Redbud Chapter • Western Nevada & Placer Counties www.redbud-cnps.orgCalifornia Native Plant Society www.cnps.org

Anna’s Humm

ingbird, Calypte annaIllustration by and courtesy of John M

uir Laws, ©

2008

California Native Plants that Attract HummingbirdsNevada and Placer County Region of the Northern Sierra Foothills

By planting the native wildflowers, shrubs, and treesupon which North American hummingbirds have dependedfor thousands of years, you will not only bring vibrant colorto your garden, but you will also help to insure a brighterfuture for the birds that John James Audubon called“glittering garments of the rainbow.” Although variousexotic flowering plants are attractive to hummingbirds,many of them invade neighboring fields and woodlands,crowding out more beneficial native shrubs and wild-flowers. Also, cultivated hybrids often produce much lessnectar than wild species.

The more closely your yard looks as if Mother Nature didthe landscaping, the more likely it is that hummingbirdswill make regular visits. The number of hummingbirdsthat frequent your yard is closely linked to the abundanceof their four life-sustaining needs:• food—75% nectar, 25% protein from small insects

and spiders and some pollen,• water—they love to zip through moving water, such as

a birdbath fountain, mist sprayer, or garden sprinkler,• cover—from predators and for nesting (as well as

nesting materials), and• perches—they spend 60–80% of each day perching,

surveying their territory and dozing.

To best provide these needs, learn about local humming-bird habits and which species are likely to occur nearyour home. This knowledge will help you select plants thatwill bloom during the time that hummingbirds are likely tovisit your yard. Nevada and Placer Counties host thesespecies of hummingbirds:• Anna’s—our only year-round resident; nests December

to June in the foothills; current and gooseberry flowers,Ribes, are key nectar sources in the early months oftheir breeding season.

• Black-chinned—nests April to August in lowlandareas; willows and sycamores are key species; later inthe season may move up into foothills or lower eleva-tions of mountain slopes.

• Calliope—smallest hummernormally found in the US; nests mid-May through July in high mountainforests and meadows, almost totimberline.

• Rufous—northward migration Marchthrough May; southward late June throughSeptember (breeding grounds in Pacific Northwest tosouth central Alaska) southeast through Sierra andRocky Mountains, following seasonal blooming offlowers; California Fuchsia is a key species.

Flowers should be chosen for their ability to producenectar, to grow well in your particular region, and to be inbloom when the hummingbirds need them. For the bestresults, plant patches of the same species (three or moreplants) to provide larger quantities of nectar and to boostthe color show (and to shorten flight distance).

Red flowers possess the highest attraction value becausethey cue hummingbirds to rich sources of nectar. Aprimary reason is that the red end of the color spectrum isnot typically seen by nectar-seeking insects. Red alsostands out the best against green foliage. It’s estimated thata hummingbird in flight can spot a red flower from half amile away. Once red draws them into your garden, thelittle birds will visit a range of flower colors, especiallythose whose closely spaced blossoms allow them to movequickly from flower to flower. Hummingbirds also respondwell to tubular flowers, a shape that deters insect access tothe nectar.

If your flowers, shrubs, and trees don’t host bugs, thenyou won’t have birds. It’s that simple. Organic gardens arelikely to host plenty of insects and spiders for humming-birds to eat. Using pesticides around hummingbird plantsis a very bad idea. In addition to killing the small insectsthat hummers rely upon for protein, the birds mightdirectly ingest pesticides, which could sicken or kill them.

Spiders play another important role because hummersuse spider silk to bind together the soft plant fibers out ofwhich they build their tiny, walnut-half sized nests.

d

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 2

Ribes malvaceum semi-evergreen shrubChaparral Currant Dec–MarSun to part sun; more shade inland; sand to clay soil, gooddrainage; semi-dry to semi-moist. Native to chaparral, oakwoodland, foothills, canyons. Many erect stems from base;3–8′ × same. Does well in hot inland conditions; toleratesdrought, heat, poor soil. Recommended for dry shade underoaks or pines. Fragrant, olive-green foliage; droughtdeciduous, do not water it then; to keep foliage longerthrough summer, mulch and water a little extra in spring.Fragrant pink flowers; berries red to blue. Native to: centralSierra Nevada foothills, inner North Coast Ranges, SF BayArea, South Coast Ranges, Channel Islands; northern Baja.

Ribes speciosum semi-deciduous shrubFuchsia-flowering Gooseberry Jan–AprPartial sun to shade; loam to clay soil; dry to semi-dry.Drought tolerant and heat deciduous; will leaf out in late fallto early winter. Compact, to 10′. Spiny, arching branchescovered in inch long, dangling cherry red blossoms followedby red, bristle-covered berries, which persist throughsummer. California’s showiest gooseberry. Native to: centraland southern California coastal areas.

Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum deciduous shrubPink-flowered Currant Jan–MaySun to part sun; more shade inland; sand to clay soil; somesummer water. Perfect for woodland garden; especially nicearound oaks because of their drought tolerance, or asfoundation shrub, specimen, or informal hedge. Open anderect, to 12′. Long panicles of pale pink to rose-purpleflowers; bluish black berries. Native to: northern andcentral California coastal areas.

