California native plants

2016 list

Updated 21 October 2015

All packets are $4.00, packet size is at least 50 seeds, unless otherwise specified. Ordering information is on the home page at How to Order. Zones included at the end of the description correspond to climatic zones used by the USDA and the RHS Index of Garden Plants.

Plants in this section are California natives.

Abutilon palmeri - Malvaceae, S. California, Arizona, Mexico. Bright apricot cup-shaped flowers are held on long wands over soft gray green leaves on this subshrub. From desert habitats, germination can be erratic. Z9?

Achyrachaena mollis - Asteraceae, California, Oregon. photo Blow Wives. The very subtle flowers of this composite open golden yellow, then turn to red as they mature. The prominent spherical 1.5" clusters of shining silvery white bracts are held for quite a while when this annual is in seed. A grassland inhabitant.

Agoseris grandiflora - Asteraceae, California. Just a dandelion, but with truly grand fluffy seedheads over 2" wide. Lemon yellow flowers over deeply lobed leaves on a basal rosette. Perennial. Should be very tough. To 12" tall.

Allium falcifolium - Themidaceae, California. photo Low very ornamental onion with gray-green falcate leaves and round heads of vivid rose purple flowers in spring. 30 seeds Z8

Allium unifolium – Alliaceae, California. Heads of bright pink flowers on 12-18" stems show up well in spring.

Amsinckia vernicosa var. furcata 'Griswold Hills' - Boraginaceae, California. photo Very pretty pale yellow flowered form of the large flowered annual golden orange fiddleneck. Flowers are sweetly fragrant. Original seed from Bart O'Brien

Aristolochia californica – Aristolochiaceae. photo A lovely California relic of a mainly tropical genus, this vine has large felted, heart shaped leaves and curious purple-brown flowers reminiscent of a meerschaum pipe. Not difficult to grow, provided that it is given rich soil from the start and never, ever allowed to become potbound. Best results from seed soaked overnight, then covered at least 1/4" or the cotyledons will not be able to break out of the seedcoat. From Matt Teel. 30 seeds CN

Asclepias speciosa - Asclepiadaceae, Western N. America. photo Wide gray leaves on stems to 4' and large rounded heads of pinkish white flowers. Spreads at the root. This great perennial is slow to develop in its first year, and broadcast sowing is not recommended. Larval food for monarch butterflies. Seed strain from northern California. Z2

Brodiaea californica- Themidaceae, n. California. photo Native bulb makes strong stems to 18"+ with upfacing umbels of dark lavender purple flowers in late spring and early summer. Z8

Brodiaea elegans – Themidaceae, California. Harvest brodiaea is from California grasslands, and puts up loose umbels of upfacing vivid shining blue purple flowers in late spring and summer. Z8 30 seeds

Brodiaea jolonensis – Themidaceae, California. photo Loose clusters of small, upfacing violet trumpets in spring almost seem to float over the dry lean soils these corms inhabit in California's foothill woodlands. 30 seeds

Carpenteria californica – Hydrangeaceae, California. Clusters of large white showy fls. are displayed in spring over shiny green leaves on this attractive shrub. Dust-like seed to young seedling stage needs very close attention. Z8 100+ seed

Caulanthus anceps (Guillenia lemmonii) - Brassicaceae, California. photo Individual flowers are round and pinkish white, set along long, wand like gray stems. Fairly subtle on its own, but sparkling in combination with other fls, or in a mass.

Caulanthus flavescens (Guillenia f.) - Brassicaceae, California. photo Erect thin spikes carry masses of bright, creamy yellow fls in spring and early summer on this slender annual. Very showy when grown in a small colony. Stems to 18-24".

