Adenostoma fasciculatum
Chamise is found on the poorest soils in hot, dry, exposed areas of chaparral plant communities. Bright green needle-like leaves cover this evergreen shrub. Late spring brings showy plumes of creamy white flowers in small dense sprays, persisting as they age to reddish brown. This tough shrub can grow 4-10 ft tall and wide depending on conditions. An excellent erosion control plant for tough sites where it holds soil, provides cover for wildlife and acts as a nurse plant, paving the way for the other species to get started. Plant in full sun with no water required once established.
Arctostaphylos ‘Howard McMinn’
One of the most popular of the manzanitas, for several good reasons. It is rounded in form and profusely branched, growing 5 - 7 ft. tall. It has shiny green leaves and abundant light pink flowers. Beautiful mahogany trunks create a wonderful sculptural effect. The dense foliage responds exceptionally well to pruning - even shearing, and tolerates a far greater range of soils and watering regimes than most manzanitas.
Arctostaphylos ‘Lutsko’s Pink’
One of the very best ornamental manzanitas, named by Cal Flora for the landscape architect who introduced it: Ron Lutsko. An upright shrub 4 -7 ft. tall, with dark glossy green leaves and covered with blossoms in spring which are blushed pink. Mahogany trunks develop a beautiful contorted shape. Good for dry sunny spot.
Arctostaphylos ‘Sunset’
A handsome manzanita growing 6 ft. tall and wide with especially attractive coppery-red new growth. Flowers are urn-shaped pinkish-white. Exfoliating shaggy bark reveals smooth red toned trunks. Can be pruned to expose the beautiful sinuous branching structure. A naturally occuring hybrid discovered near Prunedale in Monterey Co. involving A. pajaroensis and A. hookeri. Tolerant of heavy soils and heat as well as occasional irrigation.
Arctostaphylos bakeri ssp. bakeri ‘Louis Edmunds’
A beautiful and durable upright manzanita reaching 5 - 7 ft. tall and nearly as wide. This species is native to Sonoma Co. where it is considered very rare and threatened by development. Handsome gray-green foliage with wonderful purplish-brown trunks contrast nicely with showy clusters of pink urn-shaped flowers in spring. Great for sunny areas where it endures heat and drought but enjoys an occasional deep watering. The manzanita berries can attract mockingbirds, robins, and cedar waxwings. It provides low shrubby cover for quail and wrentits and its flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds.
Arctostaphylos columbiana
From Northern California’s coastline and outer Coast Ranges comes one of the larger species of manzanitas. This stately shrub can grow 8 feet to over 15 ft. tall, often developing a contorted shape with age. The large, gray-green leaves contrast well with the burnished, rust-red trunks. Clusters of white flowers emerge in spring followed by matte-red fruits. This is THE upright manzanita for coastal areas with good drainage. Provide full sun and no irrigation once established.
Arctostaphylos manzanita
Good subject for a dry sunny bank where this picturesque native shrub can develop its beautiful form of sinewy branches and smooth red-brown bark. Growing 8-12 ft. tall by 6-10 ft. wide or even larger with time. Flowers heavily in the spring with white to soft pink urn-shaped flowers followed by clusters of tiny apple-shaped fruits. An excellent habitat plant providing food and cover for a wide array of birds. The flowers are an excellent early nectar source for bees and hummingbirds. Very drought tolerant once established.
Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Hood Mountain’
A Nevin Smith introduction from Hood Mountain in Sonoma County, California. A possible natural hybrid with A. canescens, this sturdy upright manzanita offers grayish-green leaves on sculpted, dark pewter-purple branches, growing 10 ft. or more tall and wide at maturity. White, urn-shaped flowers in late winter/early spring are a favorite of hummingbirds and bees. The large upright manzanitas make stunning specimens and, where space allows, excellent hedge or screen plants. Plant in full sun where it will thrive with no summer irrigation once established.
Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Lake Sonoma Pink’
We discovered this stunning manzanita above Lake Sonoma, which stood out with large, rounded clusters of the pinkest flowers we’ve ever seen on this species. The big, rounded leaves are an appealing grey-green, a pleasing compliment to the colorful blossoms. The smooth, burgundy branches reach up to about 15 ft tall and nearly as wide if left unpruned. Hummingbirds and bumblebees enjoy the late winter flowers, while birds eat the ”little apples” which ripen in the summer. Plant in full sun to light shade and provide little to no irrigation once established. Needs decent drainage. Great as a loose hedge or featured as specimen.
Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Saint Helena’
A vigorous selection of the common manzanita selected by Nevin Smith from the slopes of Mount St. Helena in Napa County. A beautiful, upright, evergreen shrub with gorgeous, sinewy branches of smooth, red-brown bark and medium green, pointed leaves. Fast growing for a manzanita, this robust and disease resistant selection grows 10 -12 tall and wide with a broad, rounded shape. Pure white, urn-shaped blossoms in late winter and early spring are an important early nectar source for bumblebees and hummingbirds. The bronze, little, apple-like fruits are relished by wildlife. Plant in full sun with good drainage, where it will be drought tolerant once established.