Arctostaphylos spp.evergreen, mat-forming to upright shrubs and small trees

Manzanita Jan–Mar (lower) | May–June (high country)Many species and cultivars. Part sun to light shade in drylandhabitat (drought tolerant). Beautiful smooth red bark.Clusters of small white to pink, nodding, urn-shaped flowers.One of the earliest blooming Sierran plant groups, making itimportant to hummingbirds.

A. mewukka, mewukka ssp. truei evergreen shrubsIndian, True’s Manzanita* (above 2,500′) Feb–Mar | May–JuneA. nevadensis prostrate, evergreen shrub, to 2′Pinemat Manzanita* (above 3,000′) Feb–Mar | May–JuneA. patula erect shrub, 3–7′Greenleaf Manzanita* (above 4,500′) Mar–AprAbove-named species best in their native ranges and habitats;do not adapt well to gardens.A. viscida ssp. viscida erect shrubWhiteleaf or Sierra Manzanita* Feb–MarGranitic and acidic, well draining soils; semi-dry. Native tomid elevations; grows well with pines. 5–12′ × 4–5′. Greataddition to woodland garden or as specimen.

Aristolochia californica semi-deciduous, woody vinePipevine, Dutchman′s Pipe* Jan–AprPart to full shade; clay tolerant; semi-dry to semi-moist.Climbing stems with heart-shaped leaves twine beautifully overan arbor, chain-link fence, or through a shrub. Will also carpetthe ground, grow into the trees (not smothering), and bloomprolificly, if it is happy. Curious 2–4″ flowers shaped like fatlittle pipes; patterned maroon-brown and greenish cream.

Ribes viburnifolium evergreen shrubCatalina Currant Feb–AprPartial sun to shade; rocky soil, clay tolerant; dry to semi-dry.An “un-currant-like” currant with handsome, fragrant, darkglossy green leaves and dark stems. Excellent under oaksand for erosion control in dry shade. Rambling shrub makesa loose ground cover; long, arching branches root at the tipsin moist soil; 3′ × 3–6′. Red flowers followed by red berries.Native to: Santa Catalina Island, All Saints Bay; Baja.

Cercis occidentalis deciduous shrub/small treeWestern Redbud* Feb–AprFull sun to light shade in dryland habitat (drought tolerant).Tolerates regular irrigation in well-drained soil. Crownsrounded on clustered, erect branches; to 25′ tall. Profusionof half-inch pea flowers open magenta from purple buds thatmature to pink on bare branches prior to leafing out.

In general, all of the flowers that attract hummingbirds also attract other nectar and pollen seekers—butterflies, bees,other insects—to varying degrees. The fruits and seeds that result from the pollinated flowers then attract an array ofother wildlife, from insects to birds to an assortment of furry critters, in addition to what goes into the soil seed bank forfuture generations of plants. Then there are the plants the leaves of which serve as browse from deer to rabbits and otherrodents to caterpillars (larvae) for butterflies and moths and many other insects. Larger plants, particularly shrubs andtrees, serve as cover, roosting, and nesting sites. The plant-by-plant details of all this are beyond the scope of this handout.

Blooming Period: This varies by elevation, site exposure, habitat, and weather for that particular year. The time spanlisted for each species roughly covers when it may start blooming at the low end of its elevation range to when it mayfinish at the upper end of its range. Individual plants don’t generally bloom for the full time span listed.Plants listed in approximate bloom order.

Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. viscida,Whiteleaf or Sierra Manzanita

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 3

Cynoglossum grande herbaceous perennialGrand Hound’s Tongue* Feb–MayA native forget-me-not found in open woods. Dry shade; claytolerant. Best with little or no supplemental water; willtolerate summer water in a well drained spot. Goes completelydormant in summer. Striking foliage of broad tongue-shapedleaves appears in early January, soon followed by 1–3′ tallspikes of intense blue flowers with white centers.

Sisyrinchium bellum perennialBlue-eyed Grass* Feb–JulyFull sun to part-shade; sand to clay, well drained soil; semi-dry to semi-moist; goes dormant without summer water.Excellent meadow plant (4–24″). Dainty, iris leaves withviolet-blue flowers with yellow centers. Often reseeds; greatplant to fill in little gaps here and there.

Dichelostemma capitatum perennial bulbBlue Dicks* late Feb–MayFull sun to part sun; clay to sandy soil; regular moisture ingrowth, dry in dormancy. Tight umbels of upright, bell-shapedblue flowers clustered at end of 12–24″ stalk. Easy, charming;excellent mixed with smaller native grasses in a meadow.

Salix spp. deciduous shrubs and treesWillows Mar–AprWillows are especially important because their blossomsoffer lots of nectar, attract swarms of insects, and produce,with their seeds, plant down, which the hummingbirds use intheir nest construction. Common willows in our area:S. exigua (Narrowleaf*, Sandbar*), S. gooddingii (SanJoaquin*), S. laevigata (Red*), S. lasiolepis (Arroyo*),S. lucida (Shining*), S. scouleriana (Scouler’s*)

Triteleia lilacina perennial bulbGlassy Hyacinth or Brodiaea, Foothill Triteleia* Mar–AprSun to part shade; well drained; regular moisture in growth,dry in dormancy. Dainty bunches of white flowers, oftentinted and striped blue or pink, with an inner diamond-likesparkle on 4–16″ stems.

