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Sidalcea malviflora ssp. patula  Siskiyou checkerbloom
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Sidalcea malviflora ssp. patula

(Siskiyou checkerbloom)

Bright, rose-pink flowers line foot long stems on this rare checkermallow from northwest California. Spreading mats of fuzzy, round leaves only a couple of inches tall provide an appealing backdrop for the colorful flowers. Enjoys full sun to part shade. Protect from the hot afternoon sun in inland climates. Provide moderate to occasional irrigation. An excellent plant for bees and butterflies. 

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Sidalcea malviflora ssp. virgata

(rose checker mallow)

This beautiful, perennial mallow can be found in grasslands, meadows, and roadsides of Oregon. Forms a low rosette 1 to 2 ft. wide with trailing branches and rounded, lobed leaves. The showy, hollyhock-like flowers are arranged on upright spikes, ranging from light to deep pink and bloom for a long period beginning in late spring. Plant in full sun to light shade with moderate to occasional water once established. Lovely in meadow plantings with other perennials, bulbs and grasses. An important nectar source for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects and a host plant for several butterfly species.
Sidalcea reptans  Sierra checkerbloom
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Sidalcea reptans

(Sierra checkerbloom)

From moist meadows in the Sierra Nevada comes this charming checkerbloom groundcover. In early summer, soft-pink, cup-shaped flowers perch along stems up to 20 inches high. Thick, bright-green leaves with scalloped edges carpet the ground. Plant in full sun to light shade and don’t let them dry out completely. The Sierra checkerbloom is an easy-to-grow mountain species which combines nicely with umbrella plant, rushes and Dunn’s lobelia. Great in a container, too!

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Sidalcea stipularis

(Scadden Flat checkerbloom)

A very rare checkerbloom native to a single marsh in the Sierra foothills.  Round, serrated leaves appear in late winter and spread quickly to form an eight inch tall, light green groundcover.  Soft-pink cup-shaped flowers bloom in early summer atop two foot stems clothed in lance-shaped leaves.  Combine with low grasses in a well-watered meadow for a lovely naturalized look.  Plant in full sun to light shade with moderate to regular water.  Tolerant of heavy soils.  Winter deciduous. 
Silene californica  Indian pink
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Silene californica

(Indian pink)

Native to open woods from Southern California north to Oregon, this native perennial is a knock out in bloom. Late spring and early summer bring brilliant, deeply lobed scarlet petals over the low growing mound of foliage about one foot tall by one foot wide. Best suited for well drained soils in lightly shaded settings where water can be withheld once plants begin to go dormant. A top notch rock garden subject and hummingbird favorite.
Sisyrinchium bellum  blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum

(blue-eyed grass)

A beloved native perennial wildflower with grass-like foliage and six-petaled spring blossoms that range from blue to purple with occasional pure white forms. Grows 6 - 12 inches tall in small clumps where it is useful in meadow or grassland plantings as well as mixed borders. Sun to partial shade, with moderate to infrequent summer water. Goes summer dormant in dry gardens. Does well in heavy soils and often seeds about when happy.
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz'  blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Arroyo de la Cruz'

(blue-eyed grass)

A common spring wildflower of grasslands and coastal prairies, where cheerful six petaled blossoms top grassy blades. Flower color can range from pure white to deep violet blue, but the cultivar 'Arroyo de la Cruz' has particularly large dark purple flowers and grows 10-12 inches tall. Plant in full sun to partial shade, moderate to infrequent summer water.  Goes summer dormant in dry gardens. Does well in heavy soils. Deer resisitant.        
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Dwarf' blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Dwarf'

(blue-eyed grass)

While we’re a little unsure about this selection’s origins, we do know it’s an AMAZING bloomer and an easy garden plant! In spring and into summer, deep blue-purple flowers with yellow centers cover this very dwarf blue-eyed grass which stays under 6 inches tall. Very narrow, iris-like leaves slowly increase to form a small clump. Plant in full sun to light shade and provide moderate to infrequent irrigation. If allowed to go dry in summer, it will go dormant, only to re-emerge with the winter rains. Deer resistant.
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Fort Bragg' blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Fort Bragg'

(blue-eyed grass)