Caulanthus inflatus - Brassicaceae, California. photo Spectacular annual with striking inflated yellow stems; terminal tip and buds are dark purple. Small petals are bicolored purple and white and stigmas are pink. Needs excellent drainage, and grows well in containers. Can grow to 2'. There is nothing quite like this plant, commonly known as desert candle, when it blooms.
Centaurium (Zeltnera) muehlenbergii – Gentianaceae, California. photo Slender annual carries heads of silky clear pink flowers in spring. Beautiful in a mass, or a meadow. 200+ seed
Chaenactis artemisiifolia – Asteraceae, California. photoFerny, finely dissected gray leaves are set against well branched purplish stems that can reach 5’ in a season; dense white heads of “pincushion” flowers are abundant. Annual.
Chorizanthe douglasii – Polygonaceae, central California. photo Heads of hot pink flowers on slender stems are held over low leaves in late spring on this buckwheat relative. Best in lean soils, found in grassland or open woodland. Annual.
Chorizanthe membranacea - Polygonaceae, California. photo In natural settings, this annual is quite understated, with half-inch round heads of pinkish white flowers on erect stems. Planted closer together or in containers, it can present an impressive display of densely interlaced stems carrying white round flower heads in late spring and summer.

Chorizanthe stacticoides- Polygonaceae, California. Turkish rugging. Abundant on dry slopes, this annual puts on its show in late spring or early summer. Branched stems make broad heads of bright purplish magenta, prickly flowers.

Cirsium occidentale – Asteraceae, California. photo Coastal thistle makes rounded gray mounds to 2-3’; densely cobwebby heads open with red flowers. Literature calls it biennial, but it acts annual. 30 seeds

Clarkias are beautiful hardy annuals; they have been hybridized and bred for larger and more double flowers, but some of the species and varieties are the best. These species have been separated in the garden by space and time of bloom, so seed should be true to name. Packets contain 100+ seeds.
Clarkia amoena ssp. whitneyi - Onagraceae, Humboldt, Mendocino Co.,Calif. photoVery large light lavender pink fls. have whitish areas at the bases of the petals. Probably the largest clarkia in size--to 3'--of plant and of flower--to 3"+across.

Clarkia modesta – California. photo Delicate clarkia sets smallish pale pink flowers against red stems and green leaves and is covered with flowers in late spring and early summer. Prefers shady places in woodland settings.

Clarkia purpurea ssp. purpurea - Onagraceae, Santa Cruz Co., California. photoThis form of the species is very distinctive, with very dense heads of fair sized dark lavender flowers set against blue-green leaves. Upright to 18".
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera – Onagraceae, California. photoThe usual shiny deep reddish purple fls. have an unusual white center. Stems can reach 3-5’ in a garden setting and carry many flowers.

Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera –white flower- Onagraceae, California. photo Erect willowy annual displays small white flowers along the stems in spring. From a white flowering population in Monterey County. Grows 3-5’ in garden setting.

Clarkia rubicunda - Onagraceae, California. photo Large lavender pink flowers have red centers on this showy annual. Floriferous and very striking in containers or the garden. Good cut flower. Can grow to 2'+, blooms for months.

Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata - Onagraceae, California. photo Silky mauve purple flowers with striking white centers are 1.5" across in this subspecies. Can only be sold within California
Clarkia unguiculata - compact form - Onagraceae, California. photo From a colony found in Santa Cruz County, this very distinctive seed strain makes stocky columnar plants to 18". Bright mauve-red flowers and leaves are densely held.
Clarkia williamsonii - Onagraceae, California. photo Gaudy lavender pink flowers are good sized, with a broad white central zone, and wedge shaped patches of dark red violet on the petals. Best results with good drainage.

Claytonia parviflora – Montiaceae, California and the west. photo Diminutive form of miner’s lettuce forms tight mounds with white flowers nestled in the typical cupped leaves. Whole plant turns peachy gray as it matures. Buns to 8”. CN
Collinsia heterophylla—Sierra form - Plantaginaceae, California. photo Plants from the Sierras of this species have dark purple flowers, with light central patch and red lines in the usual places. Striking annual for part shade.
Collinsia parviflora - Plantaginaceae, California.photo Roundish bright dark green leaves are densely held on short stems. Vivid small violet blue flowers nestled in leaf axils are very well displayed. Great annual for small scale or containers.
Collinsia tinctoria - Plantaginaceae, California. photo Annual grows 2’ high. Abundant flowers in tiers are creamy white, with purple lines that seem almost painted on. Easy to grow.
Collomia grandiflora - Polemoniaceae, W. United States. photo Erect annual to 3' with shiny green leaves and very broad dense terminal heads of beige to salmon pink starry flowers. A very unusual color in flowers.