Gilia tricolor ssp. tricolor annualBirds-eye Gilia* Mar–AprFull sun; sandy to clay soil; dry to semi-dry. Grows and bloomsquickly from seed; frost tender. Best for meadowlike plantings.Abundant light blue to purple blooms on 4–15″ stems.

Berberis (Mahonia) aquifoliumvar. aquifolium evergreen shrub/thicket

Barberry or Oregon-grape* Mar–MaySun to shade; tolerates dry and clay soil as well as someirrigation. Similar in appearance to holly. Clusters of showyyellow flowers followed by blue-purple berries. Can be usedas hedge; to 10′ tall. (B. a. var. repens: ground cover form;1–3′ tall.)

Castilleja exserta annualPurple Owl’s Clover* Mar–MaySun; well drained soil; regular moisture in growth. Comes upin the spring after the rains. Partially parasitic; does best withgrasses or other wildflowers. Dense spikes of bright maroontufts, 4–16″ tall.

Ceanothus spp.evergreen, prostrate to upright shrubs to small trees

Ceanothus, Wild or California Lilac Mar–MayMany species and cultivars. Major component and genus ofthe shrub and groundcover layers throughout the Sierramountains and foothills. Part sun to light shade in drylandhabitat (drought tolerant). Showy inflorescences of smallblue or white flowers. Plants furnish excellent deer browse.C. cuneatus var. cuneatus evergreen shrubBuckbrush, Wedgeleaf Ceanothus* Mar–AprIntricately branched, prostrate or erect; small, leatheryleaves, dull or shiny green; to 8′ tall. Flowers white, blue, orlavender; mostly white in our area.C. lemmonii evergreen shrubLemmon’s or Trinity Ceanothus* Apr–MayLow, mounding, compact; small, thin, dull waxy green leaves;3′ × 3–6′. Flowers varying shades of blue.

Lonicera hispidula var. vacillanssemi-evergreen, woody perennial vine

Hairy or Wild Pink Honeysuckle* Mar–MayFound in nature as a loose groundcover or growing throughnative shrubs in oak woodlands and forests. Quite attractiveplanted as it occurs in nature; twining through a shrub, givesgood display of pink flowers and cherry red fall fruit at theends of 3–6′ stems; not a suitable vine for trellis. Part sun toshade; clay soil; seasonal flooding. Easy to grow in dry shade.Responds well to irrigation; very fast growing if kept moist.

Delphinium variegatum herbaceous perennialRoyal Larkspur* Mar–MayNative in open grasslands and occasional in chaparral andwoodland openings. One of the showiest of our nativedelphiniums; 6–36″ tall. Large, deep royal blue to blue-purple flowers; occasionally various paler shades of blue tolavender or white; upper petals of center “bee” are white.

Salvia spathacea evergreen shrubHummingbird Sage Mar–MayNative to woodland, chaparral, coastal-sage scrub; open orshady slopes. Sun to shade; sandy to rocky to decomposedgranite soil; clay tolerant; dry to regular water; drought andgarden water tolerant. Spreads by root sprouts. Very fragrantfoliage to 1′; showy, fragrant, magenta flowering spikes willtop 3′. While not necessary, cutting the plant to the ground inJanuary will make it look nicer the following year. Native to:southern Sacramento Valley (Solano Co.), central tosouthern coastal region.Ceanothus cuneatus,

Buckbrush, Wedgeleaf Ceanothus

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 4

Clematis lasiantha woody, deciduous vineChaparral Clematis or Virgin’s Bower* Mar–JunFull sun to light shade; semi-dry to dry; tolerates heat;completely drought tolerant when established; prefersshaded root zone. Quickly covers a fence or trellis; attractivetwining through our local shrubs, giving interest to thosewithout a spring show; 8–20′. Clusters of fragrant, creamywhite flowers with many stamens, followed by billowyclusters of feathery-tailed seeds that catch the sunlight.

Lupinus nanus annualSky Lupine* Mar–JuneSun to part sun; sandy or rocky soil; dry to semi dry. Erectplant, to 2′ tall. Blue-purple flowers with vertical, whitishzone in the center of the banner petal that turns rosy withpollination. One of our earliest lupines, along with similarlooking L. bicolor, Miniature Lupine.

Lupinus succulentus annualArroyo or Succulent Lupine* Mar–JuneSun to part sun; sandy to clay soil; dry to semi dry. Easy togrow; 8–24″ tall; common in disturbed areas; competes withweeds; adds nitrogen to soil. Gorgeous deep purple-blueflowers fleshy plant with white zone on banner petal similarto L. nanus, Sky Lupine.

Collinsia heterophylla annualChinese Houses* Mar–JulyShade; sand to clay soil, semi-moist. Plants 6–20″ tall.Common name derives from dense, pagoda-like slantedwhorls of typically two-tone flowers. Color varies from lilacto rose-purple to all white.

