Pterostegia is a monotypic plant genus containing only the single species Pterostegia drymarioides, which is known as the woodland threadstem, woodland pterostegia, fairy mist, or fairy bowties. The plant is native to the western United States, California, Baja California, and Northwestern Mexico. The plant is most commonly found carpeting the ground in shady areas, such as in the understory of a cool forest or chaparral woodlands. It sometimes grows hidden from view beneath other plants. It also is found in shaded areas of desert habitats. Pterostegia drymarioides is a very small annual spreading or climbing plant with very thin, hairy stems. The tiny leaves are lobed or heart-shaped and may be green or pink. The plant may sprawl across the ground in a thin layer or may form small patches here and there. The plant bears tiny bright pink flowers.

Desert Bitterbrush (Purshia tridentata var. glandulosa) is a native shrub that grows in southern and central California. It tends to grow in , at elevations from 2800-9000 feet.

Pycnanthemum californicum is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name Sierra mint. It is endemic to California, where it grows in mountains and foothills throughout the state, in chaparral, woodland, forest, and other habitat. It is a perennial herb growing erect one half to one meter in height, with hairless to fuzzy, aromatic herbage. The oppositely arranged leaves are lance-shaped to nearly oval, each a few centimeters long. The inflorescences are located in clusters about the stem just above each upper pair of leaves. Each flower has a whitish upper lip and a purplish lower lip, sometimes with spots.

Pyrrocoma racemosa is a species of flowering plant in the aster family known by the common name clustered goldenweed. It is native to the western United States, where it grows in many types of habitat. It is quite variable in morphology, and there are several varieties which are sometimes hard to tell apart. In general, it is a perennial herb usually producing two or more mostly erect stems reaching maximum heights between 15 and 90 centimeters. The stems are reddish or brownish in color, leafy or not, and hairless to quite woolly. The longest leaves are located in tufts around the base of the stems. They are lance-shaped to oval, smooth-edged, wavy, or deeply spine-toothed, and may exceed 30 centimeters in length. Basal leaves are borne on woolly petioles. Leaves located higher on the stem lack petioles and may clasp the stem at their bases. The inflorescence is a cluster of several flower heads lined with phyllaries which may be over a centimeter long and are hairy to hairless in texture. Each head contains many yellow disc florets and a fringe of several yellow ray florets. The fruit is an achene which may be over a centimeter long including its pappus.

Scrub Oak plays a vital role in supporting biodiversity by attracting birds and a diverse range of butterflies. Its ability to thrive in various conditions and benefits to local wildlife make it a valuable addition to gardens.

It is a medium-to-small oak. Its green leaves are leathery on the surface and somewhat hairy on the underside. Scrub Oak is a versatile plant that thrives in full sun to part shade. In cooler regions, it remains compact, while in warmer areas, it spreads out and grows several meters high.

Scrub Oak benefits from a thick layer of oak leaves as mulch with a few large rocks. Refrain from summer watering to mimic its natural drought-tolerant adaptation.

Canyon live oak is a species of evergreen oak that is found in the southwestern part of North America, notably in the California Coast Ranges. It is the most wide-spread oak in the state. Its ultimate size and shade are determined by its location within the state. This tree is often found near creeks and drainage swales growing in moist cool microhabitats. Its leaves are a glossy dark green on the upper surface with prominent spines; a further rapid identification arises from the leaves of Canyon live oak being geometrically flat. They are often sympatric with Quercus agrifolia and several other oak species. Fossil data supports a much wider distribution throughout the western United States during the early Holocene period. Native Americans used the acorns of this species as a food staple, after leaching of the tannins; moreover, its roasted seed is a coffee substitute. After forest fires, Canyon live oak regenerates vigorously by basal sprouting, and the clonal diversity of this species has been shown to be high. Alternate common names for this taxon are Canyon oak and "Golden-Cup Oak".