Coreopsis (Leptosyne) calliopsidea – Asteraceae, California. photo Sheets of these vivid golden yellow daisies brighten interior valleys when conditions are favorable in spring. This easy annual can have individual flowers up to an inch across.

Deinandra (Hemizonia) corymbosa - Asteraceae, California. photo Cheery 1" yellow daisies appear all summer on this well branched coastal annual to 18" with aromatic foliage and an easy constitution.

Deinandra (Hemizonia) fasciculata – Asteraceae, California. photo Clouds of acid yellow daisy flowers are held in dense heads on wiry stems on this well branched, airy annual. Plants can reach 3' in height. Extended bloom season.

Dendromecon harfordii – Papaveraceae, Channel Islands, California. Island bush poppy carries its bright yellow flowers set among greenish gray leaves spring to fall. "Instant smoke" will be included to encourage germination. 30 seeds Z8

Dichelostemma capitatum - giant form. Themidaceae, California. Tight heads of lavender blue flowers on this form from Santa Cruz Island; original collection by Roger Raiche. Stems can reach to 3', and fl. heads are easily 3" across. 30 seeds

Dichelostemma capitatum - white form. Themidaceae, California. photo Heads of sparkling white flowers on this color variant of the typical blue dicks. Flower stems 18-24 ". Spring bloom. 30 seeds

Dudleya brittonii – Crassulaceae, Baja California. photo Huge succulent silvery rosettes put up flower spikes with pale yellow flowers in spring, but the ghostly rosette is the real show. Protect from hard frost and winter wet. 100 seeds

Dudleya farinosa –green leaf - Crassulaceae, Califonria. Thick green leaves stay in a rosette. Red flower stems show off yellow flowers. 100 seeds

Elymus californicus – northern California. photo California bottlebrush grass has wide green leaves and gracefully draping "bottlebrush" flower spikes on 4-5' stems. Found in moist conifer forests, it appreciates at least part shade. Z8 or less

Eremalche parryi - Malvaceae, California. photoTrailing stems carry many bright silky light rose purple flowers in spring on this uncommon, pretty annual. Flower form like that of many Clarkias, and quite showy in bloom.

Eriogonum fasciculatum – Polygonaceae, California. Shrubby buckwheat covers vast hillsides in the interior part of this state. All manner of insects revel in the warm white to pale pink flowers in early summer, rusty red seedheads follow.
Eriogonum giganteum – Polygonaceae, Islands off southern California. This grand (4-6’) shrub with large oval silver leaves covers itself in summer with broad lacy umbels of white flowers that age rusty. Attractive to beneficial insects. Z9
Eriogonum grande var. rubescens - dark fl. Polygonaceae, California. photo This seed strain of red buckwheat produces rose pink to exceptionally dark rose-red flowers. Low leaves are gray to greenish gray. Fl. color is variable, but never light pink. Some fl. stems are taller than the typical seed strains offered of this species. Z9
Eriogonum vimineum– Polygonaceae, California to WA, Arizona. Wicker buckwheat. photo Perfect 18” domes with vivid rose pink round flowers held along wiry interlaced stems brighten the summer and early fall garden. Showy, annual.
Erysimum capitatum – Brassicaceae, California. Biennial brightens hillsides with spikes of fragrant, glowing orange “wallflowers” in spring. This seed came from particularly well branched plants. 30 seeds

Erysimum concinnum – Brassicaceae, California. Fragrant creamy yellow flowers are in short spikes on this perennial wallflower from central coastal California. Tidy green leaf mounds.

