Clematis ligusticifolia
Native to riparian areas where the vining stems will climb and weave their way up and over shrubs and trees. Large masses of fragrant, small creamy-white flowers bloom in summer. Beautiful, silvery, feather-like fruits follow and are as attractive as the blossoms. The intricately divided leaves on long stems can climb 20 - 30 ft. Full sun to light shade with regular to moderate summer water. Deciduous. Generally deer resistant.
Clinopodium (Satureja) douglasii
Wonderfully fragrant native perennial with trailing stems about 6 inches tall and spreading. Roundish, scallop-edged, deliciously minty leaves have a long history of herbal uses. Tiny white flowers are borne in axils of leaves in the spring. A sweet small scale groundcover for the woodland garden with light shade and moderate to a little summer water.
Clinopodium (Satureja) mimuloides
Native to creeksides in the mountains of southern California, this clump forming perennial is rarely seen in cultivation. Growing 2 - 3 ft. tall and wide with soft, fragrant foliage. Orangy-red tubular flowers bloom late spring to early summer and are hummingbird favorites. Plant in sun to light shade with regular moisture.
Collinsia heterophylla – Sierra Form
A striking form of a native annual wildflower found in open woodlands in much of California. The open lipped flowers are stacked in tiers, and said to look pagoda-like. In this Sierra form from Tuolumne County, the upper and lower lips are dark purple with a light central patch with scarlet nectar guides. This charming woodlander is best in bright shade, in edges and openings, or under oaks, where it blooms from mid spring to early summer. Grows around 2 ft. by 2 ft. When happy it will reseed and those seedlings will require no irrigation. A bee and butterfly favorite.
Comarostaphylis diversifolia
Looking something like a toyon but closely related to manzanita, this handsome evergreen is a useful landscape subject. Native to chaparral communities near the coast in Southern California where it usually grows on north facing slopes. Growing slowly 6-20 ft. tall with shredded red bark and shiny dark green foliage. Creamy-white urn-shaped flowers in racemes bloom March-May are attractive to hummingbirds and pollinators. The dark-red rough textured fruits in summer are enjoyed by many kinds of birds. Grow as an upright shrub or with selective pruning can be trained into a small tree. Useful as a specimen, background screen or informal hedge in full sun to light shade with good drainage. Will except summer water only with good drainage and is drought tolerant once established.
Cornus glabrata
The bluish-white fruits of this species are reputed to be especially good for attracting birds. Small creamy white flowers appear in spring on subtly beautiful arching branches. A type of stream dogwood, it forms thickets with time, 6 - 10 ft. tall. Deciduous. Prefers moisture and some shade. Western tanager and warblers eat the flowers. Grosbeak, Northern oriole, flickers, spotted towhee, Western bluebird, robins, mockingbirds, bandtailed pigeon, waxwing and quail eat the fruits. A great plant for stream restoration.
Cornus nuttallii
Spectacular native tree with pleasing horizontal branching, gorgeous white flowers, handsome fruits and good fall color. An elegant specimen tree though notoriously challenging in cultivation. Easiest to grow within its native range. Dislikes poor drainage, fertilizing, pruning, and injury to the tender bark. Drought tolerant in shady, cool situations but enjoys occasional to moderate water in fast draining soils. Once established it can become a show stopping specimen in a wooded garden, under high branching trees, along stream courses and slopes with eastern or northern exposure. Birds relish the red fruits.
Cornus sericea
Redtwig dogwood is a spreading shrub growing 6 ft. or more tall and at least as wide, forming broad thickets along creeks and rivers. The beautiful red stems stand out in the winter landscape once they loose their leaves in the fall. Flat topped flower clusters are creamy white and are followed by clusters of white fruits. Often takes on nice fall color before loosing its leaves. Plant in full sun to light shade with regular to moderate watering. Does great on heavy clay soils and is a very good soil stabilizer. An excellent habitat plant where it provides food and cover. The fruits are very popular with birds. At the nursery, bluebirds and mockingbirds compete aggressively for the fleshy white fruits.
Cornus sericea ‘Hedgerow’s Gold’
A striking selection of redtwig dogwood, discovered near the Deschutes River in Eastern Oregon and introduced by Hedgerows Nursery. The large leaves of soft green have a broad, irregular, bright golden edge. In autumn the leaves turn an attractive ruby color. Forms a thicket that easily reaches 6 ft. tall by 6 ft. wide. The red stems stand out in the winter landscape after the leaves have fallen. Flat topped cluster of white flowers appear in spring and are followed by small white fruits enjoyed by birds. Best with regular water, good light and protection from the hot afternoon sun.
Cornus sericea ssp. occidentalis ‘Tomales Bay’
This selection of the native creek dogwood is from Tomales Bay, Marin County, where it forms broad clumps 6 ft. or more tall and wide. The beautiful red stems stand out in the winter landscape. Flat topped flower clusters are creamy white followed by small white fruits. Good fall color. Plant in full sun to light shade and give regular irrigation. Western tanager and warblers eat the flowers. Grosbeak, Northern oriole, flickers, spotted towhee, Western bluebird, robins, mockingbirds, bandtailed pigeon, waxwing and quail eat the fruits.