Quercus cornelius-mulleri is a North American species of oak known by the common name Muller oak, or Muller's oak. It was described to science in 1981 when it was segregated from the Quercus dumosa complex and found to warrant species status of its own. It was named for the ecologist Cornelius Herman Muller. It is native to southern California and Baja California, where it grows in chaparral, oak woodlands, and other habitat in foothills and mountains. It can most easily be observed in Joshua Tree National Park and in the woodlands along the western margins of the Colorado Desert in San Diego County, California. Quercus cornelius-mulleri is a bushy shrub not exceeding 3 meters (10 feet) in height. It is densely branched, its tangled twigs gray, brown, or yellowish, fuzzy when new and becoming scaly with age. The evergreen leaves are leathery and thick. They are bicolored: white and quite woolly on the undersides and dull gray- or yellow-green and faintly hairy on the upper surfaces. The wool on the undersides of the leaves is made up of star-shaped leaf hairs that are fused into microscopic plates. The leaf blades are oval with smooth or toothed edges, and measure 2. 5 to 3. 5 centimeters (1. 0-1. 4 inches) in length. The fruit is an acorn with a cap up to 2 centimeters (0. 8 inches) wide covered in light-colored scales and a cylindrical, round-ended nut up to 3 centimeters (1. 2 inches) long.

The majestic blue oak is a drought-tolerant deciduous tree that provides food and shelter for local wildlife. It supports birds, squirrels and insects. It is a host plant for several species of butterflies and moths.

This tree gets its name from its blue-green leaves. The bark is pale gray and textured. Blue oaks are slow-growing, but can grow to 80+ feet in height. The canopy can spread to a width of 30 feet or more. It requires a good-sized planting area and does best on dry, well-drained slopes.

Quercus dumosa is a species of plant in the Fagaceae family. This shrub/small tree goes by the common name Coastal sage scrub oak. It is found in Mexico and the United States. It is threatened by habitat loss. The species Quercus dumosa lends its name to the eponymous plant community Quercus dumosa chaparral, in which Coastal sage scrub oak and toyon often co-dominate. It is easily confused with other scrub oaks such as Quercus berberidifolia, with which it may hybridize.

This plant is an evergreen shrub growing 1 to 3 meters tall from a large, deep root network. The leaves have spiny or toothed edges. The fruit is an acorn up to 1.5 centimeters wide. Some individuals produce large crops of acorns, and some produce very few fruits. The acorns are dispersed by gravity as they fall from the tree, and by animals that pick them up, such as squirrels and jays. Animals eat them immediately or cache them for later. The acorns tend to germinate easily. Reproduction via seed generally occurs only in very moist years.

This oak grows primarily in sandy soils such as sandstone near the coast. Its habitat is often chaparral. This oak sprouts vigorously from its stump and root crown after wildfire and develops a large canopy within a few years after a fire event. It sometimes codominates with Ceanothus species as early as four years after a fire. This oak also does well in the absence of fire.

Leather oak (Quercus durata) is a small, drought-adapted oak species endemic to California. This shrub oak, in the Fagaceae (beech) family, typically grows in serpentine soils and is often found with manzanita in chaparral habitats. It thrives in mountainous regions but is well-suited for gardens as it doesn't require serpentine soil and can tolerate a variety of garden soils, including those with clay. Best adapted to dry, rocky, and nutrient-poor soils, leather oak can form low, dense thickets and is often used as an urban tree.

A keystone plant in its native ecosystem, leather oak supports a diverse range of wildlife species.

Quercus durata var. durata is the most common variety of Leather Oak. It tends to grow at elevations from 500-4900 feet, primarily in the central Coast Ranges. The other variety, var. gabrielensis, is a rare plant restricted to the Transverse Range. Leather oak is often found on serpentine soils. However, in the garden this plant does not require serpentine soil and can tolerate garden soil as well as drought and clay-rich soils. However, it is best adapted to relatively dry, rocky, nutrient-poor soil. Most individuals remain short, under 15 feet, and have small, densely organized leaves.

Engelmann oak (Quercus engelmannii) is a moderately fast-growing tree, typically evergreen but sometimes drought-deciduous in hot summers. Native to Southern California, this rare oak has lost much of its range due to suburban development. It primarily survives in San Diego County, with smaller populations in Pasadena, Orange County, southern Riverside County, and Baja California.

This oak thrives above the dry coastal plain but below 4,200 feet, where winters can be colder. Its thick, leathery blue-green leaves provide year-round color and complement gray-green landscapes. Mature trees develop stunning, gnarled trunks and wide-spreading branches, making them a striking addition to open spaces.

Engelmann oak can be tricky to grow—it prefers dry soil but stays green year-round if it has access to groundwater or nearby irrigation. It requires plenty of space, full sun, and tolerates various soil types.

As a keystone species, Engelmann oak supports an extensive array of butterflies and birds, playing a vital role in Southern California ecosystems. It pairs well with native plants like ceanothus, coffeeberry, and silktassel.

