Ceanothus papillosus – upright Baja form
This cold hardy selection from Baja California is highly useful in the garden setting thanks to its tall, upright form and narrow, vaselike shape. Many customers ask us for a big but narrow form of ceanothus. This is one of the few selections that fits the bill. Plants reach 8 – 10 ft tall, but only reach 3 – 4 ft wide, making it ideal for a privacy screen in a small area. Indigo blue flowers cover plants in spring, followed by little seed capsules which are relished by birds. The crinkly, dark-green leaves are elongated and create a nice foil for brighter green plants, such as Salvia and Artemisia. As with all ceanothus, the flowers are loved by a large array of pollinators. Plant in full sun to very light shade and water infrequently once established. Needs decent drainage. This is the variety papillosus.
Ceanothus parryi
Nicknamed ladybloom, this ceanothus is underused in California gardens. Native to chaparral plant communities in the coast ranges of California and Oregon. Upright habit with arching branches growing 8-12 ft tall and wide with dark green, narrow leaves. Long, narrow flower clusters of medium to deep blue blossoms in the spring. A useful screen, specimen or informal hedge in full sun with little to no water once established. Tolerant of inland heat and conditions. Ceanothus are great additions to the habitat garden offering food and cover for birds and nectar for bees and butterflies.
Ceanothus rigidus ‘Snowball’
A good selection for a dry sunny hillside or as a cascading plant for a wall. A densely mounding shrub 3 - 5 feet tall and wide. Covered with ball-like clusters of white flowers in late winter. Plant in full sun with occasional to no summer water once established. Ceanothus are great additions to the habitat garden offering food and cover for birds and nectar for bees and butterflies. Deer resistant.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus
One of the larger ceanothus, forming a good sized shrub or small tree 6-25 ft. tall. Shiny, bright green leaves and good sized clusters of flowers which can range from pure white to pale blue, sky blue through rich darker shades of blue in the spring. Easy, fast growing. Can be trained into a single trunk if desired. Useful as a specimen tree, background shrub or informal hedge. Drought tolerant when established. Ceanothus are fantastic habitat plants providing food and cover for a wide range of creatures. Bees and other pollinators frequent the flowers as do butterflies. Several butterflies and moths use it as a larvel food source. Bushtits, mockingbirds, quail and finches eat the seeds.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘El Dorado’
Fast growing upright evergreen shrub 6 - 10 ft. tall and wide. Dark green foliage with golden yellow variegation is a nice foil for the medium blue flowers in spring. Plant in full sun along the coast, some shade for hot interior sites. Drought tolerant once established. Occasional summer irrigation can be helpful, but allow soil to dry between waterings. Good for an informal hedge. An excellent habitat plant.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Oregon Mist’
Blue blossom ceanothus grows in chaparral and woodland plant communities of the outer coast ranges, from Santa Barbara, California to southern Oregon. Selected by Xera Plants, 'Oregon Mist' hails from the northern most part of its range, suggesting superior cold hardiness. Growing 8 - 15 ft. tall and wide with deep-green shiny leaves and baby-blue flowers in narrow clusters, blooming in mid to late spring. This fast growing evergreen makes a fine stand alone specimen or as part of a shrubby border or screen, where its particularly dense form can be used to great effect. Plant in sun to light shade where it will be drought tolerant once established. An excellent addition to the habitat garden where it provides food and cover for a wide array of insects and birds.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Skylark’
Valued for its compact habit and late flowering, this selection offers clusters of dark blue flowers on short stems appearing just as other ceanothus are finishing their show. 4 - 5 ft. tall and 6 - 7 ft. wide with shiny evergreen foliage. This would be a ceanothus to try in hot areas. 'Skylark' is believed to be a cross between Ceanothus thyrsiflorus and C. velutinus. Shrubby ceanothus provide seeds eaten by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail and finches, as well as cover for birds.
Ceanothus thyrsiflorus ‘Snow Flurry’
A beautiful large shrub or small tree 12 ft. (or more) tall and wide. Rich deep green foliage and profuse clusters of radiant pure white flowers in the spring. Adaptable, dependable and garden tolerant. Does well in coastal and inland situations. Best in full sun. 'Snow Flurry' is drought tolerant, but would appreciate a little summer water in hot regions. Not tolerant of very cold winter conditions. Selected from the Big Sur coast. Shrubby ceanothus provide seeds eaten by bushtits, mockingbirds, quail and finches, as well as cover for birds.
Ceanothus velutinus
Found primarily in the northern half of the state in the Coast Ranges, Sierras, Klamath and Modoc regions, in coniferous forests, chaparral, and various woodland environments up to 11,000 ft in elevation, the resinous floral scent and plumes of soft white flowers from spring to early summer make tobacco brush a choice evergreen shrub for dry, sunny to part-shade garden sites that drain well. Grows to 6-10 ft tall, and has large, sticky dark-green, aromatic, leathery foliage. A larval host for many native butterfly species such as the ceanothus silk moth, California tortoiseshell butterfly, and the hedgerow hairstreak butterfly. The flowers are also attractive to native bee and butterfly pollinators. Drought-tolerant once established.