Cornus sessilis
Native to moist ravines and stream banks of the coast ranges and the Sierra Nevada Mts, this deciduous shrub or small tree grows 5-10 ft. or more tall and wide. Beautiful shiny, jade green leaves with prominent lateral veining decorate the graceful green barked stems. Small, yellow flowers appear early as it leafs out in the spring and are followed by oval fruits. Fruit color changes as it matures from greenish-white to yellow, red and finally shiny black which attract a wide range of fruit eating birds. Foliage can take on pretty tones of yellow and red in the autumn. Thrives in moist shady locations, but will grow well with just part shade and moderate to occasional summer water once established.
Corylus cornuta ssp. californica
Western hazelnut is a handsome, open, multi-stemmed shrub native to forests from Santa Cruz northwards in the Coast Range, and from Sequoia northwards in the Sierra foothills. Winter deciduous with decorative dangling catkins in winter. The soft, somewhat hairy leaves turn yellow in the fall. Small amounts of tasty nuts are produced in late summer and are relished by wildlife and people. Part shade with some moisture, but will tolerate fairly dry conditions once established. Usually grows 6 - 10 ft. tall. Somewhat deer resistant.
Crataegus gaylussacia
Klamath hawthorn occurs in seasonally wet meadows or borders of forests in northern California. A large deciduous shrub or small tree 6 - 20 ft. tall with reddish-brown bark and formidable thorns. Small, white flowers in flat topped clusters in late spring are followed by red fruits that ripen to black. The fruits are highly attractive to birds. A slight fall/winter chill can turn the leaves a brilliant orangey-red. Plant in full sun to partial shade with regular to moderate water. This shrub tends to sucker and could be encouraged to form a thicket. It is also amenable to pruning, and can be trained into a slender tree. This is our most common, local native hawthorn., and until recently was once thought to be C. douglasii.
Danthonia californica
California oatgrass is a native bunchgrass found throughout mountains and coast ranges in both open and partly shaded areas. Forms dense leafy tufts with flower stalks of nodding spikelets to 1 1/2 ft. tall. Not to be confused with the invasive alien wild oats, this native makes a good basic grass for a meadow planting. Withstands trampling and traffic. Good for soil stabilization. Sun to very light shade. Little to no summer water once established. Deer resistant.
Darmera peltata
Native to mountain streamsides of Northern California and Oregon. A spectacular plant for pond, stream, moist woodland, or anywhere there is regular moisture and lightly shaded conditions. The lovely pink flower clusters on tall naked stems are the first to emerge in the spring. Next the very large bright green round leaves on sturdy stalks unfurl, reaching a height of up to 4 ft.. The foliage turns yellow in the fall and dies back to chunky rhizomes in the winter. A bold and beautiful flowering and foliage plant. Does well in containers too.
Darmera peltata – dwarf form
This is a surprising dwarf form of the moisture loving umbrella plant. The normally large round leaves of this species are dramatically reduced in height and width in this novel selection. Only about 1 1/2 ft. tall with leaves 8 - 10 inches wide. Deep pink flower clusters, unusually dark for the species, emerge on slender stems in spring and are soon followed by the bright green leaves. The foliage turns yellow in the fall and dies back to chunky rhizomes in the winter. A nice compact alternative for the smaller garden with part shade and regular moisture. Does well in containers.
Dasiphora (Potentilla) fruticosa
A popular landscape subject, valued for its long bloom period, hardiness and carefree nature. A member of the rose family, this deciduous shrub can be found across the northern hemisphere, often growing at higher elevations. Here in California, it ocurrs in the Sierras, the Klamath Mountains and the Warners. Grows 2 -3 ft tall and wide with handsome, pinnately compound leaves. Cheerful, rich-yellow, saucer-shaped flowers bloom over a long period, summer into fall. Plant in full sun to light shade with moderate watering. Drought tolerant once established. Attracts bees and butterflies. Great in a pot. Deer resistant.
Delphinium nudicaule
In late winter and spring, scarlet flowers with elongated tails perch on upright stalks, usually not more than 3 ft tall. The green, lobed leaves which form a low mound above the ground have a distinctive pale patch in their centers. This native makes its home on summer-dry slopes throughout much of Northern California and parts of Central Ca., inhabiting bright, open woodlands and rocky road cuts. Needs good drainage and little to no irrigation in the summer. While it can grow in a fair amount of shade, it blooms best under a bright, dappled canopy. A favorite of hummingbirds and butterflies. All parts are poisonous if ingested.
Delphinium trolliifolium
Towers of dense, blue purple flowers reaching up to 4 ft high make this one of our most striking native larkspur. The robust stalks rise above elegantly cut leaves featuring an appealing matte finish. The new leaves emerge in winter after a summer/fall dormancy, followed by the stunning floral display in early spring. Native to the northwest corner of our state, where it grows in oak woodlands, bright, coniferous forests and coast chaparral. Enjoys moisture in the winter and spring, but should be allowed to go somewhat dry in the summer when dormant. Provide light shade away from the coast. Attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds. All parts are poisonous if ingested.
Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. cespitosa
Tufted hairgrass has a large natural distribution, in both the northern and southern hemispheres, in high elevation mountains as well as lower elevations along the coast. The seed for this crop is from coastal Sonoma County, a good choice for low elevation gardens. Forms a deep-green bunch of finely textured blades up to one foot tall with airy flower panicles extending two foot or more above the foilage. Useful framework among wildflowers or with perennials and shrubs. Sun to light shade and a little summer water. Deer resistant.
Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. holciformis
This native bunchgrass makes its home on windswept coastal bluffs from Central CA north to British Columbia. The tidy, evergreen clumps of foliage reach 6 – 12 inches tall and get at least as wide. Stiff, green leaf blades can give plants a spiky appearance, but also make this variety look more symmetrical than many native grasses. The narrow Inflorescences can reach up to 2 ft tall. Does best with full sun near the coast, but enjoys some afternoon shade in hotter areas, where moderate irrigation is recommended. Grows well with iris, seaside daisies and other coastal species. Deer resistant.
Deschampsia cespitosa ssp. holciformis – Jughandle
This form of tufted hairgrass from the Mendocino Coast has a different look than those farther south. The bright green blades are relatively broad and stiff. The flower stalks are 1 1/2 to 2 ft. tall with panicles which emerge greenish then turn golden. A natural for along the coast, a little shade and moisture inland. Deer resistant.
Deschampsia elongata
Graceful fine-textured perennial bunch grass, native to partly shaded, seasonally moist areas in California. Features bright green blades and gently arching flower stalks 12-18 inches tall. Yellowish-green in spring, turns soft gold in summer. Deer resistant.
Dicentra formosa
Ferny foliage makes a lacy groundcover in shady areas. Clusters of pendulous, pink, heart-shaped flowers in spring and into summer. Will spread rapidly when happy, enjoying moist but not soggy woodland conditions. Tolerates dry shade where it goes dormant with drought. Early nectar source for hummingbirds and bumble bees. Deer resistant.
Dichelostemma congestum
A perennial wildflower with rounded, purple flower clusters held atop slender, naked stems. In late spring and early summer, the cheerful floral umbels rise 2 to 3 feet above low, grass-like leaves. Native to hillside grasslands and mountain meadows throughout western North America, this wild hyacinth species is taller than its Brodiaea relatives, with larger inflorescences than the similar blue dick. Usually spreads slowly by corms and seed to form colonies. An excellent nectar plant for the dry borders of pollinator gardens, alongside other native bulbs, and in meadow plantings. Plant in full sun to light shade with decent drainage. Water minimally and leave dry during summer dormancy.
Dichelostemma ida-maia
Blooming firecracker flowers are a sight to behold. Native to grassy slopes and woodland edges from Mendocino County to Southern Oregon, this distinctive native bulb is truly unique. Long, strap-shaped leaves give rise to tall, naked stems, 20 - 25 inches in height. Generous clusters of pendulous, one inch floral tubes of striking crimson with reflexed green tips reveal protruding little fringes of white. Bloom in late spring to early summer. Prefers lightly shaded areas that will go dry in summer after flowering. Does well in containers, as long as it is allowed to go dry once dormant. Flowers are custom built for hummingbirds and butterflies.
Dichelostemma ida-maia x multiflorum ‘Pink Diamond’
A natural occurring hybrid involving the red firecracker flower and a blue flowering species, producing bright, magenta-pink tubular flowers with charming reflexed tips like it's firecracker parent. Strap shaped leaves emerge in the spring with leafless flower stems following, 8-20 inches tall. The umbels of deep pink flowers are favored by hummingbirds and butterflies. Tolerant of different soil types in full sun to light shade. Dry conditions once it goes dormant is a must. Good container plant.
Dichondra donelliana
Dichondra is a small genus of flowering plants in the morning glory family that form a thick, mat-like ground cover of rounded leaves, once popular as lawn substitutes. This native species is uncommon in the nursery trade and in gardens, but has potential worth exploring. Native to California coastal plant communities on open slopes and moist grasslands, it forms a flat, perennial ground cover with tidy, rounded leaves, densely packed along creeping stems. The flowers are tiny and greenish-white, not real showy but interesting. An obvious application would be a small scale ground cover or meadow planting in areas with some moisture. Could be a candidate for green roofs or walls, where a low and spreading plant is the ticket. Plant in full sun on the immediate coast, otherwise light shade is necessary. Moderate summer water.
Diplacus (Mimulus) ‘Changeling’
This charming hybrid monkeyflower offers a beautiful blend of soft orange, red, and cream hues on ruffly-edged, trumpet-shaped blossoms. As the mottled colors mellow with age, each bloom looks a little different from the next, adding to the appealing "changeling" effect. Foliage is evergreen and grows to 3 ft. tall and wide. Plant in full sun on the coast to light shade inland and give it well drained soil. Drought tolerant once established, but some occasional summer water is helpful. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds work the flowers and the painted lady and checkerspot butterflies use it as a larval food source. Deer resistant.