The Garry Oak (Quercus garryana), also known as Oregon White Oak or Oregon Oak, is a member of the Fagaceae family (Beeches, Chestnuts and Oaks). It has a range from the mountains of Los Angeles County northward to British Columbia, Canada, particularly in the foothills of the Siskiyou and Klamath Mountains, the Coast Ranges of Northern California, and of the west slope of the Cascades. It grows from sea level to 210 meter altitude in the northern part of its range, and at 300-1800 meter in the south of the range. There are three recognized varieties with largely overlapping ranges. The tree is named after Nicholas Garry, deputy governor of the Hudson's Bay Company, 1822-35. In the northerm part of its range it is an attractive tree, sometimes reaching 90 ft. but more often 50-60 ft. In the southern part of its range it is more often a shrub to 20 ft. It has large, lobed leaves which it drops in winter. It makes an excellent tree or shrub for mountain gardens and is important for wildlife.

Quercus pacifica is a species of oak known by the common names island scrub oak and Pacific oak. It is endemic to the Channel Islands of California, where it is known from Santa Cruz, Santa Rosa, and Santa Catalina Islands. Though limited to three islands, it is not uncommon there, occurring in grassland, chaparral, oak woodlands, forest, and other habitat. It is the dominant oak in many areas on Catalina Island.It was described as a new species in 1994 from a specimen on Santa Cruz Island.This is a shrub or a small tree growing up to five meters in height, or occasionally taller. The leaves are roughly oval in shape and edged with pointed teeth. The green blades are up to 4 centimeters long by 4 wide. They have shiny upper surfaces and waxy, hairy, glandular undersides. The acorn has a cap up to 2 centimeters wide and a nut measuring 2 or 3 centimeters long.

Quercus palmeri is a species of oak known by the common name Palmer oak, or Palmer's oak. It is native to California, Baja California, New Mexico, and in Arizona through the transition zone to the eastern Mogollon Rim, where it grows in canyons, mountain slopes, washes, and other dry habitat types. Quercus palmeri is a shrub or small tree growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, but known to reach 6 meters (20 feet) at times. It branches into angular twigs and is reddish brown. The leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters (0. 4-1. 2 inches) in length. They are stiff, leathery, and brittle, their edges wavy with sharp spine-teeth. The upper surface is shiny, waxy, and olive green in color, the lower gray-green and coated with glandular hairs. The fruit is an acorn with a hairy cap up to 2. 5 centimeters (1 inch) wide and a blunt-ended nut 2 to 3 centimeters (0. 8-1. 2 inches) long. Quercus palmeri is a shrub or small tree growing up to 3 meters (10 feet) tall, but known to reach 6 meters (20 feet) at times. It branches into angular twigs and is reddish brown. The leaves are 1 to 3 centimeters (0. 4-1. 2 inches) in length. They are stiff, leathery, and brittle, their edges wavy with sharp spine-teeth. The upper surface is shiny, waxy, and olive green in color, the lower gray-green and coated with glandular hairs. The fruit is an acorn with a hairy cap up to 2. 5 centimeters (1 inch) wide and a blunt-ended nut 2 to 3 centimeters (0. 8-1. 2 inches) long. Quercus palmeri usually grows in small populations, some of which are actually cloned growths of a single plant. One such clone in the Jurupa Mountains in Riverside County, California, named the Jurupa Oak, was determined to be over 13,000 years old, a single individual living as a relict from the Pleistocene. It is therefore one of the oldest living plants in the world.

Quercus parvula is an evergreen red oak (Section Lobatae) found on north-facing Santa Cruz Island slopes and in the California Coast Ranges from Santa Barbara County north to Mendocino County. It was taxonomically combined with Quercus wislizeni until resurrected as a separate species by Kevin Nixon in 1980. The type locality is Palo Colorado Canyon in Monterey County. Three varieties of Q. parvula are currently recognized:

Quercus parvula var. shrevei, or Shreve Oak, is an evergreen red oak found in the California Coast Ranges from Santa Barbara County north to Mendocino County. It was taxonomically combined with Quercus wislizeni until resurrected as a separate species by Kevin Nixon in 1980. Recent work suggests Q. parvula var. parvula to be Q. parvula var. shrevei x Q. wislizeni.

It generally occurs in foothills where it is common in the low elevations. It is a large shrub or tree growing to 22 meters (73 feet) tall, although it seldom exceeds 10 meters (33 feet). The dark-green leaves -appearing grayish from a distance. Leaves are usually small, 2-5 cm (0. 8-2. 0 inches) long, thick, and often spiny-toothed at higher elevations. All California red oaks show evidence of introgression and/or hybridization with one another.