Lupinus albifrons semi-evergreen, woody perennialBush or Silver Lupine* Mar–JulyA lovely if unassuming silver-leaved 4′ shrub much of theyear—showstopper when its bright purple, 1′ flower spikescover the plant. Needs full sun, good drainage, and a fairlydry situation to do its best, but will take a little extra water.Tolerates heat, nutrient-poor soil. Beautiful dry bank coveror accent for shrub border. Long-lived and reliable.

Silene californica herbaceous perennialIndian Pink* Mar–JulyFiltered sun or light shade; sandy to rocky soil; semi-dry todry. Native to brushy and rocky slopes, which they colonizewith a stout taproot and rhizomes. Very showy; dark green,compact plant (6–12″) contrasts well with the brilliantscarlet-red flowers up to 1″ across with deeply lobed petals.(“Pink” in the common name refers to the petal lobing.)Very attractive to snails (especially if irrigated); does well inhanging baskets.

Dicentra formosa herbaceous perennialWild Bleeding Heart* Mar–JulyNative to moist woodland habitat. Needs moisture and partialto full shade. Spreads aggressively in irrigated garden habitat.Clusters of pendulous, pale pink to deep rose flowers onleafless stems, 8–18″ tall.

Opuntia spp. perennial shrub to tree sizePrickly-pear Cacti Mar–Aug (varies by species)Yes, cacti are used by hummingbirds. All need full sun,sandy/gravelly/rocky soil, and excellent drainage.Native to: So. Calif. region, coast ranges, deserts, and desertmountains; to western, southwestern, and Mexican deserts.O. basilaris woody perennialBeavertail Cactus Mar–JulyA small (to 16″), well-behaved cactus, native to the pinyon-juniper woodland habitat in the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts,which includes a portion of the southern Sierra. Very difficultin clay soils, acid soils, shade, or conifer forest areas. Lusciousmagenta-pink flowers. Native to: most of genus range.

Mimulus guttatus herbaceous perennial/annualSeepspring Monkeyflower* Mar–SeptFull sun to part shade; clay tolerant; wet. Common in mosttypes of wet habitats. Highly variable plant; 2–36″ tall. Mostlywinter dormant, stalks rise quickly and are soon topped withmany large, cheerful, bright yellow flowers as weatherwarms. Great for containers or a wet garden area, such asunder a dripping, bird-attracting water feature.

Solanum xanti herbaceous perennialPurple Nightshade* Mar–SeptSun to part sun. sandy to rocky soil; semi-dry; very droughttolerant. Native in chaparral and coastal scrub, twiningthrough larger shrubs and adorning them with its broad,lavender-blue flowers. Planted on its own, makes showymound of gray-green stems and foliage to about 3′ tall. Cutback a couple times a year to control its rambling growthhabit, if desired. This plant is poisonous and should not beused for human consumption in any form.

Arbutus menziesii evergreen treePacific Madrone* AprBest in well-drained soil. Can be difficult to establish. Erect,single or multistemmed, often crooked and slanted; typically25′ tall, can exceed 100′; crowns broad, irregular, andsparse; may live 400–500 years. Prized for its satiny orange-red bark and dark green leaves. Large clusters of whiteflowers, followed by bright red berries in late summer.

Silene californica,Indian Pink

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 5

Ribes aureum var. aureum deciduous shrubGolden Currant* Apr–MaySun to partial sun; clay to sandy soil; tolerates standing inwater to drought. Native to moist areas. Use as a backdrop toa woodland planting or around oaks; 3–8′ tall; best in a lightshade. Bright yellow, scented flower clusters age to red; tastyand tart berries are yellow, orange, red, or purple-black.May require some winter chill to break dormancy and tofruit. Very easy to grow. Just water.

Cephalanthus occidentalis deciduous shrubButtonwillow* Apr–MaySun; water; tolerates alkaline soil. Good stream-siderevegetation plant; 6–30′ tall. Creamy white flowers in 1–2″spherical clusters that look like pin cushions. Foliage turnsbright yellow with some orange in fall.

Pickeringia montana evergreen shrubChaparral Pea* Apr–MayNative to hot, dry, rocky chaparral habitat. Sun; clay tolerant;well drained; summer dry. 2–6′ × same. Difficult plant toestablish successfully (or propagate). Very showy when inbloom, with glowing magenta pink pea flowers contrastingwith small, dark green leaves. If you have a hot dry hillsideor well drained area, though, there is hardly a showier nativeshrub out there.

Salvia mellifera evergreen shrubBlack Sage Apr–MaySun to part shade; sandy to rocky soil; clay tolerant; dry tosemi-dry. Sunny exposure, well-drained soil; little or nosummer water. Erect, very aromatic, to 5′ tall. Numerousflowers in compact whorled clusters, white to pale blue andlilac. Useful for covering dry banks and to control soilerosion. Native on dry foothill and lower mountain slopes.Native to: California coastal regions, SF Bay to no. Baja

Calochortus albus perennial bulbFairy Lantern, White Globe Lily* Apr–JuneSun to part shade; well drained soil; regular moisture ingrowth; dry in dormancy. Beautiful white to blush pink,pendulous flowers on 15–30″ stems.

