Purple Nightshade (Solanum xanti) is a poisonous shrub with deep blue purple flowers blooming from winter through spring. Purple Nightshade has dark green foliage, and the form is loosely spreading or trailing. To promote a bush form, prune leggy branches in late summer or fall.

This plant likes sun to part shade in coastal gardens and shady spots inland. It is very drought tolerant but will tolerate modest summer watering. Though it prefers rocky soil or loam, it will grow in any relatively well drained soil.

It is noted for being deer resistant and hosts numerous moth and butterfly species.
The green berries, though toxic to animals, attract birds.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. Selected by Carol Bornstein from a plant growing in the santa Barabara foothills. Introduced by san Marcos Growers.

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. Selection from san Luis Obispo.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun or part shade in coastal sites, and part shade in inland sites. peninsular Ranges (Otay Mountain).

Stachys ajugoides is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name bugle hedgenettle. It is native to western North America, where it can be found in many types of habitat in Oregon, California, and Baja California, especially moist areas. It is an aromatic herb with serrate leaves. The inflorescence is a spike of interrupted clusters of flowers, often in shades of pink. Media related to Stachys ajugoides at Wikimedia Commons

White Hedge Nettle, Stachys albens, is a mint endemic to California. The plant is fuzzy all over, with opposite, triangular, serrate leaves, a square stem, and a fragrant minty smell if bruised. It produces a layered spike of many small white to cream colored flowers with purplish veins. Each flower has a 2-lipped and 5-lobed calyx which is densely cobwebby.

Stachys albens occurs between sea level (0 ft.) and 9000 ft. (2740 m) in nature. It is found in moist to wet riparian, bog, seep, and swamp habitats within the following plant communities: Central, Foothill, and Southern Oak Woodland; Chaparral and Coastal Sage Scrub;, Valley Grassland; Wetland-Riparian; Yellow Pine Forest; Red Fir Forest; Lodgepole Pine Forest; California Mixed Evergreen Forest; and Pinyon-Juniper Woodland (Mojave and Colorado Deserts).

White Hedge Nettle is very easy to grow in sun (coast-high elevations) to part sun (coast-inland) in regularly watered landscape areas. It is a winter deciduous/dormant perennial plant, and in dryer gardens it may go partially or fully summer dormant/deciduous also. It spreads by rhizomes to the edge of moisture, and in consistently moist garden conditions can become invasive. Stachys albens is a larval host for the Variable Checkerspot. Butterfly.

California Hedgenettle (Stachys bullata) is a perennial evergreen herb in the Mint family. California Hedgenettle is a delicate, attractive flowering plant that performs well in damp, partially shaded areas. It tends to grow in wet, swampy, boggy places, at elevations from sea level to 1,600 feet. The leaves are deep green and tongue-shaped. Two-lipped purple or pink flowers bloom on stalks spring through summer.

Throughout the rest of the year, the plant forms a bushy, spreading groundcover. Like most wetland plants, it spreads to occupy suitably damp land but is easily controlled. California Hedgenettle thrives in partially shaded areas and will tolerate clay soils. While not drought adapted, this plant is a good choice for bioswales, pond margins, and similar areas where a showy, flowering plant may be desired.

California Hedgenettle attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and other insects. Despite its common name, it does not form a hedge nor sting like true nettles.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Central and south western CA.

Stachys chamissonis is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name coastal hedgenettle. It is native to the west coast of North America, where it grows in moist coastal habitat from Alaska to central California. This mint produces an erect stem well over one meter in maximum height, and often over two meters. It is hairy, glandular, and aromatic. The oppositely arranged leaves have pointed, wavy-edged blades up to 18 centimeters long which are borne on petioles. The hairy, glandular inflorescence is made up of interrupted clusters of up to six flowers each. The flower has a deep pink tubular corolla which can be over 3 centimeters long. The corollas are borne in hairy calyces of purple or purple-tinged sepals.