Island oak (Quercus tomentella), also known as island live oak or channel islands oak, is an evergreen tree in the Oak family (Fagacea). A smaller oak tree in stature, the leaves are hairy (tomentose) on the upper and lower surfaces, toothes, and large compared to other oaks. Young twigs are also hairy, yet mature bark is gray and furrowed. Mature acorns have rounded tips and are also quite large compared to other species.

Endemic (limited) to six islands off the coast of California, it is also federally listed as a rare species because of its limited distribution in the wild. Island oak's natural habitat is Island canyons, slopes and bluffs. Oak trees support a larger number of wildlife than any type of tree in our state. Multiple mammals, birds, amphibians, and pollinators use oak trees for food and shelter. Indigenous People ground the acorns to make flour, after leaching out the tannins; they may also have roasted and ground them and used it as a coffee alternative.

In the garden it is fast growing and trouble-free. It is best used near the coast, but can tolerate inland conditions within about 20 miles of the coast if given some protection and a little extra water during dry times, especially when the young plant is getting established. The large leaves and dense shade create unfavorable conditions for understory plants; plant island shrubs and perennials with similar growing conditions next to it, rather than under it for better results.

Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni) is a slow-growing, evergreen tree with a distinctive broad crown. The glossy dark green leaves and reddish-brown bark give it a formal look.

In winter and spring, the oak blooms with green and white flowers. The tree's long, narrow acorns serve as a food source for deer.

Interior Live Oak is a resilient and adaptable species. It thrives at elevations ranging from sea level to 5,000 feet, making it an essential part of diverse ecosystems throughout California. Interior Live Oak grows in part to full shade and prefers dry, loamy soil.

Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni var. frutescens) is a native tree or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in canyons and slopes and valleys, at elevations from 1000-6600 feet.

Interior Live Oak (Quercus wislizeni var. wislizeni) is a native tree or shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in canyons and slopes and valleys, at elevations from 0-5200 feet.

Rafinesquia californica is a species of flowering plant in the daisy family known by the common names California chicory and California plumeseed. It looks like a weedy daisy, bearing heads of elegant white-petaled flowers. The petals are often striped with lavender or pink on the undersides, a feature most noticeable when the flowers are closed. Each fruit has a pappus of stiff white or light brown hairs. It is among the first plants to sprout up in areas recently cleared by fire. Indeed, the seeds germinate more readily in the presence of burned wood. It is native to most of the western United States as far north as Oregon.

Ranunculus aquatilis (common water-crowfoot, white water-crowfoot) is a plant species of the genus Ranunculus, native throughout most of Europe and western North America, and also northwest Africa. This is an aquatic plant, growing in mats on the surface of water. It has branching thread-like underwater leaves and toothed floater leaves. In fast flowing water the floaters may not be grown. The flowers are white petaled with yellow centres and are held a centimetre or two above the water. The floater leaves are used as props for the flowers and are grown at the same time.

Alkali Buttercup (Ranunculus cymbalaria) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It is moderately fast growing and moderately long-lived. It grows in a semi-upright form to a height of 1 foot, with active growth during the spring and summer. Flowers are yellow and striking, and bloom in the late spring. Leaves are medium green and deciduous. It tends to grow in meadows, at elevations from 0-10500 feet.

Ranunculus hebecarpus is a species of buttercup known by the common name delicate buttercup. It is native to western North America, including several of the western United States and Baja California, where it grows in grassland, woodland, and chaparral habitat. It is an annual herb producing a slender, hairy stem a few centimeters high or up to 30 centimeters tall. The hairy leaves are borne on long petioles. Their blades are deeply lobed or divided into three leaflets, often with toothed or lobed edges. Flowers have 3 to 5 tiny yellow petals just 1 or 2 millimeters long studded on the bulbous nectary; some flowers lack petals. The plant is most easily identified in its fruiting stage, when the infructescence is a spherical cluster of several tiny disc-shaped achenes with compressed, bristly sides.

Rhamnus crocea is a species of buckthorn (Rhamnaceae). It is endemic to western North America. This evergreen shrub is typically one to two meters in height. R. crocea typically occurs in chaparral and several other vegetation communities below 3,000 ft. The flowers are not showy; this species is planted for the berries. You may need more than one plant to ensure pollination. It is spiny so consider where you place it. The leaves are small, round, dark green on top and brown or yellow on the underside. The berries and small spheres, bright red.