Arctostaphylos manzanita ‘Warm Springs’
From the steep slopes above Lake Sonoma, growing among gray pines, madrones and buckeyes, comes this standout manzanita. We noticed the particularly gray foliage amongst its more green leaved brethren. Has proven to be a vigorous grower, developing gorgeous, smooth, red-purple bark. The winter blooming, urn-shaped flowers are white with a hint of pink. Clusters of beautiful apple-green fruits mature to bronzy-red, decorate the branch tips. Plant this striking evergreen in full sun or very light shade, where it can grow 10 ft. tall or more and will be very drought tolerant once established. An important early nectar source for hummingbirds and bumble bees.
Arctostaphylos manzanita x ‘Laguna White’
Discovered along Guerneville Road near the Laguna de Santa Rosa, this remarkable manzanita boasts dense clusters of clear white flowers in winter with semi-glossy apple green leaves and burgundy colored bark. Plant in full sun where it will reach a height of about 8 -10 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide or more over time. More garden tolerant than many manzanitas, this selection will accept occasional watering after establishment. Though drought tolerant, 'Laguna White' may benefit from deep monthly waterings in the summer, especially in hot interior sites. An excellent early source of nectar for hummingbirds and native bees.
Arctostaphylos manzanita x ‘Mary’s Blush’
Selected along Guerneville Rd. in Sonoma County. It has the form and size of the common manzanita, 8 feet or more, with the disease resistance of the Vine Hill manzanita hybrids. Around a foot of growth a year is reasonable to expect initially. It has a beautiful deep mahogany trunk & is heavy flowering with clusters of pink flowers followed by beautiful red berries. Give it sun and summer drought, but it's more tolerant of garden considions than most. The manzanita berries can attract mockingbirds, robins, and Cedar Waxwings. If unpruned it can provide cover for quail and wren-tits and its flowers provide nectar for native bees & hummingbirds.
Arctostaphylos manzanita x ‘Molino Corner’
The clear white flowers and attractive, wavy, deep-green leaves make this wild selection from the Sebastopol area a real charmer. Burgundy bark clothes the sinuous trunks on this upright manzanita which reaches 8 ft or more tall and potentially as wide, if left unpruned. The urn-shaped flowers appear in late winter in good-sized clusters, followed by reddish fruits in the summer. This selection is part of a group manzanitas from west Sonoma Co. which naturally share genes with the vine hill manzanita, making them more garden tolerant than most inland forms. Plant in full sun to light shade. Water occasional or let go dry in the summer once established. A great winter food source for hummingbirds and bumblebees.
Arctostaphylos manzanita x ‘Sebastopol White’
This upright manzanita displays dense growth of soft green, pointed leaves with clusters of white flowers in winter on a burnished mahogany trunk. Reaches a height of 8 ft or more and a width of at least 6 ft. Discovered along Guerneville Rd. in western Sonoma County. Very drought tolerant once established but will tolerate moderate irrigation when young. A disease resistant selection. Heavy soils are not a problem as long as water does not pool at the crown in winter. Enjoys full sun but will tolerate light shade.
Arctostaphylos manzanita x densiflora ‘Monica’
Found originally along Guerneville Rd. in Sonoma County. It has the form and size of the large common manzanita, 8 ft or more tall with time, and the disease resistance of the Vine Hill manzanita. Features a beautiful dark mahogany trunk and clusters of shell pink flowers set against dark, glossy leaves. The structure is narrower and more upright than most other tall manzanitas, only reaching about 8 ft wide. Give it sun to light shade and summer drought, but it's more tolerant than most of some summer water.Provides food and cover for birds and its flowers provide nectar for hummingbirds and bumble bees.
Atriplex lentiformis
This native bird favorite is a tough and useful shrub with beautiful silvery gray foliage. Growing 5 ft. or more tall and spreading widely, quail bush is valued for its ability to deal with difficult sites where it tolerates wind, salt spray, saline and alkaline soils. A terrific habitat plant, providing food and cover for a wide array of birds and mammals. Native from the coast to the desert. Excellent for erosion control and is fire resistant. Benefits from annual shearing and occasional aggressive pruning to rejuvenate. Plant in full sun with occasional to little summer water.
Baccharis pilularis
This is the upright form of coyote bush, growing 4 - 8 ft. tall and wide. Valued for its ability to flourish in a wide range of conditions. Also valued as an excellent habitat plant offering food and cover to a wide variety of wildlife. Flowers are not showy and the male and female flowers are borne on separate shrubs. This crop of plants are a mix of males and females and one can’t tell until they bloom. Plant in sunn or light shade. Not fussy about soils. Quite drought tolerant once established. Responds well to pruning or shearing, working well as a screen. Deer resistant.