Stachys palustris, commonly known as marsh woundwort, marsh hedgenettle, or hedge-nettle, is an edible perennial grassland herb growing to 80 centimeters tall. It is native to parts of Eurasia but has been introduced to North America. The marsh woundwort is native to Europe and Asia. Its typical habitat is near the shore of lakes, in marshes with alder trees, on the banks of ditches and streams, in damp meadows, in arable ground and in waste places. In arable land, it is a difficult weed to get rid of because of its persistent tubers. Marsh woundwort is a perennial plant growing from a horizontal tuberous runner. It has square stems with opposite pairs of leaves that are almost stalkless, linearly lanceolate, slightly cordate at the base and toothed. The calyx has five sharply-pointed lobes. The purplish-red flowers are in terminal spikes, with gaps in the lower part of the spike. They are arranged in whorls, each flower consisting of five fused petals, the corolla being two-lipped, the upper lip being gently hooded and the lower lip flat and three-lobed. The flowers are mostly visited by bumblebees. There are four stamens, two long and two short and the fruit is a dry four-chambered schizocarp. Distribution and habitat. The marsh woundwort is native to Europe and Asia. Its typical habitat is near the shore of lakes, in marshes with alder trees, on the banks of ditches and streams, in damp meadows, in arable ground and in waste places. In arable land, it is a difficult weed to get rid of because of its persistent tubers. Ecology. Although the marsh woundwort has little fragrance, it is very attractive to bumblebees. Nectar indicators guide the insect to probe into the centre of the flower and the anthers of the stamens and the pistils are correctly located for the insect to transfer pollen between flowers. The seeds of this plant disperse well, the dry fruit capsules float away and this probably why the plant is frequently found on the banks of lakes and other bodies of water. It also spreads vegetatively by means of hollow tuberous root which can throw up shoots far from the original plant. The marsh woundwort is native to Europe and Asia. Its typical habitat is near the shore of lakes, in marshes with alder trees, on the banks of ditches and streams, in damp meadows, in arable ground and in waste places. In arable land, it is a difficult weed to get rid of because of its persistent tubers.

Stachys pycnantha is a species of flowering plant in the mint family known by the common name shortspike hedgenettle. It is native to California, where it is known from many types of mountain and foothill habitat. This mint produces several stems usually exceeding 60 centimeters in height. It is hairy and glandular and very aromatic. The leaves have lance-shaped or oval blades borne on short petioles. The inflorescence is usually a single cluster or interrupted series of a few clusters of flowers, with up to 12 flowers per cluster. The tubular corolla is up to a centimeter long and white to pink in color. It is borne in a hairy calyx of sepals.

Rigid Hedge Nettle (Stachys ajugoides var. rigida) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in moist places, at elevations from 0-8000 feet.

Symphoricarpos longiflorus is a species of flowering plant in the honeysuckle family known by the common names desert snowberry and fragrant snowberry. It is native to the western United States from the Great Basin to western Texas, as well as northwestern Mexico (Sonora, Chihuahua, Baja California). Symphoricarpos longiflorus grows in rocky desert habitat, sagebrush, chaparral, forests, woodlands, and other habitat. It is most often found in dry habitat types.

Symphoricarpos mollis, with the common names creeping snowberry, Southern California snowberry, and trip vine, is a shrub in the Honeysuckle Family (Caprifoliaceae). It is found in western North America from British Columbia to California inland to Nevada and Idaho.

The shrub does well in warm climates and can tolerate both intense sun and constant shade. It is a plant of chaparral ecosystems, especially along coastlines.

Symphoricarpos rotundifolius is a North American subshrub in the Honeysuckle Family, also known by the common name round-leaved snowberry. Older woody parts are covered in shreddy bark and smaller, newer twigs are coated in fuzzy hairs. The species epithet, rotundifolia ("round leaved") is slightly misleading, since the 1-4 to 3-4 inch (0. 6 to 1. 9 cm) leaves are oval to elliptic, not perfectly circular. Leaves are green above, and pale green with many veins below. Inflorescence and fruit. The inflorescence is a raceme emerging from the leaf axils with one or two pendant flowers having narrowly bell-shaped, pink to white corollas up to 1 cm (0. 4 inch) with a lobed mouth. The fruit is a white berry-like drupe about a centimeter (0. 4 inch) wide, containing two seeds. The genus name means "fruits together", referring to flowers and fruits usually occurring in pairs. It flowers from June to August.

Mountain Snowberry (Symphoricarpos rotundifolius var. rotundifolius) is a native shrub that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in slopes and ridges andopen places, at elevations from 5000-10500 feet.

The cheerful California Aster (Symphyotrichum chilense) is a member of the Sunflower family that's native to coastal California. This perennial blooms from summer to fall, making it a good garden companion for other plants that have a spring blooming season. Its petite flowers bloom in subtle shades of blue and lavender. Butterflies and moths are attracted to the nectar. California Aster is a host plant for several species of both insects. Birds eat the seeds after blooming.

California Aster likes loamy clay soil and full or partial sun exposure. It does well in moist soil,but is also drought-adapted and can tolerate receiving little to no supplemental summer water. Cut this plant back to the ground in late fall or early winter. Deadheading produces more flowers, but in wildlife gardens it is often left to go to seed. New growth appears in late winter. It spreads easily by rhizomes; the low-growing 'Point Saint George' cultivar is often used as a groundcover plant.