Erysimum franciscanum var. crassifolium - Brassicaceae, California. photo Low subshrubs make dense mounds that carry many spikes of bright yellow, sweetly scented wallflowers over the foliage in spring and summer. These seeds originated from a coastal population in Santa Cruz County. Z9 at least

Eschscholzia californica - cream fl. - Papaveraceae, California. photo This perennial form of California poppy has creamy to pale yellow flowers; it is smaller in stature than many robust orange cultivars, fitting into plantings easily. Z6 100 seeds
Eschscholzia californica - coastal form. Papaveraceae, California. photoThis groundcover form of California poppy develops branching stout roots, and spreading low stems. Blooms all summer in my garden, flowers are golden yellow with orange centers. Foliage stays clean all season, plants retreat to leafy rosettes in winter. Perennial. Z9
Eschscholzia lobbii - Papaveraceae, California. photo Diminutive plants produce vibrant clear yellow round flowers in spring and summer. Great for containers or rock gardens. Annual. 100 seeds
Eschscholzia lobbii ‘Sundew’ – Papaveraceae, California. photo The always diminutive plants put on their spring show with bright soft creamy yellow flowers. Exceptional seed strain for the dry border or containers. Annual, of course.
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - Boraginaceae, California. photo Divided mounding foliage has a wafting sweet-lemony smell; small white flowers are carried in loose clusters in spring ,early summer. Annual, and worth it for the foliage scent alone.

Festuca californica California, Oregon. Dark green leaf blades on 18” full clumps, this handsome grass is well adapted to summer dry climates. It inhabits north facing, often shady slopes Airy fl. stems to 4’+. Z8 or less

Gilia achilleifolia – Polemoniaceae, California. photo More relaxed in leaf and flower than G. capitata, this easy annual carries cheery bright blue, pale blue or white heads of flowers in spring and early summer. 100+ seed

Gilia achilleifolia—white flower Polemoniaceae, California. White flowered form of this cheery annual—easy and prolific in bloom. Reseeds nicely.
Gilia capitata ssp chamissonis – Polemoniaceae, California. photo Finely divided leaves form tight, low cushions; round heads of lavender blue flowers are held just over the low leaves. Native to coastal sandhills.
Gilia nevinii – Polemoniaceae, San Clemente, Santa Catalina, Guadalupe islands, California. photo Small starry blue flowers appear for months in abundance among feathery leaves on this charming annual. Mounds to 12”. 200+ seed
Gilia splendens – Polemoniaceae, California. photo Recently pronounced Saltugilia splendens, but it may take a while for the name to settle. This splendid annual keeps its rosette of finely divided leaves low, and sends up 1-3’ slender stems that branch profusely and carry clouds of rich candy pink flowers that move in the slightest breeze. Not always easy in cultivation, good drainage and lean soil are recommended.

Helenium puberulum - Asteraceae, California. Round balls of fertile flowers have a short skirt of petals below. The effect is of upright stems, very nodding in bud, and many round half-inch yellow balls. Very easy, can reseed. Z8 100 seeds
Hemizonia congesta ssp. lutescens - Asteraceae, California. photo Annual tarweed perfumes the summer air with its aromatic foliage, and carries pale cream to soft yellow daisy flowers for a long season. Blooms summer and fall.
Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia - Asteraceae, California. photo Bright white daisies are carried on this annual tarweed and it perfumes the summer and fall air with its aromatic foliage. Blooms summer to fall.

Hemizonia corymbosa, H. fasciculata now listed under Deinandra.

Heuchera maxima – Saxifragaceae, Channel Islands, California. photo Large rounded leaves develop into low wide cushions; spikes of warm white flowers set on pinkish stems rise to 3’ in spring. Great in dry shade. 100+ seeds

Hibiscus lasiocarpos var occidentalis – Malvaceae, Central Valley California. This wetland inhabitant forms a perennial rhizome. Stems to 6' with soft-furry green leaves display white hibiscus fls w/red centers if it is hot enough. 20 seeds CN

Hulsea heterochroma – Asteraceae, California. photo Very narrow rusty red rays surround a central golden disc; glandular green leaves stay low. Can grow to 3' high. "Instant smoke" will accompany seed, as it is a fire follower.