Hollyleaf Redberry (Rhamnus ilicifolia) is an evergreen native shrub that grows in the foothills and mountains of southern and central California, the Sierra foothills, and the foothills west of Sacremento Valley. It primarily grows at elevations from 500 to 6600 feet. It was formerly considered a subspecies of Rhamnus crocea but is now considered a separate species. Their ranges overlap considerably, and they resemble each other superficially.

This plant is reasonable to grow if properly sited. Plant in part shade or full sun on rocky slopes, or at least with plenty of rocks surrounding it. It seems to prefer part shade in the drier parts of its range.

It can tolerate summer water up to 1x per month. However once established, it's usually happiest without any supplementary water, but in a spot where it can run its roots over to an irrigated area or a place with a little more natural moisture, such as a creek or rain gully. The flowers are inconspicuous; the plant is grown primarily for its springtime bright and shiny red berries. These berries are an important food source for birds.

This plant has small leaves with sharp points along their edges, resembling small holly leaves (thus its common name). These leaves give this plant significant deer resistance. This shrub is quite versatile in garden landscapes, from wildlife habitat to erosion control to hedges and barriers.

In optimal conditions, Hollyleaf Redberry can grow from a 1-gallon container to 3 feet tall in two years.

Hairyleaf Redberry (Rhamnus pilosa) is a relatively rare native shrub that grows in San Diego in the Peninsular Range, at elevations from 500 - 5000 feet. Most frequently it grows in rocky north facing slopes.

It's a striking plant, closely related to Rhamnus crocea, but with a more upright form, and leaves that are grey green in the winter and spring, with somewhat hairier leaves and stems than either Rhamnus crocea or Rhamnus ilicifolia. It produces a beautiful display of bright red berries in May and June. In the summer its leaves turn a darker green. It appears to grow in full sun and part shade.

Unfortunately, this plant is not carried in nurseries.

Fragrant sumac (Rhus aromatica) is a shrub in the Anacardiaceae (Cashew) family; it has several other common names, including lemonade sumac. It was formerly classified as Rhus trilobata; some sources still refer to it that way. 

It is native to western North America. It occurs in many parts of California, including the northern Coast Ranges, Sierra foothills, and southern coastal mountains. It can be found from deserts to mountain peaks up to about 7,000 feet in elevation.

The pale yellow flowers are followed by a red, fleshy drupe that has a sticky coating, similar to lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia). This species closely resembles other members of the genus that have leaves with three "leaflets" ("trifoliate" leaves), including poison oak. People with sensitivity to poison oak should use caution around fragrant sumac.

The shape of the leaflets and the habit of the shrub make this species, like some other Rhus species, resemble small-leafed oaks (Quercus). The plant is deciduous and exhibits good fall color.

Lemonade berry (Rhus integrifolia) is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It tends to grow slowly at first, then fast to 10 feet to 30 feet tall. Its form is upright  but it  can sprawl. However, it takes pruning very well and may be pruned, or sheared as a hedge, at any time of year.  The ;eaves are leathery, with a waxy appearance above and a paler tone below. The pink flowers, which appear from February to May, are small but noticeable. The fruit is dark red, block-shaped and sticky, and has a tart flavor which gives the plant its name. 

Lemonade berry is great for slopes. It is easy to grow and very hardy, becoming nearly indestructible once established. At that point it will stay green and healthy-looking year round without any supplementary summer water. It prefers sun or part sun and well-draining soil. 

Lemonade berry is very closely related to Sugar Bush. A good rule of thumb for landscaping applications is within 5-10 miles of the coast, lemonade berry is a better choice. More inland, sugar bush does better.

This is an important wildlife plant. The berries are a significant food source for birds and small mammals, and the thick sprawling form provides excellent animal shelter.  It hosts almost a dozen species of butterfly and moth. 

Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) is an evergreen shrub to small tree that grows in chaparral in dry canyons and slopes below 4300 feet in southern California, Arizona and Baja California. In the southern part of its range (in Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego Counties), Sugar Bush generally grows in the foothills and mountains, and the closely related Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) grows closer to the coast.

It has a rounded appearance, often growing wider than tall. Sugar Bush has thick,breddish twigs. Its foliage consists of dark-green, leathery, ovate leaves that are folded along the midrib. The leaf arrangement is alternate.

Its flower clusters, which occur at the ends of branches, consist of small, five-petaled flowers that appear to be pink but upon closer examination actually have white to pink petals with red sepals. Additionally, the flowers may be either bisexual or pistillate. The fruit is a small reddish, sticky drupe, about 0.2 to 0.5 inches in diameter, that is said to be edible.