This special from of our native blue-eyed grass features pale lavender, almost white petals which darken to deep purple at their base, surrounding a yellow center. Only reaching up to 6 inches high, this little dwarf features narrow, iris-like leaves which form dense little clumps. Blooms most abundantly in spring by can continue to flower into summer if given moderate irrigation. If allowed to go somewhat dry, it may go dormant, only to re-emerge with gusto in winter. Plant in full sun to light shade. An excellent perennial for small spaces and narrow borders. We believe this selection was discovered by Charlie Swehla. Deer resistant.
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Rocky Point' dwarf blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Rocky Point'

(dwarf blue-eyed grass)

A vigorous selection of dwarf blue-eyed grass discovered on Rocky Point south of Carmel in Monterey County and introduced by Native Sons Nursery. Robust, rich green clumps of wide, iris-like leaf blades 4 - 6 inches tall feature vibrant blue-purple flowers with yellow centers. A great rock garden item. Plant in full sun to part shade. This spring bloomer will go semi-dormant in summer if allowed to go somewhat dry. With moderate irrigation it will be evergreen and have an extended bloom preiod. Deer resistant.
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Sonoma Snow' blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Sonoma Snow'

(blue-eyed grass)

A beloved native perennial wildflower with grass-like foliage and half inch, six-petaled spring blossoms that range from blue to purple with occasional pure white forms. Grows 6 - 12 inches tall in small clumps where it is useful in meadow or grassland plantings as well as mixed borders. Sun to partial shade, with moderate to infrequent summer water. Goes summer dormant in dry gardens. Does well in heavy soils and often seeds about when happy.
Sisyrinchium bellum 'Stripey' variegated blue-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium bellum 'Stripey'

(variegated blue-eyed grass)

An eye-catching cultivar of blue-eyed grass, forming compact clumps of narrow variegated foliage. The gray-green blades have pale yellow margins growing around 6 inches tall and wide. The chubby clumps of narrow, variegated leaves are topped with cool blue flowers in the spring. Perfect rock garden item or container accent for sun to light shade with moderate water. Deer resistant.
Sisyrinchium californicum  yellow-eyed grass
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Sisyrinchium californicum

(yellow-eyed grass)

Native mostly to coastal areas where this easy perennial thrives in moist locations. From spring through to the end of summer, the bright yellow flowers rise above narrow, pale-green, iris-like leaves. Grows 6 to 12 inches tall and about a foot wide. Plant in sunny areas with regular water. Reseeds readily. Occurs from San Luis Obispo County north to British Columbia.
Solanum umbelliferum  blue witch
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Solanum umbelliferum

(blue witch)

A perennial subshrub from chaparral and oak woodland plant communities, often growing on the edge where they may receive some relief from the full sun. Grows quickly, to as much 3 ft. high with pale green oval leaves on green stems, often sprawling widely. Blooms over a long period with a multitude of blue-purple saucer shaped flowers followed by small tomato-like fruits. Plant in full sun to partial shade with little to no summer water. May go summer deciduous with drought, becoming twiggy and leafless until the rains return. All parts of the plant are poisonous which should make them dependably deer resistant.
Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride' purple nightshade
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Solanum xanti 'Mountain Pride'

(purple nightshade)

Outstanding selection by Carol Bornstein from the hills surrounding Santa Barbara,following the wildfires of 2008. Chosen for its particularly dark purple flowers, this subshrub grows 3 ft. tall and 3 ft. or more wide. Clusters of rich purple one inch blossoms with bright yellow stamens bloom over a long period but heaviest in spring. In nature it is often found growing along the borders of coastal scrub,chaparral and woodlands. Plant in full sun along the coast with a little shade inland, where it will be drought tolerant once established. Prune to promote bushy habit. A good container subject. Should be deer resistant as all parts of the plant are poisonous.  
Solidago lepida v. salebrosa  western goldenrod
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Solidago lepida v. salebrosa

(western goldenrod)

Golden-yellow, pyramid shaped inflorescences sit atop stems flanked with bright green leaves on this unusual native goldenrod. This selection is more compact and refined than the California goldenrod, with flower stalks reaching only about 2 feet tall and a spreading habit which is less aggressive. A superb plant to attract all sorts of bees and butterflies when it blooms in late summer and into autumn. Plant in full sun to light shade and water moderately to occasionally. This variety grows throughout western North America but is rare in California, only occurring in the northeast part of the state. 
Solidago spathulata  coast goldenrod
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Solidago spathulata

