Coastal scrub is dominated by showy, garden-worthy plants, such as sages, sagebrushes, and buckwheats. These plants often produce lush, larger leaves in the winter and tiny, gray-green leaves in the summer. Natural stands of these brittle plants are relatively low and are often easy to walk among. Coastal scrub is typically found in flatter, cooler coastal areas on soils that are either deeper or retain slightly less moisture than those that support chaparral.
Coastal scrub
Tips for coastal scrub gardening
Site in places that enjoy cool but not cold winters, do not get below freezing in winter
Site drought-deciduous plants where they will be low profile when they have no leaves
Mulch with wood chips
Keystone species for coastal scrub
Coastal scrub health depends on the presence of certain “keystone” plant and animal species. Using these native plants strengthens the ecosystem, as does providing the habitat needed by these birds and other animals
Canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) supports a wealth of interacting life forms. A huge total of 270 species of butterflies and moths may lay eggs on this tree
Coastal sage scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) supports abundant insect life
Black sage (Salvia mellifera) is an important food source for bees, butterflies, and birds, including hummingbirds, quail and towhees
California sagebrush (Artemesia californica) supports birds such as the California gnatcatcher and quail, as well as many insect species
Buckwheats (Eriogonum spp.), such as California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) are hardy flowering plants that hosts 56 species of butterflies and moths
Learn more about coastal scrub
Coastal sage scrub [Las Pilitas Nursery]
Coastal scrub, [Central Coast Wilds]
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