Nemophila menziesii
Full disclosure, I never specified this plant on a project, so it is very unfamiliar to me despite being a California native species. It...
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TELCS
2 min read
Calliandra x 'Lianca'
An uncommon cross variety of two Southern California native plants.
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3 min read
Symphoricarpos albus
When living in West Sonoma County, I first came across this unusual fruiting native not far from our home. Situated within a flood plain...
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2 min read
Arctostaphylos densiflora 'Howard McMinn'
Go seriously local! This species of manzanita was originally introduced by our own Saratoga Horticulture Foundation way back in 1955,...
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4 min read
Rhododendron occidentale
A native azalea that's deciduous? When we think of rhododendrons, their evergreen boughs with pastel clusters of showy flowers might...
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3 min read
Vaccinium ovatum
Every winter, retail nurseries fill with a variety of bareroot plants including blueberries that at times I have specified in designs but...
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3 min read
Pinus edulis
Memories can pop up when least expected. My family and I would sit on the back deck of our South Lake Tahoe cabin and pick out and devour...
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4 min read
Solidago velutina ssp. californica
Welcome to floral sunshine in the native garden! Solidago velutina ssp. californica, or California goldenrod, is not well known among...
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3 min read
Epilobium canum
Ushering in the autumn season is California fuchsia, or Epilobium canum. When so many other native perennials are already withering or...
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3 min read
Rosa californica
California has everything, even its own rose. No, it is not a fancy multi-petaled cut flower coveted by lovers, but it certainly has...
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4 min read
Vitis californica 'Roger's Red'
For twenty plus years, my commute followed the Russian River from Healdsburg to Duncans Mills. Sometimes I would keep going all the way...
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4 min read
Aster chilensis 'Purple Haze'
Asters are a treat in autumn, mostly blooming just before chrysanthemums. Many are showy and exhibit a color range from white to shades...
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4 min read
Washingtonia filifera
Not until I was in my thirties did I visit my first true oasis in the California desert. I knew desert oases were sanctuaries of water,...
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2 min read
Achillea millifolium 'Paprika'
There are a number of cultivars of A. millifolium, but 'Paprika' stands out for me thus prompting this separate post. The facts below...
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3 min read
Chilopsis linearis
In the past decade, Chilopsis linearis has started to pop up in Northern California as a viable, colorful option in the landscape ...
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3 min read
Achillea millefolium
Many California natives are exclusively indigenous to California or the West Coast, but Achillea millefolium has broadened its reach to...
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3 min read
Alnus rubra
There are two species within the Alnus genus that California's landscape architects should know. The first is Alnus rhombifolia, with a...
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3 min read
Carpenteria californica 'Elizabeth'
This cheerful cultivar of a native species is on my wish list to personally grow, but so far my success has been limited. My first...
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5 min read
Quercus agrifolia
The coast live oak is among other tree species noted for their size, often achieving heritage status within communities... witness trees...
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3 min read
Juncus patens
Juncus patens is a workhorse in a relatively new landscape industry, green stormwater infrastructure, or GSI for short. Sure, it is a...
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