(coast goldenrod)

Native to coastal strand and coastal scrub communities where it forms low mats of spreading bright green foliage. Summer brings flower stems a foot or so tall made up of small bright golden-yellow daisies. Full sun to light shade with some summer water. Tolerates heavy soils. The flowers support native bees, honey bees, beneficial insects and butterflies. It is a larval food source for the northern checkerspot butterfly.
Solidago velutina ssp. californica  California goldenrod
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Solidago velutina ssp. californica

(California goldenrod)

A showy and easy to grow late blooming native perennial. Spreads by creeping rootstocks where it can form a good-sized colony. Has spread slowly in our heavy clay soils with minimal water, but has the potential to spread aggressively in lighter soils especially with regular water. Late summer through fall brings slender wand-like flower stalks of golden yellow daisies 2 - 3 ft. tall which are visited by bees, butterflies and other insects. Plant in a sunny area where it is drought tolerant, but some supplemental summer water keeps it blooming longer.
Sphaeralcea ambigua  apricot mallow
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Sphaeralcea ambigua

(apricot mallow)

Native to desert plant communities, apricot mallow is a showy evergreen shrublet growing 2-4 foot tall and wide. Soft-green, woolly, scalloped leaves provide the foil for long wands with an abundance of small hollyhock-like flowers in delicious shades of orange. Plant in full sun with good drainage and occasional summer water. Adaptable, tolerating cold, dry conditions but not heavy wet soils. When happy can bloom for months- trim back flowering stems after bloom for repeat performance. A beautiful addition to the dry sunny garden, ideal for inland gardens. Relatively short lived but grows rapidly and occasionally reseeds. Honeybees, native bees and hummingbirds are attracted to it's flowers.  
Sphenosciadium capitellatum  ranger's buttons
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Sphenosciadium capitellatum

(ranger's buttons)

We are excited to offer this denizen of mountain meadows and forests known for its clusters of white flowers or “buttons” on tall stalks reaching up to 5 feet in height.  Lance-shaped leaves of bright green form upright mounds at the base of the stalks.  Ranger buttons are easily identified by the hairy stems within the inflorescences.  Provide regular water and dappled shade.  This unusual member of the carrot family combines beautifully with ferns, lilies and other forest dwellers.
Spiraea densiflora  'Trinity Rose' rose meadowsweet
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Spiraea densiflora 'Trinity Rose'

(rose meadowsweet)

This cultivar hails from the Trinity Alps in northwestern California.  A neat looking deciduous shrub growing 2-3 foot tall and wide with a compact habit and pretty bluish-green leaves.  Early summer brings flat topped clusters of rosy-pink flowers on the branch tips. Foliage often takes on nice yellow tones in the autumn before losing its leaves. Plant in sun to light shade with regular water. Flowers attract butterflies.
Spiraea douglasii  western spirea, rose spirea
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Spiraea douglasii

(western spirea, rose spirea)

In summer, wands of violet-pink flower clusters decorate the branch tips of this deciduous shrub. Forms broad thickets 3 - 6 ft. tall with bluish-green leaves. Enjoys regular moisture and full sun to light shade. Great for a naturalistic planting in a woodland garden or along streams. Attracts bees and butterflies and is a larval host for various butterflies and moths in its native range. Native to the coast and into the mountains from northern California to Alaska.
Spiraea splendens  rose meadowsweet
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Spiraea splendens

(rose meadowsweet)

Description coming soon!
Sporobolus airoides  dropseed sacaton
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Sporobolus airoides

(dropseed sacaton)

A robust, warm season bunchgrass, which was common in California’s Central Valley prior to agricultural conversion. This western native is found in the Sierra foothills, South Coast Ranges as well as deserts from eastern Washington to Mexico. Forms a dense bunch of fine textured, grey-green blades, 1 to 3 foot tall and wide. Graceful flowering stems carry airy, pinkish flower heads that produce a pink-hued haze, which age to tan. The abundant seeds are relished by birds, but do not tend to reseed in gardens. Tolerant of many soil types and water regimes. Best with full sun to light shade. This grass will be drought tolerant, but does best with some summer water in dryer inland sites. Leaves turn butter-yellow in autumn prior to winter dormancy. Deer resistant.
Stachys albens  hedgenettle
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Stachys albens

(hedgenettle)

Plant description coming soon.

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