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

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

Symphyotrichum defoliatum (formerly Aster bernardinus) is a species of aster known by the common name San Bernardino aster. It is endemic to Southern California, where it is known only from the San Bernardino and San Gabriel Mountains of the Transverse Ranges, and part of the Peninsular Ranges to the south. It grows in grassland and meadow habitat and in disturbed areas. This is a perennial herb growing from a long rhizome to a maximum height near one meter. Leaves are widely lance-shaped to oblong and pointed, the largest ones near the base of the stem reaching up to 12 centimeters long. The stem and leaves are roughly hairy. The inflorescence is an array of flower heads with many narrow white to light violet ray florets around a center of golden disc florets. The fruit is a hairy achene with a long pappus.

Toxicodendron diversilobum, commonly named poison oak, Pacific poison oak or western poison oak, is a woody vine or shrub widely distributed in western North America. It is common in various habitats, from riparian zones to dry chaparral. It thrives in shady and dappled light through full and direct sunlight conditions. It is one of the more common shrubs in California, growing throughout the coastal and coast mountain ranges, the Transverse mountain ranges, through the Sierra foothills, and in the Sacramento Valley. It is extremely variable in growth habit and leaf appearance, growing as a dense tall shrub in open sunlight, and a treelike vine or dense thickets in shaded areas. It reproduces by spreading rhizomes and by seeds. The plant is winter deciduous, so that after cold weather sets in, the stems are leafless and bear only the occasional cluster of berries.

Poison oak is known for causing itching and allergic rashes in many humans after contact by touch or smoke inhalation. Because of this, it is usually eradicated from gardens and public landscaped areas. However, it can be a carefully situated component in wildlife gardens, habitat gardens, and natural landscaping. The plant is used in habitat restoration projects. It can be early stage succession where woodlands have been burned or removed, serving as a nurse plant for other species.

Botanist John Howell observed the toxicity of Poison Oak obscures its merits: "In spring, the ivory flowers bloom on the sunny hill or in sheltered glade, in summer its fine green leaves contrast refreshingly with dried and tawny grassland, in autumn its colors flame more brilliantly than in any other native, but one great fault, its poisonous juice, nullifies its every other virtue and renders this beautiful shrub the most disparaged of all within our region."

Black-tailed deer, mule deer, California ground squirrels, western gray squirrels, and other indigenous fauna feed on the leaves of the plant. It is rich in phosphorus, calcium, and sulfur. Bird species use the berries for food, and utilize the plant structure for shelter. Neither native animals, nor horses, livestock, or canine pets demonstrate reactions.

Woolly Bluecurls (Trichostema lanatum) is named for its curled, fuzzy flowers that bloom in brilliant shades of blue and lavender. These striking flowers bloom in dense clusters on branching stems from fall to spring. A favorite of hummingbirds, the flowers also attract bees, butterflies, and other insects.

This shrub is a member of the Mint family. Its narrow, bright green leaves have a pleasant, minty fragrance. It can quickly grow to an impressive size in the first year, although as a fire-following plant, it does have a short lifespan (around 4 to 5 years).

In the garden, this plant requires specific growing conditions to do well. A young Woolly Bluecurls plant needs regular watering after planting. Once it's established, however, overwatering - even occasional summer water - can damage or kill them. Plant in full or part sun in light, well-draining soil. It does well in rocky areas and does not like mulch. Although short-lived, the showy blooms make this plant a stunning addition to a low-water pollinator garden.

Venegasia is a genus of North American plants in the tarweed tribe within the sunflower family. Venegasia carpesioides is the only known species in the genus. It is shrubby bush growing to 1. 8 m tall and prefers locations in moist canyons in southern California, and in Baja California. It is commonly known as the Canyon sunflower.

This plant is a great choice for a dry shady corner of a garden, though the plant is very versatile.
Tolerates full shade, as well as part shade or sun, and dry or damp conditions. Nearly always blooming.

Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys) is a perennial herb in the Verbena family that grows in northern, central, and southern California, as well as Oregon. It is found primarily along the coast, in the Coast Ranges, foothills, and scattered inland locations. This aggressive spreader is a pioneer species that thrives in wet places, at elevations ranging from sea level to 8,200 feet.

Vervain has a long blooming season, with small pink to purple flowers densely clustered on spikes rising above its nettle-like leaves. It goes completely dormant in winter and grows quickly in early spring. Given its spreading nature, it should be used in areas where it can be controlled.

This plant is an excellent choice for butterfly gardens, attracting pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The flowers will also draw hummingbirds, making it a great addition to gardens looking to support a variety of wildlife.

Western Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys var. lasiostachys) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in open places, at elevations from 0-8200 feet.

Robust Vervain (Verbena lasiostachys var. scabrida) is a native perennial herb that grows in northern, southern and central California. It tends to grow in open places, at elevations from 0-4900 feet.

Roger's red grape (vitis 'Roger's red') is a vigorous hybrid between the native vitis californica and the European vitis vinifera.  It is a vigorous, deciduous vine, prized for its flaming red foliage in fall.