Isomeris arborea – Capparaceae, California. Silvery light green leaves add beautiful foliage texture to any planting. Bright yellow flowers followed by fat green seedpods (hence its common name of bladderpod). Shrub to 4-5’. Z9? 30 seeds

Lasthenia californica ssp.macrantha – Asteraceae, California. photo It is hard to believe this perennial goldfields is closely related to the slender yellow daisy that carpets dry places in spring. Wide green leaves are form a tight cushion to 4" high and 16" across. Bright yellow flowers appear almost year-round. From the immediate coast, best with some water.

Layia chrysanthemoides – Asteraceae, California. photo Smooth tidy tips. Somewhat succulent low leaves are glossy green; cheery spring flowers are good sized, abundant and yellow with white tips. Annual. CN
Layia gaillardioides – Asteraceae, California. photo Perfumed tarweed ends the spring season with bright yellow daisies held on slender stems with that wonderful tangy aroma. Easy annual in sun or part shade.
Layia glandulosa - creamy yellow fl. Asteraceae, western U.S. photo Palest yellow daisies in spring on branched slender stems create a great effect in spring. Aromatic leaves. Spring bloom is profuse, annual.
Limnanthes douglasii ssp. nivea - Limnanthaceae, California. photo Easy annual, and it does well in winter wet soil. Pure white flowers in spring appear in abundance, before the plant disappears for the summer, to reappear with fall rains.
Linanthus “dylanae” – Polemoniaceae, Santa Cruz County, California. photo Thought to be either a subspecies of Linanthus grandiflorus or a distinct species, this annual extends its blooming season for months with some supplemental water. Dense heads (over an inch across) of dark lavender flowers are held on 12” stems. Easy.

Linanthus 'Stardust' - Polemoniaceae, California. photo Derived from races of Linanthus parviflorus, this seed strain produces masses of flowers in sparkling colors - orange, yellow, pink, and cream – in spring. 100 seeds

Lotus (Hosackia) crassifolius var. otayensis - Fabaceae, San Diego County, California. photo Arching stems carry gray green, softly furry leaves and rise to about 18". Clusters of red violet and white fls. appear in spring and summer. Perennial. Z9?
Lotus formosissimus (Hosackia gracilis) - Fabaceae, California.photo From seasonally moist meadows, harlequin lotus forms a flat perennial mat to 2' across, covered with bright yellow and pink pea flowers in spring, with scattered bloom in summer. Z8?
Lotus (Acmispon) grandiflorus- Fabaceae, California. Rounded perennial to 2-3' with soft light green divided leaves and pretty clusters of cream colored flowers. Persistent fruits to 3"+ across form a stiff chestnut pinwheel. Hardy to at least Z9.
Lotus (Hosackia) yollaboliensis- Fabaceae, northern California. photo Absolutely flat mats of green leaves are covered with white and yellow pea flowers in summer. Z9 at least. 30 seeds
Lupinus albifrons – Fabaceae, California. photo This widespread species is found in many plant communities. Leaves are silvery; flower stems with reddish to blue purple flowers wreath 2-3’ shrubs in spring and early summer. 50 seeds
Lupinus albifrons var. collinus – Fabaceae, California. Silvery leaves on spreading stems make a low mat; spikes of bright blue purple flowers extend to 18”. Spring bloom on this perennial subshrub. 30 seeds limited supply
Lupinus arboreus—blue fl– Fabaceae, central California. Bush lupine also goes by the name of L. propinquus. It quickly makes a rounded 4’ loose shrub with spires of lavender blue flowers in spring. Green leaves. Adaptable. 50 seeds

Lupinus arboreus—yellow fl – Fabaceae, California to Oregon. Robust bush lupine to 6' is found on sand dunes and coastal plant communities. Leaves are green, flower spikes display bright yellow flowers in spring. 50 seeds