Iris douglasiana ‘Pacific Coast Hybrids’evergreen, herbacious perennial

Pacific Coast Iris hybrids Apr–JunePart sun to shade; well drained, sandy to loam soil; semi-dry.Tolerates garden water; best kept dry during the summer.Recommended under canopy shade of oaks or pine trees.Elegant flowers in a broad range of colors grace the clumpsof evergreen foliage (2′ × 2′). Mass plantings for best effect.Species native to: California and Oregon coastal region.

Platanus racemosa large, deciduous treeWestern Sycamore Apr–JuneNative to watercourses in canyon bottoms throughout thelower elevations of California and many of the Western States.Stately tree can reach up to 75′ and has beautiful leaningtrunks of smooth, mottled, cream-colored bark. Crownsirregularly rounded; may live 200 years. Can be used as aspecimen or in parks where summer shade from its bigleaves is desirable. Not for tidy gardens; drops leaves andbark year round. Good for fast shade. Full sun; clay to sandysoil; semi-dry to moist. Likes consistent moisture; slow, deepwaterings; drought tolerant once well established. Downfrom stems and leaves used by hummingbirds to line nests.Native to: central and southern Sierra Foothills, and beyond.

Calochortus luteus perennial bulbsYellow Mariposa Lily, Gold Nuggets* Apr–JuneSun to part shade; well drained soil; regular moisture ingrowth; dry in dormancy. Native in clay soils on slopes.Beautiful yellow flowers with dark interior markings on8–18″ stems.

Ranunculus californicus herbaceous perennialCalifornia Buttercup* Apr–JunePart shade; loam to clay soil; semi-moist (dry summer). Brightyellow flowers; likes spring moisture; 12–30″. Reseeds readily.Beautiful addition to a mixed border or meadow.

Rhamnus ilicifolia evergreen shrubHollyleaf Redberry* Apr–JuneSun to shade; sand to clay soil; dry to semi-dry; droughttolerant. Small, round spiny leaves with good leaf color;tough plant to 15′. Clusters of small, green flowers (withoutpetals) with abundant nectar in leaf axils, followed by brightred drupes in summer. Use as background, screen, or hedge.

Rhamnus tomentellassp. tomentella evergreen shrub

Hoary or Chaparral Coffeeberry* Apr–JunePrefers full sun; tolerates part shade; semi-dry to dry. Grey,hoary (dense covering of fine hairs) leaves, bark gray or red,twigs velvety; 6–10′. Inflorescence a dense cluster of 5–60small, yellow-green flowers with abundant nectar in leafaxils, followed by small fruits (drupes) that change fromgreen to red to black when ripe.

Cornus glabrata deciduous shrub/thicketBrown Twig Dogwood* Apr–JuneNative in woodlands on moist flats and along streams. Sun toshade; clay soil; moist. Great ornamental shrub or small tree,4–15′ tall. Clusters of creamy white flowers followed bywhite to bluish berries.

Calochortus albus,Fairy Lantern or White Globe Lily

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 6

Heuchera maxima herbaceous perennialIsland Alumroot Apr–JuneShade to part sun (morning); sandy to clay soil; semi-dry.Tolerates heavy soil and drought. Good in dry shade underoaks, pines, etc. Beautiful airy flower stalks to 2′.Endangered in a portion of its range.Native to: northern Channel Islands

Triteleia laxa perennial bulbIthuriel’s Spear, Wally Basket, Grass Nut* Apr–JuneSun to part shade; well drained; regular moisture in growth,dry in dormancy. Multiplies rapidly in heavy clay soils. Verylarge, open umbels of funnel-shaped, sky blue flowers withpurple stripes and a sparkling sheen on 18–24″ stems.Excellent mixed with smaller native grasses in a meadow.

Triteleia bridgesii perennial bulbBridges’ Brodiaea* Apr–JuneNative to dry, rocky areas, often in serpentine soil. Sun topart shade; well drained; regular moisture in growth, dry indormancy. Beautiful pale blue to lilac-mauve flower headscomposed of dozens of large florets, each with striking whitethroat on 12–24″ stems. Cut flowers last to 3 weeks in a vase.

Dudleya cymosa perennial succulentCanyon Dudleya, Live Forever* Apr–JuneNaturally grows in rock outcroppings; excellent rock wallplant. Very drought and heat tolerant. Bright red and yellowflower clusters on pink stems to 1′ tall.

Lonicera involucratavar. involucrata deciduous shrub

Twinberry* Apr–JuneKnown as Twinberry because the paired, yellow to red-tinged, tubular flowers produce a fused pair of black berriesatop a red to purple bract. Grows well in shade; occasionalwater; sand to clay soil. A large, fast growing shrub to 10′.Prune heavily in fall to produce a well shaped plant.

Penstemon eatonii woody perennialFirecracker Penstemon Apr–JuneFairly clay, water, and shade tolerant; takes drought quitewell. Spreads to form a low, evergreen patch. Attractiveaddition to perennial border with bold, 2′ spikes of brightscarlet flowers. Native to: desert slopes of So. California.