Cercocarpus betuloides
Mountain mahogany is an adaptable, semi-evergreen native shrub (8 to 12 ft. high and wide) or small tree with charming birch-like leaves set against silver-grey bark. Small, honey-scented flowers appear in spring followed by seeds with intriguing silky, curled, feather-like tails. The open habit contrasts nicely with evergreen shrubs or rock walls where its pleasing silhouette can be seen. Flowers are attractive to bees. Mountain mahogany is one of those rare native shrubs which can easily be pruned for narrow garden beds. Grows on dry slopes in chaparral or at the edges of woodlands. Provide full sun to light shade. It is surprisingly adaptable to diferent water regimes, from moderate irrigation to no water once established. Somewhat deer resistant.
Cercocarpus betuloides var. blancheae
This rare and beautiful variety of our native mountain mahogany offers larger, birch-like leaves with fuzzy and whitish undersides. The highly useful from generally reaches 8 – 15 ft. tall, but only spreads to about 6 ft. wide, making it ideal for narrow locations where a screening, evergreen, fast-growing bush is needed. Small, disk-like, creamy flowers appear in the spring, followed in summer by seed pods with hairy, grey tails which curl upwards, giving the plant a silver halo. Over time, the trunks are covered in a smooth, grey bark. The Island mountain mahogany typically grows much more rapidly than our local variety and is tolerant of moist or dry soils once established and part shade to full sun. Heat isn’t an issue. A great candidate for a container, where it is very amenable to pruning.
Cercocarpus ledifolius
Large shrub or small, multitrunked, evergreen tree, 6 - 30 ft. tall, native to arid mountains of the western US. Often takes on a gnarled, picturesque form depending on the conditions it is growing in. Adapted to dry, rocky slopes where it weathers drought, extreme heat and cold, wind and snow. Slow growing, densely branching, with dark green, leathery leaves with curled under edges and silvery undersides. Trunks develop beautiful, red-brown bark with silvery new growth. The flowers are similar to our local mt. mahogany species, small, greenish- yellow, smelling of honey, and attractive to pollinators. The fruits are long, silvery, plumes that glow when back lit. Plant in full sun to light shade with good drainage where it will blend well with other dryland shrubs and perennials and requires little input. Fixes nitrogen. Interesting container or bonsai subject.
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana ‘Nidiformis’
A very unusual and hard to find form of the native Port Orford cedar. Nidiformis is Latin for “having the form of a nest”, an apt descriptor for this dwarf with dense growth and graceful, cascading branches. The delicate, finely dissected foliage is grey-green with hints of blue, providing an excellent contrast to large-leaved, dark-colored perennials. Very slow growing, usually forming a low mound a few ft. high and several ft. wide. Needs good drainage and moderate to infrequent irrigation. Enjoys full sun near the coast, but wants some afternoon shade in hot climates. Good in a container.
Claytonia sibirica
This native perennial with white to pink candy-striped flowers seeks shady, moist conditions. Our form is from Sonoma Coast and has particularly pink flowers. Related to miners lettuce, candy stripe produces dark green, succulent, edible leaves in low rosettes. Blooms over a long period beginning in spring and will frequently reseed. A sweet, spreading, low ground cover for a shady area with regular moisture. A charming and colorful addition to the forest garden, combining beautifully with ferns, wild ginger and false Solomon’s seal.
Cleomella (Isomeris) arborea
This distinctive small shrub from Southern California features clusters of golden-yellow flowers with long stamens, giving them a delicate, airy quality. The flowers are followed by papery, lantern-like seed pods which can become almost translucent with age. While this species blooms strongest in the spring, flowers can be seen year-round. Bladderpod has a loose, rounded habit, reaching 4 to 6 ft. tall and wide. If your plant becomes too lanky, simply cut it to the ground to rejuvenate it. Plant in full sun with good drainage and provide infrequent to zero irrigation once established. A great nectar source for hummingbirds, bees and butterflies. Deer resistant.
Previously known as: Peritoma arborea
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.
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.
Dendromecon harfordii
A beautiful and much sought after shrub native to California’s Channel Islands. Growing 6 - 10 ft. tall with bluish-gray foliage and a showy display of brilliant yellow poppy blossoms - spring into early summer, with scattered flowers throughout the year in mild climates. Requires full sun, good drainage, and little to no irrigation once established.
Dendromecon rigida
This is our local bush poppy, growing 4 - 8 ft. tall with bluish-gray foliage and a showy display of brilliant yellow poppy blossoms from spring into early summer. Scattered flowers may be seen throughout the year in mild climates. The leaves are narrower than those of the island bush poppy and the plant has a more open form. Requires full sun, good drainage, and little to no irrigation once established.
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.
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.
Diplacus (Mimulus) ‘Creamsicle’
The trumpet-shaped blossoms of the 'Creamsicle' monkeyflower are a beautiful, light shade of pastel orange. With their white throats and dark orange nectar guides, the flowers have a two-toned affect. This is one of Phil Van Soelen's first hybrids using Diplacus bifidus from Bowman Lake in the Sierra Nevada (thanks to Ted Kipping). It has proved long lived in both Fulton and Sebastopol and has the useful characteristic of sprouting new growth from the base so that old growth can be pruned away. Evergreen foliage grows 2-3 feet tall and wide. Best with light shade, good drainage, and minimal summer water. Deer resistant.