This vine either needs to climb or will become a mounding, spreading groundcover. It is great for covering arbors or fence and can provide good shade in summer.  It is best pruned and shaped during the winter before the appearance of spring leaves. It is said to have higher than average resistance to Pierce's Disease.

Roger’s red is also wonderful for wildlife.  It will attract pollinators when it flowers in spring, as well as birds and wildlife, which feast on the prolific bunches of small red grapes which ripen in late summer. Note that the fruit is toxic to dogs.

California grape (Vitis californica) is a vigorous, deciduous vine that can be trained to cover an arbor or fence or serve as a groundcover if left unsupported. Its edible purple fruit ripens in late summer (though it is toxic to dogs), and its large leaves turn brilliant shades of orange and yellow in fall.

This fast-growing plant thrives with water but is highly drought-adapted once established. While it can tolerate heavy irrigation, excessive growth may require regular pruning to keep it in check.

California grape provides excellent cover for wildlife. Birds and other animals rely on its fruit, bees are drawn to its flowers, and it is one of the best plants for supporting butterflies in the fall.

Tolerates almost any soil type. Prefers sun in coastal sites, and sun or part shade in inland sites. Selected for the garden by Cal Flora Nursery from possible hybrid found growing near the Russian River.

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

Desert Wild Grape is a native vine or shrub that grows in southern California. It tends to grow in streamsides, at elevations from 0-4100 feet, but it is found in more arid areas than its close cousin, Vitis californica. It grows in southern oak woodlands, coastal sage scrub, pinyon-juniper woodland, joshua tree woodland, and riparian habitats. In the wild it tends to climb over other plants with stems reaching up to 50 ft. In the garden it can be trained to climb up a trellis, fence or wall. It is deciduous and is leafless for several months every year. The flowers are inconspicuous, followed by the edible fruits which attract many birds. It may not fruit reliably if too close to the coast.

Fan palm (Washingtonia filifera) is a tree in the Palm family (Arecaceae). Commonly called desert fan palm or California fan palm, it is the only palm native to the western United States and is the country's largest native palm. It is an evergreen monocot with large sprays of creamy white flowers, up to 15 feet (5 meters) long, appear in summer, followed by abundant clusters of small, pea-sized black fruits.

Primarily found in Creosote Bush Scrub and Desert Riparian habitats such as rivers, seeps and springs, this palm is a keystone species in Desert Oases, and supports desert species of wildlife, such as the Western Yellow Bat, the Hooded Oriole and the Palm Flower Moth. 

Although Fan Palm grows near springs, it is actually quite drought-adapted in gardens. Place in well-drained soil in full sun. It is not necessary to prune dead leaves; however, this can be done by cutting them off close to the trunk. Remove these carefully in order to protect any bats or birds that may get crushed by the heavy leaves.

Mission Manzanita is a shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall, and 20 feet in diameter. Its native range is very limited, comprising Southwestern and Pacific coastal California from San Diego county through north-central Pacific coastal Baja California, a small area in the foothills northwest of Pasadena in Los Angeles Country, a bit of southern Riverside County near Temecula, and Santa Catalina Island. Mission Manzanita is a slow growing shrub that resembles the true manzanitas (Arctostaphylos).

The form is upright or rounded, with one or multiple trunks. Leaves are oblong, glossy dark green on the top and very light colored with a felty texture on the underside. The edges of the leaves curl under as they age. Bark is smooth and a red-gray color. Flowers, which appear from December to February depending on rainfall, are white to pink in color blending to yellowish at the open end, 8-10 millimeter; in length and hang like bells in small clusters near the ends of branches. Fruit is glossy dark red to almost black, 7 millimeter; diameter and has very little flesh, being mostly a large, woody seed. The name Xylococcus comes from the Greek for "wood berry".

Mission Manzanita is found mixed southern chaparral ecosystems below 3500' elevation on dry, sunny slopes in a very limited range of coastal areas of southern California and northern Baja California. Coyotes and birds, including the California Thrasher and Scrub Jay, eat the fruit. Hummingbirds, especially the resident Anna's Hummingbird, drink nectar from flowers. Various birds nest in Mission Manzanita and many use it for cover. It re-sprouts from a basal burl after fires, and is extremely long lived. Some specimens are estimated to be over 400 years old.

Best to plant Mission Manzanita in early winter, on dry rocky slopes with fast draining soil. Put plenty of mulch and a few good sized rocks near the roots to prevent summer moisture loss. It likes regular light watering (1x every 2 weeks) during the first summer after planting, After established, it should survive the dry months with no supplementary water, though it can usually handle summer watering as much as once per month for it's first 2-3 years. After that, best to naturalize. This plant prefers to have its leaves in full sun, but likes its roots in the shade. Does best on north facing slopes.