Lepechinia calycina woody perennialPitcher Sage* Apr–JuneNative to openings and edges of chaparral, usually on brushyor rocky slopes. Full to part sun; rocky to heavy well drainingsoil. If kept completely dry, plant will drop its leaves inmidsummer; water every few weeks will keep it greenthrough to fall. 1–5′. Pungent smelling, broad green leavesare topped with clusters of 1″ tubular, white flowers tingedwith lavender.

Keckiella lemmonii woody perennialLemmon’s Keckiella, Shrubby Penstemon* Apr–JuneNative to rocky slopes, coniferous and mixed forests, andchaparral. Drought deciduous. 2–5′. Complex flower colorof pale yellow tinged and lined with plum.

Cirsium occidentale var. californicum biennialCalifornia or Cobweb Thistle* Apr–JulyGrows in open woodlands and grassy areas; not invasive. Fullsun to light shade; rocky to sandy, dry to semi-dry soil. Stately(4–10′ tall), prickly plant covered with white hairs thatcontrast with the typically dark foliage and set off the brilliantred flowers. Very popular with hummingbirds.

Asclepias cordifolia herbaceous perennialPurple Milkweed* Apr–JulySun; dry to semi-dry. Attractive purplish-green foliage toppedwith purple flowers. 1–3′ tall. A nice plant for a hot dry spotalong a path or on a slope. Winter dormant.

Gilia capitata ssp. capitata annualGlobe Gilia* Apr–JulyFull sun; sandy to clay soil; dry to semi-dry. Native in dry,open areas; fire follower. Slender, branched, 6–12″ planttopped with 1″ spherical head of pale blue flowers.

Sambucus mexicana large, deciduous shrub/small treeBlue Elderberry* Apr–AugSun to shade; sandy to rocky to decomposed granite soil;clay tolerant; semi-dry to moist. Vigorous, easy to grow; to25′ tall. Plant as an informal, fast growing screen with grassgreen foliage, or prune up for a stunning small tree with aweeping habit. Adorned with broad clusters of creamyflowers in spring and edible, blue fruit in summer. Mostparts of this plant are toxic to humans. One of the bestgenera for attracting wildlife species in sheer numbers.

Penstemon centranthifolius woody perennialScarlet Bugler Apr–JulyNative in chaparral and oak woodlands. Full sun to partshade; will flower more in the sun. Clean, bare soil with lowfertility; little summer water. Tolerates hot summers and coldwinters. Bright red flowers on 2–4′ spikes with gray foliage.The native Indian name for this plant means “hummingbird’skiss.” Native to: North Coast Ranges and Great Valleymargins south to Mexico.

Erysimum capitatum herbaceous biennial/perennialWestern Wallflower* Apr–AugFull sun to partial shade; sand or clay soil; semi-dry to regularwater. Bright yellow-orange, sweetly fragrant flowers on 6–40″tall stems. Hummingbirds prefer manzanitas, but like to adda little spice to their life with a tasty treat from a wallflower.

Sambucus mexicana,Blue Elderberry

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 7

Clematis ligusticifolia woody, deciduous vineWestern Clematis or Virgin’s Bower* Apr–AugVery similar to C. lasiantha (Mar–Jun). Requires moremoisture; clay tolerant. More vigorous grower; to 20′.Foliage turns yellow in fall.

Penstemon grinnellii woody perennialGrinnell’s Beardtongue,Southern Woodland Penstemon Apr–AugNeeds perfect drainage; will survive in clay if planted on aslope and not watered in the summer; drought tolerant. Veryshowy rock garden plant with blue-green leaves and pink-violet flowers on a 2′ stalk. Native to: southern SierraNevada and southern coastal region.

Keckiella antirrhinoides woody perennialYellow Bush Snapdragon, Climbing Penstemon Apr–AugSun to partial sun; sandy to rocky well-drained soil; semi-dry.Water occasionally in hot season to keep plant green. Verydrought tolerant; may go drought deciduous in extremeyears. Prune heavily to shape; 4′ × 6′. Wonderfully fragrant,large, bright yellow snapdragon-like flowers appearsporadically through bloom season. Native to: SouthernCalifornia desert region; to Arizona, Mexico.

Salvia clevelandii evergreen shrubCleveland or Musk Sage Apr–AugNative in chaparral and coastal scrub on dry slopes. Full topart sun; sand to clay. soil; good drainage; dry to semi-moist;very drought tolerant; occasional water during the dryseason. Does best on sunny coastal slopes and hot dry areas.Quilted, dull green leaves release a wonderful aroma thatcarries on hot summer days. Blooms profusely in whorls ofblue-purple flowers on 3–5′ shrubs. Native to: SouthernCalifornia coastal region; to northern Baja.

Geum triflorum herbaceous perennialPrairie Smoke, Old-Man’s Whiskers* (above 3,900′) Apr–AugPartial sun; sandy soil; semi-dry to semi-moist. Small, compactperennial, 6–20″ tall, attractive reddish pink flowers; vertical,fuzzy styles remain as seeds form. Very nice for borders.

