Vitis californica x ‘Roger’s Red’
Selected by Roger Raiche, this cultivar is now thought to be a natural hybrid between the native Vitis californica and the European wine grape, Vitis vinifera. A beautiful and vigorous vine used to cover fences, trellises, arbors, or used as a ground cover. This selection has gorgeous warm red fall color and ample fruit clusters that are small (with seeds), but sweet and tasty. An adaptable vine, thriving in full sun to light shade with regular to moderate water. Will grow well with far less summer water, though plants in dryish conditions tend to be less rampant. Good habitat plant.
Whipplea modesta
The common name “modesty” fits this unassuming evergreen creeper. Though not super showy, one has to admire its ability to thrive on difficult sites. A good stabilizer native to forests of the Coast Ranges where it tolerates dry shady situations. Will appreciate a little summer water, but it is drought tolerant once established. Numerous tiny white flowers in late spring. Deer seem to leave it alone.
Wyethia angustifolia
Few hikers can resist the bright, golden-yellow flowers of this showy native sunflower relative. The large, 2” - 3” wide flowers perch atop stems 1.5 - 3 ft. tall in the spring. Bright green, lance-shaped leaves form low rosettes at the base of the flower stalks. This mule ears grows in sunny meadows and at the edges of woodlands. Perhaps the most garden tolerant of all of the mule’s ears, accepting occasional irrigation once established but not requiring it. Does not mind soils with poor drainage. A great plant for bees, butterflies and birds. Will go dormant once it finishes flowering but will re-emerge after the rain returns.
Wyethia helenioides
One of our less common native Wyethia, gray mule ears is a special find in nurseries. Strikingly large, upright leaves frame flower stalks that resemble little sunflowers with their wide golden discs and halo of yellow ray petals. Endemic to California, this radiant perennial wildflower is a welcome sight in woodland meadows of the Northern and Central Coast Ranges. A covering of silvery hairs on the broad, erect leaves gives the species its name. Lush, gray-green foliage emerges mid-winter followed by a spring floral display from March through early summer. Low-growing at up-to 2 feet tall and wide, it makes an impression greater than its stature. Eventually goes dormant as fall approaches. Does well in the garden if given decent drainage, good light, and minimal water once established. Bees and butterflies adore the flowers.