Lupinus bicolor – Fabaceae, California to Washington. photo Annual. Miniature lupine displays small, very bright blue flowers in spring. Only 12” tall, but a patch of flowers creates quite a nice, sparkling effect. Annual. 50+ seeds

Lupinus concinnus – Fabaceae, California. photo Cute little bajada lupine creates white furry foliage mounds to 8" and decorates them with spikes of smallish bright blue purple flowers in spring. Annual. 50 seeds

Lupinus hirsutissimus - Fabaceae, California. photo The common name of stinging lupine for this annual does not begin to illustrate the charm of this plant. Covered with stiff hairs, it bristles with enthusiasm. Red violet fls. in spring. 30 seeds
Lupinus latifolius var. parishii – Fabaceae, California. photo A moisture loving California lupine, this leafy perennial makes strong stems to 4-5’ and tops them with long stems of soft mauve pink flowers in late spring and summer. 30 seeds
Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus – pale pink – Fabaceae, California. photo This form of chick lupine carries soft pink to light lavender flowers over light green leaves. Annual 30 seeds

Lupinus microcarpus var microcarpus (L. subvexus) – photo Bright red violet to purple flowers are carried in spikes over low green leaves on this spring blooming annual. Low leaves, nice show. 30 seeds

Lupinus microcarpus var microcarpus –lavender blue– photo Seed from a local race with lavender blue flowers. Dense furry flower spikes held over low green leaves. 30 seeds

Lupinus nanus - Fabaceae, western U.S. photo Annual with bright blue flowers grows to 15", and blooms with abandon in spring. Sweet "moth ball" fl. fragrance is just another intriguing smell from California grasslands. 30 seeds

Lupinus nanus 'Pacific Pink'- Fabaceae, western U.S. photo Soft pink flowered seed strain of the annual lupine that paints California spring meadows in broad swathes. Developed from a chance finding of pink fl. plants. 50 seeds

Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei – Fabaceae, California. Perennial lupine native to mountain meadows and slopes makes low, typically palmate green leaves; bright lavender blue flowers are carried in spikes in midsummer. 30 seeds
Lupinus succulentus 'Rodeo Rose' - Fabaceae, California. photo Typical L. succulentus has blue purple flowers. This very pretty seed strain produces soft rose pink flower spikes for a long period in spring and summer. Original selection and naming was by Roger Raiche. Annual. 30 seeds

Madia elegans - Asteraceae, California. photo Annual. Young rosettes are soft-hairy; by midsummer they can elongate from 3-7' and short branches carrying many 1.5" miniature sunflowers explode with color. Aromatic foliage.

Madia elegans ssp. vernalis - California. photo Annual. The cheery spring blooming form of common madia makes masses of 1-2" bright yellow daisies on a rounded, well branched mound to 30". Leaves have the typical sweet tarweed aroma.

Melica imperfecta - photo Coast melic grows in many plant communities in California. It forms bright green tidy clumps and flower stems are narrow and somewhat drooping. Will grow in sun or part shade. Z8 or less
Mimulus cardinalis - gold fl. Phrymaceae, western U.S. photo Golden orange flowers appear in subtle variations in this seed strain from a golden flowered form of the perennial scarlet monkeyflower found on Santa Cruz Island. Z7 100+ seed
Mimulus guttatus -low form Phrymaceae, western U.S. photo This desirable seed strain of common monkeyflower produces leaves that always stay low, and fairly tidy. Brilliant yellow fls. on leafless 18" stems. Wet growing. Z6 100+ seed
Mimulus pictus - Phrymaceae, California. photo The beauty of this small annual is in the intricate markings on its salverform flowers. The background color is white, but it is delicately patterned with clear brown lines. Best in containers. 100+ seed

Monardella villosa ssp. obispoensis – Lamiaceae, central California. Erect subshrub has round leaves with furry undersides; and the typical dome shaped flower heads crowded with lavender flowers in early summer. Z8

Monolopia lanceolata – Asteraceae, California. Hilltop daisy paints the interior coast range hillsides yellow in favored years. This annual is easy to grow with an abundance of bright yellow daisies in spring.