Chilopsis linearis deciduous shrub/small treeDesert Willow Apr–SeptFull to part sun; sandy to rocky soil; semi-dry; droughttolerant. Seldom-seen willowlike plant grows by washes andoases in the desert; to 20′ tall; does need some water, butwill do poorly if given regular water once established.Graceful, open structure with lacy foliage. Beautiful, sweetlyfragrant, trumpet-like rose-lavender flowers; needs heat tobloom. Native to: Southern California coastal mountains; toUtah, New Mexico, northern Mexico.

Mimulus cardinalis herbaceous perennialScarlet Monkeyflower* Apr–OctFull sun to part shade; clay tolerant; moist to wet; toleratesheavy, wet soils. Stunning orange-red flowered plant nativealong rivers and streams and in seep areas. Can be veryvigorous under favorable conditions. Multiple stems, 1–3′,tends to sprawl. May die back to the roots in winter;rebounds in the spring.

Aesculus californica deciduous shrub/small treeCalifornia Buckeye* MaySun to shade; moist to dry soil. Erect, single or multistemmed;12–30′ tall; crowns flat topped to rounded; may live 200years. Multiple trunks with silvery white bark and pear-shapedfruit. Candles of fragrant white to pinkish flowers in striking,foot-long clusters. One of the earliest plants to leaf out inwinter; drops its leaves in late summer.

Lotus scoparius evergreen, woody perennialDeer Weed* May–JuneSun; rocky soil; dry to semi-dry; drought deciduous. Airy,elegant look with thin green stems and yellow-red flowers;3–6′ × same. Deer relish the foliage.

Delphinium cardinale herbaceous perennialRed or Scarlet Larkspur or Delphinium May–JuneNeeds good drainage, partial shade, and regular water whilegrowing. Native on hot slopes near chaparral. Grows fromdeep woody roots; needs heat during the growing period;goes dormant in late summer. Dozens of beautiful bright red,long-spurred flowers on 2–6′ stalks. Must be protected fromsnails. Native to: coastal mountains, Monterey Co. south.

Symphoricarpos albusvar. laevigatus deciduous shrub/thicket

Snowberry* May–JuneSun to part sun; sand to clay soil; semi-dry to semi-moist,seasonal flooding; drought tolerant. Easy to grow. Excellentunderstory plant; upright or spreading, 2–6′ tall. Small, pinkflowers; beautiful white berries from late summer to winter;fruits best in sun.

Penstemon heterophyllus woody perennialFoothill Penstemon* May–JuneFull sun; clay tolerant if well-drained; semi-dry to dry; quiteheat and drought tolerant; with care, water tolerant. Native tograssland, chaparral, and forest opening habitats. Very showyand profuse flowers in a gorgeous color range from intenseblue to violet with shades of magenta, all from yellow budson 1–5′ stalks. Dubbed ‘Blue Bedder’ by the nursery trade. Agood subject for borders or edging in front of large shrubs.

Penstemon heterophyllus, Foothill Penstemon

Illustration by and courtesy ofDyanne Johnson

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 8

Keckiella breviflora woody perennialGaping Pensemon* May–JuneSun to partial sun; sandy to rocky soil; semi-dry; droughtdeciduous. Does well under oaks with little summer water.3–4′ × 3–6′. Tubular, hairy, white flowers open from orangy-pink buds.

Paeonia brownii herbaceous perennialWestern Peony* (above 4,000′) May–JuneA steely gray perennial with maroon flowers; tucked undershrubs on dry slopes in its native habitat. Grows best in ornear its native habitats in Norothern California. Needs perfectconditions, so difficult elsewhere. Fleshy roots store food tocarry the plant through the dry summers and produce newleaves and flowers the following spring. 6–18″ × 18″. Goodexample of a circumventor—avoids drought by goingcompletely deciduous; gradually dies to the ground afterflowering. Partial sun to shade; sandy, rocky soil; regularwater in growth; no water in summer.

Sarcodes sanguinea herbaceous perennialSnow Plant* (above 4,000′) May–JulyNative in thick humus in coniferous forests, typically Red Fir;emerges after snow recedes. A fleshy, upright plant with thickstalk; lower portion covered with scalelike leaves, upperportion covered with urn-shaped flowers—all a stunning,intense red. A root parasite, as it has no chlorophyll. Afascinating plant to be enjoyed and protected in its nativehabitat.

Iris missouriensis evergreen, herbacious perennialWestern Blue Flag* (above 3,000′) May–JulyNative in sunny, open, moist areas such as meadows,surrounded by forests. Plant looks very much ike familiargarden iris. Does not spread beyond watered areas. Flowers2–3″, medium blue, lower petals (falls) intricately patternedwith cream and yellow on 8–36″ stems.

Calochortus venustus perennial bulbButterfly Mariposa Lily* May–JulySun to part shade; well drained soil; regular moisture ingrowth; dry in dormancy. Flowers may be pink, white, yellow,purple, or dark red with multicolored interior markings on4–12″ stems.

Sidalcea malvaeflorassp. asperella herbaceous perennial

Checkerbloom* May–JulySun to shade; rocky to acidic soil; semi-moist; goes dormantwith drought. Native to open dry places in forest or scrub.Bright to deep pink flowers, with white veins on leafy stemsto 24″ that may sprawl over a mat of gray-glaucous greenleaves. Adds a woodsy effect to perennial border.

