inch tall flower stalks from late winter into summer. Likes full sun to partial shade; once established, needs little water. An extremely tough plant that can go dormant in summer. Useful in dry shade. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067250233-3SOWX1RGJXT1EKB5WT43/0-collage-24su.jpg Southern California - Salvia chionopeplica - Baja Sage Evergreen shrub 3 feet tall and 5 feet across with large, intense blue-violet flowers from spring to fall. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established, avoid overhead watering. Can only be grown in hot and sunny conditions. Hardy to 30ºF. Native to Baja California. The name chionopeplica suggests a white tunic or robe, as the whole plant is covered with short, white hairs. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067250058-WYORBS3JIDBKK5H7DLP3/0-collage-23su.jpg Southern California - Chilopsis linearis - Desert Willow Large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to a maximum height of 15 feet. Willow-like, long, narrow leaves. Penstemon-like, fragrant, pink to lavender flowers. Likes moderate water and sun. The leaf tips will freeze in cold winter. Plant and stems look dead when dormant. Hummingbirds are attracted to it. Tolerates alkaline soil, sand, clay, and seasonal flooding. Photo credits: Plant -John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067257840-0NVINLI6MGRJ2SQ8J259/0-collage-22su.jpg Southern California - Trichostema lanatum - Woolly Blue Curls Small (3 – 4 ft.) many-branched evergreen shrub or sub-shrub. Narrow, pointed aromatic green leaves. Smooth-petaled blue flowers are borne in dense clusters, with the stem and calyces covered in woolly hairs of blue, pink, or white. Needs good drainage. Spanish explorers in California called the plant romero, the Spanish term for rosemary. Attracts hummingbirds and bumblebees. Native Americans use it for a variety of medicinal and other purposes. It makes a flavorful tea. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067257927-3O6R0B558UXQJB4W49T8/0-collage-21su.jpg Southern California - Lilium humboldtii - Humboldt's Lily Named after naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt. Grows up to 6-8 ft tall, with flowers that are maroon-spotted, golden-orange with dark red splotches, with orange to brown stamens. Flowers are on stout stems, which are sometimes brown-purple. Deep growing, large sub-rhizomatous bulb with yellowish-white scales. Leaves grow in whorls, and are undulate, shiny, and oblanceolate. Summer-deciduous. Prefers dry summer dormancy, with no water after blooming, good drainage, and part shade. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067281661-O3LOJXQG1B8DP9XQG4Z6/0-collage-34fa.jpg Southern California - Chamaebatia australis - Southern Mountain Misery Aromatic evergreen shrub. Very dark bark. Two-pinnate leaves. Each leaf is a gland-dotted frond of 1 to 3 inches long, which exude a sticky, colorless liquid resin giving off a strong medicinal scent. This resin would stick to the wool of grazing sheep, making it unusable; hence the common name. Flowers are rose-like with small rounded white petals and yellow centers filled with many stamens. Fruit is a leathery achene. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067282085-IEBK7DNET6769O501F55/0-collage-33fa.jpg Southern California - Opuntia littoralis - Salmon Flowered Prickly Pear Short stemmed, grows close to the ground. Littoral means pertaining to the seashore. Grows in dense clumps spreading several yards wide and up to three feet tall. Branches are made up of oval-shaped flat segments up to 8.7 in long. Covered in clusters of yellowish spines 0.8-1.6 in long. Pale yellow to dull red flowers. Edible fruit is purplish red and up to 2.0 in long. Important wildlife plant. Invades disturbed soil. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067288579-O32OLREKMPK8YY344FZB/0-collage-32fa.jpg Southern California - Cheilanthes covillei - Coville's Lip Fern Myriopteris covillei, formerly known as Cheilanthes covillei, a species of lip fern that grows in rocky crevices in the mountains and foothills. Green leaves which may be up to 4-pinnate (made up of leaflets that subdivide 3 times) such that the leaflets are layered with overlapping rounded segments. Leaves have a bumpy, cobbled look. Undersides of the leaves have scales which are lengthened outgrowths of the epidermis. Tucked under the scales are the sporangia, which make the spores. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067290520-BOFC9HAGPZ2MMNFG0B37/0-collage-31fa.jpg Southern California - Artemisia tridentata - Great Basin Sagebrush Evergreen shrub with silver/gray foliage which grows in arid and semi-arid conditions, 4 feet tall, and wide with a deep taproot 3-13 feet in length. Needs full sun. Very drought tolerant, needs good drainage. Strong pungent fragrance due to the presence of camphor, terpenoids, and other volatile oils. Edible, nitrogen fixing seeds. The Cahuilla gather large quantities of sagebrush seed and grind it to make flour. Small yellow flowers in long, loosely arranged tubular clusters. Edible fruit. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Theodore Payne; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067300045-SCXOQWXVKQNJLPML518O/0-collage-44wi.jpg Southern California - Cylindropuntia munzii - Munz's Cholla Formerly opuntia munzii. Spiny trees or treelike shrubs, with trunk(s) and main branches spreading, bearing terminal tufts of usually drooping branchlets, 6.5-13 feet overall. Stem segments easily detached, gray-green, 1.5-6 in long and 0.5-1 in wide. Pale reddish maroon-brown, elliptical flowers. Fruits easily detached. Seeds pale yellow, rounded-deltoid, slightly flattened, 0.1-0.2 in long and 0.1-0.15 in wide. Relatively uncommon species with disjunct occurrences in Baja California, and Arizona. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067302007-4CN9Z4TY0VOOM9TQBMFY/0-collage-43wi.jpg Southern California - Arctostaphylos rainbowensis - Rainbow Manzanita Named for the community of Rainbow, California, near where it is most common in the chaparral of the lower elevation coastal Santa Ana Mountains. Erect shrub reaching a bush-like 3.3 feet to a tree-like 13 feet in height. Reddish brown, smooth bark. Oval leaves up to 2 in long and 1.4 in wide. Leaves are hairless and somewhat waxy in texture. Flowers hang in clusters of white urn-shaped flowers each about 0.2 to 0.3 inches long. Fruit is about a 0.4 in wide and ripens to a dark purple-brown. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067306435-KKORIIO2V88LXZ9SJKGQ/0-collage-42wi.jpg Southern California - Yucca brevifolia - Jaeger's Joshua Tree Evergreen leaves are dark green, linear, bayonet-shaped, 6–14 in long and 0.25-0.5 in broad at the base, tapering to a sharp point; leaf margins are white and serrate. Deep and extensive root system, with roots reaching up to 36 ft. Some specimens survive a thousand years. Grows to a maximum height of 50 feet. Creamy white to green flowers. Needs a winter freeze before they bloom. Pollinated by the yucca moth. The extinct giant Shasta ground sloth (Nothrotheriops shastensis) might have been key to the tree's dispersal. Photo credits: Plant - Wikimedia Commons; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067309009-M3WEIPD867AV2IGMTCDI/0-collage-41wi.jpg Southern California - Washingtonia filifera - California Fan Palm Only palm native to the Western U.S. Grows to 49–66 ft tall by 10–20 ft broad. The specific epithet filifera means thread-bearing. Fronds are up to 13 ft long, made up of a petiole up to 6.6 ft long, bearing a fan of leaflets 4.9–6.6 ft long. Dead fronds remain attached and drop down to cloak the trunk in a wide skirt. Native Americans eat the fruit raw, cooked, or ground into flour for cakes. The Cahuilla use the leaves to make sandals, thatch roofs, and baskets. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/about/plant-table daily 0.75 2026-03-11 https://nativeplants.org/valley-foothill daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070337709-OAZRLEISKK2C249XLLRR/1-collage-04yr.jpg Valley-Foothill - Juniperus californica - California Juniper Evergreen shrub or tree, 10 to 40 feet in height and 10 to 40 feet in width with scale-like medium to light green leaves. Produces a small (0.25 - 0.50 inches) cone, fruiting in fall or winter which attracts wildlife. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. Drought tolerant. Thrives in clay, loam, or sand. Dioecious, but a very small percentage may be monoecious. Fruits have medicinal uses and are used to flavor gin. Photo credits: Plant - Glenn Keator; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070337840-53WVMRU65D4Z7O4EGMRR/1-collage-03yr.jpg Valley-Foothill - Arctostaphylos auriculata - Mt. Diablo Manzanita This rare and delightful manzanita is an endangered species of Arctostaphylos, limited to the rocky slopes of Mount Diablo. This woody shrub grows slowly and densely to 5 or 6 feet tall and at least as wide with smallish, fuzzy, grey leaves densely covering the branches over mahogany-red trunks. Late winter brings flowers ranging from pink to white. Fruit is hairy and small (0.5 inches). Needs full sun. Provide excellent drainage and little to no irrigation once established. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070340979-O2II03QSV020K273EYTC/1-collage-02yr.jpg Valley-Foothill - Quercus chrysolepis - Canyon Live Oak Evergreen oak growing 70 feet high and 30 feet wide. Leaves are a glossy dark green on the upper surface with obvious spines. Produces medium sized (0.50 - 1.50 inches) acorns in fall or winter. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. Drought tolerant. Native Americans use the acorns as a food staple, after leaching of the tannins. After forest fires, Canyon live oak regenerates vigorously by basal sprouting. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070341000-EI0ICLIFTMRKSKKJM7P6/1-collage-01yr.jpg Valley-Foothill - Hesperocyparis sargentii - Sargent Cypress One of the most widespread of the California cypresses. Leaves are scale-like, dark green, and evergreen. Produces small to medium (0.25 - 1.5 inch) cones. Grows 30 to 60 feet in height. On Carson Ridge in Marin County, as well as Hood Mountain in Sonoma County, the species comprise a pygmy forest of trees which do not attain heights greater than 8-12 feet due to high serpentine concentrations in the soil. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070363844-NY8QMUYUWPW8SMUVD5Q4/1-collage-14sp.jpg Valley-Foothill - Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum - Meadow Rue A perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family) that grows to a maximum of 7 feet in height, with attractive, graceful, fern-like foliage. Leaves unfold from purplish shoots and are divided into ternate (consisting of three leaflets or other parts) segments which are re-divided and at maturity resemble columbine leaves. Thrives in shady moist places. Foliage usually dies back by summer in dry sites. The tiny, green flowers with dangling stamens (on male plants) are showy only at close range. Deer Resistant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070364143-CJ215P2KQUY1VMB7GSG9/1-collage-13sp.jpg Valley-Foothill - Allium unifolium - Pink flowered Onion Usually has 2-3 flat leaves up to 10 in long. Bulbs are solitary, egg-shaped, up to 3/4 in long, often formed at the end of rhizomes spreading out from the parent plant. Scapes (a long, leafless flower stalk arising from a root) are round in cross-section, up to 20 in tall. Flowers are up to 0.6 in across; tepals usually pink but occasionally white; anthers yellow or purple. Young foliage is delicious. Caution: Do not dig up the bulbs in the wild, but rather purchase them and plant them in the ground in autumn. Can be invasive. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070366528-DA1V4G9T6KIFC6OKMIMX/1-collage-12sp.jpg Valley-Foothill - Erythronium helenae - Saint Helena Fawn lily Named for the local peak Mount Saint Helena, where Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties meet. Grows from a bulb 1-2 in wide and produces two wide leaves up to 7 in long which are green and mottled with brown or white. Produces erect stalks up to 12 in tall, each bearing one to three flowers. Flower has white tepals with yellowish bases 1-1.5 in long. Tepals develop pink or purple streaks or mottling as they age. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070366804-UASSL3Y7SPGZ279GPCRZ/1-collage-11sp.jpg Valley-Foothill - Salvia sonomensis - Creeping Sage Evergreen mat-forming perennial sage that can spread to 10 feet across. Flowers vary from white to blue, lilac, and purple, appearing in a 6-inch spike above fragrant, gray-green leaves that lie about one inch above ground. Leaves are hairy: the upper surface with minute hairs and the lower surface so densely covered with recurved hairs that it looks white. Tolerates clay and serpentine soils. Sensitive to heat and direct sun; leaf drop is an indication of too much sun or heat or inadequate moisture. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070381462-2LI6KOX00JH8O7S5IHOF/1-collage-24su.jpg Valley-Foothill - Heteromeles arbutifolia - Toyon Beautiful and easy to grow evergreen shrub to small tree. Resplendent display of red berries in winter. Berries provide food for local Native American tribes, such as the Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam. Likes sun or part shade and can handle a wide variety of soils. Tolerates a fair amount of summer water, up to once per week if the drainage is good. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070380694-K6X4RX3LZWYN2R0CD20U/1-collage-23su.jpg Valley-Foothill - Wyethia helenoides - Mule Ears Short (max height 2.3 ft), low growing, perennial, golden-rayed wildflower, that resembles sunflowers. Named by Nathaniel J. Wyeth, US inventor, entrepreneur, and explorer, 1802–1856. He led expeditions along what would later become known as the Oregon Trail founding Fort Hall in present-day Idaho and Fort William in present-day Portland, Oregon. The Fort Hall site is considered the most important trading post in the Snake River Valley through the 1860s. More than 270,000 emigrants reached it while traveling the Oregon Trail. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070382056-L7HK8HN6J5ZLRGE8KVIN/1-collage-22su.jpg Valley-Foothill - Rhododendron occidentale - Western Azalea One of two deciduous Rhododendron species native to western North America. Shrub growing to 16 feet tall. Leaves are deciduous, 1-3.5 in long and 0.5-1 in broad. Flowers are 1.4-2 in diameter, with five lobes on the corolla; color varies from white to pink, often with a yellow blotch. Prefers both more moisture and more sunlight than Rhododendron macrophyllum, an evergreen rhododendron with a similar range. Rhododendron occidentale was described by explorers in western North America in the nineteenth century. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070383214-GDGRPIOJ3P2ROYO0HP50/1-collage-21su.jpg Valley-Foothill - Oenothera deltoides var. howellii - Antioch Dunes Evening primrose Endangered perennial plant restricted to the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, the last remnant of an isolated nine-kilometer stretch of sand dune habitat. Formed in 1980 to prevent extinction of this plant, as well as Lange's metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo langei) and the Contra Costa wallflower (Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum). The first national wildlife refuge in the U.S. formed to protect endangered plants and insects. Its white flowers bloom for only one night. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070401672-3627DXN599IU2KFKY57G/1-collage-34fa.jpg Valley-Foothill - Eriogonum nudum var. psychicola - Antioch Dunes buckwheat Rare perennial herb growing to maximum height of 1.5 to 6.5 feet producing cream, pink, or white flowers, currently known only from the Antioch sand dunes area in northern Contra Costa County, California. The extent and quality of these sand dunes have been reduced from historic levels as a result of industrialization and sand mining. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070402174-T8LNX7ADDRP9C22IMLSY/1-collage-33fa.jpg Valley-Foothill - Apocynum cannabinum - Indian Hemp All parts of the plant are poisonous to animals and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested. Perennial growing 3.3-6.5 feet tall. Smooth-edged leaves are hairy beneath, turn yellow in fall, and grow on opposite sides of stems. Greenish-white flowers develop into two long pods that contain many seeds with tufts of silky white hairs at one end. Reddish stems contain a milky latex that may cause skin blisters. Source of fiber for Native Americans to make bows, nets, fishing lines, and clothing. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070402958-16FU76BDSUUYD29GP2CG/1-collage-32fa.jpg Valley-Foothill - Vaccinium ovatum - Coast Huckleberry Evergreen shrub reaching 1.5 to 15 feet in height. It also grows in pygmy forests of California where it commonly assumes a dwarfed, nearly herb-like growth form. Forms dense thickets which may serve as hiding, resting, or nesting sites for many birds and mammals. Fruit is sweet, delicious, and eaten by a wide variety of birds and mammals. Important food for grizzly bears. Traditionally in use by many native peoples of the West Coast. The Capella Indians reportedly travel up to 20 or 30 miles annually to harvest the fruit. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070404189-APBEP0YR0PZI5PXHH9TI/1-collage-31fa.jpg Valley-Foothill - Physocarpus capitatus - Ninebark Dense deciduous shrub growing to 2.5-8 feet tall. Its name derives from the bark appearance, which is flaky and peels in many layers. Maple-like lobed leaves 3-5.5 in long and broad, and ball-like clusters of small white flowers with five petals and numerous red-tipped stamens. Fruit is an inflated glossy red pod which turns dry and brown and then splits open to release seeds. Leaves change color in fall before dropping. Extensive root system is useful for retaining soil on slopes. When copiced, new stems make good arrow shafts. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - Wikimedia Commons; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070418471-S681NR6K3KNQPRXTXH5N/1-collage-44wi.jpg Valley-Foothill - Cercis occidentalis - Western Redbud Deciduous native shrub or small tree. Tolerates dry conditions, but exhibits more vigorous, lush growth with regular deep watering. Blooms best in full sun. Rounded heart-shaped leaves are blue green, gray green or medium green, red, gold or multicolored. Small flowers are showy and purple. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower). Fruit is a large (1.5 - 3 inches), prolific, brown or purple pod. Grows to 10 – 20 feet in height and 10 – 20 feet in width. Attracts birds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070418437-B3WKG4QYJKRJNPVWJTXJ/1-collage-43wi.jpg Valley-Foothill - Berberis pinnata - California Barberry Dark-green bush that resembles holly with its serrated leaves but bears round purple fruits that look like small grapes. Found from Oregon to Baja on coastal mountain slopes, most often as part of a woodland plant community. Fruits are not true grapes, but they are edible, if a bit sour and packed with seeds. They have been used to produce purple dye. Songbirds eat the fruits. Medicinal uses of the plant include an edible bark preparation as treatment for fever, rheumatism, and dysentery. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070420484-E3ZM59ALTS1R3KS9HN3L/1-collage-42wi.jpg Valley-Foothill - Arctostaphylos pallida - Alameda Manzanita Federally listed threatened species. Upright shrub endemic to the eastern San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. Grows to around 6–13 feet in height. Branches are reddish or grayish with twigs that tend to be bristly. Ovate to triangular leaves are bristly, strongly overlapping, and clasping. Dense, white, urn-shaped flowers are 0.2 to 0.3-inches long. Primary threats are the effects of fire suppression, shading and competition from native plants, introduced and invasive species, and phytophthora fungii. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070423652-YZWH1QQQU0XNRIWWVCCA/1-collage-41wi.jpg Valley-Foothill - Dirca occidentalis - Western Leatherwood The western leatherwood is one of the rarest shrubs in California, found only in moist, shady areas of the SF Bay Area from Bodega Bay in the north down to near Santa Cruz in the south and east only to Walnut Creek. The lovely yellow flowers come from a combined flower/leaf bud and dangle their long stamens as early as January. Pale green leaves follow and remain until Fall. You are lucky to see one in the East Bay parks. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/santa-lucia daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070867455-MDXQ16UJGPN4ES3Z912E/2-collage-04yr.jpg Santa Lucia - Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum - Hearst Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum is a low-growing species from old ocean beaches and bluffs near Arroyo de la Cruz Creek north of San Simeon, California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070867050-HV05X2CA450EIZYJMXQM/2-collage-03yr.jpg Santa Lucia - Hesperocyparis goveniana ssp. goveniana - Gowen's Cypress Gowen cypress is found in only two locations on the Monterrey Peninsula. It is quite close morphologically to both Mendocino and Santa Cruz cypresses. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070869962-S2R1HGW6O0GGV8P6M8ND/2-collage-02yr.jpg Santa Lucia - Quercus lobata - Valley Oak Valley oak is at home in the heat of the interior valleys. It prefers well watered, rich alluvial soils and can reach a height of 100 feet with a trunk up to 7 feet in diameter. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070870152-Y8PZ7J4Y9BGBJM10PJVH/2-collage-01yr.jpg Santa Lucia - Abies bracteata - Santa Lucia Fir This rarest of North American firs is also the most unusual. Unlike other firs, it has long, narrow buds and two-inch long, sharply tipped needles. It is restricted to the Santa Lucia range of central California within 13 miles of the sea coast. Unlike other firs, its cones have 2-inch bristles that give them an almost hedgehog-like appearance. For this reason, it is also called Bristlecone Fir. After the Marble Cone fire in the Ventana Wilderness in 1977, many stands of Santa Lucia fir, and their seeds were destroyed because the fire was so hot and lasted three weeks. Seedlings from the grove in the Garden were grown, and sent back to those areas to repopulate it in its native habitat. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070895950-M0ZGI22P20YBVJ5XKHLP/2-collage-14sp.jpg Santa Lucia - Arbutus menziesii - Pacific Madrone Arbutus menziesii is a tree that occurs below 5000 feet over much of California, excluding the deserts. Its smooth or peeling red bark; nodding, scented white flowers; 1/2 inch red, orange, and yellow fruit; and its large lustrous leaves make it a pleasure to encounter any time of the year. Lewis and Clark Plant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070896450-5JGMH4VF1K6DJ3NAYWZN/2-collage-13sp.jpg Santa Lucia - Armeria maritima var. californica - Sea pink Armeria maritima is a perennial herb that displays globes of pink flowers on stems about 1 foot above a compact green mound. It is confined to western North America. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070898370-1VVPQAN4GE6B1EFHIWAG/2-collage-12sp.jpg Santa Lucia - Fragaria chiloensis - Beach Strawberry Fragaria chiloensis is a vigorous perennial ground cover with glossy green foliage and bright white flowers. The fruit is edible, but only about 1/2 inch long. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070899597-8UU4VUDIDI7JBCH38UU3/2-collage-11sp.jpg Santa Lucia - Ceanothus papillosus roweanus - Mt. Tranquillon Ceanothus This ceanothus grows in open habitat on the slopes of the coast ranges. The evergreen leaves are oblong, covered in glandular bumps and generally turned under. Bright blue flowers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070915187-8X1Y0AXZ18VC4B61G6JB/2-collage-24su.jpg Santa Lucia - Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. bolanderi - Bolander's Golden aster Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. bolanderi is found on coastal dunes and headlands in coastal scrub below 1500 feet from Mendocino to Monterey counties. It forms a compact mound of bright green leaves up to 12 inches wide. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070915645-DG62MUZGXYNN5ZJ2P3VI/2-collage-23su.jpg Santa Lucia - Clinopodium mimuloides - Monkey flower savory Clinopodium mimuloides is a member of the mint family that grows in the Coast Ranges from Monterey County south to the transverse Range. It bears red-orange 1-2 inch flowers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070917647-GK949F0P9POB7K3YMJT2/2-collage-22su.jpg Santa Lucia - Chlorogalum pomeridianum - Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum has strap-shaped leaves with wavy margins and a towering 4- to 8- foot flowering stalk. California indigenous people traditionally use it for food, fiber, soap, glue and to stupefy fish. CNPP plant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070917886-ORLNVVM7FMVVRO4513DQ/2-collage-21su.jpg Santa Lucia - Salvia leucophylla - Purple Sage This sage is quite variable in shape, size and flower color, typically being 4-7 feet tall and equally wide. It is found in dry open slopes from Monterey County south to Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070931855-FKWIA2ACALEIC9LLZ1AO/2-collage-34fa.jpg Santa Lucia - Arctostaphylos edmundsii var. parvifolia - Bronzemat Arctostaphylos edmundsii var. parvifolia is native to coastal regions of central California. This is a low-growing, mounding manzanita. Variety 'Bert Johnson' was selected by the TIlden Botanic Garden. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070930889-OUT8NH486BY3II98L88U/2-collage-33fa.jpg Santa Lucia - Romneya coulteri - Coulter's matilija poppy This plant, which is striking when in flower, is a perennial shrub up to eight feet tall bearing large white flowers, reminiscent of papier-mâché, with a yellow center. Although somewhat difficult to establish in the garden, it can spread aggressively if happy. It is native to southern California and Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070933580-ZU49RYBP5CYQG5M3BVGW/2-collage-32fa.jpg Santa Lucia - Stipa pulchra - Purple Needlegrass This grass occurs throughout California. It is a a perennial with stems up to 3 feet tall and roots that can extend as deep as 20 feet, making it resistant to drought. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070934759-MFAWUEEC71VMXPCV58QT/2-collage-31fa.jpg Santa Lucia - Diplacus fasciculatus - Santa Lucia Monkeyflower The taxonomy of this monkeyflower is in flux. Its name has been changed to Mimulus aurantiacus var. grandiflorus. This very showy sub-shrub occurs in the Central Coast Range and the west central Sierra Nevada mountains. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070951509-9LV13WOKFHAHQKS2LRR4/2-collage-44wi.jpg Santa Lucia - Garrya elliptica - Coast Silktassel Silktassel is a common shrub of the coastal ranges of California from Oregon to Los Angeles County. Male and female flowers are found on different plants. The male catkins are much more showy than the female and male plants are often preferred for garden planting. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070952183-OJOODALNXCLZF2TBBR60/2-collage-43wi.jpg Santa Lucia - Arctostaphylos andersonii - Santa Cruz Manzanita This manzanita is an endangered species limited to the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a woody shrub 6 to 15 feet high, which can resemble a small tree. CNPP plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070954594-I5UYF2FU9DIMGXHSQXK0/2-collage-42wi.jpg Santa Lucia - Platanus racemosa - Western Sycamore Platanus racemosa is native to California and Baja California where it grows in canyons flood plains and along streams. The tree commonly grows to 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070955006-UNCGOSWO3D4R6QBJGRPE/2-collage-41wi.jpg Santa Lucia - Hesperocyparis abramsiana - Santa Cruz Cypress Currently, a world champion specimen (~150 points)! Planted in Oct. 1972, from seed collected in 1963 by James Roof. A listed Federal Endangered Species, it is only found in isolated groves north of Santa Cruz (Butano Ridge, Eagle Rock, and Bonny Doon). Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://nativeplants.org/channel-island daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066608457-UST5C8QLFG4LV1O4R9C0/3-collage-04yr.jpg Channel Island - Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus - Santa Catalina Ironwood Catalina ironwood grows on rocky slopes. This species, known only from Catalina Island, has undivided leaves in contrast to Island Ironwood, which has divided fern-like leaves. Photo credits: Plant; close-up, detail - uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066608533-EA2GR46VKN4IC8OCWPRD/3-collage-03yr.jpg Channel Island - Quercus tomentella - Island Oak Island oak is a fast-growing evergreen tree up to 35-40 feet high. It is endemic to six islands off the coast of California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz. Close-up, detail uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066615432-DHT78BV5U9OACTA1N3CU/3-collage-02yr.jpg Channel Island - Stipa diegoensis - Island Needlegrass Island needlegrass is a perennial bunch grass of the chaparral and coastal scrub in the Channel Islands, Ventura and San Diego Counties and Baja California. Clumps can be 3 to 4 feet high. Photo credits: Plant, close-up, detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066614641-DV0E4XGIZMXZXE9XN11S/3-collage-01yr.jpg Channel Island - Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis - Island Barberry Island barberry is a rare and endangered shrub growing to 6 - 10 feet high. It is known from fewer than 10 occurrences. It may be extinct in the wild from all except Santa Cruz Island. Photo credits: Plant, detail - David Sherertz; Close-up uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066692447-VFR2WLNPJ2Y5L6GV63KE/3-collage-14sp.jpg Channel Island - Ceanothus arboreus - Tree Ceanothus Evergreen shrub. Grows fast to 20' high 10' wide with large dark green leaves, fragrant medium blue flowers in 6-inch spikes. Grows 5-10'/year. Deer will browse. Very drought tolerant. If you have rainfall greater than 15 inches/year, water the first year only. Butterflies like the flowers and the quail eat the seeds. A good screen or fence line plant. Tolerates sand and clay. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066691881-S7VWS9Z9K8YD50I22D3T/3-collage-13sp.jpg Channel Island - Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. planifolia - Summer Holly Shrub or small tree (13 feet). Gray bark is shreddy, and the tough evergreen leaves are somewhat rolled under and sometimes toothed. Creamy flowers are urn-shaped and borne in large racemes. Fruit is a red berry with a bumpy skin. Slow-growing species although it can grow more rapidly when exposed to sun. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066696215-FFRET9L8VX6DZY0SFKA8/3-collage-12sp.jpg Channel Island - Dendromecon harfordii - Island Bush Poppy Endemic to San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands of California. Shrub or small tree reaching heights between 2–6 m (6.6–19.7 ft). Thin branching stems covered sparsely in smooth-edged, oval-shaped leaves 3 to 8 cm long. Showy flowers with four bright yellow petals each 2 or 3 cm long. Fruit is a curved, cylindrical capsule over 7 cm in length. Drought tolerant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066699064-Z34MXHHSC4BSPURL5B5Y/3-collage-11sp.jpg Channel Island - Castilleja affinis - Indian paintbrush Indian Paintbrush is a species native to western North America from Washington to Baja California, where it grows on hills and mountains slopes along the coast and inland. This is a perennial herb growing an erect stem up to about 60 centimeters in maximum height. The flower cluster is a series of leafs in shades of bright red to yellowish. There are three subspecies of this plant (ssp. affinis, ssp. litoralis, & ssp. neglecta). Ssp. affinins (Coast Indian paintbrush) occurs commonly throughout western North America from Washington to Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066722469-L1U1O8OYKZ9TYAMAPA3O/3-collage-24su.jpg Channel Island - Agoseris grandiflora var. grandiflora - Giant Mountain Dandelion Short-lived perennial forb. Stems and leaves contain a white milky juice. Leaves are all basal with solitary flower heads on a naked scape, 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 in) long, and 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) wide, oblanceolate, pinnatifid, to nearly entire. Flowering stems are 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 in) tall. Floral heads are made of numerous yellow ray flowers. Fruit is an achene with a 4 to 7 mm (0.16 to 0.28 in) long body. There are approximately 274,000 seeds per pound. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066726975-8A2M831X5KB3E5IRERNE/3-collage-23su.jpg Channel Island - Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii - Catalina Cherry Evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 12- 25 feet but able to grow to 40 feet. Bright yellow-green leaves, ovate to 2-5 inches long. White flower clusters, borne in racemes to 2-5 inches long. Black fruits are attractive to birds. Full or part sun. Drought tolerant. Native to four of the Channel Islands off the coast of California, including San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Cruz Island and Santa Rosa Island and also further to the south on the Baja California mainland. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066730641-J2JYHWMKQ4QQ7N3YE73E/3-collage-22su.jpg Channel Island - Solidago velutina ssp. californica - California Goldenrod Fast-growing, semi-evergreen perennial grows 1-4' tall and spreads by creeping rhizomes to form a dense colony about 2-3' wide. Massive spikes of golden-yellow flowers. Produces dense colonies of upright wand-like stems that can grow to between 1-4' tall with gray-green lanceolate leaves. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects. Drought tolerant. Can be invasive, especially if it's planted in moist soil. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066731239-V3X35Y634MVCUOULJSEI/3-collage-21su.jpg Channel Island - Eriogonum arborescens - Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat Woody, perennial shrub endemic to the northern Channel Islands of California except San Miguel Island. Grows from 2.0–4.9 ft in height and from 1.6–9.8 ft in diameter. Stems have shreddy maroon to brown bark. Bears narrow, fuzzy green leaves at branch ends, each 2 to 5 cm long and sometimes with edges rolled under. Inflorescences of densely clustered, light pink flowers erect on nearly naked peduncles. Attracts butterflies and native bees. Genus derived from the Greek word erion meaning 'wool' and gonu meaning 'knee or joint'. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066810209-IFWWE6FNB0FR77N5WT2N/3-collage-34fa.jpg Channel Island - Quercus pacifica - Island Scrub Oak Endemic to the Channel Islands. Shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m (16 ft) in height. Leaves are roughly oval and edged with pointed teeth with shiny upper surfaces and waxy, hairy, glandular undersides. Acorn has a cap up to 2 cm (0.8 inch) wide and a nut measuring 2 or 3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) long. Threatened by a pathogenic honey fungus (Armillaria sp.), which has been noted to infect trees already stressed by the activity of feral herbivores Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066810358-4AJLG37XM4JFPDOBJPQH/3-collage-33fa.jpg Channel Island - Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae - Island Mountain mahogany Evergreen shrub, 12' tall, 4' wide, with leaves to the base. A bush-tree that looks like a compact evergreen birch. Deer palatable. Nitrogen fixing and good for revegetation, erosion control and wildlife. Tolerates clay. Reddish wood is very hard. Indigenous peoples traditionally use it to make arrow tips, fishing spears, and digging sticks. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066817218-DMKC6V5JEP00ZRO693KX/3-collage-32fa.jpg Channel Island - Epilobium canum - California Fuchsia Bright scarlet flowers in late summer and autumn. Attractive to hummingbirds. Subshrub growing to 60 cm tall. Native populations of these plants exhibit wide variation in appearance and habit. Small leaves may be opposite or alternate, lance-shaped or ovate, with short to nonexistent stalks, and range in color from green to nearly white. Overall shape may be matting or mounding. Spreading via rhizomes. Prefers well-drained soil, full sun but protected from the wind, and needs little watering. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk: Detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066819395-MYYTVB8E00O9B8EBXAO0/3-collage-31fa.jpg Channel Island - Arctostaphylos catalinae - Catalina Island Manzanita Arctostaphylos catalinae, the Santa Catalina Island manzanita, is endemic to California, where it grows wild only in the Channel Islands, specifically, Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands. This is a tall, bristly manzanita with a well defined trunk that is adapted to the stiff, saline breezes of the island bluffs in its habitat. It does not develop a basal burl and so does not sprout from the base after a fire. However, like other Manzanitas, the seeds germinate readily after fire. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066988130-H4D9EJ7Z31EZ0FVDDEBJ/3-collage-44wi.jpg Channel Island - Opuntia oricola - San Ysidro Cactus A species of prickly pear cactus native to Southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. A large treelike cactus often exceeding 2 meters in height. The branches are made up of rounded flat segments up to 25 centimeters long. It is covered in clusters of curved, yellowish spines usually around 2 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow, sometimes orange-tinged. The spherical fruit is purplish red on the outside, whitish and juicy inside, and up to 6 centimeters long. It was common along the coasts and adjacent inland areas of California, but development has reduced its populations. Grows on disturbed soil. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066991605-GLA680Z85IVX7NK0BLDT/3-collage-43wi.jpg Channel Island - Pinus torreyana - Torrey Pine One of the rarest pine species in the world in the early 20th century, with only around 100 trees surviving. Endangered in the wild, Torrey pine is now cultivated and planted as an ornamental tree. Under optimal conditions, capable of fast growth to a large size, with a tall and straight form from 33 m (108 ft) to 45 m (148 ft) in height. Needles are in bundles of 5. Produces a cone over 3” in diameter. The nuts are an important food for the Kumeyaay and Chumash tribes. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; ; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066992908-RKIJ2LXNEJKI9JS60D9Y/3-collage-42wi.jpg Channel Island - Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius - Santa Cruz Island Ironwood Santa Cruz Island ironwood grows in a few spots on rocky slopes, in Central and Southern California, primarily in the Channel Islands, particularly Santa Cruz Island. It reaches up to 49 feet tall with peeling reddish gray or brown bark, and serrated leaves. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; ; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066994477-LO6SGLBQ6W2635UNROX0/3-collage-41wi.jpg Channel Island - Garrya veatchii - Southern Silk tassel Native to the chaparral hills of Southern California and Baja California. Small treelike or bushy shrub reaching maximum heights near 2 meters (6.6 ft). Oval-shaped leaves 3 to 9 cm long and about half as wide with margins flat, wavy, or slightly rolled, and undersides covered thinly to thickly in woolly hairs. Inflorescences are long, hanging, light-colored flowers. Dioecious. Produces clusters of spherical to egg-shaped berries covered in a soft coat of hairs. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail https://nativeplants.org/franciscan daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071256808-HSVGX4JF5NAGVYB5CWCA/4-collage-04yr.jpg Franciscan - Calamagrostis nutkaensis - Pacific Reed Grass Calamagrostis nutkaensis (Pacific Reed Grass) is a perennial bunchgrass native to coastal regions. Green leaf blades can be up to 3 feet, and there are tall, thin flower clusters. A popular ornamental grass for north coastal regions. Photo Credits: Plant:John Rusk; Closeup: ; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071256573-C1XQ2DONSAEDQPYKBY0D/4-collage-03yr.jpg Franciscan - Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. franciscana - Franciscan Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp franciscana (currently Arctostaphylos franciscana, Franciscan Manzanita) is native only to the immediate vicinity of San Francisco Bay and was presumed extinct in the wild until a single specimen was discovered in the Presidio in 2009. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071259371-C5490GVQ7AODW2MOVPOT/4-collage-02yr.jpg Franciscan - Acaena pinnatifida var. californica - California Acaena Acaena pinnatifida var Californica (California Acaena or California Sheepburr) is a perennial herb with small red-purple flowers that grows in open grassy areas and rocky slopes at lower elevations. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071260070-ONOQ6AFFHXKFCWOU3TKC/4-collage-01yr.jpg Franciscan - Arctostaphylos rosei - Lake Merced Manzanita Arctostaphylos rosei (currently Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp rosei, Lake Merced Manzanita) occurs in western San Francisco and in a few populations south to Big Sur. Formerly more common, it is now quite rare. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071312592-EBVF9W3N6LGZZI61I2U9/4-collage-14sp.jpg Franciscan - Ceanothus thyrsiflorus - Coast Blue blossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Coast Blue-blossom) is one of the larger ceanothuses and is a popular landscaping plant. It attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Quail, finches and other birds eat the seeds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071313141-BW0S3KF03VZTHELUAJJN/4-collage-13sp.jpg Franciscan - Aesculus californica - California Buckeye Aesculus californica (California buckeye) has fruits that contain a neurotoxic glycoside. California Indians use the nuts to stupefy fish, making them easier to catch. The pollen and nectar are toxic to honeybees. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071315671-38ESUHDANCIKJS1QPRQ6/4-collage-12sp.jpg Franciscan - Dichelostemma pulchellum - Blue Dicks Dichelostemma capitatum/pulchellum (Blue Dicks) grows from a corm, a swollen underground stem that acts as a food storage structure. Corms from this species were an important food source for many California Indians. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071315808-LZJUHD1IWWC7QRP04EX4/4-collage-11sp.jpg Franciscan - Trientalis latifolia - Pacific Starflower Trientalis latifolia (Pacific Starflower) is a forest-dwelling perennial that reproduces via underground tubers and is often found on the edges of redwood forests. Flowers are pink to almost white, usually with 5 to 7 petals. (Currently named Lysimachia latifolia in the Myrsinaceae family.) Photo credits: Plant: Steve Matson; Closeup: Barry Breckling; Detail: Steve Matson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071371384-ZE5MG4KVDI6MYG57CC57/4-collage-24su.jpg Franciscan - Vaccinium cespitosum x V. ovatum - Dwarf Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum (Huckleberry) plants have white flowers that are urn-shaped, typical of the heather family, and tiny green toothed leaves. Plants produce edible blue-black berries in summer. This hybrid with V. cespitosum is a dwarf variety. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071370638-RYH3YBQ7K7MMWO2EFY4Q/4-collage-23su.jpg Franciscan - Arctostaphylos imbricata - San Bruno Mountain Manzanita Arctostaphylos imbricata (San Bruno Mountain Manzanita) is a low-growing manzanita known only from a few occurrences on San Bruno Mountain. It has clasping leaves on stems that are coated in hairs with resin glands at the tips. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: Wikimedia; Detail: Calflora (Academy of Sciences) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071372962-955WPMNZKG33UXBD54RO/4-collage-22su.jpg Franciscan - Dicentra formosa - Bleeding Heart Dicentra Formosa (Bleeding Heart), in the poppy family, is found in moist, wooded areas from California north to British Columbia. Beautiful fernlike leaves and a long blooming time make it a popular garden plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071373481-3EN686NT48ACWTGTA3CD/4-collage-21su.jpg Franciscan - Fritillaria affinis - Mission Bells Fritillaria affinis (Mission Bells or Checker Lily) is a highly variable species that grows from bulbs. The checkered, nodding lily-like flowers can range in color from yellow-brown to purple-black. Lewis and Clark Plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: Wikimedia; Detail: Wikimedia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071387733-Y8IT01WNNDQYIMSNHQAR/4-collage-34fa.jpg Franciscan - Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia - Holly leafed Cherry Prunus ilicifolia (Holly-Leafed Cherry) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with showy cream or white flowers. The leaves have spiny margins somewhat resembling holly. The fruit, loved by birds, is a cherry that is edible but with little flesh. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071387984-MSMRX2342NATLK65XWPT/4-collage-33fa.jpg Franciscan - Anaphalis margaritacea - Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting) is dioecious, i.e. male and female flowers are on separate plants. Caterpillars of American lady and painted lady butterflies use the plant as a food source in early spring. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071389698-XNU7FE1T5J82IZIEXBGA/4-collage-32fa.jpg Franciscan - Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus - Common Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus var laevigatus (Snowberry) has white berries that contain saponins. Native Americans use them for shampoo and sometimes put large amounts of the berries into streams or lakes to stupefy or kill fish in order to harvest them. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071390602-UC3CV495SC63D38U79MG/4-collage-31fa.jpg Franciscan - Corylus cornuta ssp. californica - Hazelnut Corylus cornuta ssp californica (California Hazelnut) has soft, green leaves in spring and summer. Male flowers are 2 to 3-inch catkins that form in fall. Female flowers are tiny, red and inconspicuous. California Indians use the nuts for food. Photo credits: Plant: ; Closeup: TreeLib; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071405690-0SLC7J3Z626HT6J5FUQK/4-collage-44wi.jpg Franciscan - Arctostaphylos pacifica - Pacific Manzanita Arctostaphylos pacifica (Pacific Manzanita) is a ground cover manzanita known only from a single location on San Bruno mountain, one of the rarest of manzanitas. Leaf margins are slightly serrated. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071404949-R4FNDIDXVX4FELP3ZKHH/4-collage-43wi.jpg Franciscan - Ribes malvaceum - Chaparral Currant Ribes malvaceum (Chaparral Currant) is native to California and northern Baja CA. Pink flowers produce edible, but not great-tasting, purple berries loved by birds. It begins blooming in winter, providing a great nectar source for hummingbirds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071406487-Z5BO703QVHYNC3MVK126/4-collage-42wi.jpg Franciscan - Trillium chloropetalum - Wake Robin Trillium chloropetalum var Giganteum (Wake Robin), a shade-loving plant, has leaves in whorls of three and three-petaled flowers. Flower colors range from white to deep red. It can take as long as 5 years to produce plants of flowering size from seeds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071408059-JITJVVO0NWMAWVCHL17O/4-collage-41wi.jpg Franciscan - Arctostaphylos montaraensis - Montara Manzanita Arctostaphylos montaraensis (Montara Manzanita) is a rare and endangered plant known only from a few occurrences on Montara and San Bruno Mountains. Fruits are depressed-spheric shape, glandular and hairy. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://nativeplants.org/canyon daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066087976-3H7ZMLM25E1V9U371JNZ/c-collage-04yr.jpg Canyon - Cupressus guadalupensis - Guadalupe Cypress An evergreen conifer found only on Guadalupe Island. Mature trees reach 33–66 feet tall. Foliage grows in dark-green to gray-green sprays. Leaves are scale-like, 0.7-0.2 in long, and produced on rounded (not flattened) shoots. Cones remain closed for many years, only opening after fire, which allows the seeds to colonize bare ground exposed by the fire. Introduced feral goats ate the germinated seedlings. The goats were removed from Guadalupe Island by 2005, and the first young plants in 150 years or so are now able to grow. Species that first got James Roof noticed in the 1930s by the EBRP Group that wanted him to be the Botanic Garden's first Director. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066086742-BVY76WR26EB8VVDWY7TC/c-collage-03yr.jpg Canyon - Festuca californica - California Fescue Cultivated as an ornamental grass for planting in traditional gardens, for drought tolerant and wildlife gardens, and in landscapes for slope stabilization and erosion control due to its deep and dense network of roots. In ecological restoration projects, it is used with other local native grasses for restoring California coastal prairie habitats. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066092514-9LTKIGCCZKDPS5Z1VM9N/c-collage-02yr.jpg Canyon - Quercus agrifolia - Coast Live Oak Spreading umbrella-shaped evergreen oak requiring ample growing space. Leaves are elliptic, holly-like, glossy, and dark green. It produces large (1.5 – 3.0 inch) acorns. Develops a large spreading canopy which is often greater than the height. It grows 20 – 70 feet in height, 20 – 70 feet wide, and may grow 24 inches per year. Drought and fire resistant. Browsed by deer. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066093186-LA9D3Z6DNO8MXZJ8ZSK2/c-collage-01yr.jpg Canyon - Pinus quadrifolia - Parry Pinyon Pine Most widespread coniferous tree in northern Baja California. A long-lived, slow-growing tree that grows from 16.5 to 33 feet tall and often lives 200 to 500 years. Branches are stiff, low, and spreading, giving younger trees the appearance of a pyramid. The needles are usually in bundles of four, but bundles of three or five are sometimes found. Conelets are borne singly or in clusters of two to four. Produces a large, edible seed. Important food source for Native American tribes of the region. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia Commons; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864482491-C7ALAQFHAIOFH42MBG9S/c-collage-11sp.jpg Canyon - Dryopteris arguta - Coastal Wood Fern Beautiful evergreen fern with lovely dark green foliage. Grows to about 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Tolerating more sun than other northwest ferns, this species is found growing on steep wooded slopes or on sunny riverbanks. More drought tolerant than many ferns. Variable in appearance. Leaflets may have bristles at their tips and sometimes turn at an angle from the leaf, giving it a ruffled or lacy look. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864484827-Q7XR6YXQRIA0XWKQQR7G/c-collage-14sp.jpg Canyon - Juglans hindsii - Northern California Black Walnut Large (up to 60 feet tall) tree with a single erect trunk. The leaf is up to 12 inches long, with 13-21 leaflets (2-5 inches) that have dentate margins. Produces a nut with a smooth, brown, thick shell containing a small edible nutmeat. Commercially important as a rootstock for English walnut orchards all over the world. Readily hybridize with other walnuts. Only three (DNA) verified California native old-growth stands remain. Photo credits: CalPhotos ©2013 Plant - Jean Pawek Closeup - Jean Pawek Detail - Steve Matson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864483901-E084X9Q8L8QPCKN3XMH8/c-collage-13sp.jpg Canyon - Ceanothus ferrisiae - Coyote Ceanothus A federally listed endangered species endemic to Santa Clara County, where it is known from only four or five occurrences near Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range. The largest population, located near Anderson Dam, is recovering from a 1992 wildfire that killed 95% of the plants. Only about 6000 individuals remain. Threatened by loss and degradation of its habitat, which is being cleared for construction and used for dumping. The species also seems to have low recruitment (seed germination, seedling survivorship, seedling growth). Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - .John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864482277-T43OG6134TTW5PNI9G4Y/c-collage-12sp.jpg Canyon - Toxicodendron diversilobum - Poison Oak Deciduous shrub (to 3-10 feet tall) or climbing vine (to 50 feet tall) that features trifoliate leaves with ovate to obovate oak-like leaflets. Extremely variable in growth habit and leaf appearance. Leaves turn vivid red to orange-red in fall. Winter deciduous. Causes significant and long-lasting skin irritations (allergic dermatitis) in most humans in reaction to urushiol, a toxic plant oil. Animals feed on plant leaves. Birds use the berries for food and the plant structure for shelter. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - .John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066013783-B6UGO8ALPCCB3REKS0BL/c-collage-24su.jpg Canyon - Keckiella cordifolia - Heartleaf Penstemon A 3-6 foot sprawling sub-shrub that is evergreen in mild climates with a little watering; deciduous in winter cold or under drought stress. Flowers are tubular, red, 1-2 inches long, emerging from May to July. Native to dry slopes, cismontane (west side of the Sierra Nevada mountains) in central and southern California. It likes sun to part shade, is very drought tolerant, fairly deer proof, and cold tolerant to -5° F or lower. Summer deciduous unless given some water. A very significant hummingbird flower. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - CalPhoto; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066013433-Q4YSEBVOCAB2SRW9X45Q/c-collage-23su.jpg Canyon - Actaea rubra - Baneberry Poisonous herbaceous flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Grows in shady areas with moist to wet soils, open forest, or dry slopes. Slow growing to 16-31 inches tall. Takes several years to produce clusters of white flowers, then green berries ripen to red. The poisonous berries are harmless to birds, the plant's primary seed disperser. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066015856-8FGGG1TXC5LJA2Z54ONN/c-collage-22su.jpg Canyon - Mimulus cardinalis - Scarlet Monkeyflower Herbaceous perennial to 3 feet, likes sun to full shade and regular water, and flowers most of the year. Five velvety, scarlet petals form large (to 2 inch) flowers with long, protruding, creamy yellow stigma and anthers. Excellent hummingbird plant. Pollen from the anthers sticks to the heads of feeding hummingbirds who transfer that pollen to stigmas in the course of feeding. Genus name comes from the Latin diminutive of mimus meaning a mimic as they look like a monkey face. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066016557-FJNRHX0FVE08NQIGYPKM/c-collage-21su.jpg Canyon - Clematis lasiantha - Virgin's Bower Easy to grow deciduous, dioecious vine, that grows to 8-20 feet and has showy, creamy white flowers from March-August. It will grow fast up to 15 feet if there are trees or bushes that it can wind through. Fruits are plume-like (clusters of follicles, hairy). Prefers part shade but will tolerate full shade though will grow more slowly. Best to plant in shaded, rocky, well-draining slopes. Tolerates summer water up to one time per month but shouldn't need it if properly sited. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - CalPhoto; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066189921-7TF5LPYGFXL9337OHM0U/c-collage-34fa.jpg Canyon - Pellaea andromedifolia - Coffee Fern A species of cliff brake fern (grows on or among rocks). Its leaves bear rounded or oval-shaped segments widely spaced along the rachis. Each segment may curl under along its edges. Leaves are green when new, then turn red, purplish, or brown. Some individuals are diploid and reproduce sexually, while some are triploid or tetraploid and reproduce by apogamy (growth of a plant from a gamete without fertilization). Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066190613-VLTBKGQ0OXPG7BAR4S4A/c-collage-33fa.jpg Canyon - Umbellularia californica - California Bay Laurel Large densely foliated evergreen hardwood tree requiring ample growing space. The sole species in the genus Umbellularia. Thrives in ample water but tolerates drought. Leaves are used as seasoning in soups and stews. Produces medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches) brown, purple, yellow, or green drupes with a fleshy outer layer covering a hard, tannin-filled nut. Nuts are edible once the tannins are leached from them. The dry wood has a color range from blonde (like maple) to brown (like walnut) and is sought after by luthiers and woodworkers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066194216-1CS02WLLXWJUM6FEGCCA/c-collage-32fa.jpg Canyon - Clinopodium douglasii - Yerba Buena Rambling aromatic herb. Its most common name in English and Spanish, yerba buena, is an alternate form of the Spanish hierba buena (meaning good herb). It was so abundant that its name was applied to the settler's town adjacent to Mission San Francisco de Asís. In 1846, the town of Yerba Buena was seized by the United States during the Mexican–American War, and its name was changed in 1847 to San Francisco. Three years later, the name was applied to a nearby rocky island. Today a tunnel on Yerba Buena Island connects the spans of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066194770-YLBHIJMQEVTYTHKNWPG1/c-collage-31fa.jpg Canyon - Ceanothus velutinus - Tobacco Brush Shrub 10-13 feet tall forming colonies which tangle together to form nearly impenetrable thickets. Aromatic evergreen leaves. Long clusters of white flowers. Fruit is a three-lobed capsule 0.1 in long which snaps open explosively to expel the three seeds onto the soil, where they may remain for over 200 years before sprouting. The seed is coated in a very hard outer layer that must be scarified, generally by wildfire, before it can germinate. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066265649-AEH6SHHNNBJ3B2FLOY7P/c-collage-44wi.jpg Canyon - Ribes speciosum - Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry Spectacularly blooming shrub during the wet season, with beautiful, pendulous, tube-shaped, fuchsia-red flowers. Grows in full or nearly full shade to 6-10 feet in height, and 3-8 feet in width and in slightly moister spots. Leaves are a beautiful bright green in the wet season, turning dark green as the soil dries. Summer deciduous. Produces a red-orange berry about 2.4 in long, with many thorns. Plant away from pedestrian traffic. Direct summer watering, especially in poorly draining clay soils, will often kill this plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066265488-PXAKT8TIQLQDJQ4LDZA2/c-collage-43wi.jpg Canyon - Dudleya pulverulenta - Chalk Dudleya Hardy succulent that grows a rosette of wide, flat fleshy leaves of pale green which age to a pinkish papery texture. This plant’s epicuticular wax (waxy leaf coating on the surface of leaves) coats the water droplets that land on its leaves, increasing the surface tension and size of the droplets, thereby reducing evaporation of the coated drops. Wax that has washed off the leaves coats the soil around the plant, further reducing evaporation. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066270899-VZGPWANY90SZ71A2NUJC/c-collage-42wi.jpg Canyon - Polypodium californicum - California Polypody Creeping perennial fern that grows in moist rock crevices. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Produces oval to triangular leaves up to 28 in long and 7.9 in wide. Each leaf has many dull-pointed lance-shaped segments which may be thin, firm, or somewhat fleshy with lightly serrated edges. The underside of each leaf segment is lined with a double row of flattened or sunken sori, which contain spores. Foliage is drought deciduous. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066273008-YA5O87W1866SRMRX0O26/c-collage-41wi.jpg Canyon - Arctostaphylos gabilanensis - Gabilan Manzanita A rare manzanita species known only from two disjunct populations in the Gabilan Range bordering Monterey and San Benito Counties. Considered vulnerable: one population contains about 30 individuals and the other is widely spaced over 1000 hectares. An erect shrub/small tree 3-16 feet in height coated in medium or dark red bark with waxy gray-green leaves up to 1.4 in long by 1 in wide. Produces white or pink urn-shaped flowers and reddish-brown fruit. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/year-round-showcase-plants daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066093186-LA9D3Z6DNO8MXZJ8ZSK2/c-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Pinus quadrifolia - Parry Pinyon Pine Most widespread coniferous tree in northern Baja California. A long-lived, slow-growing tree that grows from 16.5 to 33 feet tall and often lives 200 to 500 years. Branches are stiff, low, and spreading, giving younger trees the appearance of a pyramid. The needles are usually in bundles of four, but bundles of three or five are sometimes found. Conelets are borne singly or in clusters of two to four. Produces a large, edible seed. Important food source for Native American tribes of the region. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia Commons; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066092514-9LTKIGCCZKDPS5Z1VM9N/c-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Quercus agrifolia - Coast Live Oak Spreading umbrella-shaped evergreen oak requiring ample growing space. Leaves are elliptic, holly-like, glossy, and dark green. It produces large (1.5 – 3.0 inch) acorns. Develops a large spreading canopy which is often greater than the height. It grows 20 – 70 feet in height, 20 – 70 feet wide, and may grow 24 inches per year. Drought and fire resistant. Browsed by deer. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066087976-3H7ZMLM25E1V9U371JNZ/c-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Cupressus guadalupensis - Guadalupe Cypress An evergreen conifer found only on Guadalupe Island. Mature trees reach 33–66 feet tall. Foliage grows in dark-green to gray-green sprays. Leaves are scale-like, 0.7-0.2 in long, and produced on rounded (not flattened) shoots. Cones remain closed for many years, only opening after fire, which allows the seeds to colonize bare ground exposed by the fire. Introduced feral goats ate the germinated seedlings. The goats were removed from Guadalupe Island by 2005, and the first young plants in 150 years or so are now able to grow. Species that first got James Roof noticed in the 1930s by the EBRP Group that wanted him to be the Botanic Garden's first Director. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066086742-BVY76WR26EB8VVDWY7TC/c-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Festuca californica - California Fescue Cultivated as an ornamental grass for planting in traditional gardens, for drought tolerant and wildlife gardens, and in landscapes for slope stabilization and erosion control due to its deep and dense network of roots. In ecological restoration projects, it is used with other local native grasses for restoring California coastal prairie habitats. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066614641-DV0E4XGIZMXZXE9XN11S/3-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Berberis pinnata ssp. insularis - Island Barberry Island barberry is a rare and endangered shrub growing to 6 - 10 feet high. It is known from fewer than 10 occurrences. It may be extinct in the wild from all except Santa Cruz Island. Photo credits: Plant, detail - David Sherertz; Close-up uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066615432-DHT78BV5U9OACTA1N3CU/3-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Stipa diegoensis - Island Needlegrass Island needlegrass is a perennial bunch grass of the chaparral and coastal scrub in the Channel Islands, Ventura and San Diego Counties and Baja California. Clumps can be 3 to 4 feet high. Photo credits: Plant, close-up, detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066608533-EA2GR46VKN4IC8OCWPRD/3-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Quercus tomentella - Island Oak Island oak is a fast-growing evergreen tree up to 35-40 feet high. It is endemic to six islands off the coast of California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz. Close-up, detail uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066608457-UST5C8QLFG4LV1O4R9C0/3-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. floribundus - Santa Catalina Ironwood Catalina ironwood grows on rocky slopes. This species, known only from Catalina Island, has undivided leaves in contrast to Island Ironwood, which has divided fern-like leaves. Photo credits: Plant; close-up, detail - uncredited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071260070-ONOQ6AFFHXKFCWOU3TKC/4-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos rosei - Lake Merced Manzanita Arctostaphylos rosei (currently Arctostaphylos crustacea ssp rosei, Lake Merced Manzanita) occurs in western San Francisco and in a few populations south to Big Sur. Formerly more common, it is now quite rare. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071259371-C5490GVQ7AODW2MOVPOT/4-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Acaena pinnatifida var. californica - California Acaena Acaena pinnatifida var Californica (California Acaena or California Sheepburr) is a perennial herb with small red-purple flowers that grows in open grassy areas and rocky slopes at lower elevations. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071256573-C1XQ2DONSAEDQPYKBY0D/4-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. franciscana - Franciscan Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp franciscana (currently Arctostaphylos franciscana, Franciscan Manzanita) is native only to the immediate vicinity of San Francisco Bay and was presumed extinct in the wild until a single specimen was discovered in the Presidio in 2009. Photo Credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071256808-HSVGX4JF5NAGVYB5CWCA/4-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Calamagrostis nutkaensis - Pacific Reed Grass Calamagrostis nutkaensis (Pacific Reed Grass) is a perennial bunchgrass native to coastal regions. Green leaf blades can be up to 3 feet, and there are tall, thin flower clusters. A popular ornamental grass for north coastal regions. Photo Credits: Plant:John Rusk; Closeup: ; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071730995-73HDJXLGHYLBYPZFNBEY/5-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Malus fusca - Oregon Crab Apple Deciduous shrub or small tree, often with several trunks. It produces small round edible apple-shaped pomes favored by many birds. Doesn't grow well in clay soils. Foliage turns color in the fall. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071730768-L7MBW0RB3LMVMPJVSBES/5-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Torreya californica - California Nutmeg Dioecious (male and female flowers are on different trees) evergreen tree with branches all the way to the ground. The female produces large, heavy seeds enveloped by a drupelike aril. Needles are thin and come to a sharp point. It is a thin-barked tree that will sprout from the roots, root crown, and bole (trunk) following top-kill by fire. The tree does not yield culinary nutmeg but the seeds are edible, reportedly tasting somewhat like peanuts. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071727726-YL214877IWYG4YUO9SZI/5-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Abies grandis - Grand Fir Stately and beautiful, this is the fastest growing and tallest of all North American fir species. It is a true fir with upright cones that shatter in the tree when mature. It reproduces by seed. Young trees have thin bark and are easily killed by fire. Mature specimens provide nesting and feeding sites for the flammulated owl, northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - TreeLib. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071727623-P232BICNJY9S8K12PROH/5-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Picea sitchensis - Sitka Spruce One of the conifers that can lose all its live branches and still regrow a complete live crown from epicormic sprouts on its trunk. The wood has an extraordinarily high strength-to-weight ratio and was used in aircraft until aluminum became affordable and widely available. The hands of the Campanile clock at UC Berkeley were originally made of it and when one of the hands was repaired with Douglas fir, the clock didn't keep proper time--the hand was too heavy. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072792237-XG7JKOHN7X598UEYJNR1/7-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Sequoia sempervirens - Coast Redwood World's tallest trees. Coastal indigenous peoples use downed trees to carve into canoes. The tight grain of the old growth redwoods is resistant to disease, insects, and rot. Fire resistant due to their thick insulating bark. Produces cones about the size of an olive. Will propagate from seed and from stump sprouts. Circles of resprouted trees are called 'fairy rings'. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072792373-9CT6WF36PWSNI7DQWCH5/7-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Blechnum spicant - Deer Fern Like some others of its species, it has two types of leaves. The sterile leaves have gracefully arching, flat, wavy-margined leaflets 5 to 8 millimeters wide, while the fertile leaves stand upright with much narrower leaflets each with two thick rows of sori (structures that produce spores) on the underside. Needs shade, water, and not too much heat. Dormant in winter. Cut back dead fronds before new growth emerges. Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072789489-F6EAV6J9GPBBPOGAA8FW/7-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Polystichum munitum - Western Sword Fern One of the most abundant ferns along the Pacific coast. The dark green fronds can grow to nearly six feet tall in a tight clump that spreads radially from a round base. The pronounced round sori grow on the underside of the leaves in two rows on either side of the midrib. They are easy to grow and tolerate difficult soils and hot, dry weather. In the understory of coast redwood trees, they evoke the feeling of a primordial forest. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072789432-7DIDPX9OO0BV46KFSPDB/7-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Pinus contorta ssp. bolanderi - Beach Pine Rare and threatened. Occurs in the coastal pygmy forests of Mendocino County. Only reaches a height of six feet in the acidic soils of its native habitat. In more advantageous soils, it can reach up to 30 feet but one specimen in Jughandle State Reserve has been measured at 76 feet high with a crown spread of 18 feet. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070870152-Y8PZ7J4Y9BGBJM10PJVH/2-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Abies bracteata - Santa Lucia Fir This rarest of North American firs is also the most unusual. Unlike other firs, it has long, narrow buds and two-inch long, sharply tipped needles. It is restricted to the Santa Lucia range of central California within 13 miles of the sea coast. Unlike other firs, its cones have 2-inch bristles that give them an almost hedgehog-like appearance. For this reason, it is also called Bristlecone Fir. After the Marble Cone fire in the Ventana Wilderness in 1977, many stands of Santa Lucia fir, and their seeds were destroyed because the fire was so hot and lasted three weeks. Seedlings from the grove in the Garden were grown, and sent back to those areas to repopulate it in its native habitat. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070867455-MDXQ16UJGPN4ES3Z912E/2-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum - Hearst Manzanita Arctostaphylos hookeri ssp. hearstiorum is a low-growing species from old ocean beaches and bluffs near Arroyo de la Cruz Creek north of San Simeon, California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070869962-S2R1HGW6O0GGV8P6M8ND/2-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Quercus lobata - Valley Oak Valley oak is at home in the heat of the interior valleys. It prefers well watered, rich alluvial soils and can reach a height of 100 feet with a trunk up to 7 feet in diameter. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070867050-HV05X2CA450EIZYJMXQM/2-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Hesperocyparis goveniana ssp. goveniana - Gowen's Cypress Gowen cypress is found in only two locations on the Monterrey Peninsula. It is quite close morphologically to both Mendocino and Santa Cruz cypresses. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072954147-4XF7V6WLVTVRIM2HC429/8-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Juniperus communis var. siberica - Dwarf Juniper Small coniferous evergreen tree or shrub, needle-like leaves in whorls of three. Fruit are berry-like cones, initially green, ripening to purple-black with a blue waxy coating; spherical, 4–12 mm (0.16–0.47 in) diameter, with three (occasionally six) fleshy fused scales, each scale with a single seed. Male cones are yellow, 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long, and fall soon after shedding their pollen in March–April. Western American tribes combined the fruits with Berberis root bark in an herbal tea. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072953440-WFN02O81WD50596U5NZT/8-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Carex praegracilis - Freeway sedge A short, rich-green sedge alternative to turf grass. Growing to 6-8 inches tall and spreading by rhizomes to form a carpet that tolerates moderate foot traffic. Tolerates full sun to partial shade but has a period of summer dormancy in warmer, drier climates. Moderate water requirements lower than most lawn grasses. Hardy to at least 10 F and likely to come back from the underground rhizomes after lower temperatures. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072949619-868SP6TR6OO6KE725XBQ/8-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Dudleya farinosa - Powdery Dudleya A succulent perennial herb found in coastal scrub from Southern Oregon to central California. The soft powdery substance (epicultilar wax) on the leaves protects the plant from drought, ultraviolet rays and insects. Wild dudleyas are illegally poached because their popularity in Asia makes them valuable. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072950449-C61JO3OXWYQ5THYJQHVH/8-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos uva ursi ssp. marinensis - Lighthouse Manzanita Uva-ursi means grape of the bear in Latin. Small procumbent woody groundcover shrub 5–30 cm (2–12 in) high. Leaves are evergreen, shiny, small, and feel thick and stiff. Fruit is a red berry. New stems can be red if the plant is in full sun but are green in shadier areas. White or pink flowers. Leaves contain a potential liver toxin. Bearberry is the main component in many traditional North American Native smoking mixes, known collectively as kinnikinnick (Algonquin for a mixture). Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073113136-FV4HMADOKM5LT91CZ1SC/9-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Quercus garryana var. garryana - Garry Oak A drought-tolerant deciduous white oak, typically of medium height, growing slowly to around 20 m (occasionally as high as 30 m) or as a shrub to 3 to 5 meters (9.8 to 16.4 ft) tall. It has the characteristic oval profile of other oaks when solitary but is also known to grow in groves close enough together that crowns may form a canopy. The leaves are deciduous, 5–15 cm long and 2–8 cm broad, with 3-7 deep lobes on each side. The flowers are catkins, the fruit a small acorn 2–3 cm (rarely 4 cm) long and 1.5–2 cm broad, with shallow, scaly cups. Host to the mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens and to galls (oak apples) created by wasps in the family Cynipidae. Mature Garry oaks are fire-resistant. Critical habitat for a number of animal species that are rare or extirpated. With fire suppression and conversion to agriculture, Garry oak woodlands have declined. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073113389-ZNYNOBGUMQKEC3RGXE58/9-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Chamaecyparis lawsoniana - Port Orford Cedar Evergreen conifer tree growing 50-130 feet in height and 15-18 feet wide and with erect or weeping form. Has feathery blue-green foliage in flat sprays. The leaves are scale-like 1⁄8–3⁄16 inch (3–5 mm) long, with narrow white markings on the underside. Produces small (0.25 - 0.50 inches) cones in Fall. Provides dense shade. The wood is light yet has great strength and rot resistance. Its lumber is also known for its highly fragrant ginger aroma. One of the preferred woods for the manufacture of arrow shafts. Its fine grain, good strength and tonal quality are highly regarded for soundboards in guitar making. Thrives best in well-drained but moist soils, in a fairly sheltered position in full sun. In the wild, the species is seriously threatened by a root disease caused by the introduced oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora lateralis. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073110373-0Y1Q04IXGZPLX7TBN9M4/9-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Picea engelmannii - Engelmann Spruce Genus name is reportedly derived from the Latin word pix meaning pitch in reference to the sticky resin typically found in spruce bark. A Picea engelmannii in Siskiyou National Forest is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 133 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 149 inches and a crown spread of 35 feet. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073110155-LHXE6SWAJGKNXYTIDQ24/9-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Callitropsis nootkatensis - Alaska Cedar An evergreen tree growing up to 80 feet in height and 25 feet in width, commonly with pendulous branches. The foliage is in flat sprays, with dark green, 3–5 mm long scale-leaves. The cones have 4 (occasionally 6) scales and mature in two years. In Alaska, the tree has depended upon heavy coastal snowpacks to insulate its shallow roots from cold Arctic winters. The impacts of climate change have resulted in thinner, less-persistent snowpacks, in turn causing increased susceptibility to freeze damage. Substantial future mortality is likely due to warming temperatures and decreasing snowpacks. It has been considered to be one of the finest timber trees in the world. Due to its slow growth it is hard and durable, and is resistant to weather, insects, and contact with soil. It works easily with hand or machine tools; it turns and carves quite well. Traditionally, paddles, masks, dishes, and bows are made from the wood. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072409629-83PM5RWT9GWIRT7SVOJ8/6-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Sequoiadendron giganteum - Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) is the world’s largest tree by volume. The red-brown fibrous bark is non-resinous and very fire-resistant. The oldest one so far identified, in Sequoia National Monument, is over 3500 years old. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072408278-YEP9A1R79RI48MQ2DL5V/6-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Pinus longaeva - Western Bristlecone Pine Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone Pine) grows in the White Mountains in eastern California, and in a few high-altitude locations in Nevada and Utah. These are the oldest known trees on earth. The oldest one currently identified is the ~4800-year-old “Methuselah”. Photo credits: Plant: Glenn Keator; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072407229-0K5HQMDZ5NZFCUP0JJOE/6-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Hesperocyparis nevadensis - Piute Cypress Hesperocyparis nevadensis (Piute Cypress) is a conifer native to a small area in the southern Sierra. The scale-like leaves are resinous and very aromatic. The cones can remain closed for several years until experiencing a fire, so fire suppression policies have severely limited its reproduction. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072405982-0XZ9H7UVBFX0EYAPJIFL/6-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Schoenoplectus acutus - Tule Schoenoplectus acutus (Tule) is a giant species of sedge native to freshwater marshes. It is widely used by California Indians to make shelters, mats and boats. The stems contain air pockets, similar to a closed-cell foam, so tules are especially useful for making rafts and boats. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: ; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067142262-2SZ9MEOP0AGNLCQV9RZT/0-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Salvia apiana - White Sage Evergreen perennial shrub that reaches 4.3 to 4.9 ft tall and 4.3 ft wide. Whitish evergreen leaves have oils and resins that release a strong aroma when rubbed. Flowers are white to pale lavender. Requires well-drained dry soil, full sun, and little water. The seed is a main ingredient of pinole, a staple food for Pacific indigenous peoples. Leaves burned by many native American tribes, with the smoke used in different purification rituals. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067142262-W7MM07NCATW7YZM1377B/0-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Yucca baccata - Fleshy fruited Yucca Evergreen, spring flowering. Fleshy, succulent, edible fruit is a traditional food of the Apache and Navajo. Fruits often picked before maturity and ripened off the plant to keep wildlife from eating them before they could be harvested. Blue-green leaf blades 12– 40 in long can be woven into baskets, used to make brushes, or with the fleshy leaf tissue removed the remaining stiff fibers can be made into a combination needle and thread. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia (Stan Shebs); Detail - Wikimedia (Stan Shebs). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067147472-4VR8LE0XT0484MHLIOZF/0-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Nolina interrata - Dehesa Nolina State-endangered species. Produces a branching stem, part of which grows underground, lined with rosettes of stiff, waxy, blue-green leaves, up to 45 per rosette. Leaves are thick and somewhat fleshy at the bases, and shreddy and serrated along the edges. Erect inflorescence may be up to 5 feet tall, bearing branches lined with tiny flowers each with six whitish tepals. Fruit is a papery capsule containing reddish brown seeds about 0.2 in wide. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067147946-ER2WBBY5DUVOQP8YJ9TG/0-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Ephedra californica - California Mormon Tea Spindly gymnosperm shrub. Bark is gray-brown, irregularly fissured, and cracked. Grows 0.82–3.28 feet in height, with a similar spread. Tiny leaves grow at nodes on the twigs and dry in drought, to crumble away to leave brownish ridges there. Male plants produce clumps of pollen cones at the nodes, and female plants produce egg-shaped seed cones each about 0.4 in long. Native peoples use it as a medicinal plant, culinary ingredient, and for making tools. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070340979-O2II03QSV020K273EYTC/1-collage-02yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Quercus chrysolepis - Canyon Live Oak Evergreen oak growing 70 feet high and 30 feet wide. Leaves are a glossy dark green on the upper surface with obvious spines. Produces medium sized (0.50 - 1.50 inches) acorns in fall or winter. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. Drought tolerant. Native Americans use the acorns as a food staple, after leaching of the tannins. After forest fires, Canyon live oak regenerates vigorously by basal sprouting. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070341000-EI0ICLIFTMRKSKKJM7P6/1-collage-01yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Hesperocyparis sargentii - Sargent Cypress One of the most widespread of the California cypresses. Leaves are scale-like, dark green, and evergreen. Produces small to medium (0.25 - 1.5 inch) cones. Grows 30 to 60 feet in height. On Carson Ridge in Marin County, as well as Hood Mountain in Sonoma County, the species comprise a pygmy forest of trees which do not attain heights greater than 8-12 feet due to high serpentine concentrations in the soil. Prefers full sun to partial shade. Drought tolerant. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070337709-OAZRLEISKK2C249XLLRR/1-collage-04yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Juniperus californica - California Juniper Evergreen shrub or tree, 10 to 40 feet in height and 10 to 40 feet in width with scale-like medium to light green leaves. Produces a small (0.25 - 0.50 inches) cone, fruiting in fall or winter which attracts wildlife. Prefers full sun to partial shade and moist to dry soil. Drought tolerant. Thrives in clay, loam, or sand. Dioecious, but a very small percentage may be monoecious. Fruits have medicinal uses and are used to flavor gin. Photo credits: Plant - Glenn Keator; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070337840-53WVMRU65D4Z7O4EGMRR/1-collage-03yr.jpg Year Round Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos auriculata - Mt. Diablo Manzanita This rare and delightful manzanita is an endangered species of Arctostaphylos, limited to the rocky slopes of Mount Diablo. This woody shrub grows slowly and densely to 5 or 6 feet tall and at least as wide with smallish, fuzzy, grey leaves densely covering the branches over mahogany-red trunks. Late winter brings flowers ranging from pink to white. Fruit is hairy and small (0.5 inches). Needs full sun. Provide excellent drainage and little to no irrigation once established. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/spring-showcase-plants daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864482491-C7ALAQFHAIOFH42MBG9S/c-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Dryopteris arguta - Coastal Wood Fern Beautiful evergreen fern with lovely dark green foliage. Grows to about 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide. Tolerating more sun than other northwest ferns, this species is found growing on steep wooded slopes or on sunny riverbanks. More drought tolerant than many ferns. Variable in appearance. Leaflets may have bristles at their tips and sometimes turn at an angle from the leaf, giving it a ruffled or lacy look. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864482277-T43OG6134TTW5PNI9G4Y/c-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Toxicodendron diversilobum - Poison Oak Deciduous shrub (to 3-10 feet tall) or climbing vine (to 50 feet tall) that features trifoliate leaves with ovate to obovate oak-like leaflets. Extremely variable in growth habit and leaf appearance. Leaves turn vivid red to orange-red in fall. Winter deciduous. Causes significant and long-lasting skin irritations (allergic dermatitis) in most humans in reaction to urushiol, a toxic plant oil. Animals feed on plant leaves. Birds use the berries for food and the plant structure for shelter. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - .John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864483901-E084X9Q8L8QPCKN3XMH8/c-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Ceanothus ferrisiae - Coyote Ceanothus A federally listed endangered species endemic to Santa Clara County, where it is known from only four or five occurrences near Mt. Hamilton in the Diablo Range. The largest population, located near Anderson Dam, is recovering from a 1992 wildfire that killed 95% of the plants. Only about 6000 individuals remain. Threatened by loss and degradation of its habitat, which is being cleared for construction and used for dumping. The species also seems to have low recruitment (seed germination, seedling survivorship, seedling growth). Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - .John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1719864484827-Q7XR6YXQRIA0XWKQQR7G/c-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Juglans hindsii - Northern California Black Walnut Large (up to 60 feet tall) tree with a single erect trunk. The leaf is up to 12 inches long, with 13-21 leaflets (2-5 inches) that have dentate margins. Produces a nut with a smooth, brown, thick shell containing a small edible nutmeat. Commercially important as a rootstock for English walnut orchards all over the world. Readily hybridize with other walnuts. Only three (DNA) verified California native old-growth stands remain. Photo credits: CalPhotos ©2013 Plant - Jean Pawek Closeup - Jean Pawek Detail - Steve Matson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066699064-Z34MXHHSC4BSPURL5B5Y/3-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Castilleja affinis - Indian paintbrush Indian Paintbrush is a species native to western North America from Washington to Baja California, where it grows on hills and mountains slopes along the coast and inland. This is a perennial herb growing an erect stem up to about 60 centimeters in maximum height. The flower cluster is a series of leafs in shades of bright red to yellowish. There are three subspecies of this plant (ssp. affinis, ssp. litoralis, & ssp. neglecta). Ssp. affinins (Coast Indian paintbrush) occurs commonly throughout western North America from Washington to Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066696215-FFRET9L8VX6DZY0SFKA8/3-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Dendromecon harfordii - Island Bush Poppy Endemic to San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Cruz Island, and Santa Rosa Island in the Channel Islands of California. Shrub or small tree reaching heights between 2–6 m (6.6–19.7 ft). Thin branching stems covered sparsely in smooth-edged, oval-shaped leaves 3 to 8 cm long. Showy flowers with four bright yellow petals each 2 or 3 cm long. Fruit is a curved, cylindrical capsule over 7 cm in length. Drought tolerant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066692447-VFR2WLNPJ2Y5L6GV63KE/3-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Ceanothus arboreus - Tree Ceanothus Evergreen shrub. Grows fast to 20' high 10' wide with large dark green leaves, fragrant medium blue flowers in 6-inch spikes. Grows 5-10'/year. Deer will browse. Very drought tolerant. If you have rainfall greater than 15 inches/year, water the first year only. Butterflies like the flowers and the quail eat the seeds. A good screen or fence line plant. Tolerates sand and clay. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066691881-S7VWS9Z9K8YD50I22D3T/3-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Comarostaphylis diversifolia ssp. planifolia - Summer Holly Shrub or small tree (13 feet). Gray bark is shreddy, and the tough evergreen leaves are somewhat rolled under and sometimes toothed. Creamy flowers are urn-shaped and borne in large racemes. Fruit is a red berry with a bumpy skin. Slow-growing species although it can grow more rapidly when exposed to sun. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071315808-LZJUHD1IWWC7QRP04EX4/4-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Trientalis latifolia - Pacific Starflower Trientalis latifolia (Pacific Starflower) is a forest-dwelling perennial that reproduces via underground tubers and is often found on the edges of redwood forests. Flowers are pink to almost white, usually with 5 to 7 petals. (Currently named Lysimachia latifolia in the Myrsinaceae family.) Photo credits: Plant: Steve Matson; Closeup: Barry Breckling; Detail: Steve Matson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071312592-EBVF9W3N6LGZZI61I2U9/4-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Ceanothus thyrsiflorus - Coast Blue blossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus (Coast Blue-blossom) is one of the larger ceanothuses and is a popular landscaping plant. It attracts bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Quail, finches and other birds eat the seeds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071313141-BW0S3KF03VZTHELUAJJN/4-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Aesculus californica - California Buckeye Aesculus californica (California buckeye) has fruits that contain a neurotoxic glycoside. California Indians use the nuts to stupefy fish, making them easier to catch. The pollen and nectar are toxic to honeybees. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071315671-38ESUHDANCIKJS1QPRQ6/4-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Dichelostemma pulchellum - Blue Dicks Dichelostemma capitatum/pulchellum (Blue Dicks) grows from a corm, a swollen underground stem that acts as a food storage structure. Corms from this species were an important food source for many California Indians. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071749399-CKAEACL61J1R5IF4D1AJ/5-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Lysichiton americanus - Yellow Skunk cabbage Found in swamps, along streambeds, in seeps, and in other wet areas of a forest. One of the few native species in the arum family. Extremely unpleasant smelling flowers are produced in a spadix (spike) surrounded by a spathe (a leaf-like curved bract). The unpleasant odor attracts its pollinators - scavenging flies and beetles. The plant also produces heat and will melt the snow around it. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071749017-A62SP7NVK3WSK36YNFZH/5-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Claytonia sibirica ssp. heterophylla - Candy Flower Spring flowering perennial herb found on streambanks, marshes, and moist places. A good ground cover for shady, wet locations. It is short-lived but reseeds readily. Leaves are edible, but bland. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Keir Morse); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071746972-PF43ENVA5EW0BFQRPZ4E/5-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Rhododendron macrophyllum - California Rose Bay Native near the coast; grows 4-10 feet tall, as high as 20 feet in some locations; trusses (bundles) of flowers range in pinkish purple to white, six inches across; look for their beautiful displays of color in spring through summer. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez ; Closeup - John Rusk ; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071747024-YNVNLGWL4KW9DWBC67OJ/5-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Viola sempervirens - Redwood Violet Woodland native; small yellow flowers appear in late winter, early summer; grows best in moist shade to part sun; plant between stepping stones or pavers for early color. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072807984-TOWBJHHF94GU26JQ10B0/7-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Artemisia suksdorfii - Coastal Mugwort A deer-resistant species of sagebrush native to coastal regions. It has sturdy upright stems of felted whitish-grey (or silvery) fragrant leaves. The dense clusters of yellow-green flowers attract butterflies. Cut it to the ground annually to make room for new spring growth. Photo credits: Plant - CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Closeup - CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Detail - CalScape (Walter Siegmund). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072808455-N3WAHFBF1MEZ5217JU9Q/7-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Sambucus racemosa - Red Elderberry Multi-stemmed treelike shrub. The stems are soft with a pithy center. Native Americans burn or coppice the plants to produce straight new shoots with longer growth between nodes. They make flutes from the hollowed out stems or clapper sticks by hollowing and splitting the branch in two to use as a hand percussion instrument. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072805864-77VKGWBSDD7YE58T5VTC/7-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Iris douglasiana - Douglas Iris Common and attractive wildflower preferring part or full shade and richer soils. It is easy to grow, and will form large clumps that can be divided and replanted. The flowers are painted with nectar guidelines for potential pollinators (in this case a bee or butterfly). Native Americans use the iris leaves as cordage for fishing nets, ropes, and snares for catching game. Named for David Douglas (1799-1834), a fearless botanist who traveled throughout the wilds of California and the Pacific Northwest, seeking new plants to send back to the Horticultural Society of London. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072805617-2HJHBT44J6A0BL7MQG09/7-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Trillium ovatum - Western Wake robin The name Wake Robin alludes to its early spring bloom. An understory perennial plant, look hard for it on the forest floor perhaps beneath the duff. The stalk has a whorl of three leaves and a beautiful solitary 3-petaled white flower that turns pink, purple, and even red with age. Lewis & Clark plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070899597-8UU4VUDIDI7JBCH38UU3/2-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Ceanothus papillosus roweanus - Mt. Tranquillon Ceanothus This ceanothus grows in open habitat on the slopes of the coast ranges. The evergreen leaves are oblong, covered in glandular bumps and generally turned under. Bright blue flowers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070898370-1VVPQAN4GE6B1EFHIWAG/2-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Fragaria chiloensis - Beach Strawberry Fragaria chiloensis is a vigorous perennial ground cover with glossy green foliage and bright white flowers. The fruit is edible, but only about 1/2 inch long. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070895950-M0ZGI22P20YBVJ5XKHLP/2-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Arbutus menziesii - Pacific Madrone Arbutus menziesii is a tree that occurs below 5000 feet over much of California, excluding the deserts. Its smooth or peeling red bark; nodding, scented white flowers; 1/2 inch red, orange, and yellow fruit; and its large lustrous leaves make it a pleasure to encounter any time of the year. Lewis and Clark Plant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070896450-5JGMH4VF1K6DJ3NAYWZN/2-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Armeria maritima var. californica - Sea pink Armeria maritima is a perennial herb that displays globes of pink flowers on stems about 1 foot above a compact green mound. It is confined to western North America. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072966583-CEC88VM3WL8L5JC2FEYJ/8-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Arabis blepharophylla - Coastal Rock Cress Grows mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area and nearby low-elevation California Coast Ranges. The plant sends up thin, hairy stems from a basal rosette of fuzzy leaves. It bears small flowers with four bright purplish-pink petals. It is uncommon in the wild but is often grown as an attractive, sweet-scented flowering garden plant. There are several cultivars bred for garden use. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072966449-VOR30PKN700GUYN2KWKP/8-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Limnanthes douglasii var. sulphurea - Yellow Meadow foam Fragrant, annual, rare in the wild, only appears near the coast. Favors seasonally moist areas in full sun. Low growing foliage is topped with a profusion of pure yellow, upward facing, cup-shaped, fragrant flowers borne abundantly on a 8” X 12” plant. Useful in low areas, drainage swales, retention basins or seasonally dry stream beds. Thrives in heavy, water retentive soils. Reseeds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072963542-VR1QZ0UBC671NFXA3Q11/8-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Erigeron glaucus - Seaside Daisy This evergreen perennial subshrub is native to coastal Oregon and California. It grows from a thick rhizome on inner dunes not right on the ocean edge. The flowers on stems up to 11 inches high bloom May to July. Butterflies love the nectar of its flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Walter Knight); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072963299-LGTSPDL6PJ23YUJED6IS/8-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Lupinus arboreus - Coastal Bush Lupine One of the largest of California’s more than 70 lupine species, this “tree lupine” grows along the coast and produces a dramatic show of fragrant flowers, often yellow, but also white, blue, and lavender. This shrub can grow to 8 ft tall and 8 ft wide. All lupines have flowers with a banner at the top and wings to the side that hide a keel at the bottom. The flowers are often visited by bumblebees that push aside the wings when they land and push down the tip of the keel with their weight, exposing the anthers that dust their abdomens with pollen. You can simulate this by gently pushing down on the tip of the keel of one of the flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Charles Webber); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073129476-0OXZQ52A1DO4RD340210/9-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Erythronium revolutum - Coast Fawn Lily Charming spring bloomer with nodding, lily-like flowers; on slender burgundy stems and open to pink, dark pink/rose with showy orange-yellow stamens. Slow-growing, taking 5–7 years to form a flowering size bulb, and therefore is slow to establish in new locations. Mottled green foliage is variable and dappled with white and/or a dark eggplant hue, reminiscent of a fawns coloring. Foliage is deciduous. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073129423-QWT7GOWIKDZRMZWWOZ31/9-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Asarum hartwegii - Hartweg's Wild Ginger Perennial herb that grows from a ginger-scented rhizome which extends vertically deep into the ground. Forms a clump of elaborately white-veined leaves which are heart-shaped to round in shape and coated in curved hairs on a long petiole. Bears a solitary maroon flower near the ground on a short peduncle. Fruit is a fleshy capsule containing many seeds. Slow grower (one leaf for years). Difficult in containers or where conditions are not perfect. If planted in the understory of a forest it can live for 50 or more years. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073127008-RTSVKU2IABFS8QJ27UHT/9-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Pseudotrillium rivale - Brook Trillium A species of the Trilliaceae family. It is the only species in the genus Pseudotrillium. Occurs in yellow-pine forest along rocky streambanks and in Darlingtonia bogs, generally serpentine soil in the Siskiyou Mountains of Oregon and California, often on soils of ultramafic origin. This spring-flowering perennial herb grows 4-15 centimeters tall; its single flower has purple spots on its three petals, which are otherwise white; peduncle generally erect as flower opens, becoming recurved and continuing to elongate below bracts after pollination until ovary contacts soil. Grows best on moist wooded slopes in part shade. Peak flowering time is April-June. Photo credits: Plant - Wikipedia (Eric in SF, taken at EBRPBG); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Calphotos (©2008 Norman Jensen ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073127040-WJ1WOXFJWECQWFWRRXJG/9-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Neviusia cliftonii - Shasta Snow Wreath Not known to science until 1992. Listed as rare or endangered and found only near Lake Shasta. Fewer than 20 populations of this plant are known to exist, most of them small. The Eastern Klamath Range, where Shasta snow wreath lives, is an ancient landscape neither glaciated nor overlain by volcanic material, as were the surrounding Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Trinity Mountains. Flowers are unusual in having no petals and very many stamens, looking like tiny white puffs. Blooms from April to June. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072563447-YG27SEP960BH6ECLSO74/6-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Erythronium multiscapideum - Sierra Fawn lily Erythronium multiscapideum (Sierra Fawn Lily) is endemic to California and grows in the southern Cascade Range and northern Sierra Nevada. It grows from a bulb and produces nodding lily-like flowers. It can also reproduce vegetatively from creeping horizontal stems. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Calflora (Dean Wm. Taylor PhD). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072560974-I9N30ROVJEFQ6Q428LCD/6-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Iris munzii - Munz's Iris Iris munzii (Munz’s Iris) grows in shady openings in blue oak and live oak woodlands. Endemic to the Sierra Nevada foothills in Tulare County and currently an imperiled species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072560973-4GORWYXZJ5EVR9JN0DW0/6-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Darmera peltata - Indian Rhubarb Darmera peltata (Umbrella Plant) genus name honors 19th-century Berlin horticulturist Karl Darmer. The leaves can be up to 18 inches across and are peltate, i.e. they arise from the rhizome on a long petiole that attaches to the center of the leaf. Often found along mountain streams. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072563988-XGW0ZVAV0AQCXLOMQO0S/6-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Fremontodendron californicum 'Margo' - Margo's Fremontia ‘Margo’ was selected for its low growth habit and a profusion of orange-yellow flowers in spring. The cultivar name honors the wife of former Garden Supervisor Al Seneres. This shrub’s common name, “flannel bush,” supposedly refers to the fuzziness of the leaves. But these leaf hairs can be quite irritating to skin and eyes, which helps protect the leaves from insects and other predators. Named after the famous California explorer, John Fremont, the shrub explodes into color in the spring, awash with large waxy, orange-yellow flowers that have no petals, only sepals (in most flowers, drab sepals form a protective sheath around the developing petals). Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067205836-CHXJXNCI2EFPPJQQLFDF/0-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Agave shawii - Shaw Agave Very rare and critically endangered. A very slow-growing, small-to-medium sized agave, with green ovate leaves 8 - 20 in long and 3 – 8 in wide, and a variable pattern of marginal teeth. When it blooms at the end of its life, the large, clubby inflorescence forms a panicle 6.5 - 15 feet in height, whose 8 - 14 lateral umbels are subtended by large purple bracts. Each umbel consists of a mass of yellowish or reddish flowers. It generally flowers February to May, and as typical for agaves, the rosette dies thereafter. This agave species is frost tender, with damage starting at 23°F and becoming extensive at 17.6°F. Plants enjoy a sandy loam soil that has good drainage. Roots very rapidly respond to rain and dry plants have been documented to start growing feeder (rain) roots within 3 hours after exposure to the rain. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067206602-NY9LU934S4LGBP67BCF6/0-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Salvia spathacea - Hummingbird Sage A low growing semi-evergreen herbaceous perennial sage with woody bases and a somewhat sprawling habit with upright flowering stems. 1 to 2 feet tall and spreading slowly by underground rhizomes to about 4 feet. Slightly sticky to the touch with pleasingly aromatic arrow-shaped light green leaves that can grow to 6 inches long and are wrinkled on top and hairy beneath. The deep rose-pink flowers grow in large pagoda-like whorls on 30-inch tall flower stalks from late winter into summer. Likes full sun to partial shade; once established, needs little water. An extremely tough plant that can go dormant in summer. Useful in dry shade. The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067198002-PNXBHH6WUJ075PLUWPYR/0-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Styrax officinalis - Snowdrop Bush A 4-6 foot slow growing, deciduous shrub that produces an abundance of fragrant waxy white blossoms, is readily propagated, long-lived, and tolerant of a wide range of conditions from full sun to bright shade and of drought or regular water. The most common dispersal mechanism seems to involve the seed either rolling downhill or floating downstream. The species epithet, redivivus, presumably refers to its ability to spring back to life after fire or severe pruning. The base of the plant forms a swollen growth from which it re-sprouts. Bees and butterflies feed on the flower nectar. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz.; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067198691-521DB38I4MJJEN9V3N83/0-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Mahonia nevinii - San Fernando Barberry An evergreen shrub/small tree that grows slowly to 5 feet. Produces fragrant yellow flower spikes, 2-in long from Mar.-Apr. This is followed by hundreds of edible red berries. Its foliage is kind of a blue-gray-green with brown-red stems and yellow 0.1-in spines on the leaf margins. It likes full sun to part shade. It is very drought tolerant. Deer proof in most sites. It is a favorite of western bluebirds. It tolerates sand, high traffic (people walking on it), and deer. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David –Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070366528-DA1V4G9T6KIFC6OKMIMX/1-collage-12sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Erythronium helenae - Saint Helena Fawn lily Named for the local peak Mount Saint Helena, where Napa, Sonoma, and Lake Counties meet. Grows from a bulb 1-2 in wide and produces two wide leaves up to 7 in long which are green and mottled with brown or white. Produces erect stalks up to 12 in tall, each bearing one to three flowers. Flower has white tepals with yellowish bases 1-1.5 in long. Tepals develop pink or purple streaks or mottling as they age. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070366804-UASSL3Y7SPGZ279GPCRZ/1-collage-11sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Salvia sonomensis - Creeping Sage Evergreen mat-forming perennial sage that can spread to 10 feet across. Flowers vary from white to blue, lilac, and purple, appearing in a 6-inch spike above fragrant, gray-green leaves that lie about one inch above ground. Leaves are hairy: the upper surface with minute hairs and the lower surface so densely covered with recurved hairs that it looks white. Tolerates clay and serpentine soils. Sensitive to heat and direct sun; leaf drop is an indication of too much sun or heat or inadequate moisture. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070364143-CJ215P2KQUY1VMB7GSG9/1-collage-13sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Allium unifolium - Pink flowered Onion Usually has 2-3 flat leaves up to 10 in long. Bulbs are solitary, egg-shaped, up to 3/4 in long, often formed at the end of rhizomes spreading out from the parent plant. Scapes (a long, leafless flower stalk arising from a root) are round in cross-section, up to 20 in tall. Flowers are up to 0.6 in across; tepals usually pink but occasionally white; anthers yellow or purple. Young foliage is delicious. Caution: Do not dig up the bulbs in the wild, but rather purchase them and plant them in the ground in autumn. Can be invasive. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070363844-NY8QMUYUWPW8SMUVD5Q4/1-collage-14sp.jpg Spring Showcase Plants - Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum - Meadow Rue A perennial herb in the Ranunculaceae (Buttercup family) that grows to a maximum of 7 feet in height, with attractive, graceful, fern-like foliage. Leaves unfold from purplish shoots and are divided into ternate (consisting of three leaflets or other parts) segments which are re-divided and at maturity resemble columbine leaves. Thrives in shady moist places. Foliage usually dies back by summer in dry sites. The tiny, green flowers with dangling stamens (on male plants) are showy only at close range. Deer Resistant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/guides/birds-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/ab87e0b7-6536-4559-93de-099b2ccc07cf/birding.jpeg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/815f43b7-3a49-47fb-90f7-b47ddf7179d0/black-phoebe.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/579d45d5-7129-4c19-b005-dcc2f104e6bc/annas-hummingbird.jpg https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/wayne-roderick-lectures daily 0.75 2024-12-07 https://nativeplants.org/volunteer/become-a-garden-greeter daily 0.75 2026-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/7a69ebcf-2a42-4b58-b7e2-938beeb6b9f0/Garden-Greeters.jpg https://nativeplants.org/school-tours daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/16d976ea-af73-4c56-aba0-bbf5f2d383cf/tour2.jpg https://nativeplants.org/group-tours daily 0.75 2025-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/54dd9269-6456-4eae-8dc6-32627b436d69/tour3.jpg https://nativeplants.org/tours/group-tour-request-form daily 0.75 2025-04-22 https://nativeplants.org/about/contact-us daily 0.75 2026-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/011ccdf2-e7a9-493f-aaff-b6c917ea645a/Plant+Survey.jpg https://nativeplants.org/guides/showcase-plant-guides daily 0.75 2024-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072408278-YEP9A1R79RI48MQ2DL5V/6-collage-02yr.jpg https://nativeplants.org/visita-virtual-en-espanol daily 0.75 2024-08-27 https://nativeplants.org/home daily 1.0 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/7c67d72a-6d13-48b0-ac32-bc39ca611751/tilden-botanic-garden-view_500.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/2876bcde-d683-40b3-bb7a-08661fee9231/tilden-botanic-garden-purple-flowers_500.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/a0a76708-6b32-4d6b-9fe4-7b2a075440d7/trunks_and_ferns_wide.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/67eb92a7-1e42-4603-872b-0680906fb9bf/madrone_wide.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/ae939c09-cf50-45d4-b45a-faa42fd28738/redwood-section.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/09d4ec51-c5ca-4eff-adb6-96f13af2fdbe/Wake+Robin-Trillium+chloropetalum.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/fb644622-1837-4119-b5f3-6101de767990/desert.