Sugar Bush is tough, easy to grow, and very fast growing once established. A 5-gallon container plant will reach 10 feet in about three years if happy.

In nature, you'll almost always see Sugar Bush on slopes, though it grows well on flat areas in garden applications. It's one of the few larger chaparral shrubs that grows well in south-facing slopes even in the drier parts of its range, and it's a great bank stabilizer. It tolerates a wide variety of soils.

It grows fastest with full sun, just a little slower in part shade. It tolerates summer water up to 1x per month but shouldn't need any once established. It is incredibly healthy and typically will appear green and lush through the entire dry season without any supplementary water.

The biggest downside of this plant is that it can get huge, often more than 30 feet wide, and can aggressively crowd out nearby plants. It is said to be fire resistant, especially if given supplemental water.

Sugar Bush hybridizes often with Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia). A good rule of thumb for landscaping applications is: Within 5-10 miles of the coast, Lemonade Berry is a better choice. More inland, Sugar Bush does better.

Ribes amarum is a species of currant known by the common name bitter gooseberry. It is endemic to California, where it is known from mountains, foothills, and canyons. Its habitat includes chaparral. Ribes amarum is a shrub growing to one to two meters (40-80 inches) in height. Nodes along the stem each bear three spines up to a centimeter (0. 4 inch) in length. The hairy, glandular leaves are 2 to 4 centimeters (0. 8-1. 6 inches) long and generally rounded in shape, divided into 3 to 5 rounded toothed lobes. The inflorescence is a solitary flower or raceme of up to three flowers which hang from leaf axils. The showy flower has five pointed sepals in shades of purple-red which are reflexed upward. At the center is a tubular corolla of white or pink-tinged petals around five stamens and two styles. The fruit is a bristly berry up to 2 centimeters wide which is bright red, ripening purple.

Ribes aureum var gracillimum, known by the common name Golden Currant, is a species of small to medium-sized deciduous shrub that grows 3-6 feet tall. It's native to the coast and foothill regions of California, growing most commonly in the southern foothills of the Transverse Range, and more rarely in the coastal ranges as far as the Mendocino National Forest. It blooms in spring with racemes of conspicuous golden yellow flowers, often with a pronounced fragrance similar to that of cloves or vanilla. The flowers attract hummingbirds and monarch butterflies. Leaves are green, shaped similarly to gooseberry leaves, turning red in autumn. The plant is deciduous from late December to early February. The shrub produces berries about half an inch in diameter from an early age. Ripe fruits, amber yellow to black in color, are tasty, and attract a wide range of birds.

While Golden Currants are fairly drought tolerant once mature, they grow best in areas with somewhat more ground water, such as the bottom of slopes, near creeks or canyon bottoms, or near irrigated areas. On the coast, they prefer full sun, and inland, part shade. They do best when surrounded by mulch, and grow well under oak trees and in mixed chaparral. When Golden Currants are thriving, they self-seed and spread out from the original plant and can serve as a groundcover.

Hillside Gooseberry (Ribes californicum) is an easy to grow native shrub. Hillside Gooseberry tends to grow in moist places, at elevations from sea level to nearly 6,000 feet. It will reach 4 to 8 feet high and 2 to 6 feet wide. The dangling flowers, which appear in spring, are pink, purple or yellow. The branches bear spines, so keep this in mind when deciding the planting location.

This plant will grow in part-shade, in sandy or rocky soil, and requires little water once established.

The flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds and the berries make it a valuable wildlife plant, especially to birds. It hosts several butterfly species, including the Tailed Copper, Hoary Comma and Oreas Comma.

Hillside Gooseberry (Ribes californicum var. californicum) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in open places, at elevations from 0-3300 feet.

Ribes indecorum is a species of currant known by the common names white-flowered currant and white chaparral currant. It is native to the southern California Coast Ranges, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges, from around Santa Barbara County in California south into northern Baja California.

It is an erect shrub approaching three meters in maximum height. The stem is fuzzy and glandular in texture. The deciduous leaves are 1 to 4 centimeters long. The thick, wrinkly blades are divided into three to five toothed lobes, and are hairy, glandular, and aromatic. The inflorescence is a loose raceme of 10 to 25 flowers. The flower is roughly tubular with the white or pink-tinged sepals spreading open to reveal smaller whitish petals inside. Flowers bloom in late winter / early spring, and have an exceptionally pleasant fragrance, among the best of any California native.The fruit is a hairy, sticky very attractive berry that can be orange, purple, pink or red, and are under a centimeter wide.