Baccharis pilularis – female
Upright form of coyote brush, growing 4 - 8 ft. tall and wide. Valued for its ability to flourish in a wide range of conditions. Also valued as an excellent habitat plant offering food and cover to a wide variety of wildlife. Flowers are not showy and the male and female flowers are borne on separate shrubs. Theses plants are FEMALE and will produce seed (when male plants are present). An abundance of pollinators and beneficial insects use Baccharis flowers and birds love their seeds. Plant in sun to light shade. Not fussy about soils. Quite drought tolerant once established. Responds well to pruning or shearing and is useful as a screen. Deer resistant.
Baccharis pilularis – male
Upright form of coyote brush, growing 4 - 8 ft. tall and wide. Valued for its ability to flourish in a wide range of conditions. Also valued as an excellent habitat plant offering food and cover to a wide variety of wildlife. Flowers are not showy and the male and female flowers are borne on separate shrubs. These plants are MALE and produce ivory colored flowers with pollen and nectar. An abundance of pollinators and beneficial insects use Baccharis flowers. Plant in sun to light shade. Not fussy about soils. Quite drought tolerant once established. Responds well to pruning or shearing and is useful as a screen. Deer resistant.
Baccharis salicifolia
This native shrub looks something like a willow in foliage and is found in similar habitats in California and the southwest US. Not a willow at all, but a member of the aster family, this evergreen shrub blooms nearly year round, making it a powerhouse for pollinators. The profusion of small, creamy white, fuzzy flowers, tinged with pink or red are highly attractive to butterflies, bees and other beneficial insects. Extremely tough and easy to grow in full sun with summer water, where it will grow 6 - 10 feet tall and wide with rich, green foliage. Able to survive drier conditions than a willow could handle, but it will look rough if it gets too dry. Responds well to pruning and can be cut down to six inches to refresh. Excellent screen, windbreak and for soil stabilization. Stellar for attracting pollinators.
Berberis (Mahonia) aquifolium
This attractive, western native evergreen has a long history in cultivation for good reason. Erect stems rise 4 to 7 feet or more tall and wide, spreading slowly by underground rhizomes to form dense clumps. Bronzy-red new growth gives way to dark-green, glossy leaves with spiny margins that are prickly to the touch. Cold winters can darken the foliage with purple-red tones. Late spring brings clusters of bright yellow, sweetly scented flowers. Edible blue-black fruits follow and are pretty and tasty. A useful and adaptable shrub in a hedge or a shrubby border. Takes full sun to part shade. Performs best with some afternoon shade in hot areas and moderate to infrequent water. A great habitat plant which provides cover, nectar rich flowers and fruits relished by all. Deer resistant.
Berberis (Mahonia) nevinii
Nevin's barberry is a very rare southern California shrub with rigidly arching stems densely clothed in pointy silver gray leaflets. Heavy blooming with clear yellow flowers followed by heavy fruiting with bright red translucent fruit. 8 ft. by 8 ft. Does well in sunny well drained locations in the Bay Area. Great companion to matilija poppy and Salvia clevelandii. Very drought tolerant but best with occasional water. Deer resistant.
Berberis (Mahonia) pinnata ‘Ken Hartman’
Similar to Oregon grape (Mahonia aquifolium) but leaves are more crinkly and spiny. New growth often shows lots of red and orange. Grows upright to 6 ft. or more, particularly in ideal coastal sites. Handles drought better than the Oregon grape. Tolerates sun to shade. Best with a little shade in hot areas. Fruits eaten by robins, finches and towhees. The flowers have nectar for hummingbirds and bees. Deer resistant.
Calycanthus occidentalis
Native along streams, rivers and moist places in California. This attractive deciduous shrub is well worth growing. Bright green aromatic foliage with interesting maroon-red flowers in spring-summer that resemble small waterlilies and have a wine-like fragrance. Can be grown as a multi-stemmed small tree, trimmed hedge or left alone to become a large background shrub. 5 - 12 ft. tall and wide. Part-shade is ideal. Tolerates full sun with lots of moisture in somewhat cooler areas. Accepts full shade but will grow more slowly with a more open habit. Regular to moderate water. Somewhat deer resistant.
Ceanothus ‘Antonette’
An exciting introduction by Native Sons Nursery which was discovered in their landscape. ‘Antonette’ is believed to be a cross between Ceanothus arboreus and Ceanothus ‘Cynthia Postan’ with unusual elongated leaves which remind us of a rockrose. Grows 8 – 10 feet tall and 6 – 8 feet wide with spectacular displays of frosted, violet-blue flowers in early spring. Before they fully emerge, the flower buds display a pleasing rosy color. Plant in full sun with occasional to little summer water once established. Valuable habitat plant, providing food and cover for birds, bees and butterflies.
Ceanothus ‘Berkeley Skies’
A seedling selection from the Botanic Garden at UC Berkeley, thought to be a cross between Ceanothus megacarpus and Ceanothus gloriosus. Forms an upright shrub 8-15 ft. tall with small leathery leaves and stiff arching habit. The eye-catching flowers are soft lilac in color with a deep purple center eye to each flower. It comes into bloom quite early, often beginning in late January and February where they are much adored by bees in search of nectar. Ceanothus require decent drainage, full sun and are drought tolerant once established.