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/186e2244-3ad1-4d2e-9e51-3ec09d055d0b/Coast+Fawn+Lily.jpg https://nativeplants.org/tours/school-tour-request-form daily 0.75 2025-03-12 https://nativeplants.org/tours/cnpp-request-form daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://nativeplants.org/tours daily 0.75 2024-09-10 https://nativeplants.org/guides/animal-guides daily 0.75 2024-12-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/92713691-a46f-496a-8938-e327db284f52/Varied-Thrush.jpg https://nativeplants.org/guides/amphibians-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/be80bf46-00ce-48e8-bac5-06f1963e8c23/newt-closeup-01.jpg https://nativeplants.org/events-and-classes/classes daily 0.75 2026-02-20 https://nativeplants.org/lorquins-admiral daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/9119b33a-6fdc-491d-a0ef-33c93b1a6bdb/Lorquins-Admiral-1-closed-may-2019-ucbg.jpg Lorquins Admiral - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/fdff3870-3a49-400c-b9a5-6673b3512a4c/Lorquins-Admiral-3-underside-may-2019-ucbg.jpg Lorquins Admiral - Under-side https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/049f9b7b-ad60-4b8d-bcc5-1e94da8ee291/Lorquins-Admiral-2-open-june-2018-ucbg.jpg Lorquins Admiral - Open * Lorquin's Admiral can be distinguished from California Sister by looking at the orange patch at the tip of the forewing. California Sister has a large patch with well-defined edges; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower patch that fades away at the edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/f596e4f0-11ae-4de6-b9da-5aef80fbac83/California-Sister-2-open-April-2022-Mitchell-Canyon.jpeg Lorquins Admiral - California Sister, open * (Photo Tom Peterson) Lorquin's Admiral can be distinguished from California Sister by looking at the orange patch at the tip of the forewing. California Sister has a large patch with well-defined edges; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower patch that fades away at the edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727149096301-HJUUTA2XRMPXTPOK4TDR/California+Sister+3+CS-LA+Dave+2015_04_28+6588+copy.JPG Lorquins Admiral - California Sister versus Lorquin's Admiral * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) Nice to see the comparison in a single photograph. California Sister has a larger and sharply defined spot at the tip of the forewing; Lorquin's Admiral has a narrower spot that fades away at the edges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727219278447-5OLWDOVAHV8LOWP80HES/LA+cat+Dave+2022_04_25+Caterpillar%2C+Lorquin%27s+Admiral-3966+RSA.jpeg Lorquins Admiral - Caterpillar (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://nativeplants.org/monarch daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/40dc7fe8-0ca1-4913-8f01-4daeac796a9a/Monarch-2-open-male.jpg Monarch - Open, male * Males have a scent gland on each hind-wing, on the veins closest to the abdomen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727224701956-WI3AAGD4D5HN3F9JX4AD/Monarch+open+female+Sep+2022.jpg Monarch - Open, female * Note that here are no scent glands on the veins closest to the abdomen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/838531a7-1f22-4050-94f9-6637a321b570/Monarch-1-closed-img_2166-scaled.jpg Monarch - Closed, male * The scent glands are discernible from the upper side too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/e5b9c481-a51d-455a-a4b9-d799a838f08f/Monarch-2b-closed-female.jpg Monarch - Closed, female * No scent glands on the female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/2ef54fda-fe72-4de7-81d2-f71668128c39/Monarch-3-cluster-albany-hill-img_7916-scaled.jpg Monarch - Overwintering cluster, Albany Hill * Migrating Monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in large clusters in California at sites along the central coast (including Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove) and the southern coast (including Pismo Beach). Most years, there are small over-wintering clusters in Berkeley, the largest clusters being found on Albany Hill (up to 500-600 butterflies in recent years). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/c0836fa3-c77a-4cab-bd33-d6d11078f6df/Monarch-4-cluster-pg-img_6100-scaled.jpg Monarch - Overwintering cluster, Pacific Grove * Migrating Monarchs west of the Rockies overwinter in large clusters in California at sites along the central coast (including Santa Cruz and Pacific Grove) and the southern coast (including Pismo Beach). The overwintering Monarchs at Pacific Grove peaked at 7,604 in 2023; 15,960 in 2022, and 13,708 in 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1749256185967-HH5VSTC1DUHBKKRDBD6S/IMG_1860.jpeg Monarch - Egg * On Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808679197-T0B740D81VLY3FM5SCUL/Monarch+Danaus+plexippus+-+Brent+Haglund.png Monarch - Egg (photo Brent Haglund) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727224702135-0TI5RM0Q3AM6MXK9C2U1/Monarch+cat+1st-instar+Terry+IMG_0481.jpeg Monarch - Caterpillar * (Photo Terry Peterson) First instar. This caterpillar will molt four times before it's fully grown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727224708152-NXXKZA6N2TTQ72DQXZ45/Monarch+cat+just+moulted+Terry+IMG_0560.jpeg Monarch - Caterpillar * (Photo Terry Peterson) This caterpillar has just molted. To the left, you see the exoskeleton it just shed. These exoskeletons have a pretty short half-life, and are not seen very often. The caterpillar usully eats the exoskeleton after molting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/30edc674-559a-4f73-9709-ae83542eb1f6/Monarch-3-caterpillar-aug-2021-ucbg.jpg Monarch - Caterpillar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/97f70967-6561-4e8c-925c-0a49bc8f3a53/Monarch-6-chrysalis-with-necklace-of-gold.jpg Monarch - Chrysalis * Scientists have no idea why the chrysalis is decorated with that beautiful necklace of gold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/8bbf2a30-0042-4eca-b51c-3d4280afed64/Monarch-7-chrysalis-ready-to-pop-aug-2012.jpg Monarch - Chrysalis, just before eclosion * The chrysalis turns totally transparent just before the butterfly ecloses. This happens for all butterflies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/23286ff4-5aa5-49e1-ae9b-460300a6a652/Monarch-8-post-eclosion-wing-clinging-the-thorax-aug-2012.jpg Monarch - Just eclosed butterfly * The wings are still soft, and clinging to the abdomen like a soft robe. The butterfly will first pump them up with fluid, and then dry them. Only then will it be ready to fly. https://nativeplants.org/margined-white daily 0.75 2024-11-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/5500ff15-6963-44bb-ab28-f0befaa38f03/Margined-White-1-closed-feb-2020-alum-rock.jpg Margined White - Closed, spring form * On the under side of the spring form, the hindwing and the apex of the forewing have veins edged with gray-green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/95eba46f-5ef5-45cd-be4d-05608fce23b6/Margined-White-2-closed-late-summer-img_4103-scaled.jpg Margined White - Closed, summer form * The summer form is all-white, both above and below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/734c2790-0459-42c7-9a7c-57f413eb3f71/Margined-White-2-spring-open.jpg Margined White - Open, spring form male * On the upper side, the spring form male has black-tips on the forewing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1741463665544-J5OP01ZJ985LZBV91VZA/Margined+White+female+IMG_0628.jpeg Margined White - Open, spring form female* On the upper side, the spring form female has a much bolder pattern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/911a91fd-7025-4b3f-8eac-f923451093ae/Margined-White-3-open-late-summer-form-july-2020-ucbg.jpg Margined White - Open, summer form male * The summer form male is all-white, both above and below. https://nativeplants.org/mourning-cloak daily 0.75 2025-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634905114-ADDVTJCEJA1DHGNSZ60I/Mourning+Cloak+1+closed+IMG_1235.jpg Mourning Cloak - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1720634908130-ROKVXX66AWOLS1N8YZKW/Mourning+Cloak+2+open+IMG_1410.jpeg Mourning Cloak - Open * That startling shade of sky blue is somewhat unusual. Usually, it's a duller gray-blue. https://nativeplants.org/mylitta-crescent daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841570845-WL949SD98BUO32RD0K1V/Mylitta+Crescent+1+open+male+IMG_0133.jpeg Mylitta Crescent - Open, male * Males have just one shade of orange on the upper side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841570802-Z5E0VMQYH24U50PWZLVE/Mylitta+Crescent+2+open+female+IMG_2488.jpeg Mylitta Crescent - Open, female * Note that these butterflies are actually mating, albeit in a very unusual mating position. Usually, butterflies mate back-to-back. If you look closely at this photograph, you will see that the male has his abdomen extending sharply upwards, to couple with the female. The female is on top . Females have several different shades of orange. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841573941-XJMJKBQTECIZAKNRCMP6/Mylitta+Crescent+3+closed+IMG_7864.jpeg Mylitta Crescent - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841574408-K4IHBNHZPPHVO8MUYHDJ/Mylitta+Crescent+4+mating+IMG_9514.jpeg Mylitta Crescent - Mating pair, closed * The female is on the left. This is a more conventional mating position. The butterflies are back-to-back, joined together at the tip of the abdomen. The second photograph on this page shows a rare exception. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727223315289-0T4WFJRKM862UCTSRMDP/Mylitta+Crescent+4b+mating+Dave+2009_10_09+Phyciodes+mylitta+pair-39063+copy.JPG Mylitta Crescent - Mating pair, open * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) The female is on the right. https://nativeplants.org/northern-checkerspot daily 0.75 2025-07-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1775005278632-V68AJNJHPV3XRDYM19VL/Northern+Checkerspot+1+open+male+RPBG+3%3A26+IMG_0447.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Open * Could be male or female. Males have only this one pattern, with a narrow range of shades of orange. Females can resemble males, or have two other forms. Among males (and the resembling females), the shade of orange can vary considerably from individual to individual. This photograph shows the color at the darker end of the range; the half-open photograph shows the color at the lighter end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727930394320-A8SX0O7881KGICDI7PT4/Northern+Checkerspot+2b+open+black+female+2008_05_27+Chlosyne+palla%2C+black+female-25836.JPG Northern Checkerspot - Open, female * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) Northern Checkerspot females can resemble the male, or mimic Field Crescent. This is a third form, which mimics Variable Checkerspot. They can be differentiated by looking at the abdomen. Variable Checkerspots have white spots, whereas Northern Checkerspot females have thin white bands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727930726782-VE1B8DYZOSJPRJG51SDS/Variable+Checkerspot+1+open+IMG_2880.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Open, Variable Checkerspot * Note the white spots on the abdomen, instead of the Northern Checkerspot female's thin white bands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841833462-AK69LXT52QHH52JL78BY/Northern+Checkerspot+2+open+female+June+2015+UCBG.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Open, female * Northern Checkerspot females can look like the male, or mimic Variable Checkerspot. This is a third form, subspecies eremita, which mimics a Field Crescent, with more variation in the yellow-orange colors than males display. The pattern is superficially similar to that of a Field Crescent, but they can easily be distinguished. Two areas to focus on are the inner corners of the forewing, and the bands of spots on the hindwing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727930410299-GUQCR4RI2YT2P5EFCNDM/Field+Crescent+1+open+IMG_9635.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Open, Field Crescent * The pattern of the eremita subspecies Northern Checkerspot is superficially similar, but can easily be distinguished. Two areas to focus on are the inner corners of the forewing, and the bands of spots on the hindwing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841835434-ZII9U9EK1R5T4HT418FM/Northern+Checkerspot+3+half-open+IMG_0583.jpg Northern Checkerspot - Half-open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721841835243-G99OR1SMG1MVNNAGO1PK/Northern+Checkerspot+4+closed+June+2019+UCBG.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Closed * The underside is somewhat similar to that of Variable Checkerspot, but the pattern on the forewing is different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879567090-ZJX90115WHKBMBHHOCD0/Variable+Checkerspot+2+closed+IMG_3786.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Closed, Variable Checkerspot * The underside is somewhat similar to that of Northern Checkerspot, but the pattern on the forewing is different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727223634217-708Q0PEEEA64R4XNA0L1/NC+mating+Dave+2008_05_27+Chlosyne+palla+pair-25656+copy.JPG Northern Checkerspot - Mating Pair * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) The female is on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774458788142-Z5AQZWTX4RXYNS0MUI6O/Northern+Checkerspot+caterpillars+IMG_1778.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Caterpillars https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774993535063-F4UMEO0T4SA62ASXZQLM/Northern+Checkerspot+7+caterpillar+IMG_0490.jpeg Northern Checkerspot - Late instar caterpillar * On Goldenrod (Solidago). It's not a stinging caterpillar. The spikes are just to intimidate predators. Northern Checkerspot caterpillars have rows of orange double dashes (like an equal-to sign). https://nativeplants.org/northern-white-skipper daily 0.75 2025-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727459536923-ZQPLQVWZTJ4WV5AUWKKI/Northern+White-skipper+1b+open+male+IMG_5091.jpeg Northern White-Skipper - Open, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727220438278-A5SXBTBK5J3POF1M7AKT/NWS+open+female+Dave+2023_08_31+Skipper%2C+Northern+White-5246+SV.jpeg Northern White-Skipper - Open, female (photo Dave Bartholomew) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721843670845-VUF71QNBKOM0MSTWGN4C/Northern+White-Skipper+2+closed+September+2018+UCBG.jpeg Northern White-Skipper - Closed, male https://nativeplants.org/orange-sulphur daily 0.75 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721846327391-X39JXAFVRMP9HTW8YGPX/Orange+Sulphur+1+closed+IMG_9823.jpg Orange Sulphur - Closed * Could be male or female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721846326596-NL5EF9GZEHS7AUNDTMML/Orange+Sulphur+2+female+green+Oct+2016.jpg Orange Sulphur - Closed, female * Females can also look like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721846327562-1X0QYR0AN36JI56O8RAJ/Orange+Sulphur+3+backlit+September+2016+UCBG.jpeg Orange Sulphur - Closed, female, backlit * This butterfly almost never perches with open wings. Usually, you get a sense of the pattern on the upper side only when it's backlit. This is a female because we can see yellow dots in the black border on the upper side; males have a solid black border, with no dots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727219578019-A77RLP17EVUBGIMGWUIT/OS+open+female+Dave+2018_07_27+Colias+eurytheme-4806+copy.jpeg Orange Sulphur - Open, female * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) A rare view of the upper side, for both male and female. The female's wings are open only because she is rejecting the male by adopting the mating refusal posture. Note that, for the female, the black border contains yellow spots, whereas the male has a solid black border with no spots. Greenish-colored females — as in the second photograph — are white on the upper-side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1761351609243-JEIUBHM7JDXKNLX046C7/Orange+Sulphur+open+male+Tammie+Yu+IMG_2806.jpeg Orange Sulphur - Open, female * (Photo Tammie Yu) Open-wing shots of Orange Sulphurs are very hard to get directly (especially for males). This is a screen grab from a video (taken during a butterfly walk in the Garden!). For females, the black border contains yellow spots; a male would have a solid black border with no spots. Regular-colored females — as in the first photograph — are yellow and orange on the upper-side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727219578817-284ZV00WR3W11BKUCLGW/OS+egg+on+wing+Dave+2022_07_22+Colias+eurytheme-1080+copy.jpeg Orange Sulphur - There's an egg on her wing! * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) Not sure what egg that is, but it's not an Orange Sulphur's. Those are shaped like a football. https://nativeplants.org/oreas-comma daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721846656569-XRC1GX27TKIDPXZL4PTS/Oreas+Comma+closed+IMG_2937.jpeg Oreas Comma - Closed * Oreas Comma can be distinguished from Satyr Comma by the shape of the “comma” on the underside of the hindwing. For the Oreas Comma it looks like a check-mark, whereas for the Satyr Comma it is like a fish-hook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721846656470-HX6VW71MJ85JD5EGUPAC/Oreas+Comma+open+IMG_2917.jpeg Oreas Comma - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721847141714-SV16M6XWOE0NVYFPMHGN/Satyr+Comma+2+closed+female+June+2018+UCBG.jpeg Oreas Comma - Closed, Satyr Comma * Oreas Comma can be distinguished from Satyr Comma by the shape of the “comma” on the underside of the hindwing. For the Oreas Comma it looks like a check-mark, whereas for the Satyr Comma it is like a fish-hook. https://nativeplants.org/painted-lady daily 0.75 2026-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721847696014-PTBGJ9XUPPHVN9PB91PR/Painted+Lady+1+open+May+2019+Bay+Trail.jpeg Painted Lady - Open * Painted Lady can be distinguished from American Lady and West Coast Lady By looking at the upper side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721847696311-ENFIIQR7YHUF9FPCLAZD/Painted+Lady+2+closed+IMG_9387.jpg Painted Lady - Closed * With a little imagination, and maybe scrunched-up eyes, you can see a seated lady in the upper half of the hind wing. She's wearing a hat and a white skirt (the top of the hat touches the edge of the wing), and looking very much like an artist’s model. Could the name possibly come from that image? (In all fairness, the lady can be seen only on some individuals.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721847697487-ZOXB9S6RTFNUFUKJLQJ5/Painted+Lady+3+half-open+IMG_1322.jpg Painted Lady - Half-open * On Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia). That's an excellent nectar plant for a butterfly garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721848639451-7JD1T59SC57C2SBQR15J/West+Coast+Lady+1+open+IMG_3801.jpeg Painted Lady - Open, West Coast Lady * For West Coast Lady, the largest spot in the black tip of the forewing is orange. For Painted Lady, it is white.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780267144-K78J5K18SXHW0U6G42TQ/American+Lady+2+open+Nov+2020.jpg Painted Lady - Open, American Lady https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808428644-RFRW4WPTKY391NYAAX0V/Painted+lady+Vanessa+cardui+-+Brent+Haglund.png Painted Lady - Egg (photo Brent Haglund) https://nativeplants.org/pale-swallowtail daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721865582584-FBSBTWVPS0TI31M1BOK8/Pale+Swallowtail+1+open+IMG_0699.jpeg Pale Swallowtail - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721865581385-R0Q5P7QS9RMDKW9XNKIM/Pale+Swallowtail+2+closed+May+2017+UCBG.jpeg Pale Swallowtail - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750886138715-VNI9G0Z7IM14N935CBWU/Western+Tiger+Swallowtail+1+open++IMG_6231.jpg Pale Swallowtail - Open, Western Tiger Swallowtail * Note the deeper color. https://nativeplants.org/red-admiral daily 0.75 2026-01-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726876873131-0XV8JV7FT7XVVADUNM5N/Red+Admiral+1+open+IMG_7198.jpeg Red Admiral - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721867494534-CV7TNGGYNLRVODQQ8ONF/Red+Admiral+2+closed+July+2017+UCBG.jpeg Red Admiral - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808747127-5VD0AYUEMF6RCL8KKYIX/Vanessa+atalanta+Red+Admiral+-+Brent+Haglund.png Red Admiral - Egg (photo Brent Haglund) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1754267070391-YRQU9JDLVOVEB7NHYLZS/Red+Admiral+caterpillar+IMG_0254.jpeg Red Admiral - Caterpillar * Caterpillars live inside a shelter made by gluing a leaf together with silk. This shelter made from a Stinging Nettle leaf was opened to see the caterpillar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721867496677-BHVHQY8L4G8DPSDF4VQ1/Red+Admiral+chrysalis.jpg Red Admiral - Chrysalis * The chrysalis mimics the color and texture of a dry, dead leaf. https://nativeplants.org/sara-orangetip daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721868279487-V3IN0S1IYTU2KCA94OUB/Sara+Orange-tip+1+closed+IMG_8414.jpg Sara Orangetip - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721868278507-6H44QUEOVIBWZPC2T48G/Sara+Orangetip+2+open+male+March+2019+UCBG.jpeg Sara Orangetip - Open, male * The orange patch on the wing-tip is darker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721868279886-R3E0TTH1W29WUA3OJVMK/Sara+Orangetip+3+open+female+May+2019+UCBG.jpeg Sara Orangetip - Open, female * The orange patch on the wing-tip is paler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721868281875-G3EJ07NIAJRIBL1OKRZY/Sara+Orangetip+4+refusal+IMG_2038.jpeg Sara Orangetip - Courtship refusal * Courtship involves the male flying circles around the perched female. Here, the female refuses the male's advances by adopting the mating refusal posture. Note the difference in the color of the wingtips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727222580812-HA7DDKAT4V6PINGYBRSL/SOT+mating+Dave+2018_04_24+Anthocaris+sara+pair-1254+copy.JPG Sara Orangetip - Mating pair (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://nativeplants.org/satyr-comma daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721869022460-OUXWYC9TXX7MNVZDEA51/Satyr+Comma+1+closed+male+July+2018+UCBG.jpeg Satyr Comma - Closed, male * The under-side is more striped. The “comma” on the underside of the hindwing is like a fish-hook. For the Oreas Comma it looks like a check-mark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721869023119-JXXZANH034Z4YMNYT8CY/Satyr+Comma+2+closed+female+June+2018+UCBG.jpeg Satyr Comma - Closed, female * The under-side is more evenly colored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1725595497063-GP9EZ2AIWUSEXBDQ4T2O/Satyr+Comma+3+open+IMG_7244.jpeg Satyr Comma - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721869426436-ZXQYL771J4C4OA04SXPK/Oreas+Comma+closed+IMG_2937.jpeg Satyr Comma - Closed, Oreas Comma * The “comma” on the underside of the hindwing is like a check-mark. For Satyr Comma, it is like a fish-hook. https://nativeplants.org/umber-skipper daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721870676890-87PHRSB73ZPO2QWS4Y7W/Umber+Skipper+1+closed+IMG_7393.jpg Umber Skipper - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721870676945-QI5HUOF84AG9YVX6Z46Y/Umber+Skipper+2+down-under+IMG_7790.jpg Umber Skipper - Open, under-side https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721871812634-GOIQ075SRG7BWPM7VTQA/Umber+Skipper+5+open+top.jpg Umber Skipper - Open, top view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721870680348-UTFVH8IWUP4ABCS1V7Q9/Umber+Skipper+3+open+on+bent+stalk+IMG_7171.jpg Umber Skipper - Open, side view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1760550744722-EF5A40JQC7DQXDT1GU8V/Umber+Skipper+courtship.jpg Umber Skipper - Courtship * The male flies circles around the female. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721870680071-7UEVT7NONHBMVNEJ70HY/Umber+Skipper+4+mating+IMG_5852.jpg Umber Skipper - Mating pair https://nativeplants.org/variable-checkerspot daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879329445-V0AKG8RNQ9WW7Q55I31R/Variable+Checkerspot+1+open+IMG_2880.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879329059-S2E1D06U7JZ8WNFPYH9P/Variable+Checkerspot+2+closed+IMG_3786.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Closed * The underside is somewhat similar to that of Northern Checkerspot, but the pattern on the forewing is different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879501583-4WWGDC2XZ0VHQHTJJCQC/Northern+Checkerspot+4+closed+June+2019+UCBG.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Closed, Northern Checkerspot * The underside is somewhat similar to that of Variable Checkerspot, but the pattern on the forewing is different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1742231493288-NINMB7PJG0WJU9803CBA/Variable+Checkerspot+forked+proboscis+IMG_0076.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - ODDITY: note the forked proboscis * When a butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, the proboscis is in two segments. One of the first things it does is “zip” the two segments together. This one did not zip up all the way, so the proboscis looks forked at the end. In this condition, the proboscis cannot be used as a feeding tube, so this butterfly was not able to feed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727220740523-ULT9JIB4FVWZL2QIMYV9/VC+mating+Dave+2006_05_18+Euphydryas+chalcedona+pair-05133+copy.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Mating pair (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727927700883-UMKBRNFEXYI3MUNMBWVF/Variable+Checkerspot+3b+laying+eggs+2005_06_14+Chalcedon+laying+eggs-833+copy.JPG Variable Checkerspot - Laying eggs (Photo Dave Bartholomew) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879331333-3IMX1CAGR9CLAOE8TC4B/Variable+Checkerspot+4a+eggs+UCBG+May+2022.jpg Variable Checkerspot - Eggs * Eggs are laid in large clusters. Females will come back to the same leaf, and lay more eggs on it. Some of these eggs have been laid on top of previous eggs. The next photograph shows the multi-story construction in its full glory! Freshly laid eggs are pale yellow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808803792-53RGFOZQOBBVG6E1S0H4/Variable+checkerspot+Euphydryas+chalcedona+-+Brent+Haglund.png Variable Checkerspot - Eggs (photo Brent Haglund) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879332548-FE9Q9J6BMRD469F8PR9A/Variable+Checkerspot+4b+eggs+May+20%2C+2022+UCBG.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Eggs * The color quickly changes to this pinkish brown. Eggs are laid in large clusters. Females will come back to the same leaf, and lay more eggs on it. There are a few freshly-laid pale yellow eggs on top of the old ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1774993318009-MUQ6N247R436NZIPXRIR/Variable+Checkerspot+5+caterpillar+IMG_0479.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Caterpillar * It's not a stinging caterpillar. The spikes are just to intimidate predators. Variable Checkerspot caterpillars have orange spikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879335420-1HDQU564SMTIDBSZ3FAI/Variable+Checkerspot+6+chrysalis+IMG_8147.jpeg Variable Checkerspot - Chrysalis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721879336331-99NLMNTHLEW5MJ6P5OIY/Variable+Checkerspot+7+mature+chrysalis.jpg Variable Checkerspot - Almost mature chrysalis * The shell has started to turn transparent, and the color and pattern of the wings is starting to show through. It will turn totally transparent before the butterfly ecloses. https://nativeplants.org/west-coast-lady daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721880323574-SS2Z1SFWSLIX9F1EJPGD/West+Coast+Lady+1+open+IMG_3801.jpeg West Coast Lady - Open * There are two other similar-looking Ladies. However, West Coast Lady lacks the white dot that American Lady has in the large orange spot on the forewing. And the largest spot in the black tip of the forewing is orange for West Coast Lady, but white for Painted Lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721880323728-YKUW9KJ95NVAE4LEZK0X/West+Coast+Lady+2+closed+IMG_3226.jpg West Coast Lady - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721880326154-J0GM78D0Z3O5CRCHERD9/West+Coast+Lady+3+partly+open+IMG_9139.jpg West Coast Lady - Half-open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721880326085-LCVGXC6XY1AYUCGJ19R2/West+Coast+Lady+4+eggs%2C+Sept+2019+UCBG.jpeg West Coast Lady - Eggs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721880382468-ERLN7T5DTTWHMYJ2AT9U/Painted+Lady+1+open+May+2019+Bay+Trail.jpeg West Coast Lady - Open, Painted Lady * The largest spot in the black tip of the forewing is orange for West Coast Lady, but white for Painted Lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780267144-K78J5K18SXHW0U6G42TQ/American+Lady+2+open+Nov+2020.jpg West Coast Lady - Open, American Lady https://nativeplants.org/western-brown-elfin daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721881786212-LPDS5FT91SL2BLXJE1HW/Western+Brown+Elfin+1+IMG_8795+Bart+Briones.jpeg Western Brown Elfin - Closed (photo by Bart O'Brien) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727223891455-SDWDNNDU8QORJQ8EGSZ4/Western+Brown+Elfin+2+laying+Dave+2009_05_07+Incisalia+augustinus+iroides-34728+copy.JPG Western Brown Elfin - Laying eggs * (photo by Dave Bartholomew) On Blue Dicks (Dichelostemma capitatum), in the Asparagaceae family. This is not a well-known host plant. https://nativeplants.org/western-pygmy-blue daily 0.75 2025-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721882299379-O1U9C154FFJTO2VRCWP3/Western+Pygmy-Blue+1+closed+IMG_3712.jpg Western Pygmy Blue - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721882299487-OQL0KEJ9Z4OGK700KO3E/Western+Pygmy-Blue+2+open+IMG_8543.jpg Western Pygmy Blue - Open * Unlike most blues, the upper wing of the male is not blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727323131701-O2F5GOCZIC4U4PWSB5YU/Western+Pygmy-Blue+3+laying+eggs+IMG_4956.jpeg Western Pygmy Blue - Laying eggs * On Creeping Saltbush (Atriplex prostrata) https://nativeplants.org/western-tiger-swallowtail daily 0.75 2025-06-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1743281874987-SD5EFIPORX439IAN6KFI/Western+Tiger+Swallowtail+1+open+new+IMG_0951.jpeg Western Tiger Swallowtail - Open https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721882938488-T9ZVVLW0F846PAZI1QMA/Western+Tiger+Swallowtail+2+closed+June+2021+home.jpeg Western Tiger Swallowtail - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721883056699-NNYDO74HCRDRMRBMC48U/Pale+Swallowtail+1+open+IMG_0699.jpeg Western Tiger Swallowtail - Open, Pale Swallowtail * Pale Swallowtail has a similar pattern, but a much lighter color. https://nativeplants.org/woodland-skipper daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721883548724-SHGK62KPTKVV030S60NH/Woodland+Skipper+1+closed+IMG_2146.jpg Woodland Skipper - Closed * Most individuals in our area have no pattern at all or a very light pattern. But some are boldly marked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1759080488113-OBEEP15MT0XQCUY6Z82B/Woodland%2BSkipper%2B1b%2BClosed%2Bplain%2BPtR%2BJuly%2B2020.jpg Woodland Skipper - Closed * Most individuals in our area have no pattern at all or a very light pattern. But some are boldly marked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721883548476-Q5DA9IDINL6M87TQ2Z4O/Woodland+Skipper+2+open%2C+side+IMG_9360.jpeg Woodland Skipper - Open, side view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721883550944-DMLNHZR65TNR14JB9ISL/Woodland+Skipper+3+open%2C+top+IMG_9612.jpeg Woodland Skipper - Open, top view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721883551191-9FZR0ZN0BRYR5XBBW29G/Woodland+Skipper+4+mating+June+2018+UCBG.jpeg Woodland Skipper - Mating pair https://nativeplants.org/ceanothus-silkmoth daily 0.75 2025-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721920263555-BLHU8UZOMMNQ4GAK5OO3/Ceanothus+Silkmoth+IMG_2069.jpeg Ceanothus Silkmoth - Closed https://nativeplants.org/pacific-rainforest daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071727726-YL214877IWYG4YUO9SZI/5-collage-04yr.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Abies grandis - Grand Fir Stately and beautiful, this is the fastest growing and tallest of all North American fir species. It is a true fir with upright cones that shatter in the tree when mature. It reproduces by seed. Young trees have thin bark and are easily killed by fire. Mature specimens provide nesting and feeding sites for the flammulated owl, northern spotted owl, and the marbled murrelet. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - TreeLib. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071727623-P232BICNJY9S8K12PROH/5-collage-03yr.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Picea sitchensis - Sitka Spruce One of the conifers that can lose all its live branches and still regrow a complete live crown from epicormic sprouts on its trunk. The wood has an extraordinarily high strength-to-weight ratio and was used in aircraft until aluminum became affordable and widely available. The hands of the Campanile clock at UC Berkeley were originally made of it and when one of the hands was repaired with Douglas fir, the clock didn't keep proper time--the hand was too heavy. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071730995-73HDJXLGHYLBYPZFNBEY/5-collage-02yr.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Malus fusca - Oregon Crab Apple Deciduous shrub or small tree, often with several trunks. It produces small round edible apple-shaped pomes favored by many birds. Doesn't grow well in clay soils. Foliage turns color in the fall. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071730768-L7MBW0RB3LMVMPJVSBES/5-collage-01yr.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Torreya californica - California Nutmeg Dioecious (male and female flowers are on different trees) evergreen tree with branches all the way to the ground. The female produces large, heavy seeds enveloped by a drupelike aril. Needles are thin and come to a sharp point. It is a thin-barked tree that will sprout from the roots, root crown, and bole (trunk) following top-kill by fire. The tree does not yield culinary nutmeg but the seeds are edible, reportedly tasting somewhat like peanuts. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071746972-PF43ENVA5EW0BFQRPZ4E/5-collage-14sp.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Rhododendron macrophyllum - California Rose Bay Native near the coast; grows 4-10 feet tall, as high as 20 feet in some locations; trusses (bundles) of flowers range in pinkish purple to white, six inches across; look for their beautiful displays of color in spring through summer. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez ; Closeup - John Rusk ; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071747024-YNVNLGWL4KW9DWBC67OJ/5-collage-13sp.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Viola sempervirens - Redwood Violet Woodland native; small yellow flowers appear in late winter, early summer; grows best in moist shade to part sun; plant between stepping stones or pavers for early color. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071749017-A62SP7NVK3WSK36YNFZH/5-collage-12sp.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Claytonia sibirica ssp. heterophylla - Candy Flower Spring flowering perennial herb found on streambanks, marshes, and moist places. A good ground cover for shady, wet locations. It is short-lived but reseeds readily. Leaves are edible, but bland. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Keir Morse); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071749399-CKAEACL61J1R5IF4D1AJ/5-collage-11sp.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Lysichiton americanus - Yellow Skunk cabbage Found in swamps, along streambeds, in seeps, and in other wet areas of a forest. One of the few native species in the arum family. Extremely unpleasant smelling flowers are produced in a spadix (spike) surrounded by a spathe (a leaf-like curved bract). The unpleasant odor attracts its pollinators - scavenging flies and beetles. The plant also produces heat and will melt the snow around it. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071771032-ASLYBXXJOZ66546JIJQH/5-collage-24su.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Goodyera oblongifolia - Rattlesnake Plantain A species of orchid most commonly found in the understory of mountain forests. It produces striking foliage of dark green leaves with a white midrib and netlike white veining which stands out in the low light of the forest. Produces a flower cluster of many white orchid flowers which may all face in the same direction on the stalk or be spirally arranged around it. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - Wikimedia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071770378-BVBDBDF2H32BTAHYIOJH/5-collage-23su.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Lilium columbianum - Columbia Lily Can grow over four feet tall depending on soil conditions and produces numerous lightly scented, nodding, orange flowers with darker spots. The leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem of the plant. Indigenous Pacific Northwest peoples steam, boil, or pit-cook its bulbs to add flavor to meat or fish soups. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071772848-M6G91SXWWRFQFO54FNHL/5-collage-22su.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Erythronium californicum - California Fawn Lily Hardy perennial bulb producing two basal green leaves sometimes spotted with brown (like a spotted fawn), a reddish-green stalk up to 30 centimeters tall, bearing one to three yellowish-white flowers. A cultivated variety named 'White Beauty' is available in the nursery trade. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071773111-3N6KDGQUQRFY8ED8MNWE/5-collage-21su.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Epipactis gigantea - Stream Orchid One of the most abundant orchids of the Pacific coast of North America. Perennial reaching up to 3 feet in height with exotic orchid blossoms. The top two petals extend outward like outstretched arms and the lowest petal is cup-shaped with a pointed, tongue-like protuberance. True to its name, it is almost always found in wetland-riparian areas including hot springs. The primary pollinators are insects, especially the Syrphidae fly. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071787258-XC536GLR8NJK5KV0I93T/5-collage-34fa.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Festuca subuliflora - Coast Range Fescue Loosely clumping perennial bunchgrass. Bunchgrass leaves die each year, but the plants regrow from the same root system and base (or crown) each spring. The older the plant, the more growing points it accumulates, and the larger the bunch becomes. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - CalPhoto (Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071787104-LQAY2793M9MY6IVGRZKG/5-collage-33fa.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Asarum caudatum - Wild Ginger Found in the moist shaded forest understory often in mats formed by clonal plants connected by rhizomes. Look under the heart-shaped leaves in spring for the hairy, cup-shaped brown-purple to green-yellow flowers that terminate in three long graceful curved lobes. The leaves emit a ginger aroma when rubbed. Its seeds are dispersed by ants who are attracted to a fatty appendage (elaiosomes) attached to each seed. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071788815-IV9P2XCPNJVMFZ36PRLM/5-collage-32fa.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Oxalis oregana - Redwood Sorrel Low growing perennial. The three leaflets are heart-shaped green on top and purplish underneath. The flower is white to pink with five petals and sepals. It grows in relatively low levels of ambient light and when exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves fold downward. When the shade returns, the leaves re-open. This process is know as 'nyctinasty'. The leaves have a sour, tangy taste and are eaten by the Cowlitz, Quileute, and Quinault peoples. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if eaten in large amounts. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071789264-GYGCVIQC8AAC4CGW06DY/5-collage-31fa.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Veratrum fimbriatum - Fringed False Hellebore Rare plant growing in the shady wet areas on the Mendocino Sonoma coast. Leaves emerge in spring, blossoms in summer. The large panicle inflorescence is packed with many distinctive, lacy-fringed flowers each up to a centimeter wide. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071804012-H82JBT1T6UWUZB9MVDXP/5-collage-44wi.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Douglas Fir One of the world's most important and valuable timber trees. Not a true fir as evidenced by the pendulous cones (true firs have upright cones). The cones have protruding trident-shaped bracts that resemble mouse feet and tails. The seed and needles are important food for many birds and mammals. Browsing animals will eat foliage and twigs within their reach. They grow to over 300 feet tall in the wild. 75th Annual Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Glenn Keator; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071804068-V9GBUWS73WVGIXR6APFW/5-collage-43wi.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Thuja plicata - Western Red cedar Dense and stately evergreen tree. Essential to the northwest coast indigenous peoples for building houses and canoes, and for making clothing and baskets. 'Plicata' means 'folded in plaits' or 'braided', a reference to the pattern of its small leaves. Some individuals can live over a thousand years. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071806378-A3GWUM78JS8UNKOUR7OT/5-collage-42wi.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Polypodium glycyrrhiza - Licorice Fern A summer deciduous fern named for its licorice-flavored rhizome which is chewed by numerous Native American groups, including the Squamish, Shishalh, Comox, Nuxalk, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw. It grows on moist slopes, rocks, and logs and also can be found growing on winter deciduous trees like the bigleaf maple. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071806474-D4FFP69WCJAJPTX7EO60/5-collage-41wi.jpg Pacific Rainforest - Tsuga heterophylla - Western Hemlock Large evergreen tree. The needles are short stalked, flat, finely toothed, irregularly spare, and of unequal length (5 to 20 millimeters long). The small ovoid seed cones have many thin papery scales, and hang down at the end of the twigs. The bark has high tannin content and was used as a tanning agent, pigment (a red dye to color wool and basket materials), and cleansing solution. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://nativeplants.org/sierran daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072407229-0K5HQMDZ5NZFCUP0JJOE/6-collage-04yr.jpg Sierran - Hesperocyparis nevadensis - Piute Cypress Hesperocyparis nevadensis (Piute Cypress) is a conifer native to a small area in the southern Sierra. The scale-like leaves are resinous and very aromatic. The cones can remain closed for several years until experiencing a fire, so fire suppression policies have severely limited its reproduction. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072405982-0XZ9H7UVBFX0EYAPJIFL/6-collage-03yr.jpg Sierran - Schoenoplectus acutus - Tule Schoenoplectus acutus (Tule) is a giant species of sedge native to freshwater marshes. It is widely used by California Indians to make shelters, mats and boats. The stems contain air pockets, similar to a closed-cell foam, so tules are especially useful for making rafts and boats. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: ; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072408278-YEP9A1R79RI48MQ2DL5V/6-collage-02yr.jpg Sierran - Pinus longaeva - Western Bristlecone Pine Pinus longaeva (Bristlecone Pine) grows in the White Mountains in eastern California, and in a few high-altitude locations in Nevada and Utah. These are the oldest known trees on earth. The oldest one currently identified is the ~4800-year-old “Methuselah”. Photo credits: Plant: Glenn Keator; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072409629-83PM5RWT9GWIRT7SVOJ8/6-collage-01yr.jpg Sierran - Sequoiadendron giganteum - Giant Sequoia Sequoiadendron giganteum (Giant Sequoia) is the world’s largest tree by volume. The red-brown fibrous bark is non-resinous and very fire-resistant. The oldest one so far identified, in Sequoia National Monument, is over 3500 years old. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072560973-4GORWYXZJ5EVR9JN0DW0/6-collage-14sp.jpg Sierran - Darmera peltata - Indian Rhubarb Darmera peltata (Umbrella Plant) genus name honors 19th-century Berlin horticulturist Karl Darmer. The leaves can be up to 18 inches across and are peltate, i.e. they arise from the rhizome on a long petiole that attaches to the center of the leaf. Often found along mountain streams. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072560974-I9N30ROVJEFQ6Q428LCD/6-collage-13sp.jpg Sierran - Iris munzii - Munz's Iris Iris munzii (Munz’s Iris) grows in shady openings in blue oak and live oak woodlands. Endemic to the Sierra Nevada foothills in Tulare County and currently an imperiled species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072563988-XGW0ZVAV0AQCXLOMQO0S/6-collage-12sp.jpg Sierran - Fremontodendron californicum 'Margo' - Margo's Fremontia ‘Margo’ was selected for its low growth habit and a profusion of orange-yellow flowers in spring. The cultivar name honors the wife of former Garden Supervisor Al Seneres. This shrub’s common name, “flannel bush,” supposedly refers to the fuzziness of the leaves. But these leaf hairs can be quite irritating to skin and eyes, which helps protect the leaves from insects and other predators. Named after the famous California explorer, John Fremont, the shrub explodes into color in the spring, awash with large waxy, orange-yellow flowers that have no petals, only sepals (in most flowers, drab sepals form a protective sheath around the developing petals). Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072563447-YG27SEP960BH6ECLSO74/6-collage-11sp.jpg Sierran - Erythronium multiscapideum - Sierra Fawn lily Erythronium multiscapideum (Sierra Fawn Lily) is endemic to California and grows in the southern Cascade Range and northern Sierra Nevada. It grows from a bulb and produces nodding lily-like flowers. It can also reproduce vegetatively from creeping horizontal stems. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Calflora (Dean Wm. Taylor PhD). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072581598-Y8EREXKR2BJF93HCI7RS/6-collage-24su.jpg Sierran - Cornus sericea ssp. sericea - Western Dogwood Cornus sericea ssp sericea (American Dogwood) is noted for its red bark, especially on new growth. Widespread in California, it grows in moist places up to about 9000 feet. It has fragrant flowers and beautiful fall foliage. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072581982-D9KJXNWX05NM7HRFAQHT/6-collage-23su.jpg Sierran - Clarkia williamsonii - Foothill Clarkia Clarkia williamsonii (Foothill Clarkia) is endemic to California and grows in the northern and central Sierra foothills. Named after Robert Stockton Williamson who conducted surveys for possible transcontinental railway routes. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072583130-O2A2RD529Q07U3OUEP8X/6-collage-22su.jpg Sierran - Calycanthus occidentalis - Spice Bush Calycanthus occidentalis (Spicebush) is found in foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The leaves have a somewhat spicy scent, and the flowers have scent reminiscent of a wine cellar. The lotus-shaped flowers lack distinct sepals and petals, but rather have spirals of tepals and are pollinated by beetles in Nitidulidae family. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072583962-XHDD4QE9QBGQDJC9WFC0/6-collage-21su.jpg Sierran - Philadelphus lewisii - Mock Orange Philadelphus Lewisii (Mock Orange), a shrub native to the northwestern US, was discovered by Meriwether Lewis in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark expedition. The flowers have a scent similar to orange blossoms with a hint of pineapple. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072598112-5FRX5ZOBGYVNFCGHCT3J/6-collage-34fa.jpg Sierran - Eriogonum parishii - Parish's Buckwheat Eriogonum parishii (Parish’s Buckwheat), is an annual plant that produces spreading clumps of branched stems. It has clusters of tiny (less than 1 mm wide) red-purple flowers and generally grows in granite sands. After flowering, the dark red plant skeletons can break off and appear like miniature tumbleweeds. Photo credits: Plant in granite bed: John Rusk; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072598506-8GPG4PY1THH5H4XH80F6/6-collage-33fa.jpg Sierran - Muhlenbergia rigens - Basket Grass Muhlenbergia rigens (Deergrass) is a large perennial bunchgrass that inhabits a wide range of environments including grassland, riparian, chaparral, mixed conifer, and oak woodland communities. In bloom, the flower spikes can reach five feet. The long flower stems are used in basketry by many native American tribes. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072600057-4G5SAY4MIF88JACKJIR3/6-collage-32fa.jpg Sierran - Quercus kelloggii - Black Oak Quercus kelloggii (Black Oak) is a deciduous oak with relatively large acorns that are favored by California Indians for making acorn meal. New foliage in spring is very pink then turns green. Leaves are deeply lobed with sharp points. Bark of older trees is dark, hence the name. Can live up to 500 years. Indian Uses Tour and 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: Bureau of Reclamation: Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072600877-CIQVXBD2LCLTN5D2IGIB/6-collage-31fa.jpg Sierran - Cephalanthus occidentalis - Buttonwillow Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonwillow) is native to the Central Valley and also eastern and southern North America. Not a true willow, but a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae). Flowers are in dense spherical heads with pistils protruding, resembling a pincushion. Blooms in late summer into fall. The town of Buttonwillow CA was named for this plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072612111-VNXDF5QI086RYPUCCF3E/6-collage-44wi.jpg Sierran - Salix jepsonii - Jepson's Willow Salix jepsonii (Jepson’s Willow) is a shrub that grows along rivers and streams in the Klamath Mountains and throughout the Sierra Nevada. Named for the renowned California botanist Willis Linn Jepson. The leaves are hairy when new and have silky hairs on the underside when mature. Photo credits: Pllant: Calflora (David Popp); Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072612099-0DK27O9CO4WUKKK5UHBI/6-collage-43wi.jpg Sierran - Tsuga mertensiana - Mountain Hemlock Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock) is usually found on cold, snowy subalpine sites. The species is named after German botanist, Franz Karl Mertens. The trunks are so flexible that trees bend under the weight of the snow. The needles are of equal length and are arranged radially around the twigs. Photo credits: Plant: Cal Photo (Charles Webber); Closeup: TreeLib; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072614471-L2DGVHMYBTI9EYPXWDA6/6-collage-42wi.jpg Sierran - Populus tremuloides - Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) has beautiful white bark and leaves that flutter in even a slight breeze, due to their flattened petioles. Aspen trees rarely flower, usually propagating through roots to form large clonal groves. Leaves turn bright yellow in fall. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: Calphoto (Timothy D Ives); Closeup: Glenn Keator; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072614390-6XVNE1HU3CGY301A6Z0R/6-collage-41wi.jpg Sierran - Salix prolixa - Mackenzie Willow Riparian, coarse, multi-stemmed shrub growing to 1 to 5 m. tall. Lance-shaped or pointed, oval leaves up to 15 cm long, hairless, waxy on the undersides. Produces flower spikes in spring and many fine, white, cottony seeds after. Used for revegetation of riparian areas. Palatable to wildlife. Native Americans use the stems for basket making, bows, and fish traps. Photo Credits: Plant: CalPhoto (Thayne Tuason); Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk. https://nativeplants.org/redwood daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072789489-F6EAV6J9GPBBPOGAA8FW/7-collage-04yr.jpg Redwood - Polystichum munitum - Western Sword Fern One of the most abundant ferns along the Pacific coast. The dark green fronds can grow to nearly six feet tall in a tight clump that spreads radially from a round base. The pronounced round sori grow on the underside of the leaves in two rows on either side of the midrib. They are easy to grow and tolerate difficult soils and hot, dry weather. In the understory of coast redwood trees, they evoke the feeling of a primordial forest. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072789432-7DIDPX9OO0BV46KFSPDB/7-collage-03yr.jpg Redwood - Pinus contorta ssp. bolanderi - Beach Pine Rare and threatened. Occurs in the coastal pygmy forests of Mendocino County. Only reaches a height of six feet in the acidic soils of its native habitat. In more advantageous soils, it can reach up to 30 feet but one specimen in Jughandle State Reserve has been measured at 76 feet high with a crown spread of 18 feet. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072792373-9CT6WF36PWSNI7DQWCH5/7-collage-02yr.jpg Redwood - Blechnum spicant - Deer Fern Like some others of its species, it has two types of leaves. The sterile leaves have gracefully arching, flat, wavy-margined leaflets 5 to 8 millimeters wide, while the fertile leaves stand upright with much narrower leaflets each with two thick rows of sori (structures that produce spores) on the underside. Needs shade, water, and not too much heat. Dormant in winter. Cut back dead fronds before new growth emerges. Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072792237-XG7JKOHN7X598UEYJNR1/7-collage-01yr.jpg Redwood - Sequoia sempervirens - Coast Redwood World's tallest trees. Coastal indigenous peoples use downed trees to carve into canoes. The tight grain of the old growth redwoods is resistant to disease, insects, and rot. Fire resistant due to their thick insulating bark. Produces cones about the size of an olive. Will propagate from seed and from stump sprouts. Circles of resprouted trees are called 'fairy rings'. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072805617-2HJHBT44J6A0BL7MQG09/7-collage-14sp.jpg Redwood - Trillium ovatum - Western Wake robin The name Wake Robin alludes to its early spring bloom. An understory perennial plant, look hard for it on the forest floor perhaps beneath the duff. The stalk has a whorl of three leaves and a beautiful solitary 3-petaled white flower that turns pink, purple, and even red with age. Lewis & Clark plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072805864-77VKGWBSDD7YE58T5VTC/7-collage-13sp.jpg Redwood - Iris douglasiana - Douglas Iris Common and attractive wildflower preferring part or full shade and richer soils. It is easy to grow, and will form large clumps that can be divided and replanted. The flowers are painted with nectar guidelines for potential pollinators (in this case a bee or butterfly). Native Americans use the iris leaves as cordage for fishing nets, ropes, and snares for catching game. Named for David Douglas (1799-1834), a fearless botanist who traveled throughout the wilds of California and the Pacific Northwest, seeking new plants to send back to the Horticultural Society of London. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072807984-TOWBJHHF94GU26JQ10B0/7-collage-12sp.jpg Redwood - Artemisia suksdorfii - Coastal Mugwort A deer-resistant species of sagebrush native to coastal regions. It has sturdy upright stems of felted whitish-grey (or silvery) fragrant leaves. The dense clusters of yellow-green flowers attract butterflies. Cut it to the ground annually to make room for new spring growth. Photo credits: Plant - CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Closeup - CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Detail - CalScape (Walter Siegmund). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072808455-N3WAHFBF1MEZ5217JU9Q/7-collage-11sp.jpg Redwood - Sambucus racemosa - Red Elderberry Multi-stemmed treelike shrub. The stems are soft with a pithy center. Native Americans burn or coppice the plants to produce straight new shoots with longer growth between nodes. They make flutes from the hollowed out stems or clapper sticks by hollowing and splitting the branch in two to use as a hand percussion instrument. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072823727-D8FL5OMPEOXS9H90WA3B/7-collage-24su.jpg Redwood - Rubus spectabilis - Salmon Berry Species of bramble (prickly shrub in the genus Rubus) in the rose family. The berries are edible and resemble a blackberry. They are an important food source for indigenous peoples and are traditionally eaten with salmon or mixed with oolichan grease or salmon roe. Not suitable for drying because of the high water content. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia (Sten); Detail - Wikimedia (Peter Stevens). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072824014-91PXN2NWR7XZRGP4BAIV/7-collage-23su.jpg Redwood - Adiantum aleuticum - Five-Finger Fern Beautiful, delicate, deciduous fern with strong, shiny purple-black stems used as design elements in Native American basketry. Grows in moist and shaded crevices, especially near sources of water mist. Trembles in a light breeze on its dark stem. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072825723-KHF99CKCWTKZAINO1AP6/7-collage-22su.jpg Redwood - Epilobium angustifolium - Fireweed Now classified (Jepson eFlora) as Chamerion angustifolium. Willow-like leaves and red stems; stunning magenta blossoms. As the common name implies it quickly appears after a fire and spreads but it isn't a good competitor so it can rapidly disappear too. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Steven Thorsted); Closeup - CalPhotos (Steven Thorsted); Detail - CalPhotos (Keir Morse). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072826205-AECBWPD56NUCNRMUEMIW/7-collage-21su.jpg Redwood - Lilium pardalinum - Leopard Lily Perennial. The plant can reach three feet tall and the flowers are three inches across. Foliage is deciduous. Don't prune until after it finishes blooming and the stalk has become completely dry. It grows next to streams and tolerates seasonal flooding. Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072845007-QVEU8GSFTSDLF2PO3BMQ/7-collage-34fa.jpg Redwood - Mahonia nervosa - Long Leaf Barberry Slow growing evergreen shrub/ground cover with small yellow flowers growing in clusters on elongated spikes that are favored by Anna's Hummingbirds. Fruit is blue with a waxy coating and tart tasting. Conspicuously veined ('nervosa') foliage turns deep red in winter. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Steve Matson); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhotos (Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072845170-GIH91IUKI03VOL4YPI1A/7-collage-33fa.jpg Redwood - Frangula californica - Hoary Coffeeberry Shrub between 3-6 feet tall. Branches may have a reddish tint and new twigs are often red. The flowers are inconspicuous but the fruit is a wildlife-attracting juicy drupe that changes colors from green to red to black as it matures. The seeds resemble coffee beans and can be made into a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Drought tolerant. Hearty. Easy to grow. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072847294-MMBJ3WLZ0BVGFTP8G6IN/7-collage-32fa.jpg Redwood - Acer macrophyllum - Big leaf Maple This dramatically spreading tree has the largest leaves of any maple (5-12 inches across) with 5 deeply incised palmate lobes. Usually found in mixed woods, they are easy to spot especially in the fall when the leaves turn to gold. Maple syrup can be made from its sap. The Lakwungen First Nations people of Vancouver Island use its wood to make paddles and spindle wheels. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072847633-ZBH0DEKZMZR11LJTB328/7-collage-31fa.jpg Redwood - Vitis californica - Wild Grape A deciduous vine that grows to over 30 feet in length and produces clusters of edible purple grapes. Extremely fast growing and may require continuous pruning to keep it in check. Thrives in damp areas but able to withstand periods of dry conditions. The grapes are an important food source for wildlife. Bees and butterflies love the flowers. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072865150-W1K27FBN7O7QTYYGUHZ5/7-collage-44wi.jpg Redwood - Woodwardia fimbriata - Giant Chain Fern The largest fern in North America with fronds that reach 3-5 feet. Found in shady spots, it likes moisture but doesn't like to be kept wet. Its sori are arranged in neat lines on the underside of the leaves and give a raised impression on the top side of the leaf resembling a chain. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072865736-T3TM8GDJOZJECS6CHZSW/7-collage-43wi.jpg Redwood - Arctostaphylos uva ursi - Trailing sandberry The name is derived from the Greek 'Arktos' for 'bear' and 'staphyle' a bunch of grapes, and Latin 'uva' for berry and 'ursi' for bear. Produces clusters of urn shaped pink flowers followed by bright red to pink edible drupes. The leaves are a main component in the traditional smoking mixtures used by local Native Americans. A host plant for several butterfly species. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072867564-SCND3Y2426818VQ9GZTS/7-collage-42wi.jpg Redwood - Alnus rubra - Red Alder Deciduous hardwood tree. The largest of the species of alder in North America reaching to 98 feet tall. Leaves have bluntly serrated edges and are deeply veined with a point at the end. The leaves are revolute (rolled backward or downward) which distinguishes them from other alders. Leaves turn yellow in the fall. Roots host the nitrogen fixing actinomycete Frankia in nodules allowing it to grow in nitrogen-poor soils. Produces an oily smoke when burned that is ideal for smoking salmon. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072869719-WUTIS2VY6RQLO5ZHG6ZE/7-collage-41wi.jpg Redwood - Scoliopus bigelovii - Slinkpods Early blooming wildflower found in wet areas in the forest undergrowth. 'Scoliopus' means 'curved foot' for the crooked flower stalk. After the flower has been pollinated, the pod begins to swell and the flower parts fall off leaving the weight of the pod to pull down the slender stalk and touch the ground. The fresh flower has an unpleasant odor to attract pollinators (fungus gnats). Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://nativeplants.org/sea-bluff daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072950449-C61JO3OXWYQ5THYJQHVH/8-collage-04yr.jpg Sea Bluff - Arctostaphylos uva ursi ssp. marinensis - Lighthouse Manzanita Uva-ursi means grape of the bear in Latin. Small procumbent woody groundcover shrub 5–30 cm (2–12 in) high. Leaves are evergreen, shiny, small, and feel thick and stiff. Fruit is a red berry. New stems can be red if the plant is in full sun but are green in shadier areas. White or pink flowers. Leaves contain a potential liver toxin. Bearberry is the main component in many traditional North American Native smoking mixes, known collectively as kinnikinnick (Algonquin for a mixture). Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072949619-868SP6TR6OO6KE725XBQ/8-collage-03yr.jpg Sea Bluff - Dudleya farinosa - Powdery Dudleya A succulent perennial herb found in coastal scrub from Southern Oregon to central California. The soft powdery substance (epicultilar wax) on the leaves protects the plant from drought, ultraviolet rays and insects. Wild dudleyas are illegally poached because their popularity in Asia makes them valuable. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072953440-WFN02O81WD50596U5NZT/8-collage-02yr.jpg Sea Bluff - Carex praegracilis - Freeway sedge A short, rich-green sedge alternative to turf grass. Growing to 6-8 inches tall and spreading by rhizomes to form a carpet that tolerates moderate foot traffic. Tolerates full sun to partial shade but has a period of summer dormancy in warmer, drier climates. Moderate water requirements lower than most lawn grasses. Hardy to at least 10 F and likely to come back from the underground rhizomes after lower temperatures. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072954147-4XF7V6WLVTVRIM2HC429/8-collage-01yr.jpg Sea Bluff - Juniperus communis var. siberica - Dwarf Juniper Small coniferous evergreen tree or shrub, needle-like leaves in whorls of three. Fruit are berry-like cones, initially green, ripening to purple-black with a blue waxy coating; spherical, 4–12 mm (0.16–0.47 in) diameter, with three (occasionally six) fleshy fused scales, each scale with a single seed. Male cones are yellow, 2–3 mm (0.079–0.118 in) long, and fall soon after shedding their pollen in March–April. Western American tribes combined the fruits with Berberis root bark in an herbal tea. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072963299-LGTSPDL6PJ23YUJED6IS/8-collage-14sp.jpg Sea Bluff - Lupinus arboreus - Coastal Bush Lupine One of the largest of California’s more than 70 lupine species, this “tree lupine” grows along the coast and produces a dramatic show of fragrant flowers, often yellow, but also white, blue, and lavender. This shrub can grow to 8 ft tall and 8 ft wide. All lupines have flowers with a banner at the top and wings to the side that hide a keel at the bottom. The flowers are often visited by bumblebees that push aside the wings when they land and push down the tip of the keel with their weight, exposing the anthers that dust their abdomens with pollen. You can simulate this by gently pushing down on the tip of the keel of one of the flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Charles Webber); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072963542-VR1QZ0UBC671NFXA3Q11/8-collage-13sp.jpg Sea Bluff - Erigeron glaucus - Seaside Daisy This evergreen perennial subshrub is native to coastal Oregon and California. It grows from a thick rhizome on inner dunes not right on the ocean edge. The flowers on stems up to 11 inches high bloom May to July. Butterflies love the nectar of its flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Walter Knight); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072966449-VOR30PKN700GUYN2KWKP/8-collage-12sp.jpg Sea Bluff - Limnanthes douglasii var. sulphurea - Yellow Meadow foam Fragrant, annual, rare in the wild, only appears near the coast. Favors seasonally moist areas in full sun. Low growing foliage is topped with a profusion of pure yellow, upward facing, cup-shaped, fragrant flowers borne abundantly on a 8” X 12” plant. Useful in low areas, drainage swales, retention basins or seasonally dry stream beds. Thrives in heavy, water retentive soils. Reseeds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072966583-CEC88VM3WL8L5JC2FEYJ/8-collage-11sp.jpg Sea Bluff - Arabis blepharophylla - Coastal Rock Cress Grows mostly in the San Francisco Bay Area and nearby low-elevation California Coast Ranges. The plant sends up thin, hairy stems from a basal rosette of fuzzy leaves. It bears small flowers with four bright purplish-pink petals. It is uncommon in the wild but is often grown as an attractive, sweet-scented flowering garden plant. There are several cultivars bred for garden use. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072982918-Y5SZCW2I6CYI5BXEMGRL/8-collage-24su.jpg Sea Bluff - Artemisia californica - California Sagebrush Evergray shrub, three to four foot high. Native to much of Central and Southern California and is part of the 'sage' in coastal sage scrub. Historically it made it up into lower Mendocino county and down into Baja usually within 50 miles of the ocean. Likes full sun, near coast, west and even north slope inland and little or no water after established. Prefers dry soil in summer. Great wildlife plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072982093-9JCJ488P69AKPJ6Q360Q/8-collage-23su.jpg Sea Bluff - Eschscholzia californica var. maritima - California Poppy A perennial coastal form of the well-known California poppy, the state flower. It has bluish feathery leaves that form a compact mound. Bright yellow flowers with an orange center blotch bloom from March until August. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072984323-Q9UHKNXBQCS00VIQ1I9B/8-collage-22su.jpg Sea Bluff - Ceanothus gloriosus - Point Reyes Ceanothus A fragrant ceanothus that is endemic to California growing along the coast north of San Francisco Bay. There are 3 varieties that are all considered rare. The leaves are toothed and sometimes spine-tipped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072985791-LIU7HT35KW5DPOEPAY68/8-collage-21su.jpg Sea Bluff - Baccharis pilularis ssp. Consanguinea - Coyote Brush Deer proof, drought tolerant. A pioneer plant in communities such as coastal sage scrub and chaparral. One of the first natives to return to disturbed sites. A 3-6' perennial with green-brown stems and green leaves. Nectary source for most of the predatory wasps, native skippers (small butterflies) and native flies. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072995022-Z0LG77QHIZMFPTX3W78L/8-collage-34fa.jpg Sea Bluff - Symphyotrichum chilense - California Aster Herbaceous perennial that grows 1 to 4 ft tall with deep, extensive, fibrous root systems. Critical pollen source for bees active in the late fall. Nectar source and host plant for checkerspot and crescent butterflies. Basal leaves are usually hairless, stalked, thin, and wither by the time the plant flowers. Flower heads are arranged in open, flat-top or round-top, branched clusters with violet to pink or white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Katherine Greenberg); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072994759-Z3EEUKJR3LA7HQP9FZ1A/8-collage-33fa.jpg Sea Bluff - Gaultheria shallon - Salal An evergreen shrub up to 10’ tall. It is native from Alaska to California usually as a forest understory shrub at lower elevations due to frost sensitivity. Urn shaped flowers bloom in spring. Eatable but bland tasting berries are liked by birds. Gauthier was a Canadian botanist and shallon is what it was called by the natives. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072997097-3RL923YFJ9S2M0SPXPN3/8-collage-32fa.jpg Sea Bluff - Castilleja latifolia - Seaside Paintbrush It is endemic to California. Its native range is in coastal sage scrub and sand dunes between San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County. Castilleja are hemiparasitic on the roots of grasses and forbs. Hemiparasitic means it derives some nutrients from its source but also photosynthesizes. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072997516-SOD0GQHVKL6IHAY6BZS5/8-collage-31fa.jpg Sea Bluff - Salvia mellifera - Black Sage A three-foot evergreen shrub with fragrant white to light blue flowers. Likes sun, tolerates some shade. Native on gravel-sand to adobe clay in full sun to part-shade. Needs about 15 in. of rainfall. Gets between 12-40 in. in its range, with the lower number being compensated for with fog drip. Important butterfly and hummingbird plant. Quail love the seed. Attractive to birds and butterflies. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Wikimedia (Curtis Clark). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073007018-5A9KN10BYNPR2E1JQQQK/8-collage-44wi.jpg Sea Bluff - Arctostaphylos X 'Ron Clendenen' - Ron Clendenen Manzanita A garden hybrid that has been named for long-time leader of the volunteer propagators at Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Vigorous grower. Evergreen, with small oval leaves 1–7 cm long, arranged spirally on the stems. Flowers are bell-shaped, white or pale pink, and borne in small clusters of 2–20 together; flowering is in the spring. Fruit are small berries, ripening in the summer or autumn. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073007187-5R5L83TTTUGHFAW3OLCI/8-collage-43wi.jpg Sea Bluff - Festuca rubra var. 'Blauhaven' - Blauhaven Red Fescue Bright green perennial grass that tolerates many habitats and climates. Best adapted to well-drained soils in cool, temperate climates; prefers shadier areas and is often planted for its shade tolerance. Wild animals browse it. Can grow between 2 and 20 cm tall. There are 4 to 10 spikelet flowers, which are up to 15 mm long. The ligule is very short and blunt. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073009147-E5NHB321TH4MPVKO8K6G/8-collage-42wi.jpg Sea Bluff - Dudleya caespitosa - Sea Lettuce It is endemic to California where it grows along the southern coast of the state. It’s succulent leaf color can vary from green, red or yellow. There is a problem with poaching dudleyas from the wild because they are very popular in China, Japan and Korea and selling them there can be lucrative. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073009781-7WBBVQ4B9111C4NH3HI2/8-collage-41wi.jpg Sea Bluff - Ribes glutinosum - Pink-flowering Currant A deciduous shrub that blooms January to March with very showy fragrant flowers. Native to coastal ranges from Oregon to southern California. Very drought tolerant in coastal areas. Does best in shade or part shade. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (©Debbie Ballentine); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://nativeplants.org/shasta-klamath daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073110155-LHXE6SWAJGKNXYTIDQ24/9-collage-04yr.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Callitropsis nootkatensis - Alaska Cedar An evergreen tree growing up to 80 feet in height and 25 feet in width, commonly with pendulous branches. The foliage is in flat sprays, with dark green, 3–5 mm long scale-leaves. The cones have 4 (occasionally 6) scales and mature in two years. In Alaska, the tree has depended upon heavy coastal snowpacks to insulate its shallow roots from cold Arctic winters. The impacts of climate change have resulted in thinner, less-persistent snowpacks, in turn causing increased susceptibility to freeze damage. Substantial future mortality is likely due to warming temperatures and decreasing snowpacks. It has been considered to be one of the finest timber trees in the world. Due to its slow growth it is hard and durable, and is resistant to weather, insects, and contact with soil. It works easily with hand or machine tools; it turns and carves quite well. Traditionally, paddles, masks, dishes, and bows are made from the wood. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073110373-0Y1Q04IXGZPLX7TBN9M4/9-collage-03yr.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Picea engelmannii - Engelmann Spruce Genus name is reportedly derived from the Latin word pix meaning pitch in reference to the sticky resin typically found in spruce bark. A Picea engelmannii in Siskiyou National Forest is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 133 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 149 inches and a crown spread of 35 feet. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073113136-FV4HMADOKM5LT91CZ1SC/9-collage-02yr.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Quercus garryana var. garryana - Garry Oak A drought-tolerant deciduous white oak, typically of medium height, growing slowly to around 20 m (occasionally as high as 30 m) or as a shrub to 3 to 5 meters (9.8 to 16.4 ft) tall. It has the characteristic oval profile of other oaks when solitary but is also known to grow in groves close enough together that crowns may form a canopy. The leaves are deciduous, 5–15 cm long and 2–8 cm broad, with 3-7 deep lobes on each side. The flowers are catkins, the fruit a small acorn 2–3 cm (rarely 4 cm) long and 1.5–2 cm broad, with shallow, scaly cups. Host to the mistletoe Phoradendron flavescens and to galls (oak apples) created by wasps in the family Cynipidae. Mature Garry oaks are fire-resistant. Critical habitat for a number of animal species that are rare or extirpated. With fire suppression and conversion to agriculture, Garry oak woodlands have declined. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073113389-ZNYNOBGUMQKEC3RGXE58/9-collage-01yr.