Monolopia stricta – Asteraceae, California. photo Small yellow daisy flowers are held in frothy abundance over smooth gray leaves on this charming small stature spring blooming annual from the dry interior parts of California.

Muhlenbergia rigens - California. This architectural grass has an evergreen basal foliage clump and thin, silvery, erect flower spikes in summer. Spikes persist into fall and winter. Used by native Americans for baskets. Z7 100+ seed

Nassella cernua, lepida, pulchra are now back to Stipa.

Nemophila menziesii 'Frosty Blue' – Boraginaceae, California. photo Typical baby blue eyes has those incredible baby blue flowers in spring set among green leaves with silver spots. This seed strain produces many plants with all silver leaves as well as the typical silver spotted ones. Annual, and shows up well in the shade.

Perideridia kelloggii – Apiaceae, California. Slender perennial with divided leaves puts up flower stems to 3' which carry heads of white flowers. Blooms with the hayfield tarweeds in midsummer. 20 seeds limited supply

Phacelia bolanderi - Boraginaceae California, Oregon. photo Light lilac blue flowers are held on spreading stems over softly hairy, gray green leaves. Effect is subtle, but very pleasing. Good perennial plant for dry shade.

Phacelia californica - Boraginaceae, California. photo Attractive perennial foliage clumps are a purplish gray green. Full flower heads are an especially bright lavender and are held over the foliage on erect stems in spring. Z9, at least

Phacelia campanularia – Boraginaceae, California. The common name desert bluebells describes this easy annual perfectly. Flowers are bright blue purple and showy in spring. 100+ seeds

Phacelia ciliata – Boraginaceae, California. photo This bright lavender blue annual phacelia creates lakes of color in the Carrizo Plain area in spring during generous rainfall years. Flowers are held over lobed soft grey-green leaves.

Phacelia distans – Boraginaceae, California. photo Creamy flowers with delicate brown veining are abundant on this widespread California annual. It is much appreciated by all sorts of bees and flying creatures. 100+ seeds

Pholistoma auritum – Boraginaceae, California. photo Clambering annual has widely lobed green leaves with silvery spotting, and large lavender blue flowers with white then dark centers. Showy annual for dry shade.

Romanzoffia californica - Boraginaceae, California to Washington. photo Mist maidens. Low clumps of shiny lobed lvs are absolutely covered with dainty white flowers in spring. Must dry out completely summer and fall. Easy in containers. Z7
Romneya coulteri – Papaveraceae, California. White poppy flowers can be 6-12” wide on this glorious perennial. Not particularly easy from seed, it can be difficult to establish in the garden, and then difficult to eradicate if it settles in and begins relentless root wandering. But it is still very desirable. “Instant smoke” will be supplied to aid germination.
All Salvias are in the Lamiaceae.

Salvia apiana – California. White sage. Subshrub makes 2-3' mounds of broad white, highly aromatic leaves. Flower stems to 6'+ carry white to pinkish white flowers in spring. 50 seeds

Salvia carduacea - California. photo Pale lavender blue flowers with an incredibly frilly lower lip are borne in spiny, cobwebby heads. Annual, good in containers. Z8 30 seeds

Salvia clevelandii hybrids - California. Seed was collected from Salvia clevelandii 'Winnifred Gilman' in the presence of other California species and they are known to cross freely. Parent has aromatic leaves, bright blue fls. 50 seeds

Salvia columbariae - California, southwest U.S. Chia is a great annual for open ground. Prickly round heads of bright blue purple flowers on very straight stems. Plants can bloom at 4" or 2', depending on cultural conditions. 50+ seeds

Sanicula bipinnatifida – Apiaceae, California. photo Charming perennial from grasslands throughout California puts up branched stems to 18” with rounded balls of maroon flowers in spring and early summer. Z8?