White Flowering Currant is very drought tolerant once established, but still does does best in part shade, or in spots that retain slightly more moisture, such as creek sides, north or east facing slopes, or adjacent to boulders. Best to avoid direct summer water after this plant is established. It'll go nearly completely summer deciduous, and then spring back to life with the start of the rainy season.

Ribes malvaceum, called "chaparral currant", is a member of the Grossulariaceae (gooseberry family). It is endemic to California. It occurs below 1500 meter in chaparral, foothill oak woodland, and closed-cone pine forest ranging from Baja California to the San Francisco Bay area and inner Northern Coastal Ranges. Less than 2 meters tall, this perennial shrub lacks the characteristic nodal spines which are demonstrated on the stems of many other members in the genus Ribes. The leaf blades (20-50 millimeter) are densely hairy and double toothed. Bright pink flowers produce edible purple berries.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Horticultural selection from Ribes malvaceum var. malvaceum. Dancing Tassels is a beautiful summer deciduous shrub for shady areas. Growing to 6 feet tall, this vase shaped shrub has soft green lobed leaves and peeling red-brown bark. The small, pinkish white flowers are jammed together on pendulous, chandelier-like 4 inch clusters. Dancing Tassels was selected for use in the garden by the Rancho santa Ana Botanical Garden because it sports the longest flower clusters of the species. It is originally from Bryce Canyon on san Clemente Island. Chaparral Currant blooms earlier in winter than the Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum), providing hummingbirds an outstanding nectar source in late fall and early winter. It is also more sun and drought tolerant than R. Sanguineum. After its long flowering period, Dancing Tassels produces dark blue fruits that appeal to a large variety of songbirds and human jelly makers. Tailed Copper butterflies also use it as a larval plant. In coastal areas plant in full sun or part shade, inland it needs filtered shade. It is not finicky about soil type, but it needs good drainage. Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden on san Clemente Island by Bart O' Brien and Tom Hayduk of Rancho santa Ana Botanic Garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

This is one of two recognized varieties of Chaparral Currant (Ribes malvaceum). The other is var. viridifolium. Both are known by the same common name. Their ranges are somewhat different but overlapping. Var. Malvaceum is found primarily in the central Coast Ranges from Tehama County to Orange County. Var. viridifolium is found along the coast from Santa Barbara County to San Diego County and northern Baja. For further details see the entry for Ribes malvaceum.

Ribes malvaceum (Montara Rose), Chaparral Currant
Description
Ribes malvaceum, called "chaparral currant", is a member of the gooseberry family. It is endemic to California. This selection from Montara Mountain grows 4 to 6 ft. tall and has deep pink flowers clusters in the spring that produce edible purple berries. It can handle part shade to full sun, and is one of the earliest ribes to start blooming -- often in late winter. Popular with hummingbirds.

Chaparral Currant (Ribes malvaceum var. viridifolium) is a summer-deciduous shrub that native to southern and central California, growing primarily in the transverse range mountains and upper peninsular range mountains.

It grows quickly to about 6 feet in height, with beautiful red to light pink flowers in the winter that attract hummingbirds. It can handle some summer water (1-2x per month), and a wide variety of soil types. It prefers part shade or full shade.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

The canyon gooseberry (Ribes menziesii) is a distinctive plant found only in California and Oregon. There are five to six varieties of the species found across the low elevation mountains of California, especially the Coast Ranges, and the coastal canyons and foothills, into southern Oregon. It can be found in the chaparral plant community. It is in the genus which includes gooseberries and currants. The canyon gooseberry is an aromatic deciduous shrub with very prickly branches growing up to two meters in height. It has somewhat rounded, hairy, hairy green leaves. Its showy hanging flowers have sepals which are reflexed, or folded backwards along the length of the flower. The sepals are fuchsia or purple. The petals are white and extend forward to form a loose tube from which the stamens emerge. The plant fruits purple gooseberries which are edible but are mainly seeds with little fruit. The plant's spines also make collecting fruit unpleasant. The plant is sometimes used as an ornamental in areas of proper climate, such as coastal California, for its attractive spring blooms. The rest of the year, however, the plant is brown and less attractive so it is not in very great demand for garden displays.

Aromatic Canyon Gooseberry (Ribes menziesii var. ixoderme) is a rare native shrub that grows in central California.

Canyon Gooseberry (Ribes menziesii var. menziesii) is a native shrub that grows in central and northern California. It tends to grow at elevations from 0-3500 feet.