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Chamaecyparis lawsoniana - Port Orford Cedar Evergreen conifer tree growing 50-130 feet in height and 15-18 feet wide and with erect or weeping form. Has feathery blue-green foliage in flat sprays. The leaves are scale-like 1⁄8–3⁄16 inch (3–5 mm) long, with narrow white markings on the underside. Produces small (0.25 - 0.50 inches) cones in Fall. Provides dense shade. The wood is light yet has great strength and rot resistance. Its lumber is also known for its highly fragrant ginger aroma. One of the preferred woods for the manufacture of arrow shafts. Its fine grain, good strength and tonal quality are highly regarded for soundboards in guitar making. Thrives best in well-drained but moist soils, in a fairly sheltered position in full sun. In the wild, the species is seriously threatened by a root disease caused by the introduced oomycete pathogen, Phytophthora lateralis. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073127008-RTSVKU2IABFS8QJ27UHT/9-collage-14sp.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Pseudotrillium rivale - Brook Trillium A species of the Trilliaceae family. It is the only species in the genus Pseudotrillium. Occurs in yellow-pine forest along rocky streambanks and in Darlingtonia bogs, generally serpentine soil in the Siskiyou Mountains of Oregon and California, often on soils of ultramafic origin. This spring-flowering perennial herb grows 4-15 centimeters tall; its single flower has purple spots on its three petals, which are otherwise white; peduncle generally erect as flower opens, becoming recurved and continuing to elongate below bracts after pollination until ovary contacts soil. Grows best on moist wooded slopes in part shade. Peak flowering time is April-June. Photo credits: Plant - Wikipedia (Eric in SF, taken at EBRPBG); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Calphotos (©2008 Norman Jensen ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073127040-WJ1WOXFJWECQWFWRRXJG/9-collage-13sp.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Neviusia cliftonii - Shasta Snow Wreath Not known to science until 1992. Listed as rare or endangered and found only near Lake Shasta. Fewer than 20 populations of this plant are known to exist, most of them small. The Eastern Klamath Range, where Shasta snow wreath lives, is an ancient landscape neither glaciated nor overlain by volcanic material, as were the surrounding Cascades, Sierra Nevada, and Trinity Mountains. Flowers are unusual in having no petals and very many stamens, looking like tiny white puffs. Blooms from April to June. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073129476-0OXZQ52A1DO4RD340210/9-collage-12sp.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Erythronium revolutum - Coast Fawn Lily Charming spring bloomer with nodding, lily-like flowers; on slender burgundy stems and open to pink, dark pink/rose with showy orange-yellow stamens. Slow-growing, taking 5–7 years to form a flowering size bulb, and therefore is slow to establish in new locations. Mottled green foliage is variable and dappled with white and/or a dark eggplant hue, reminiscent of a fawns coloring. Foliage is deciduous. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073129423-QWT7GOWIKDZRMZWWOZ31/9-collage-11sp.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Asarum hartwegii - Hartweg's Wild Ginger Perennial herb that grows from a ginger-scented rhizome which extends vertically deep into the ground. Forms a clump of elaborately white-veined leaves which are heart-shaped to round in shape and coated in curved hairs on a long petiole. Bears a solitary maroon flower near the ground on a short peduncle. Fruit is a fleshy capsule containing many seeds. Slow grower (one leaf for years). Difficult in containers or where conditions are not perfect. If planted in the understory of a forest it can live for 50 or more years. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073146069-OL2QH3W1PZ1HQR03ZU4S/9-collage-24su.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Lonicera involucrata var. ledebourii - Coast Twinberry Deciduous shrub to 8 feet, normally to 6 feet. Flowers are orange-red and appear from March to July. Black berries are edible but bitter. Sun to part shade. Tolerates air pollution, sand, and seasonal flooding. Valuable for erosion control and restoration of wetlands. Flower is a source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. Host for the larva of certain butterflies including Gillett’s checker mallow. Photo credits: Plant – Wikimedia; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073146502-C44LXJCBJE1DAZG9CYUG/9-collage-23su.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Cornus sessilis - Black fruit Dogwood A species of dogwood in the form of a shrub or small tree. Maximum height of 15-20 feet and 7-10 feet wide. It is deciduous, bearing deeply veined oval green leaves in season which turn red before falling. Its inflorescence is a cluster of tiny greenish-yellow flowers surrounded by thick, pointed bracts. The fruit is a round drupe about a centimeter wide which is white when new and gradually turns shiny black. The fruit attracts many birds. In its native range is commonly found as a member of the redwood understory along stream banks. A good tree for a wooded garden. Often combined with ferns and redwoods. Has attractive ridged leaves. A Cornus sessilis in Shasta County is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 18 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 20 inches and a crown spread of 16 feet. Deer palatable. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073147809-MC5PJXITR3ZHXLHMPZ8P/9-collage-22su.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed A milky-sapped hairy erect perennial plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), known commonly as the showy milkweed. Large, pointed, elongated, simple, entire opposite leaves. Hirsute, pale pink to pinkish-purple flowers occur in dense umbellate cymes. The corollas are reflexed and the central flower parts, five hoods with prominent hooks, form a star shape. The fruit is a large, rough follicle filled with many flat oval seeds, each with silky hairs. It flowers from May through September. Native Americans used fiber in the stems for rope, basketry, and nets. It is a specific monarch butterfly food and habitat plant. Additionally, phenylacetaldehyde produced by the plants attracts Synanthedon myopaeformis, the red-belted clearwing moth. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073148235-P3Q3AXJ7DFQ3TKVM3YVD/9-collage-21su.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Rosa pisocarpa - Cluster Rose A species of shrub rose that generally grows up to 2.5 meters tall in moist habitats. The stems can be dark red or blackish and are often studded with straight, paired prickles at nodes. The leaves are each made up of several toothed oval leaflets. The inflorescence is a cyme (a flower cluster with a central stem bearing a single terminal flower that develops first, the other flowers in the cluster developing as terminal buds of lateral stems) of up to 10 flowers with pink petals each up to 2 centimeters in length. The fruit is a rose hip about a centimeter wide, borne in clusters, and are decorative in fall and early winter, when they are red or reddish-purple and contrast with yellow foliage. Fall foliage can be yellow or dark red. Grows in full sun to partial shade. Its thorny thickets and numerous, persistent hips provide shelter and food for birds and other small wildlife. Host to gall-making wasps. Deer browse new stems and foliage. Photo credits: Plant – CalPhotos (©2016 Keir Morse); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – Wikicommons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073159475-BQ7YWOBRTPBX1549ZJFT/9-collage-34fa.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Petasites frigidus var. palmatus - Western Coltsfoot Late winter bloomer grows in low woods, glades, damp clearings, and swamps. Fast growing perennial to 1-3 feet in height. Dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and is pollinated by insects. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. Parts of the plant are edible. Young flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt. Flower buds can be cooked. Leafstalks - peeled and eaten raw. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute. To prepare the salt, the stems and leaves are rolled up into balls whilst still green, and after being carefully dried they are placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned. Caution: a very invasive plant that out competes other vegetation. Photo credits: Plant – CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073159672-LETR08QR4XQVDUBU9IXM/9-collage-33fa.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Vancouveria hexandra - Northern Vancouveria Rhizomatous, basal-leaved, woodland perennial that grows to 12-18 in. tall with a spread to 12 in. wide or more. Common understory herb in moist, shady Douglas Fir forests. Plants feature ternate (consisting of three leaflets or other parts) to twice ternate basal leaves, with each leaf having 9-15, thin, pale green to blue-green, 3-lobed, heart-shaped leaflets (to 1 1/2 in. long). Drooping white flowers (each to 1/2 in. long), each with 6 petals and 6 sepals, bloom in an open panicle of 10-30 nodding flowers atop a leafless stem rising above the foliage in late spring to early summer (May-July). Petals and sepals are swept backwards, hence the common name of inside-out flower. Genus name honors Captain George Vancouver, Royal Navy (1758-1798), British explorer. Specific epithet is in reference to the six stamens. Photo credits: Plant – David Sherertz; Closeup - CalPhotos (©2016 Steve Matson); Detail – CalPhotos (©2016 Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073161460-CSPO19XSHED29YNE7YLS/9-collage-32fa.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Acer circinatum - Vine Maple A small deciduous understory tree that grows 15-25 feet in height and 20 feet wide. Best fall color of California natives - palmate light green, red, gold, or multicolored leaves. Produces long winged angled double samara red seeds propelled by the wind such that they fly parallel to the ground. Does well in cooler climates, or in shaded, moist locations. It prefers a moist soil which is rich in humus. Hardy but suffers in hot, dry conditions. In the shade of a dense overstory, it twists and turns to reach the sunlight. Native Americans use this plant to make bows, frames for fishing nets, snowshoes, and cradle frames. Its branches are useful for cradle swings and to make scoop nets. Known by Native tribes as the ‘basket tree,’ they craft beautiful and long-lasting baskets. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073161696-0BCFVO16QF8H5DXXKV3M/9-collage-31fa.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Rubus parviflorus - Thimbleberry A dense shrub up to 8.5 ft tall with canes no more than 0.59 inches in diameter typically growing in large clumps commonly appearing as an early part of forest fire areas. It has no prickles. The leaves are palmate, up to 7.9 in across, with five lobes; they are soft and fuzzy. The flowers are 0.79 to 2.36 in. in diameter, with five white petals and numerous pale-yellow stamens. The flower of this species is among the largest of any Rubus species, making its Latin species name parviflorus (‘small-flowered’) a misnomer. Produces edible composite fruit which ripen to a bright red in mid to late summer. Like other raspberries it is not a true berry, but instead an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets around a central core. Special value to Native bees, honeybees, and bumblebees. Attractive to birds. Larval host and a nectar source for the yellow-banded sphinx moth. Photo credits: Plant – CalPhotos (©2005 Louis-M. Landry); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – CalPhotos (© 2004 George W. Hartwell). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073174712-IZJ27Y8JBYSD48WDJKIS/9-collage-44wi.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Oemleria cerasiformis - Oso Berry Often the first deciduous native shrub to flower in late winter, an important early season nectar source for pollinators. Popular for restoration projects due to its ease of propagation, rapid growth, and wide tolerances for various shade and moisture regimes. Grows from 6 to 16 feet in height. The fibrous roots resist erosion. Bears numerous fragrant half-inch greenish white flowers. Pale green leaves emerge early, turning yellow in mid-summer. Twigs are smooth and purplish brown with noticeable orange pores (lenticels). Small mammals plus foxes, coyotes, deer, bears, and many bird species consume the ‘plums’ and disperse the seed. Fruit is edible but is often bitter. Native Americans eat the fruit fresh, dried, or cooked. Strips of bark are used to bind harpoon tips. Photo credits: Plant – CalScape (Rancho Santa Ana); Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073174441-7S9BO0X7DPPZHV4R13EB/9-collage-43wi.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Abies amabilis - Pacific Silver Fir Evergreen, blue green or dark green needled, cone-shaped tree requiring ample growing space. Grows to 20-50 feet in height and 12-15 feet in width. Fragrant bark and leaf. Very large (+3 in.) cones. Bark light gray or red brown, fissured. Provides dense shade. Exposure full sun to partial shade. High root damage potential to sidewalks. Deer resistant. Old-growth stands provide good mountain goat habitat. Northern spotted owls are dependent on the availability of old-growth stands for nest site selection and enough prey. Other species with a preference for old-growth stands include Vauxs swift, fisher, western red-backed vole, and Olympic salamander. Small nongame birds prefer late seral or old-growth Pacific silver fir stands. Photo credits: Plant – TreeLib; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073178416-MYPBZ1SD67PAPS3SSTZF/9-collage-42wi.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Aristolochia californica - Dutchman's Pipe Deciduous vine with winged, purple-striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to its common name. It has ridged capsular green fruits, and green heart-shaped leaves. Grows from rhizomes to a length of over twenty feet and can be thick at maturity. Flowers have an unpleasant odor which is attractive to tiny carrion-feeding insects. Only source of food for the larvae of the endemic California pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Contains a toxin (aristolochic acid) which when ingested by the caterpillars makes them unpalatable to predators. The same toxin is retained in the butterflies when the caterpillars complete their metamorphosis. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073177995-G4HBW55A6V8DOM3SK62D/9-collage-41wi.jpg Shasta-Klamath - Picea breweriana - Brewer Spruce Highly valued ornamental tree. Large evergreen coniferous tree very slow growing to 30 to 50 feet in height, 10 to 12 feet wide. Native to the Klamath Mountains, where it is one of the rarest on the continent. It occurs mainly on ridgetop sites with very heavy winter snow to provide a steady source of meltwater through the spring, but dry in the summer. Well adapted to cope with heavy snow and ice loads, with tough branches, and the drooping branchlets shedding snow. The crown is very distinct, distinguished by level branches with vertically pendulous branchlets, each branch forming a 'curtain' of foliage. Needle-like leaves, 15–35 mm long, flattened in cross-section, glossy dark green above, and with two bands of white stomata below. Long, pendulous, cylindrical cones, 8–15 cm long and 2 cm broad when closed, opening to 3–4 cm broad, soft to the touch. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – TreeLib; Detail – TreeLib https://nativeplants.org/summer-showcase-plants daily 0.75 2025-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066016557-FJNRHX0FVE08NQIGYPKM/c-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Clematis lasiantha - Virgin's Bower Easy to grow deciduous, dioecious vine, that grows to 8-20 feet and has showy, creamy white flowers from March-August. It will grow fast up to 15 feet if there are trees or bushes that it can wind through. Fruits are plume-like (clusters of follicles, hairy). Prefers part shade but will tolerate full shade though will grow more slowly. Best to plant in shaded, rocky, well-draining slopes. Tolerates summer water up to one time per month but shouldn't need it if properly sited. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - CalPhoto; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066015856-8FGGG1TXC5LJA2Z54ONN/c-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Mimulus cardinalis - Scarlet Monkeyflower Herbaceous perennial to 3 feet, likes sun to full shade and regular water, and flowers most of the year. Five velvety, scarlet petals form large (to 2 inch) flowers with long, protruding, creamy yellow stigma and anthers. Excellent hummingbird plant. Pollen from the anthers sticks to the heads of feeding hummingbirds who transfer that pollen to stigmas in the course of feeding. Genus name comes from the Latin diminutive of mimus meaning a mimic as they look like a monkey face. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066013783-B6UGO8ALPCCB3REKS0BL/c-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Keckiella cordifolia - Heartleaf Penstemon A 3-6 foot sprawling sub-shrub that is evergreen in mild climates with a little watering; deciduous in winter cold or under drought stress. Flowers are tubular, red, 1-2 inches long, emerging from May to July. Native to dry slopes, cismontane (west side of the Sierra Nevada mountains) in central and southern California. It likes sun to part shade, is very drought tolerant, fairly deer proof, and cold tolerant to -5° F or lower. Summer deciduous unless given some water. A very significant hummingbird flower. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - CalPhoto; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066013433-Q4YSEBVOCAB2SRW9X45Q/c-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Actaea rubra - Baneberry Poisonous herbaceous flowering plant in the family Ranunculaceae. Grows in shady areas with moist to wet soils, open forest, or dry slopes. Slow growing to 16-31 inches tall. Takes several years to produce clusters of white flowers, then green berries ripen to red. The poisonous berries are harmless to birds, the plant's primary seed disperser. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066731239-V3X35Y634MVCUOULJSEI/3-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Eriogonum arborescens - Santa Cruz Island Buckwheat Woody, perennial shrub endemic to the northern Channel Islands of California except San Miguel Island. Grows from 2.0–4.9 ft in height and from 1.6–9.8 ft in diameter. Stems have shreddy maroon to brown bark. Bears narrow, fuzzy green leaves at branch ends, each 2 to 5 cm long and sometimes with edges rolled under. Inflorescences of densely clustered, light pink flowers erect on nearly naked peduncles. Attracts butterflies and native bees. Genus derived from the Greek word erion meaning 'wool' and gonu meaning 'knee or joint'. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066730641-J2JYHWMKQ4QQ7N3YE73E/3-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Solidago velutina ssp. californica - California Goldenrod Fast-growing, semi-evergreen perennial grows 1-4' tall and spreads by creeping rhizomes to form a dense colony about 2-3' wide. Massive spikes of golden-yellow flowers. Produces dense colonies of upright wand-like stems that can grow to between 1-4' tall with gray-green lanceolate leaves. Attractive to bees, butterflies, and other insects. Drought tolerant. Can be invasive, especially if it's planted in moist soil. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066726975-8A2M831X5KB3E5IRERNE/3-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii - Catalina Cherry Evergreen shrub or small tree growing to 12- 25 feet but able to grow to 40 feet. Bright yellow-green leaves, ovate to 2-5 inches long. White flower clusters, borne in racemes to 2-5 inches long. Black fruits are attractive to birds. Full or part sun. Drought tolerant. Native to four of the Channel Islands off the coast of California, including San Clemente Island, Santa Catalina Island, Santa Cruz Island and Santa Rosa Island and also further to the south on the Baja California mainland. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066722469-L1U1O8OYKZ9TYAMAPA3O/3-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Agoseris grandiflora var. grandiflora - Giant Mountain Dandelion Short-lived perennial forb. Stems and leaves contain a white milky juice. Leaves are all basal with solitary flower heads on a naked scape, 8 to 25 cm (3 to 10 in) long, and 1 to 3 cm (0.4 to 1.2 in) wide, oblanceolate, pinnatifid, to nearly entire. Flowering stems are 15 to 45 cm (6 to 18 in) tall. Floral heads are made of numerous yellow ray flowers. Fruit is an achene with a 4 to 7 mm (0.16 to 0.28 in) long body. There are approximately 274,000 seeds per pound. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071373481-3EN686NT48ACWTGTA3CD/4-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Fritillaria affinis - Mission Bells Fritillaria affinis (Mission Bells or Checker Lily) is a highly variable species that grows from bulbs. The checkered, nodding lily-like flowers can range in color from yellow-brown to purple-black. Lewis and Clark Plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: Wikimedia; Detail: Wikimedia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071370638-RYH3YBQ7K7MMWO2EFY4Q/4-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos imbricata - San Bruno Mountain Manzanita Arctostaphylos imbricata (San Bruno Mountain Manzanita) is a low-growing manzanita known only from a few occurrences on San Bruno Mountain. It has clasping leaves on stems that are coated in hairs with resin glands at the tips. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: Wikimedia; Detail: Calflora (Academy of Sciences) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071372962-955WPMNZKG33UXBD54RO/4-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Dicentra formosa - Bleeding Heart Dicentra Formosa (Bleeding Heart), in the poppy family, is found in moist, wooded areas from California north to British Columbia. Beautiful fernlike leaves and a long blooming time make it a popular garden plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071371384-ZE5MG4KVDI6MYG57CC57/4-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Vaccinium cespitosum x V. ovatum - Dwarf Huckleberry Vaccinium ovatum (Huckleberry) plants have white flowers that are urn-shaped, typical of the heather family, and tiny green toothed leaves. Plants produce edible blue-black berries in summer. This hybrid with V. cespitosum is a dwarf variety. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071773111-3N6KDGQUQRFY8ED8MNWE/5-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Epipactis gigantea - Stream Orchid One of the most abundant orchids of the Pacific coast of North America. Perennial reaching up to 3 feet in height with exotic orchid blossoms. The top two petals extend outward like outstretched arms and the lowest petal is cup-shaped with a pointed, tongue-like protuberance. True to its name, it is almost always found in wetland-riparian areas including hot springs. The primary pollinators are insects, especially the Syrphidae fly. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071772848-M6G91SXWWRFQFO54FNHL/5-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Erythronium californicum - California Fawn Lily Hardy perennial bulb producing two basal green leaves sometimes spotted with brown (like a spotted fawn), a reddish-green stalk up to 30 centimeters tall, bearing one to three yellowish-white flowers. A cultivated variety named 'White Beauty' is available in the nursery trade. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071770378-BVBDBDF2H32BTAHYIOJH/5-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Lilium columbianum - Columbia Lily Can grow over four feet tall depending on soil conditions and produces numerous lightly scented, nodding, orange flowers with darker spots. The leaves are arranged in whorls around the stem of the plant. Indigenous Pacific Northwest peoples steam, boil, or pit-cook its bulbs to add flavor to meat or fish soups. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071771032-ASLYBXXJOZ66546JIJQH/5-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Goodyera oblongifolia - Rattlesnake Plantain A species of orchid most commonly found in the understory of mountain forests. It produces striking foliage of dark green leaves with a white midrib and netlike white veining which stands out in the low light of the forest. Produces a flower cluster of many white orchid flowers which may all face in the same direction on the stalk or be spirally arranged around it. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - Wikimedia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072826205-AECBWPD56NUCNRMUEMIW/7-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Lilium pardalinum - Leopard Lily Perennial. The plant can reach three feet tall and the flowers are three inches across. Foliage is deciduous. Don't prune until after it finishes blooming and the stalk has become completely dry. It grows next to streams and tolerates seasonal flooding. Attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072824014-91PXN2NWR7XZRGP4BAIV/7-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Adiantum aleuticum - Five-Finger Fern Beautiful, delicate, deciduous fern with strong, shiny purple-black stems used as design elements in Native American basketry. Grows in moist and shaded crevices, especially near sources of water mist. Trembles in a light breeze on its dark stem. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072825723-KHF99CKCWTKZAINO1AP6/7-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Epilobium angustifolium - Fireweed Now classified (Jepson eFlora) as Chamerion angustifolium. Willow-like leaves and red stems; stunning magenta blossoms. As the common name implies it quickly appears after a fire and spreads but it isn't a good competitor so it can rapidly disappear too. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Steven Thorsted); Closeup - CalPhotos (Steven Thorsted); Detail - CalPhotos (Keir Morse). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072823727-D8FL5OMPEOXS9H90WA3B/7-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Rubus spectabilis - Salmon Berry Species of bramble (prickly shrub in the genus Rubus) in the rose family. The berries are edible and resemble a blackberry. They are an important food source for indigenous peoples and are traditionally eaten with salmon or mixed with oolichan grease or salmon roe. Not suitable for drying because of the high water content. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Wikimedia (Sten); Detail - Wikimedia (Peter Stevens). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070917647-GK949F0P9POB7K3YMJT2/2-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Chlorogalum pomeridianum - Soap Plant Chlorogalum pomeridianum has strap-shaped leaves with wavy margins and a towering 4- to 8- foot flowering stalk. California indigenous people traditionally use it for food, fiber, soap, glue and to stupefy fish. CNPP plant. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070917886-ORLNVVM7FMVVRO4513DQ/2-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Salvia leucophylla - Purple Sage This sage is quite variable in shape, size and flower color, typically being 4-7 feet tall and equally wide. It is found in dry open slopes from Monterey County south to Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070915645-DG62MUZGXYNN5ZJ2P3VI/2-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Clinopodium mimuloides - Monkey Flower Savory Clinopodium mimuloides is a member of the mint family that grows in the Coast Ranges from Monterey County south to the transverse Range. It bears red-orange 1-2 inch flowers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070915187-8X1Y0AXZ18VC4B61G6JB/2-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. bolanderi - Bolander's Golden aster Heterotheca sessiliflora ssp. bolanderi is found on coastal dunes and headlands in coastal scrub below 1500 feet from Mendocino to Monterey counties. It forms a compact mound of bright green leaves up to 12 inches wide. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072982918-Y5SZCW2I6CYI5BXEMGRL/8-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Artemisia californica - California Sagebrush Evergray shrub, three to four foot high. Native to much of Central and Southern California and is part of the 'sage' in coastal sage scrub. Historically it made it up into lower Mendocino county and down into Baja usually within 50 miles of the ocean. Likes full sun, near coast, west and even north slope inland and little or no water after established. Prefers dry soil in summer. Great wildlife plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072984323-Q9UHKNXBQCS00VIQ1I9B/8-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Ceanothus gloriosus - Point Reyes Ceanothus A fragrant ceanothus that is endemic to California growing along the coast north of San Francisco Bay. There are 3 varieties that are all considered rare. The leaves are toothed and sometimes spine-tipped. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072982093-9JCJ488P69AKPJ6Q360Q/8-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Eschscholzia californica var. maritima - California Poppy A perennial coastal form of the well-known California poppy, the state flower. It has bluish feathery leaves that form a compact mound. Bright yellow flowers with an orange center blotch bloom from March until August. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072985791-LIU7HT35KW5DPOEPAY68/8-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Baccharis pilularis ssp. consanguinea - Coyote Brush Deer proof, drought tolerant. A pioneer plant in communities such as coastal sage scrub and chaparral. One of the first natives to return to disturbed sites. A 3-6' perennial with green-brown stems and green leaves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073148235-P3Q3AXJ7DFQ3TKVM3YVD/9-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Rosa pisocarpa - Cluster Rose A species of shrub rose that generally grows up to 2.5 meters tall in moist habitats. The stems can be dark red or blackish and are often studded with straight, paired prickles at nodes. The leaves are each made up of several toothed oval leaflets. The inflorescence is a cyme (a flower cluster with a central stem bearing a single terminal flower that develops first, the other flowers in the cluster developing as terminal buds of lateral stems) of up to 10 flowers with pink petals each up to 2 centimeters in length. The fruit is a rose hip about a centimeter wide, borne in clusters, and are decorative in fall and early winter, when they are red or reddish-purple and contrast with yellow foliage. Fall foliage can be yellow or dark red. Grows in full sun to partial shade. Its thorny thickets and numerous, persistent hips provide shelter and food for birds and other small wildlife. Host to gall-making wasps. Deer browse new stems and foliage. Photo credits: Plant – CalPhotos (©2016 Keir Morse); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – Wikicommons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073147809-MC5PJXITR3ZHXLHMPZ8P/9-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Asclepias speciosa - Showy Milkweed A milky-sapped hairy erect perennial plant in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), known commonly as the showy milkweed. Large, pointed, elongated, simple, entire opposite leaves. Hirsute, pale pink to pinkish-purple flowers occur in dense umbellate cymes. The corollas are reflexed and the central flower parts, five hoods with prominent hooks, form a star shape. The fruit is a large, rough follicle filled with many flat oval seeds, each with silky hairs. It flowers from May through September. Native Americans used fiber in the stems for rope, basketry, and nets. It is a specific monarch butterfly food and habitat plant. Additionally, phenylacetaldehyde produced by the plants attracts Synanthedon myopaeformis, the red-belted clearwing moth. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073146502-C44LXJCBJE1DAZG9CYUG/9-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Cornus sessilis - Blackfruit Dogwood A species of dogwood in the form of a shrub or small tree. Maximum height of 15-20 feet and 7-10 feet wide. It is deciduous, bearing deeply veined oval green leaves in season which turn red before falling. Its inflorescence is a cluster of tiny greenish-yellow flowers surrounded by thick, pointed bracts. The fruit is a round drupe about a centimeter wide which is white when new and gradually turns shiny black. The fruit attracts many birds. In its native range is commonly found as a member of the redwood understory along stream banks. A good tree for a wooded garden. Often combined with ferns and redwoods. Has attractive ridged leaves. A Cornus sessilis in Shasta County is registered as a California Big Tree. It measures 18 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 20 inches and a crown spread of 16 feet. Deer palatable. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073146069-OL2QH3W1PZ1HQR03ZU4S/9-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Lonicera involucrata var. ledebourii Coast Twinberry Deciduous shrub to 8 feet, normally to 6 feet. Flowers are orange-red and appear from March to July. Black berries are edible but bitter. Sun to part shade. Tolerates air pollution, sand, and seasonal flooding. Valuable for erosion control and restoration of wetlands. Flower is a source of nectar for hummingbirds and butterflies. Host for the larva of certain butterflies including Gillett’s checker mallow. Photo credits: Plant – Wikimedia; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072583962-XHDD4QE9QBGQDJC9WFC0/6-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Philadelphus lewisii - Mock Orange Philadelphus Lewisii (Mock Orange), a shrub native to the northwestern US, was discovered by Meriwether Lewis in 1806 during the Lewis and Clark expedition. The flowers have a scent similar to orange blossoms with a hint of pineapple. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072583130-O2A2RD529Q07U3OUEP8X/6-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Calycanthus occidentalis - Spice Bush Calycanthus occidentalis (Spicebush) is found in foothills of the Sierra Nevada. The leaves have a somewhat spicy scent, and the flowers have scent reminiscent of a wine cellar. The lotus-shaped flowers lack distinct sepals and petals, but rather have spirals of tepals and are pollinated by beetles in Nitidulidae family. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072581598-Y8EREXKR2BJF93HCI7RS/6-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Cornus sericea ssp. sericea - Western Dogwood Cornus sericea ssp sericea (American Dogwood) is noted for its red bark, especially on new growth. Widespread in California, it grows in moist places up to about 9000 feet. It has fragrant flowers and beautiful fall foliage. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072581982-D9KJXNWX05NM7HRFAQHT/6-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Clarkia williamsonii - Foothill Clarkia Clarkia williamsonii (Foothill Clarkia) is endemic to California and grows in the northern and central Sierra foothills. Named after Robert Stockton Williamson who conducted surveys for possible transcontinental railway routes. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067257927-3O6R0B558UXQJB4W49T8/0-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Lilium humboldtii - Humboldt's Lily Named after naturalist and explorer Alexander von Humboldt. Grows up to 6-8 ft tall, with flowers that are maroon-spotted, golden-orange with dark red splotches, with orange to brown stamens. Flowers are on stout stems, which are sometimes brown-purple. Deep growing, large sub-rhizomatous bulb with yellowish-white scales. Leaves grow in whorls, and are undulate, shiny, and oblanceolate. Summer-deciduous. Prefers dry summer dormancy, with no water after blooming, good drainage, and part shade. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067257840-0NVINLI6MGRJ2SQ8J259/0-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Trichostema lanatum - Woolly Blue Curls Small (3 – 4 ft.) many-branched evergreen shrub or sub-shrub. Narrow, pointed aromatic green leaves. Smooth-petaled blue flowers are borne in dense clusters, with the stem and calyces covered in woolly hairs of blue, pink, or white. Needs good drainage. Spanish explorers in California called the plant romero, the Spanish term for rosemary. Attracts hummingbirds and bumblebees. Native Americans use it for a variety of medicinal and other purposes. It makes a flavorful tea. Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067250058-WYORBS3JIDBKK5H7DLP3/0-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Chilopsis linearis - Desert Willow Large deciduous shrub or small tree growing to a maximum height of 15 feet. Willow-like, long, narrow leaves. Penstemon-like, fragrant, pink to lavender flowers. Likes moderate water and sun. The leaf tips will freeze in cold winter. Plant and stems look dead when dormant. Hummingbirds are attracted to it. Tolerates alkaline soil, sand, clay, and seasonal flooding. Photo credits: Plant -John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067250233-3SOWX1RGJXT1EKB5WT43/0-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Salvia chionopeplica - Baja Sage Evergreen shrub 3 feet tall and 5 feet across with large, intense blue-violet flowers from spring to fall. Plant in full sun and well-drained soils. Drought tolerant once established, avoid overhead watering. Can only be grown in hot and sunny conditions. Hardy to 30ºF. Native to Baja California. The name chionopeplica suggests a white tunic or robe, as the whole plant is covered with short, white hairs. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070383214-GDGRPIOJ3P2ROYO0HP50/1-collage-21su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Oenothera deltoides var. howellii - Antioch Dunes Evening Primrose Endangered perennial plant restricted to the Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge, the last remnant of an isolated nine-kilometer stretch of sand dune habitat. Formed in 1980 to prevent extinction of this plant, as well as Lange's metalmark butterfly (Apodemia mormo langei) and the Contra Costa wallflower (Erysimum capitatum var. angustatum). The first national wildlife refuge in the U.S. formed to protect endangered plants and insects. Its white flowers bloom for only one night. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070380694-K6X4RX3LZWYN2R0CD20U/1-collage-23su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Wyethia helenoides - Mule Ears Short (max height 2.3 ft), low growing, perennial, golden-rayed wildflower, that resembles sunflowers. Named by Nathaniel J. Wyeth, US inventor, entrepreneur, and explorer, 1802–1856. He led expeditions along what would later become known as the Oregon Trail founding Fort Hall in present-day Idaho and Fort William in present-day Portland, Oregon. The Fort Hall site is considered the most important trading post in the Snake River Valley through the 1860s. More than 270,000 emigrants reached it while traveling the Oregon Trail. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070382056-L7HK8HN6J5ZLRGE8KVIN/1-collage-22su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Rhododendron occidentale - Western Azalea One of two deciduous Rhododendron species native to western North America. Shrub growing to 16 feet tall. Leaves are deciduous, 1-3.5 in long and 0.5-1 in broad. Flowers are 1.4-2 in diameter, with five lobes on the corolla; color varies from white to pink, often with a yellow blotch. Prefers both more moisture and more sunlight than Rhododendron macrophyllum, an evergreen rhododendron with a similar range. Rhododendron occidentale was described by explorers in western North America in the nineteenth century. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070381462-2LI6KOX00JH8O7S5IHOF/1-collage-24su.jpg Summer Showcase Plants - Heteromeles arbutifolia - Toyon Beautiful and easy to grow evergreen shrub to small tree. Resplendent display of red berries in winter. Berries provide food for local Native American tribes, such as the Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam. Likes sun or part shade and can handle a wide variety of soils. Tolerates a fair amount of summer water, up to once per week if the drainage is good. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/winter-showcase-plants daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066273008-YA5O87W1866SRMRX0O26/c-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos gabilanensis - Gabilan Manzanita A rare manzanita species known only from two disjunct populations in the Gabilan Range bordering Monterey and San Benito Counties. Considered vulnerable: one population contains about 30 individuals and the other is widely spaced over 1000 hectares. An erect shrub/small tree 3-16 feet in height coated in medium or dark red bark with waxy gray-green leaves up to 1.4 in long by 1 in wide. Produces white or pink urn-shaped flowers and reddish-brown fruit. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066270899-VZGPWANY90SZ71A2NUJC/c-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Polypodium californicum - California Polypody Creeping perennial fern that grows in moist rock crevices. Spreads slowly by rhizomes. Produces oval to triangular leaves up to 28 in long and 7.9 in wide. Each leaf has many dull-pointed lance-shaped segments which may be thin, firm, or somewhat fleshy with lightly serrated edges. The underside of each leaf segment is lined with a double row of flattened or sunken sori, which contain spores. Foliage is drought deciduous. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066265649-AEH6SHHNNBJ3B2FLOY7P/c-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Ribes speciosum - Fuchsia-flowered Gooseberry Spectacularly blooming shrub during the wet season, with beautiful, pendulous, tube-shaped, fuchsia-red flowers. Grows in full or nearly full shade to 6-10 feet in height, and 3-8 feet in width and in slightly moister spots. Leaves are a beautiful bright green in the wet season, turning dark green as the soil dries. Summer deciduous. Produces a red-orange berry about 2.4 in long, with many thorns. Plant away from pedestrian traffic. Direct summer watering, especially in poorly draining clay soils, will often kill this plant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066265488-PXAKT8TIQLQDJQ4LDZA2/c-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Dudleya pulverulenta - Chalk Dudleya Hardy succulent that grows a rosette of wide, flat fleshy leaves of pale green which age to a pinkish papery texture. This plant’s epicuticular wax (waxy leaf coating on the surface of leaves) coats the water droplets that land on its leaves, increasing the surface tension and size of the droplets, thereby reducing evaporation of the coated drops. Wax that has washed off the leaves coats the soil around the plant, further reducing evaporation. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066994477-LO6SGLBQ6W2635UNROX0/3-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Garrya veatchii - Southern Silktassel Native to the chaparral hills of Southern California and Baja California. Small treelike or bushy shrub reaching maximum heights near 2 meters (6.6 ft). Oval-shaped leaves 3 to 9 cm long and about half as wide with margins flat, wavy, or slightly rolled, and undersides covered thinly to thickly in woolly hairs. Inflorescences are long, hanging, light-colored flowers. Dioecious. Produces clusters of spherical to egg-shaped berries covered in a soft coat of hairs. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066992908-RKIJ2LXNEJKI9JS60D9Y/3-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius - Santa Cruz Island Ironwood Santa Cruz Island ironwood grows in a few spots on rocky slopes, in Central and Southern California, primarily in the Channel Islands, particularly Santa Cruz Island. It reaches up to 49 feet tall with peeling reddish gray or brown bark, and serrated leaves. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; ; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066991605-GLA680Z85IVX7NK0BLDT/3-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Pinus torreyana - Torrey Pine One of the rarest pine species in the world in the early 20th century, with only around 100 trees surviving. Endangered in the wild, Torrey pine is now cultivated and planted as an ornamental tree. Under optimal conditions, capable of fast growth to a large size, with a tall and straight form from 33 m (108 ft) to 45 m (148 ft) in height. Needles are in bundles of 5. Produces a cone over 3” in diameter. The nuts are an important food for the Kumeyaay and Chumash tribes. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; ; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066988130-H4D9EJ7Z31EZ0FVDDEBJ/3-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Opuntia oricola - San Ysidro Cactus A species of prickly pear cactus native to Southern California and Baja California, where it grows in coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats. A large treelike cactus often exceeding 2 meters in height. The branches are made up of rounded flat segments up to 25 centimeters long. It is covered in clusters of curved, yellowish spines usually around 2 centimeters long. The flowers are yellow, sometimes orange-tinged. The spherical fruit is purplish red on the outside, whitish and juicy inside, and up to 6 centimeters long. It was common along the coasts and adjacent inland areas of California, but development has reduced its populations. Grows on disturbed soil. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz, Detail - David Sherertz.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071408059-JITJVVO0NWMAWVCHL17O/4-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos montaraensis - Montara Manzanita Arctostaphylos montaraensis (Montara Manzanita) is a rare and endangered plant known only from a few occurrences on Montara and San Bruno Mountains. Fruits are depressed-spheric shape, glandular and hairy. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071406487-Z5BO703QVHYNC3MVK126/4-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Trillium chloropetalum - Wake Robin Trillium chloropetalum var Giganteum (Wake Robin), a shade-loving plant, has leaves in whorls of three and three-petaled flowers. Flower colors range from white to deep red. It can take as long as 5 years to produce plants of flowering size from seeds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071405690-0SLC7J3Z626HT6J5FUQK/4-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos pacifica - Pacific Manzanita Arctostaphylos pacifica (Pacific Manzanita) is a ground cover manzanita known only from a single location on San Bruno mountain, one of the rarest of manzanitas. Leaf margins are slightly serrated. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071404949-R4FNDIDXVX4FELP3ZKHH/4-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Ribes malvaceum - Chaparral Currant Ribes malvaceum (Chaparral Currant) is native to California and northern Baja CA. Pink flowers produce edible, but not great-tasting, purple berries loved by birds. It begins blooming in winter, providing a great nectar source for hummingbirds. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071806378-A3GWUM78JS8UNKOUR7OT/5-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Polypodium glycyrrhiza - Licorice Fern A summer deciduous fern named for its licorice-flavored rhizome which is chewed by numerous Native American groups, including the Squamish, Shishalh, Comox, Nuxalk, Haida, and Kwakwaka'wakw. It grows on moist slopes, rocks, and logs and also can be found growing on winter deciduous trees like the bigleaf maple. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071806474-D4FFP69WCJAJPTX7EO60/5-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Tsuga heterophylla - Western Hemlock Large evergreen tree. The needles are short stalked, flat, finely toothed, irregularly spare, and of unequal length (5 to 20 millimeters long). The small ovoid seed cones have many thin papery scales, and hang down at the end of the twigs. The bark has high tannin content and was used as a tanning agent, pigment (a red dye to color wool and basket materials), and cleansing solution. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071804068-V9GBUWS73WVGIXR6APFW/5-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Thuja plicata - Western Red Cedar Dense and stately evergreen tree. Essential to the northwest coast indigenous peoples for building houses and canoes, and for making clothing and baskets. 'Plicata' means 'folded in plaits' or 'braided', a reference to the pattern of its small leaves. Some individuals can live over a thousand years. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - TreeLib; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071804012-H82JBT1T6UWUZB9MVDXP/5-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Pseudotsuga menziesii - Douglas Fir One of the world's most important and valuable timber trees. Not a true fir as evidenced by the pendulous cones (true firs have upright cones). The cones have protruding trident-shaped bracts that resemble mouse feet and tails. The seed and needles are important food for many birds and mammals. Browsing animals will eat foliage and twigs within their reach. They grow to over 300 feet tall in the wild. 75th Annual Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Glenn Keator; Detail - Glenn Keator. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072869719-WUTIS2VY6RQLO5ZHG6ZE/7-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Scoliopus bigelovii - Slinkpods Early blooming wildflower found in wet areas in the forest undergrowth. 'Scoliopus' means 'curved foot' for the crooked flower stalk. After the flower has been pollinated, the pod begins to swell and the flower parts fall off leaving the weight of the pod to pull down the slender stalk and touch the ground. The fresh flower has an unpleasant odor to attract pollinators (fungus gnats). Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072865736-T3TM8GDJOZJECS6CHZSW/7-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos uva ursi - Trailing Sandberry The name is derived from the Greek 'Arktos' for 'bear' and 'staphyle' a bunch of grapes, and Latin 'uva' for berry and 'ursi' for bear. Produces clusters of urn shaped pink flowers followed by bright red to pink edible drupes. The leaves are a main component in the traditional smoking mixtures used by local Native Americans. A host plant for several butterfly species. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072867564-SCND3Y2426818VQ9GZTS/7-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Alnus rubra - Red Alder Deciduous hardwood tree. The largest of the species of alder in North America reaching to 98 feet tall. Leaves have bluntly serrated edges and are deeply veined with a point at the end. The leaves are revolute (rolled backward or downward) which distinguishes them from other alders. Leaves turn yellow in the fall. Roots host the nitrogen fixing actinomycete Frankia in nodules allowing it to grow in nitrogen-poor soils. Produces an oily smoke when burned that is ideal for smoking salmon. Photo credits: Plant - TreeLib; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072865150-W1K27FBN7O7QTYYGUHZ5/7-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Woodwardia fimbriata - Giant Chain Fern The largest fern in North America with fronds that reach 3-5 feet. Found in shady spots, it likes moisture but doesn't like to be kept wet. Its sori are arranged in neat lines on the underside of the leaves and give a raised impression on the top side of the leaf resembling a chain. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070955006-UNCGOSWO3D4R6QBJGRPE/2-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Hesperocyparis abramsiana - Santa Cruz Cypress Currently, a world champion specimen (~150 points)! Planted in Oct. 1972, from seed collected in 1963 by James Roof. A listed Federal Endangered Species, it is only found in isolated groves north of Santa Cruz (Butano Ridge, Eagle Rock, and Bonny Doon). Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070954594-I5UYF2FU9DIMGXHSQXK0/2-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Platanus racemosa - Western Sycamore Platanus racemosa is native to California and Baja California where it grows in canyons flood plains and along streams. The tree commonly grows to 75 feet with a trunk diameter of 3 feet. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070952183-OJOODALNXCLZF2TBBR60/2-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos andersonii - Santa Cruz Manzanita This manzanita is an endangered species limited to the Santa Cruz Mountains. It is a woody shrub 6 to 15 feet high, which can resemble a small tree. CNPP plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070951509-9LV13WOKFHAHQKS2LRR4/2-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Garrya elliptica - Coast Silktassel Silktassel is a common shrub of the coastal ranges of California from Oregon to Los Angeles County. Male and female flowers are found on different plants. The male catkins are much more showy than the female and male plants are often preferred for garden planting. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073009147-E5NHB321TH4MPVKO8K6G/8-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Dudleya caespitosa - Sea Lettuce It is endemic to California where it grows along the southern coast of the state. It’s succulent leaf color can vary from green, red or yellow. There is a problem with poaching dudleyas from the wild because they are very popular in China, Japan and Korea and selling them there can be lucrative. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073007187-5R5L83TTTUGHFAW3OLCI/8-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Festuca rubra var. 'Blauhaven' - Blauhaven Red Fescue Bright green perennial grass that tolerates many habitats and climates. Best adapted to well-drained soils in cool, temperate climates; prefers shadier areas and is often planted for its shade tolerance. Wild animals browse it. Can grow between 2 and 20 cm tall. There are 4 to 10 spikelet flowers, which are up to 15 mm long. The ligule is very short and blunt. Photo credits: Plant - Linda Blide; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073007018-5A9KN10BYNPR2E1JQQQK/8-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos X 'Ron Clendenen' - Ron Clendenen Manzanita A garden hybrid that has been named for long-time leader of the volunteer propagators at Regional Parks Botanic Garden. Vigorous grower. Evergreen, with small oval leaves 1–7 cm long, arranged spirally on the stems. Flowers are bell-shaped, white or pale pink, and borne in small clusters of 2–20 together; flowering is in the spring. Fruit are small berries, ripening in the summer or autumn. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073009781-7WBBVQ4B9111C4NH3HI2/8-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Ribes glutinosum - Pink-flowering Currant A deciduous shrub that blooms January to March with very showy fragrant flowers. Native to coastal ranges from Oregon to southern California. Very drought tolerant in coastal areas. Does best in shade or part shade. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (©Debbie Ballentine); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073174441-7S9BO0X7DPPZHV4R13EB/9-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Abies amabilis - Pacific Silver Fir Evergreen, blue green or dark green needled, cone-shaped tree requiring ample growing space. Grows to 20-50 feet in height and 12-15 feet in width. Fragrant bark and leaf. Very large (+3 in.) cones. Bark light gray or red brown, fissured. Provides dense shade. Exposure full sun to partial shade. High root damage potential to sidewalks. Deer resistant. Old-growth stands provide good mountain goat habitat. Northern spotted owls are dependent on the availability of old-growth stands for nest site selection and enough prey. Other species with a preference for old-growth stands include Vauxs swift, fisher, western red-backed vole, and Olympic salamander. Small nongame birds prefer late seral or old-growth Pacific silver fir stands. Photo credits: Plant – TreeLib; Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073177995-G4HBW55A6V8DOM3SK62D/9-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Picea breweriana - Brewer Spruce Highly valued ornamental tree. Large evergreen coniferous tree very slow growing to 30 to 50 feet in height, 10 to 12 feet wide. Native to the Klamath Mountains, where it is one of the rarest on the continent. It occurs mainly on ridgetop sites with very heavy winter snow to provide a steady source of meltwater through the spring, but dry in the summer. Well adapted to cope with heavy snow and ice loads, with tough branches, and the drooping branchlets shedding snow. The crown is very distinct, distinguished by level branches with vertically pendulous branchlets, each branch forming a 'curtain' of foliage. Needle-like leaves, 15–35 mm long, flattened in cross-section, glossy dark green above, and with two bands of white stomata below. Long, pendulous, cylindrical cones, 8–15 cm long and 2 cm broad when closed, opening to 3–4 cm broad, soft to the touch. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup – TreeLib; Detail – TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073178416-MYPBZ1SD67PAPS3SSTZF/9-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Aristolochia californica - Dutchman's Pipe Deciduous vine with winged, purple-striped curving pipe-shaped flowers which give rise to its common name. It has ridged capsular green fruits, and green heart-shaped leaves. Grows from rhizomes to a length of over twenty feet and can be thick at maturity. Flowers have an unpleasant odor which is attractive to tiny carrion-feeding insects. Only source of food for the larvae of the endemic California pipevine swallowtail butterfly. Contains a toxin (aristolochic acid) which when ingested by the caterpillars makes them unpalatable to predators. The same toxin is retained in the butterflies when the caterpillars complete their metamorphosis. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073174712-IZJ27Y8JBYSD48WDJKIS/9-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Oemleria cerasiformis - Oso Berry Often the first deciduous native shrub to flower in late winter, an important early season nectar source for pollinators. Popular for restoration projects due to its ease of propagation, rapid growth, and wide tolerances for various shade and moisture regimes. Grows from 6 to 16 feet in height. The fibrous roots resist erosion. Bears numerous fragrant half-inch greenish white flowers. Pale green leaves emerge early, turning yellow in mid-summer. Twigs are smooth and purplish brown with noticeable orange pores (lenticels). Small mammals plus foxes, coyotes, deer, bears, and many bird species consume the ‘plums’ and disperse the seed. Fruit is edible but is often bitter. Native Americans eat the fruit fresh, dried, or cooked. Strips of bark are used to bind harpoon tips. Photo credits: Plant – CalScape (Rancho Santa Ana); Closeup – John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072614390-6XVNE1HU3CGY301A6Z0R/6-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Salix prolixa - Mackenzie Willow Riparian, coarse, multi-stemmed shrub growing to 1 to 5 m. tall. Lance-shaped or pointed, oval leaves up to 15 cm long, hairless, waxy on the undersides. Produces flower spikes in spring and many fine, white, cottony seeds after. Used for revegetation of riparian areas. Palatable to wildlife. Native Americans use the stems for basket making, bows, and fish traps. Photo Credits: Plant: CalPhoto (Thayne Tuason); Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072614471-L2DGVHMYBTI9EYPXWDA6/6-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Populus tremuloides - Quaking Aspen Populus tremuloides (Quaking Aspen) has beautiful white bark and leaves that flutter in even a slight breeze, due to their flattened petioles. Aspen trees rarely flower, usually propagating through roots to form large clonal groves. Leaves turn bright yellow in fall. 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: Calphoto (Timothy D Ives); Closeup: Glenn Keator; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072612111-VNXDF5QI086RYPUCCF3E/6-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Salix jepsonii - Jepson's Willow Salix jepsonii (Jepson’s Willow) is a shrub that grows along rivers and streams in the Klamath Mountains and throughout the Sierra Nevada. Named for the renowned California botanist Willis Linn Jepson. The leaves are hairy when new and have silky hairs on the underside when mature. Photo credits: Pllant: Calflora (David Popp); Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072612099-0DK27O9CO4WUKKK5UHBI/6-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Tsuga mertensiana - Mountain Hemlock Tsuga mertensiana (Mountain Hemlock) is usually found on cold, snowy subalpine sites. The species is named after German botanist, Franz Karl Mertens. The trunks are so flexible that trees bend under the weight of the snow. The needles are of equal length and are arranged radially around the twigs. Photo credits: Plant: Cal Photo (Charles Webber); Closeup: TreeLib; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067309009-M3WEIPD867AV2IGMTCDI/0-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Washingtonia filifera - California Fan Palm Only palm native to the Western U.S. Grows to 49–66 ft tall by 10–20 ft broad. The specific epithet filifera means thread-bearing. Fronds are up to 13 ft long, made up of a petiole up to 6.6 ft long, bearing a fan of leaflets 4.9–6.6 ft long. Dead fronds remain attached and drop down to cloak the trunk in a wide skirt. Native Americans eat the fruit raw, cooked, or ground into flour for cakes. The Cahuilla use the leaves to make sandals, thatch roofs, and baskets. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067306435-KKORIIO2V88LXZ9SJKGQ/0-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Yucca brevifolia - Jaeger's Joshua Tree Evergreen leaves are dark green, linear, bayonet-shaped, 6–14 in long and 0.25-0.5 in broad at the base, tapering to a sharp point; leaf margins are white and serrate. Deep and extensive root system, with roots reaching up to 36 ft. Some specimens survive a thousand years. Grows to a maximum height of 50 feet. Creamy white to green flowers. Needs a winter freeze before they bloom. Pollinated by the yucca moth. The extinct giant Shasta ground sloth (Nothrotheriops shastensis) might have been key to the tree's dispersal. Photo credits: Plant - Wikimedia Commons; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067302007-4CN9Z4TY0VOOM9TQBMFY/0-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos rainbowensis - Rainbow Manzanita Named for the community of Rainbow, California, near where it is most common in the chaparral of the lower elevation coastal Santa Ana Mountains. Erect shrub reaching a bush-like 3.3 feet to a tree-like 13 feet in height. Reddish brown, smooth bark. Oval leaves up to 2 in long and 1.4 in wide. Leaves are hairless and somewhat waxy in texture. Flowers hang in clusters of white urn-shaped flowers each about 0.2 to 0.3 inches long. Fruit is about a 0.4 in wide and ripens to a dark purple-brown. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067300045-SCXOQWXVKQNJLPML518O/0-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Cylindropuntia munzii - Munz's Cholla Formerly opuntia munzii. Spiny trees or treelike shrubs, with trunk(s) and main branches spreading, bearing terminal tufts of usually drooping branchlets, 6.5-13 feet overall. Stem segments easily detached, gray-green, 1.5-6 in long and 0.5-1 in wide. Pale reddish maroon-brown, elliptical flowers. Fruits easily detached. Seeds pale yellow, rounded-deltoid, slightly flattened, 0.1-0.2 in long and 0.1-0.15 in wide. Relatively uncommon species with disjunct occurrences in Baja California, and Arizona. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070423652-YZWH1QQQU0XNRIWWVCCA/1-collage-41wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Dirca occidentalis - Western Leatherwood The western leatherwood is one of the rarest shrubs in California, found only in moist, shady areas of the SF Bay Area from Bodega Bay in the north down to near Santa Cruz in the south and east only to Walnut Creek. The lovely yellow flowers come from a combined flower/leaf bud and dangle their long stamens as early as January. Pale green leaves follow and remain until Fall. You are lucky to see one in the East Bay parks. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070420484-E3ZM59ALTS1R3KS9HN3L/1-collage-42wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos pallida - Alameda Manzanita Federally listed threatened species. Upright shrub endemic to the eastern San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California. Grows to around 6–13 feet in height. Branches are reddish or grayish with twigs that tend to be bristly. Ovate to triangular leaves are bristly, strongly overlapping, and clasping. Dense, white, urn-shaped flowers are 0.2 to 0.3-inches long. Primary threats are the effects of fire suppression, shading and competition from native plants, introduced and invasive species, and phytophthora fungii. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070418437-B3WKG4QYJKRJNPVWJTXJ/1-collage-43wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Berberis pinnata - California Barberry Dark-green bush that resembles holly with its serrated leaves but bears round purple fruits that look like small grapes. Found from Oregon to Baja on coastal mountain slopes, most often as part of a woodland plant community. Fruits are not true grapes, but they are edible, if a bit sour and packed with seeds. They have been used to produce purple dye. Songbirds eat the fruits. Medicinal uses of the plant include an edible bark preparation as treatment for fever, rheumatism, and dysentery. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070418471-S681NR6K3KNQPRXTXH5N/1-collage-44wi.jpg Winter Showcase Plants - Cercis occidentalis - Western Redbud Deciduous native shrub or small tree. Tolerates dry conditions, but exhibits more vigorous, lush growth with regular deep watering. Blooms best in full sun. Rounded heart-shaped leaves are blue green, gray green or medium green, red, gold or multicolored. Small flowers are showy and purple. Has perfect flowers (male and female parts in each flower). Fruit is a large (1.5 - 3 inches), prolific, brown or purple pod. Grows to 10 – 20 feet in height and 10 – 20 feet in width. Attracts birds. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://nativeplants.org/fall-showcase-plants daily 0.75 2024-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066194770-YLBHIJMQEVTYTHKNWPG1/c-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Ceanothus velutinus - Tobacco Brush Shrub 10-13 feet tall forming colonies which tangle together to form nearly impenetrable thickets. Aromatic evergreen leaves. Long clusters of white flowers. Fruit is a three-lobed capsule 0.1 in long which snaps open explosively to expel the three seeds onto the soil, where they may remain for over 200 years before sprouting. The seed is coated in a very hard outer layer that must be scarified, generally by wildfire, before it can germinate. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066194216-1CS02WLLXWJUM6FEGCCA/c-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Clinopodium douglasii - Yerba Buena Rambling aromatic herb. Its most common name in English and Spanish, yerba buena, is an alternate form of the Spanish hierba buena (meaning good herb). It was so abundant that its name was applied to the settler's town adjacent to Mission San Francisco de Asís. In 1846, the town of Yerba Buena was seized by the United States during the Mexican–American War, and its name was changed in 1847 to San Francisco. Three years later, the name was applied to a nearby rocky island. Today a tunnel on Yerba Buena Island connects the spans of the San Francisco–Oakland Bay Bridge. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066190613-VLTBKGQ0OXPG7BAR4S4A/c-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Umbellularia californica - California Bay Laurel Large densely foliated evergreen hardwood tree requiring ample growing space. The sole species in the genus Umbellularia. Thrives in ample water but tolerates drought. Leaves are used as seasoning in soups and stews. Produces medium (0.50 - 1.50 inches) brown, purple, yellow, or green drupes with a fleshy outer layer covering a hard, tannin-filled nut. Nuts are edible once the tannins are leached from them. The dry wood has a color range from blonde (like maple) to brown (like walnut) and is sought after by luthiers and woodworkers. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066189921-7TF5LPYGFXL9337OHM0U/c-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Pellaea andromedifolia - Coffee Fern A species of cliff brake fern (grows on or among rocks). Its leaves bear rounded or oval-shaped segments widely spaced along the rachis. Each segment may curl under along its edges. Leaves are green when new, then turn red, purplish, or brown. Some individuals are diploid and reproduce sexually, while some are triploid or tetraploid and reproduce by apogamy (growth of a plant from a gamete without fertilization). Deer resistant. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066819395-MYYTVB8E00O9B8EBXAO0/3-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos catalinae - Catalina Island Manzanita Arctostaphylos catalinae, the Santa Catalina Island manzanita, is endemic to California, where it grows wild only in the Channel Islands, specifically, Catalina and Santa Cruz Islands. This is a tall, bristly manzanita with a well defined trunk that is adapted to the stiff, saline breezes of the island bluffs in its habitat. It does not develop a basal burl and so does not sprout from the base after a fire. However, like other Manzanitas, the seeds germinate readily after fire. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066817218-DMKC6V5JEP00ZRO693KX/3-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Epilobium canum - California Fuchsia Bright scarlet flowers in late summer and autumn. Attractive to hummingbirds. Subshrub growing to 60 cm tall. Native populations of these plants exhibit wide variation in appearance and habit. Small leaves may be opposite or alternate, lance-shaped or ovate, with short to nonexistent stalks, and range in color from green to nearly white. Overall shape may be matting or mounding. Spreading via rhizomes. Prefers well-drained soil, full sun but protected from the wind, and needs little watering. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk: Detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066810358-4AJLG37XM4JFPDOBJPQH/3-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae - Island Mountain Mahogany Evergreen shrub, 12' tall, 4' wide, with leaves to the base. A bush-tree that looks like a compact evergreen birch. Deer palatable. Nitrogen fixing and good for revegetation, erosion control and wildlife. Tolerates clay. Reddish wood is very hard. Indigenous peoples traditionally use it to make arrow tips, fishing spears, and digging sticks. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721066810209-IFWWE6FNB0FR77N5WT2N/3-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Quercus pacifica - Island Scrub Oak Endemic to the Channel Islands. Shrub or small tree growing up to 5 m (16 ft) in height. Leaves are roughly oval and edged with pointed teeth with shiny upper surfaces and waxy, hairy, glandular undersides. Acorn has a cap up to 2 cm (0.8 inch) wide and a nut measuring 2 or 3 cm (0.8–1.2 inches) long. Threatened by a pathogenic honey fungus (Armillaria sp.), which has been noted to infect trees already stressed by the activity of feral herbivores. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071390602-UC3CV495SC63D38U79MG/4-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Corylus cornuta ssp. californica - Hazelnut Corylus cornuta ssp californica (California Hazelnut) has soft, green leaves in spring and summer. Male flowers are 2 to 3-inch catkins that form in fall. Female flowers are tiny, red and inconspicuous. California Indians use the nuts for food. Photo credits: Plant: ; Closeup: TreeLib; Detail: TreeLib https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071389698-XNU7FE1T5J82IZIEXBGA/4-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Symphoricarpos albus var. laevigatus - Common Snowberry Symphoricarpos albus var laevigatus (Snowberry) has white berries that contain saponins. Native Americans use them for shampoo and sometimes put large amounts of the berries into streams or lakes to stupefy or kill fish in order to harvest them. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071387733-Y8IT01WNNDQYIMSNHQAR/4-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia - Hollyleaf Cherry Prunus ilicifolia (Holly-Leafed Cherry) is an evergreen shrub or small tree with showy cream or white flowers. The leaves have spiny margins somewhat resembling holly. The fruit, loved by birds, is a cherry that is edible but with little flesh. Photo credits: Plant: John Rusk; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071387984-MSMRX2342NATLK65XWPT/4-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Anaphalis margaritacea - Pearly Everlasting Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting) is dioecious, i.e. male and female flowers are on separate plants. Caterpillars of American lady and painted lady butterflies use the plant as a food source in early spring. Photo credits: Plant: Wikimedia; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071787258-XC536GLR8NJK5KV0I93T/5-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Festuca subuliflora - Coast Range Fescue Loosely clumping perennial bunchgrass. Bunchgrass leaves die each year, but the plants regrow from the same root system and base (or crown) each spring. The older the plant, the more growing points it accumulates, and the larger the bunch becomes. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - CalPhoto (Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071788815-IV9P2XCPNJVMFZ36PRLM/5-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Oxalis oregana - Redwood Sorrel Low growing perennial. The three leaflets are heart-shaped green on top and purplish underneath. The flower is white to pink with five petals and sepals. It grows in relatively low levels of ambient light and when exposed to direct sunlight, the leaves fold downward. When the shade returns, the leaves re-open. This process is know as 'nyctinasty'. The leaves have a sour, tangy taste and are eaten by the Cowlitz, Quileute, and Quinault peoples. The leaves contain oxalic acid, which can be toxic if eaten in large amounts. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071789264-GYGCVIQC8AAC4CGW06DY/5-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Veratrum fimbriatum - Fringed False Hellebore Rare plant growing in the shady wet areas on the Mendocino Sonoma coast. Leaves emerge in spring, blossoms in summer. The large panicle inflorescence is packed with many distinctive, lacy-fringed flowers each up to a centimeter wide. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Anne Yniguez. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721071787104-LQAY2793M9MY6IVGRZKG/5-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Asarum caudatum - Wild Ginger Found in the moist shaded forest understory often in mats formed by clonal plants connected by rhizomes. Look under the heart-shaped leaves in spring for the hairy, cup-shaped brown-purple to green-yellow flowers that terminate in three long graceful curved lobes. The leaves emit a ginger aroma when rubbed. Its seeds are dispersed by ants who are attracted to a fatty appendage (elaiosomes) attached to each seed. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072847633-ZBH0DEKZMZR11LJTB328/7-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Vitis californica - Wild Grape A deciduous vine that grows to over 30 feet in length and produces clusters of edible purple grapes. Extremely fast growing and may require continuous pruning to keep it in check. Thrives in damp areas but able to withstand periods of dry conditions. The grapes are an important food source for wildlife. Bees and butterflies love the flowers. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - Anne Yniguez; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072847294-MMBJ3WLZ0BVGFTP8G6IN/7-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Acer macrophyllum - Bigleaf Maple This dramatically spreading tree has the largest leaves of any maple (5-12 inches across) with 5 deeply incised palmate lobes. Usually found in mixed woods, they are easy to spot especially in the fall when the leaves turn to gold. Maple syrup can be made from its sap. The Lakwungen First Nations people of Vancouver Island use its wood to make paddles and spindle wheels. Photo credits: Plant - Anne Yniguez; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072845007-QVEU8GSFTSDLF2PO3BMQ/7-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Mahonia nervosa - Longleaf Barberry Slow growing evergreen shrub/ground cover with small yellow flowers growing in clusters on elongated spikes that are favored by Anna's Hummingbirds. Fruit is blue with a waxy coating and tart tasting. Conspicuously veined ('nervosa') foliage turns deep red in winter. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhotos (Steve Matson); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhotos (Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072845170-GIH91IUKI03VOL4YPI1A/7-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Frangula californica - Hoary Coffeeberry Shrub between 3-6 feet tall. Branches may have a reddish tint and new twigs are often red. The flowers are inconspicuous but the fruit is a wildlife-attracting juicy drupe that changes colors from green to red to black as it matures. The seeds resemble coffee beans and can be made into a caffeine-free coffee substitute. Drought tolerant. Hearty. Easy to grow. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070934759-MFAWUEEC71VMXPCV58QT/2-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Diplacus fasciculatus - Santa Lucia Monkeyflower The taxonomy of this monkeyflower is in flux. Its name has been changed to Mimulus aurantiacus var. grandiflorus. This very showy sub-shrub occurs in the Central Coast Range and the west central Sierra Nevada mountains. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070933580-ZU49RYBP5CYQG5M3BVGW/2-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Stipa pulchra - Purple Needlegrass This grass occurs throughout California. It is a a perennial with stems up to 3 feet tall and roots that can extend as deep as 20 feet, making it resistant to drought. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070930889-OUT8NH486BY3II98L88U/2-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Romneya coulteri - Coulter's Matilija Poppy This plant, which is striking when in flower, is a perennial shrub up to eight feet tall bearing large white flowers, reminiscent of papier-mâché, with a yellow center. Although somewhat difficult to establish in the garden, it can spread aggressively if happy. It is native to southern California and Baja California. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070931855-FKWIA2ACALEIC9LLZ1AO/2-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Arctostaphylos edmundsii var. parvifolia - Bronzemat Arctostaphylos edmundsii var. parvifolia is native to coastal regions of central California. This is a low-growing, mounding manzanita. Variety 'Bert Johnson' was selected by the TIlden Botanic Garden. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Close-up - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072997516-SOD0GQHVKL6IHAY6BZS5/8-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Salvia mellifera - Black Sage A three-foot evergreen shrub with fragrant white to light blue flowers. Likes sun, tolerates some shade. Native on gravel-sand to adobe clay in full sun to part-shade. Needs about 15 in. of rainfall. Gets between 12-40 in. in its range, with the lower number being compensated for with fog drip. Important butterfly and hummingbird plant. Quail love the seed. Attractive to birds and butterflies. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - Wikimedia (Curtis Clark). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072997097-3RL923YFJ9S2M0SPXPN3/8-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Castilleja latifolia - Seaside Paintbrush It is endemic to California. Its native range is in coastal sage scrub and sand dunes between San Francisco Bay Area and Monterey County. Castilleja are hemiparasitic on the roots of grasses and forbs. Hemiparasitic means it derives some nutrients from its source but also photosynthesizes. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072994759-Z3EEUKJR3LA7HQP9FZ1A/8-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Gaultheria shallon - Salal An evergreen shrub up to 10’ tall. It is native from Alaska to California usually as a forest understory shrub at lower elevations due to frost sensitivity. Urn shaped flowers bloom in spring. Eatable but bland tasting berries are liked by birds. Gauthier was a Canadian botanist and shallon is what it was called by the natives. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072995022-Z0LG77QHIZMFPTX3W78L/8-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Symphyotrichum chilense - California Aster Herbaceous perennial that grows 1 to 4 ft tall with deep, extensive, fibrous root systems. Critical pollen source for bees active in the late fall. Nectar source and host plant for checkerspot and crescent butterflies. Basal leaves are usually hairless, stalked, thin, and wither by the time the plant flowers. Flower heads are arranged in open, flat-top or round-top, branched clusters with violet to pink or white ray flowers and yellow disk flowers. Photo credits: Plant - CalPhoto (Katherine Greenberg); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073161696-0BCFVO16QF8H5DXXKV3M/9-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Rubus parviflorus - Thimbleberry A dense shrub up to 8.5 ft tall with canes no more than 0.59 inches in diameter typically growing in large clumps commonly appearing as an early part of forest fire areas. It has no prickles. The leaves are palmate, up to 7.9 in across, with five lobes; they are soft and fuzzy. The flowers are 0.79 to 2.36 in. in diameter, with five white petals and numerous pale-yellow stamens. The flower of this species is among the largest of any Rubus species, making its Latin species name parviflorus (‘small-flowered’) a misnomer. Produces edible composite fruit which ripen to a bright red in mid to late summer. Like other raspberries it is not a true berry, but instead an aggregate fruit of numerous drupelets around a central core. Special value to Native bees, honeybees, and bumblebees. Attractive to birds. Larval host and a nectar source for the yellow-banded sphinx moth. Photo credits: Plant – CalPhotos (©2005 Louis-M. Landry); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – CalPhotos (© 2004 George W. Hartwell). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073161460-CSPO19XSHED29YNE7YLS/9-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Acer circinatum - Vine Maple A small deciduous understory tree that grows 15-25 feet in height and 20 feet wide. Best fall color of California natives - palmate light green, red, gold, or multicolored leaves. Produces long winged angled double samara red seeds propelled by the wind such that they fly parallel to the ground. Does well in cooler climates, or in shaded, moist locations. It prefers a moist soil which is rich in humus. Hardy but suffers in hot, dry conditions. In the shade of a dense overstory, it twists and turns to reach the sunlight. Native Americans use this plant to make bows, frames for fishing nets, snowshoes, and cradle frames. Its branches are useful for cradle swings and to make scoop nets. Known by Native tribes as the ‘basket tree,’ they craft beautiful and long-lasting baskets. Photo credits: Plant – John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073159672-LETR08QR4XQVDUBU9IXM/9-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Vancouveria hexandra - Northern Vancouveria Rhizomatous, basal-leaved, woodland perennial that grows to 12-18 in. tall with a spread to 12 in. wide or more. Common understory herb in moist, shady Douglas Fir forests. Plants feature ternate (consisting of three leaflets or other parts) to twice ternate basal leaves, with each leaf having 9-15, thin, pale green to blue-green, 3-lobed, heart-shaped leaflets (to 1 1/2 in. long). Drooping white flowers (each to 1/2 in. long), each with 6 petals and 6 sepals, bloom in an open panicle of 10-30 nodding flowers atop a leafless stem rising above the foliage in late spring to early summer (May-July). Petals and sepals are swept backwards, hence the common name of inside-out flower. Genus name honors Captain George Vancouver, Royal Navy (1758-1798), British explorer. Specific epithet is in reference to the six stamens. Photo credits: Plant – David Sherertz; Closeup - CalPhotos (©2016 Steve Matson); Detail – CalPhotos (©2016 Steve Matson). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721073159475-BQ7YWOBRTPBX1549ZJFT/9-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Petasites frigidus var. palmatus - Western Coltsfoot Late winter bloomer grows in low woods, glades, damp clearings, and swamps. Fast growing perennial to 1-3 feet in height. Dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) and is pollinated by insects. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil. Parts of the plant are edible. Young flower stalks, used before the flower buds appear, are boiled until tender and seasoned with salt. Flower buds can be cooked. Leafstalks - peeled and eaten raw. The ash of the plant is used as a salt substitute. To prepare the salt, the stems and leaves are rolled up into balls whilst still green, and after being carefully dried they are placed on top of a very small fire on a rock and burned. Caution: a very invasive plant that out competes other vegetation. Photo credits: Plant – CalScape (Walter Siegmund); Closeup - John Rusk; Detail – John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072600877-CIQVXBD2LCLTN5D2IGIB/6-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Cephalanthus occidentalis - Buttonwillow Cephalanthus occidentalis (Buttonwillow) is native to the Central Valley and also eastern and southern North America. Not a true willow, but a member of the coffee family (Rubiaceae). Flowers are in dense spherical heads with pistils protruding, resembling a pincushion. Blooms in late summer into fall. The town of Buttonwillow CA was named for this plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: John Rusk https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072598506-8GPG4PY1THH5H4XH80F6/6-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Muhlenbergia rigens - Basket Grass Muhlenbergia rigens (Deergrass) is a large perennial bunchgrass that inhabits a wide range of environments including grassland, riparian, chaparral, mixed conifer, and oak woodland communities. In bloom, the flower spikes can reach five feet. The long flower stems are used in basketry by many native American tribes. Indian Uses Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: David Sherertz; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072600057-4G5SAY4MIF88JACKJIR3/6-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Quercus kelloggii - Black Oak Quercus kelloggii (Black Oak) is a deciduous oak with relatively large acorns that are favored by California Indians for making acorn meal. New foliage in spring is very pink then turns green. Leaves are deeply lobed with sharp points. Bark of older trees is dark, hence the name. Can live up to 500 years. Indian Uses Tour and 75th Anniversary Tour Plant. Photo credits: Plant: Bureau of Reclamation: Closeup: John Rusk; Detail: Glenn Keator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721072598112-5FRX5ZOBGYVNFCGHCT3J/6-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Eriogonum parishii - Parish's Buckwheat Eriogonum parishii (Parish’s Buckwheat), is an annual plant that produces spreading clumps of branched stems. It has clusters of tiny (less than 1 mm wide) red-purple flowers and generally grows in granite sands. After flowering, the dark red plant skeletons can break off and appear like miniature tumbleweeds. Photo credits: Plant in granite bed: John Rusk; Closeup: David Sherertz; Detail: David Sherertz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067288579-O32OLREKMPK8YY344FZB/0-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Cheilanthes covillei - Coville's Lip Fern Myriopteris covillei, formerly known as Cheilanthes covillei, a species of lip fern that grows in rocky crevices in the mountains and foothills. Green leaves which may be up to 4-pinnate (made up of leaflets that subdivide 3 times) such that the leaflets are layered with overlapping rounded segments. Leaves have a bumpy, cobbled look. Undersides of the leaves have scales which are lengthened outgrowths of the epidermis. Tucked under the scales are the sporangia, which make the spores. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067290520-BOFC9HAGPZ2MMNFG0B37/0-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Artemisia tridentata - Great Basin Sagebrush Evergreen shrub with silver/gray foliage which grows in arid and semi-arid conditions, 4 feet tall, and wide with a deep taproot 3-13 feet in length. Needs full sun. Very drought tolerant, needs good drainage. Strong pungent fragrance due to the presence of camphor, terpenoids, and other volatile oils. Edible, nitrogen fixing seeds. The Cahuilla gather large quantities of sagebrush seed and grind it to make flour. Small yellow flowers in long, loosely arranged tubular clusters. Edible fruit. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - Theodore Payne; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067282085-IEBK7DNET6769O501F55/0-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Opuntia littoralis - Salmon Flowered Prickly Pear Short stemmed, grows close to the ground. Littoral means pertaining to the seashore. Grows in dense clumps spreading several yards wide and up to three feet tall. Branches are made up of oval-shaped flat segments up to 8.7 in long. Covered in clusters of yellowish spines 0.8-1.6 in long. Pale yellow to dull red flowers. Edible fruit is purplish red and up to 2.0 in long. Important wildlife plant. Invades disturbed soil. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721067281661-O3LOJXQG1B8DP9XQG4Z6/0-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Chamaebatia australis - Southern Mountain Misery Aromatic evergreen shrub. Very dark bark. Two-pinnate leaves. Each leaf is a gland-dotted frond of 1 to 3 inches long, which exude a sticky, colorless liquid resin giving off a strong medicinal scent. This resin would stick to the wool of grazing sheep, making it unusable; hence the common name. Flowers are rose-like with small rounded white petals and yellow centers filled with many stamens. Fruit is a leathery achene. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070404189-APBEP0YR0PZI5PXHH9TI/1-collage-31fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Physocarpus capitatus - Ninebark Dense deciduous shrub growing to 2.5-8 feet tall. Its name derives from the bark appearance, which is flaky and peels in many layers. Maple-like lobed leaves 3-5.5 in long and broad, and ball-like clusters of small white flowers with five petals and numerous red-tipped stamens. Fruit is an inflated glossy red pod which turns dry and brown and then splits open to release seeds. Leaves change color in fall before dropping. Extensive root system is useful for retaining soil on slopes. When copiced, new stems make good arrow shafts. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - Wikimedia Commons; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - David Sherertz. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070402958-16FU76BDSUUYD29GP2CG/1-collage-32fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Vaccinium ovatum - Coast Huckleberry Evergreen shrub reaching 1.5 to 15 feet in height. It also grows in pygmy forests of California where it commonly assumes a dwarfed, nearly herb-like growth form. Forms dense thickets which may serve as hiding, resting, or nesting sites for many birds and mammals. Fruit is sweet, delicious, and eaten by a wide variety of birds and mammals. Important food for grizzly bears. Traditionally in use by many native peoples of the West Coast. The Capella Indians reportedly travel up to 20 or 30 miles annually to harvest the fruit. Photo credits: Plant - John Rusk; Closeup - David Sherertz; Detail - John Rusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070402174-T8LNX7ADDRP9C22IMLSY/1-collage-33fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Apocynum cannabinum - Indian Hemp All parts of the plant are poisonous to animals and can cause cardiac arrest if ingested. Perennial growing 3.3-6.5 feet tall. Smooth-edged leaves are hairy beneath, turn yellow in fall, and grow on opposite sides of stems. Greenish-white flowers develop into two long pods that contain many seeds with tufts of silky white hairs at one end. Reddish stems contain a milky latex that may cause skin blisters. Source of fiber for Native Americans to make bows, nets, fishing lines, and clothing. CNPP Plant. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - CalPhoto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721070401672-3627DXN599IU2KFKY57G/1-collage-34fa.jpg Fall Showcase Plants - Eriogonum nudum var. psychicola - Antioch Dunes Buckwheat Rare perennial herb growing to maximum height of 1.5 to 6.5 feet producing cream, pink, or white flowers, currently known only from the Antioch sand dunes area in northern Contra Costa County, California. The extent and quality of these sand dunes have been reduced from historic levels as a result of industrialization and sand mining. Photo credits: Plant - David Sherertz; Closeup - John Rusk; Detail - John Rusk. https://nativeplants.org/american-lady daily 0.75 2025-01-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780268188-18XEOI60SFUUKO79CLGK/American+Lady+1+closed+IMG_9122.jpg American Lady - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780267144-K78J5K18SXHW0U6G42TQ/American+Lady+2+open+Nov+2020.jpg American Lady - Open * American Lady can usually be distinguished from the other two Ladies by the white dot in the large orange spot near the edge of the forewing. Painted Lady and West Coast Lady have no spot there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780505492-FIOO024TP9BTUC0R08XS/Painted+Lady+1+open+May+2019+Bay+Trail.jpeg American Lady - Painted Lady, open * American Lady can usually be distinguished from the other two Ladies by the white dot in the large orange spot near the edge of the forewing. Painted Lady and West Coast Lady have no spot there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780686338-0T5CFFD478TW2Q0HDUFE/West+Coast+Lady+1+open+IMG_3801.jpeg American Lady - West Coast Lady, open * American Lady can usually be distinguished from the other two Ladies by the white dot in the large orange spot near the edge of the forewing. Painted Lady and West Coast Lady have no spot there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1728278010333-CW7Q9U7SQIF8SZZDSFJI/American+Lady+3+open+IMG_5181.jpeg American Lady - Predator defense, part 1 * Many butterflies have a bright pattern on the upper side of their wings, and a drab pattern on the underside (or vice versa). This helps them evade predators. Compare these two photographs of an American Lady at the same spot. When the wings are open, it's very visible. When it folds up the wings, it effectively disappears for a predator who is looking for that bright colored prey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1728278010518-Y2PR1DQ6FWQD230E9NZG/American+Lady+4+closed+same+spot+IMG_5182.jpeg American Lady - Predator defense, part 2 * Many butterflies have a bright pattern on the upper side of their wings, and a drab pattern on the underside (or vice versa). This helps them evade predators. Compare these two photographs of an American Lady at the same spot. When the wings are open, it's very visible. When it folds up the wings, it effectively disappears for a predator who is looking for that bright colored prey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1750808066134-XH4XZRSPJA2DJMTNIA7Y/American+Lady+Vanessa+virginiensis+-+Brent+Haglund.png American Lady - Egg (photo Brent Haglund) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780268534-0VKZ1IOSN10WPWK823OJ/American+Lady+3+caterpillar+Sep+2018.jpg American Lady - Caterpillar https://nativeplants.org/purplish-copper daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721707141070-M9Y32NK7NHP6YR7KZTAZ/Purplish+Copper+1+closed+male+IMG_3902.jpeg Purplish Copper - Closed * The underside looks similar for males and females. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721707143714-JI2FIMX26WSFGLDSQYWC/Purplish+Copper+2+open+male+IMG_4010.jpeg Purplish Copper - Open, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1727222224074-SIWH7UODYS2H3EH3W022/PC+open+Dave+2019_06_20+Purplish+Copper-2414+Cascades_Siskiyou+copy.JPG.crdownload.jpeg Purplish Copper - Open, male * (Photo Dave Bartholomew) This one is showing the purplish sheen that gives this butterfly its name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721707141187-5VF18BTB7GGBM0IKR4LX/Purplish+Copper+2+open+female+IMG_3812.jpeg Purplish Copper - Open, female https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726511336354-8XHVAV883ZZSF21FMWXC/Purplish+copper+4+courtship+John.jpg Purplish Copper - Courtship (photo John Hibbard) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1726511336101-9K10LED067MGI2HWOB0B/Purplish+copper+5+egglaying+John.jpeg Purplish Copper - Laying eggs (photo John Hibbard) * On Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare) https://nativeplants.org/rural-skipper daily 0.75 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721705710760-KGPRPRAKREEW5JR9D8H4/Rural+Skipper+1+closed+IMG_6157.jpg Rural Skipper - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721705709914-MQ2JZ7AFR4PKAKUYGSP5/Rural+Skipper+2+open+May+2020.jpg Rural Skipper - Open, top view https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721705711141-0ITTV8RJRB8JTU5K4239/Rural+Skipper+3+side+view+June+2018.jpg Rural Skipper - Open, side view https://nativeplants.org/mournful-duskywing daily 0.75 2024-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722313147441-QUWQPFB49ZBTUU0FEP35/Mournful+Duskywing+1q+open+male+.jpg Mournful Duskywing - Open, male * Males are more monochrome, whereas females have a contrasting pattern. The color of both males and females can vary from a very dark brown to a much lighter shade of brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722313146909-7EY7SHK75NFHDK8P3D4O/Mournful+Duskywing+1b+open+male+.jpg Mournful Duskywing - Open, male * Males are more monochrome, whereas females have a contrasting pattern. The color of both males and females can vary from a very dark brown to a much lighter shade of brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722013919942-H8CIF4U16EEH83PA4RCD/Mournful+Duskywing+1+open+IMG_8211.jpg Mournful Duskywing - Open, female * Males are more monochrome, whereas females have a contrasting pattern. The color of both males and females can vary from a very dark brown to a much lighter shade of brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722313177864-H9EIG4W0XQT1VMRFDC7U/Mournful+Duskywing+2b+open+female+.jpg Mournful Duskywing - Open, female * Males are more monochrome, whereas females have a contrasting pattern. The color of both males and females can vary from a very dark brown to a much lighter shade of brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1722313178361-LOGXC4AHP4YJFHEXXGQZ/Mournful+Duskywing+3+closed+.jpg Mournful Duskywing - Closed https://nativeplants.org/guides/mammals-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d6d27b3b-bf07-4619-a968-26de7a0fd5a4/coyote.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d548890c-6ae1-486b-b490-90850fa83dab/brush-rabbit.jpg https://nativeplants.org/guides/reptiles-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2026-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/c8d49f01-7d31-4b00-ac3a-b4422e888d59/gopher+snake.JPG https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/27acd5a3-08a9-4b2d-87ee-59d5e60037d2/western-fence-lizard.jpg https://nativeplants.org/butterfly-id daily 0.75 2026-03-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/db9a5db7-65a6-4f35-a1af-30b28e7f1f4c/Acmon-Blue-2-open-male-IMG_9917-scaled.jpeg Butterfly ID - Acmon Blue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1721780267144-K78J5K18SXHW0U6G42TQ/American+Lady+2+open+Nov+2020.jpg Butterfly ID - American Lady https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314171961-A6CWKURA6NPCQM59V5CK/Anise+Swallowtail+1+open+April+2020+home.jpeg Butterfly ID - Anise Swallowtail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314171034-TYIO0VE941DLKNCKNENO/Cabbage+White+1+closed+August+2017+GLM.jpeg Butterfly ID - Cabbage White https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314337007-VIFZRS1CZCA87C8CO73Q/Pipevine+Swallowtail+1+closed+IMG_3756.jpg Butterfly ID - California Pipevine Swallowtail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314213197-DZQ7N1IA9MR8AK3G7DWC/California+Sister+2+open+IMG_2665.jpeg Butterfly ID - California Sister https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314205690-F6720KM8YLZIHCP9ZK8J/California+Tortoiseshell+2+open+IMG_2674.jpeg Butterfly ID - California Tortoiseshell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314212472-CEXPGMOXNJYPV5RSFKD2/Checkered+White+1+open+IMG_9084.jpeg Butterfly ID - Checkered White https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314231531-EFBT68OP9FGD5G8SYHUW/Common+Checkered-skipper+1a+male+open+IMG_5897.jpg Butterfly ID - Common Checkered Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314229675-UMZU9BSATIDGRV6JU2KZ/Common+Ringlet+1+IMG_0277.jpg Butterfly ID - Common Ringlet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314233109-S5W1P0XFPIWX354NI24I/Echo+Azure+1+closed+March+2019+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Echo Azure https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314256801-EHUVG0QN5NBOF7E10YXK/Field+Crescent+1+open+IMG_9635.jpeg Butterfly ID - Field Crescent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314249400-SSHJ9UT8S78TUVBPYUEQ/Field+Skipper+2+closed+female+IMG_9493.jpg Butterfly ID - Field Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314257046-6OZUU5D6FOC2906YUGNY/Fiery+Skipper+1b+closed+female+IMG_1969.jpg Butterfly ID - Fiery Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1746063259043-ZPM87M9DD9ZKMSG1ULQ4/Gray+Buckeye+1+open+Redwood+Regional+Park%2C+Jul+%2722.jpg Butterfly ID - Gray Buckeye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314270537-AHM5ZZ32IZ2S5K6SPE5R/Gray+Hairstreak+1+closed+IMG_5161.jpg Butterfly ID - Gray Hairstreak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1773688696972-TOR1U8LOCJVGMDFD2YZX/Gulf%2BFritillary%2B1%2Bopen%2BIMG_2764.jpg Butterfly ID - Gulf Fritillary https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314273543-D02QFVDSIZ1P85X38GLV/Lorquin%27s+Admiral+2+open+June+2018+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Lorquin's Admiral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314276108-CAN2W3T18TJDANM1LF4O/Margined+White+3+spring+open+Feb+2020+Alum+Rock.jpg Butterfly ID - Margined White https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314295096-YYBB7614Y8O3O40OSL2T/Monarch+2a+closed+male+IMG_2166.jpg Butterfly ID - Monarch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314297932-V524O2S3831JFOMAF8VQ/Mournful+Duskywing+1a+open+male+.jpg Butterfly ID - Mournful Duskywing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314303951-YK3DA7OGWY9KCDQWK0S9/Mourning+Cloak+2+open+IMG_1410.jpeg Butterfly ID - Mourning Cloak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314304075-PQL8ZJKTCVGNA5AHMS0S/Mylitta+Crescent+1+open+male+IMG_0133.jpeg Butterfly ID - Mylitta Crescent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314305492-5GBS5A1SRVPX71MJO5EK/Northern+Checkerspot+1+open+male+April+2021+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Northern Checkerspot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314305671-963J7GFRQ3TOCNHY90S2/Northern+White-skipper+1+open+April+2016+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Northern White Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314309583-KM2BOEAVFSQNFLBECTQQ/Orange+Sulphur+1+closed+IMG_9823.jpg Butterfly ID - Orange Sulphur https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314310829-8R5XMC6751QM3KXQZMPV/Oreas+Comma+closed+IMG_2937.jpeg Butterfly ID - Oreas Comma https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314311478-7BLJW4MREUIJQF3DDTD5/Painted+Lady+1+open+May+2019+Bay+Trail.jpeg Butterfly ID - Painted Lady https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314316244-2OQTC8VNHI6NMCMJYVBZ/Pale+Swallowtail+1+open+IMG_0699.jpeg Butterfly ID - Pale Swallowtail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314322739-C28ZTKSI1XGGMZRJ7U2O/Purplish+Copper+1+closed+male+IMG_3902.jpeg Butterfly ID - Purplish Copper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314328256-HUAMTRX4C7BRDAEBK8XO/Red+Admiral+1+open+IMG_7198.jpg Butterfly ID - Red Admiral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314335524-532GVQXDGRMFZHFFI2KY/Rural+Skipper+1+closed+IMG_6157.jpg Butterfly ID - Rural Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314337667-6PM1AD1NIXCXB952YSRH/Sara+Orangetip+2+open+male+March+2019+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Sara Orangetip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314340194-H4XPW6L1P39UL4EYHYZG/Satyr+Comma+2+closed+female+June+2018+UCBG.jpeg Butterfly ID - Satyr Comma https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314342971-ARBBIDCC8G4IN8PZNJGV/Umber+Skipper+1+closed+IMG_7393.jpg Butterfly ID - Umber Skipper https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314346362-9HPAD44840REI7HO8Q2S/Variable+Checkerspot+1+open+IMG_2880.jpeg Butterfly ID - Variable Checkerspot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314348628-7WMICMD8DDBT74MZZFHM/West+Coast+Lady+1+open+IMG_3801.jpeg Butterfly ID - West Coast Lady https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314353574-6JLQ3QDUP17HYNQ3YNCS/Western+Brown+Elfin+1+IMG_8795+Bart+Briones.jpeg Butterfly ID - Western Brown Elfin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1746062941345-5M4D9YFWM9C5BV6KVCQO/Western+Pine+Elfin+IMG_1056.jpeg Butterfly ID - Western Pine Western Pine Elfin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314353628-UA65P8K16TGQZV3V3W48/Western+Pygmy-Blue+1+closed+IMG_3712.jpg Butterfly ID - Western Pygmy Blue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314359486-8H753BQS887A67FBD0OA/Western+Tiger+Swallowtail+1+open++IMG_6231.jpg Butterfly ID - Western Tiger Swallowtail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1732314360378-BCWY7AH8IHYD93G1FC9E/Woodland+Skipper+1a+marked+closed+IMG_2146.jpg Butterfly ID - Woodland Skipper https://nativeplants.org/guides/insects-in-the-garden daily 0.75 2025-12-09 https://nativeplants.org/visit/for-kids daily 0.75 2026-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1198490d-7eda-4ac8-a44d-5c888be718e4/ispy.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/4fab6be4-4a6c-41ab-8016-0107b1b67cac/banana-slug-close.jpg https://nativeplants.org/guides/coleoptera daily 0.75 2025-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1747161640924-ZTQ8NIUCJNINMVV9UCVR/Ladybeetles.jpg Beetles - Lady beetles Photo by Kiamara Ludwig Convergent lady beetles, a common sight in the late winter as they keep themselves busy eating, mating and laying eggs. Their common name, “Ladybug”, is a misnomer, as these friendly little insects are actually beetles that are deadly to garden pests. For more information, see Garden News in the Dec 2019 issue of the Botanic Garden newsletter and Lovely Ladybugs at the East Bay Regional Park District website. https://nativeplants.org/tours/cnpp-tour daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://nativeplants.org/contractor-documents-535789 daily 0.75 2025-04-09 https://nativeplants.org/guides/lepidoptera daily 0.75 2025-11-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1763835062254-QF1JAU0F5MAWFIQ1IV54/Oakworm+mass.png Moths and Butterflies - Oakworm Masses of oakworms during an outbreak on the UC Berkeley campus, 2019 (Essig Museum). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1763835152273-8DL8MHRG1OBNLMYPVOM6/Oakworm+female.png Moths and Butterflies - Oakmoth female California oakmoth female (note tapering, threadlike antennae) in Tilden Regional Park (Rollin Coville). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1763835224824-A26YH52OLPT70AMKHLS6/Oakworm+male.png Moths and Butterflies - Oakmoth male California oakmoth male (note feathery antennae) in Tilden Regional Park (Rollin Coville) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/3f4a43bb-c349-45d7-9b99-dda69b11e91f/sphinx+moth.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/46e08fed-e8dc-4b4f-a711-bfb611b3a8d9/leaf+mining.png https://nativeplants.org/western-pine-elfin daily 0.75 2025-05-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1745364475211-GW99FRTQ1UKTBRNBHI38/Western+Pine+Elfin+IMG_1056.jpeg Western Pine Elfin - Closed * This butterfly is virtually never seen with open wings. The upper side is very dark, though, giving an impression of black when it flies. https://nativeplants.org/guides/fruit daily 0.75 2025-12-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384051990-J69CXA6GIKERYOMS6063/Berberis.jpg Fruit - Oregon Grape - Berberis aquifolium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384051089-8EFFYLB14Q06HMHERBBJ/Bush+Anemone-Carpenteria+californica-2.jpg Fruit - Bush Anemone - Carpenteria californica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384090523-BOXDJ80QY8LINDR3M0M1/Coffeeberry-+Frangula+Californica.jpg Fruit - Coffeeberry - Frangula californica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384096489-50NKL7SH7Q71B9WPIBN6/Carmel+Ceanothus-Ceanothus+thrsiflorus+var.+grieseus.jpg Fruit - Carmel Ceanothus - Ceanothus Ceanothus thrsiflorus var. grieseus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384114028-41X9SC6PXBNX65MN2BFT/Dogwood-Cornus+sericea.jpg Fruit - Dogwood - Cornus sericea https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384115306-88AF23AP8I4VH12T37OJ/Dune+Manznita-Arctostaphylos+pumila++%28rare+and+endangered%29.jpg Fruit - Dune Manznita - Arctostaphylos pumila https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384129807-KX3VUT8AGF5IOATVCW9U/Fairy+Bells-Prosartes+hookeri-.jpg Fruit - Fairy Bells - Prosartes hookeri https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384154380-J4EGUIB7TLWPPZVXM9S2/Fremontia.jpg Fruit - Flannel bush - Fremontodendron https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384155834-6EPF8GHXP5L1Z8BFJC5G/Gooseberry-Ribes.jpg Fruit - Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry - Ribes speciosum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384173364-QR78QQ0DUJUJ0VO6AE38/Hop+Tree-Ptelea+crenulata.jpg Fruit - Hop Tree - Ptelea crenulata https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384168546-EYE9XFXVUW1I37O9SWLG/Huckleberry-Vaccinium+ovatum.jpg Fruit - Huckleberry - Vaccinium ovatum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384186259-FJ040608TGGIIQZMU76C/Manzanita-Arctostaphylos.jpg Fruit - Manzanita - Arctostaphylos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384197103-MFGT1Q346JWANQ3DSSO4/Margo%27s+Fremontia-Fremontodendron+californicum+%27Margo%27-2.jpg Fruit - Margo's Fremontia - Fremontodendron californicum 'Margo' https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384224976-K0MD7R4ZFABK73I1WZQ5/Nevin%27s+Barberry-+Berberis+nevinii.jpg Fruit - Nevin's Barberry - Berberis nevinii https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384227749-1OXFNSM7BFOID33VRBJV/Rose+Hips-Rosa+sp.jpg Fruit - California rose - Rosa californica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384235762-QMRXE2MFKBKDQ66ANHPT/Rose%27s+Manzanita-Artostaphylos+crustacea+ssp+rosei.jpg Fruit - Rose's Manzanita - Artostaphylos crustacea ssp rosei https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753733471487-GHP7H5VLVVOMYJBWZATY/Snowberry+-+Symphoricarpus+albus+var.+laevigatus.jpg Fruit - Snowberry - Symphoricarpus albus var. laevigatus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384249395-W101IPFG8LPXVW3HR76A/Skunk+Bush-+Rhus+aromatica.jpg Fruit - Skunk Bush - Rhus aromatica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384256645-7CGXN0X9SJJLVMOTV7N8/Snowdrop+Bush-Styrax+redivivus-2.jpg Fruit - Snowdrop Bush - Styrax redivivus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753384279609-3VAWKNC5QEDBCPPDWS7T/Thimbleberry-Rubus+parviflorus-2.jpg Fruit - Thimbleberry - Rubus parviflorus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753389714038-12ADTIT9831ZZNSSXDVV/Bead+Lily-Clintonia+andrewsiana.jpg Fruit - Bead Lily - Clintonia andrewsiana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753720864412-8NKLXHSLJB7AIZULEG43/Baneberry-Actaea+rubra+%28white-berried+form%29.jpg Fruit - Baneberry - Actaea rubra (white-berried form) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753733780675-HI580LXSOCU9TG3KKH3N/Mission+Manzanita+-+Xylococcus+bicolor.jpg Fruit - Mission Manzanita - Xylococcus bicolor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1753733887971-GXDBDFPREIX95KENVR6C/Salal+-+Gaultheria+shallon.jpg Fruit - Salal - Gaultheria shallon https://nativeplants.org/silvery-blue daily 0.75 2026-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1775065004204-HT0K7KEA2GPG53XQXNZY/Silvery+Blue+1+open+male+IMG_4633.jpeg Silvery Blue - Open, male https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1775166211638-ZJO6V13VSKXZQDZOUR11/Silvery+Blue+female+half-open+Point+Richmond+April+2021.jpg Silvery Blue - Half-open, female * For females, the color on the upper side of the wings usually appears as dark gray, but can also have dark brown overtones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1775166211864-R0KDI7W8RA2G8P8IWWGS/Silvery+Blue+closed+Sunol+March+2022.jpg Silvery Blue - Closed https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/1775166214449-KWRUI7SN6E9A282JP5HA/Silvery+Blue+mating+cropped+IMG_1567.jpeg Silvery Blue - Mating https://nativeplants.org/classshop daily 0.75 2025-09-16 https://nativeplants.org/seedshop daily 0.75 2024-11-02 https://nativeplants.org/seedshop/p/seed-packet monthly 0.5 2025-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/666115df3fa3b24521c127ed/d9baf74e-9e64-4245-aa36-4df75f5cc1a8/seedpacks.jpg Seed Shop - Seed Packet https://nativeplants.org/training-shop daily 0.75 2025-10-15