Scrophularia californica - chartreuse fl. Scrophulariaceae, California. The typical figwort has small dark red flowers; this seed strain has the same small flowers but they are a striking yellow green. Perennial, to 5’+. Z7 100+ seeds

Stipa (Nassella) cernua - California. Nodding needlegrass. Slender stems carry long sleek 3" awns on this native California bunchgrass. Narrow leaves are blue-green. Very ornamental in flower and seed. Z8

Stipa (Nassella) lepida – Poacaee, California. Foothill needlegrass. Similar to N. cernua, but a little smaller with shorter awns. Graceful flower sprays are silky blond, over fine textured low foliage. Looks great on banks or backlit. Z8

Stipa (Nassella) pulchra - Poaceae, California. Purple needlegrass. State grass of California. This bunchgrass is more robust than the preceding species. There is a purplish cast to the very gracefully displayed, long awned flowers. Z8

Streptanthus farnsworthianus - Brassicaceae, California. photo Startling shiny red violet to navy blue bracts are up to 4" long and 2" wide on this spring annual. Actual small flowers are white. To 18" tall. Easy to grow.

Streptanthus glandulosus ssp glandulosus (albidus ssp. peramoenus) - Brassicaceae, California. photo An uncommon annual with bright mauve-purple inflated flowers on slender stems. Easy.

Streptanthus glandulosus ssp. secundus - Brassicaceae, California. photo Little white pouch flowers set along thin stems are pretty in mass on this easy spring annual. To 12-18".

Streptanthus insignis - Brassicaceae, California. photo A slender spring annual that sends flowers up from a basal rosette. Showy sterile bracts held at the top are rich, dark purple; actual flowers are paler, but interesting. Most effective in a colony.

Thalictrum fendleri var. polycarpum – Ranunculaceae, California and the west. The local meadow rue lacks the vivid pinks of garden varieties, but it is a thoroughly graceful perennial. Typical delicate leaves stay below 2', flower stems to 6' carry clouds of subtle flowers. A flower panicle of male stamens all hanging strictly vertical on threadlike filaments is quite a show.

Thysanocarpus curvipes - Brassicaceae, California, western U.S. photo Lacepod is a slender spring annual with small white flowers, but elegant and well displayed fruits. Dangling round seeds display a network of veins to the edges of the "pod", and are subtly colored pink and green and cream as they mature. 30 seeds

A closer look at the California clovers has been very rewarding. Seeds offered are from annual species with richly colored flowers and often they have interesting patterns on their leaves too. Special thanks to Randall Morgan for sharing seeds.

Trifolium fucatum - Fabaceae, California, Oregon. photo A very nice annual from wet meadows, lush green leaves often have interesting brown and silver markings. Large flower heads start out creamy white and age to a light rosy pink.

Trifolium jokerstii – Fabaceae, Butte County, California. photo Bright golden flower heads glow over green –sometimes with red markings—leaves on this small annual cushion. Spring bloom. 20 seeds
Trifolium lilacinum - Fabaceae, California. photo Green, pink, cream and black are combined on (smallish) intricately patterned leaves. Flowers combine lilac and white. Included within T. barbigerum var. andrewsii in Jepson Manual.
Trifolium phaeocephalum Greene - Fabaceae, California. photo Flowers are darkest purple and white on this species; and can appear for a long time if season is mild. Some markings on the leaves. Classified in Jepson under T. variegatum.
Trifolium species or subspecies—cub clover. Fabaceae, central California. Affectionately called "cub clover" because it is a junior form or subspecies of bear clover, T. virescens, this annual has lush green leaves with brown speckles and round greenish yellow flower heads that age rose. Grows on grassy slopes and in meadows. 30 seeds CN
Trifolium virescens Greene - Fabaceae, California, Oregon. photo Lush green leaves form strong clumps on this annual; good sized flower heads start out bright greenish yellow and age to vivid rose. A very ornamental clover; also used by native Americans. Some of the seedlings may have dark patterns on the leaves.

Trifolium willdenovii - Fabaceae, W. United States. photo Thin leaves and many rich purple and white flowers on rounded heads. Some seedlings have burgundy leaves. Annual. Good on heavy soils.