Sierra Gooseberry (Ribes roezlii var. roezlii) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow at elevations from 3300-9200 feet.

Red Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) is a stunning fast-growing native shrub for shady areas. It grows upright with a vase shape, 6 to 8 feet high and 6 to 10 feet wide. Its dangling tassel-like flowers are dark pink to red and emerge in winter through spring. With its broad bright green leaves, it is useful as a background plant under oaks or other trees. The fruit is a dark purple oval berry.

Red Flowering Currant will grow in rocky and acidic soil and prefers good drainage. Near the coast it is flexible as to water and exposure. Inland it prefers more water and shade.

Hummingbirds love the flowers and the plant hosts several butterfly species. Birds love the seeds.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers part shade in coastal sites, and part shade or shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers part shade in coastal sites, and part shade or shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers part shade in coastal sites, and part shade or shade in inland sites. Selection from the pacific Northwest.

Grows best in sandy, coarse-grained or other fast draining soil. Prefers part shade in coastal sites, and part shade or shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden.

Fuchsia flowered gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) is a deciduous shrub in the Gooseberry family (Grossulariaceae). It has small, dark green, glossy leaves and thorns along the branches. The beautiful fuchsia-red flowers hang down in abundance from the branches throughout the bush. The tube-shaped flowers with their protruding stamens and stigmas look a little like red-dressed ballerinas dancing in a line.

The flowers attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and moths. Birds and other small mammals enjoy eating the berries. The numerous thorns make it unpalatable for deer. Fuchsia flowered gooseberries naturally grow in Coastal Sage Scrub, Chaparral, and shady Woodlands. It prefers growing in the shade of oaks or larger shrubs, in seasonally moist locations. In the garden, plant it behind evergreen perennials or low shrubs, to hide the bare stems in summer. Site it away from walkways to avoid getting scratched by the thorns. The long-blooming, spectacular flowers make this shrub worth the months of bare stems and thorns. 

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden.

Catalina currant (Ribes viburnifolium) is an evergreen shrub with handsome, aromatic, dark green leaves. Small clusters of rose pink flowers bloom in late winter to mid spring, followed by small red fruits later in the spring.  This moderate to fast-growing shrub has an open wide-spreading form, growing 3 to 4 feet tall and spreading to 6 feet wide.  It may be pruned to restrain its sprawling tendencies

It will grow in part shade to shade, is adaptable to various soil types and takes occasional to moderate water. It is a good choice for planting underneath an oak canopy, growing low to the ground and extending long reddish stems horizontally where the tips may root and establish new growth centers.  The plant yields small red fruits later in the spring that attract birds. Catalina currant hosts a large number of butterflies and moths. Hummingbirds and insects are attracted to the flowers. 

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers shade in coastal sites, and shade in inland sites. Selected from spooner's Mesa (san Diego County) along the Tijuana River estuary near Mexico by Dylan Hannon.

Rigiopappus is a genus of North American plants in the aster tribe within the sunflower family. It is closely related to genus Pentachaeta. The only known species is Rigiopappus leptocladus, sometimes known as wireweed. It is an annual plant sending up slender stems terminating in small daisylike yellow flowers. It is native to the western United States (California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Idaho).

Coulter's Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) is one of the largest and showiest California poppies. Large white petals with a crinkled texture surround yellow stamens, giving this poppy a bright, cheerful appearance. Its flowers, which can be as large as 7 inches across, are attractive to bees and butterflies.

This plant can be challenging to establish, as it can suffer from both too much and too little water. Once established, however, it readily spreads by rhizomes and can soon outgrow its intended area. (Pulling shoots usually suffices to control it.) Plant in full sun in well-draining, sandy soil. Matilija Poppy is a low-water plant that does not need supplemental summer irrigation once established.

Hybrid of Romneya coulteri and Romneya trichocalyx. The Matilija Poppy "White Cloud" variety is similar to Rhomneya coulteri, having a fuzz on the calyx and thinner, narrower leaves. We find this selection to stay a little more compact, have profuse flowers and a slightly longer flowering season. The 6" wide flowers are precision white with a yellow, round center. These bushes spread via rhizomes and can be utilized in a beautiful hedge, if properly controlled. The bushes tend to reach eight feet in height and spread as long as there is room.

Hybrid, random; origin = plant (19__) R. coulteri x R. trichoclayx?; intro Theodore Payne pre-1956 Tolerates almost any soil type. Selected for the garden. Introduced by Theodore payne.