Agoseris grandiflora herbaceous perennialCalifornia Dandelion, Large-flower Agoseris* May–JulyFull sun; rocky to sandy soil; dry to moist places. Yellow,dandelion-type flowers rise 6–24″ above low rosette of foliage.

Penstemon laetus woody perennialGay Penstemon* May–JulyFull sun; good drainage; drought tolerant, but looks betterwith a little summer water. Garden tolerant if kept on the dryside. Variable species with blue-violet to blue or palelavender flowers on 12–30″ stalks.

Penstemon azureus low, woody perennialAzure Penstemon* May–JulyFull sun to part shade; sandy to rocky soil; good drainage;semi-dry to moist; drought and garden tolerant, if notoverwatered. Refined, neat, and tidy; perfect for smallborders along paths or near rock walls. Good on dry slopesas a small scale groundcover reaching only a few inches highor mixed with other natives. Profuse bloomer with blue-purple flowers on 8–20″ stems with bluish green leaves.

Clarkia unguiculata annualElegant Clarkia* May–JulySun; sand to clay soil; dry to semi-dry. One of the longestlasting flowers. Very showy and easily grown. Bright purplishflowers on erect, 3′ stems.

Heuchera micrantha herbaceous perennialCrevice Heuchera* May–JulyNative to moist, rocky habitats. Filtered sun to shade. Tinywhite flowers on airy, pink stems to 40″.

Ribes nevadense deciduous shrubMountain Pink Currant* (above 3,000′) May–JulySurvives drought well but can grow almost in standing water.Leaves are large, soft, and fragrant. Flowers in 6″ hangingpink cascades followed by blue-black berries. Upright, openbranching; 3–6′; Looks very similar to R. sanguineum var.glutinosum (Jan–May).

Ribes roezlii var. roezlii deciduous shrubSierra Gooseberry* (above 3,000′) May–JulyProstrate form in full sun and dry conditions; taller andfountain shaped in shady, moist conditions; 18″–4′ × 3–4′.Thorns not a major problem. Small, showy clusters ofbicolored flowers with reflexed red sepals and straight whitepetals followed by masses of dark red, bristle-coveredberries; great for gooseberry jam. In fall, foliage offers astunning array of intense colors—yellow, red, orange,reddish-purple, salmon, pink—often many different shadeson an individual plant.

Ribes roezlii,Sierra Gooseberry

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 9

Lilium pardalinum perennial bulbLeopard Lily* May–JulyPartial sun; well draining soil; regular water. Easy gardenculture. Native in moist areas. Beautiful, graceful lily withleopard-spotted, red-tipped, orange Turk’s cap blooms, on2–7′ stems.

Camassia quamash perennial bulbCommon Camas Lily* May–JulyFull sun, fairly heavy soil, and moist during growing season,where bulbs can remain undisturbed for many years, as intheir native meadow habitat. Easy to grow; will multiplyrapidly under favorable conditions creating drifts of bright,sapphire blue flowers on 1–3′ stems.

Mimulus (Diplacus) aurantiacus“aurantiacus” evergreen, woody perennial

Sticky Bush Monkeyflower* May–JulyFull sun to part shade; semi-dry to dry. Can survive completedrought; looks more lush and blooms longer with a littleirrigation. Leaves narrow, glossy green, and sticky; 2–4′ ×same. Profusion of apricot orange flowers. Prune spentflower stalks to encourage more blooms; cut back in latewinter for a compact, bushy plant next season.

Mimulus (Diplacus) aurantiacus“bifidus” evergreen, woody perennial

Sierra Bush Monkeyflower* May–JulyFull to filtered sun; must have good drainage; drought tolerant.Considered by many to be our loveliest shrubby monkeyflower;somewhat lower growing than other species; 2–4′ × same.Leaves narrow and glossy green. Large flowers an exquisite,pale apricot color; can completely obscure the foliage.

Asclepias speciosa herbaceous perennialShowy Milkweed* May–JulyFull sun to part shade; tolerates alkaline soil; quite droughttolerant, once established. Can form large clump byspreading rhizomes. Large clusters of antique or Victorianrose-color flowers, like a Fourth of July firework. 1–4′ tall.Needs cross-pollination for fruit and seed development;pollen is self-incompatible. Winter dormant.

Salvia leucophylla evergreen shrubPurple Sage May–JulySun; sandy to rocky to clay soil; dry (grows rank to 8′ withirrigation); drought-deciduous. Native on dry, open hills inareas with coastal influence. Beautiful silvery foliage and pinkflowers distinguish this sage: “A grey, gray, cloud with somepink, a dream for one who loves grey, or gray.” Hardy; 3–6′with white tomentose (kinda fuzzy grey) leaves. Native to:coastal California from Monterey to Baja.

Collomia grandiflora annualLargeflower Collomia* May–JulyNative in dry forest openings. Erect stem, 4–40″, sometimesbranched. Spherical inflorescence holds numerous lightorange buds that open into funnel-shaped, lighter apricotflowers that fade almost to white with age; blue pollen.

Aquilegia formosa herbaceous perennialCrimson or Western Columbine* May–AugSun to shade; sandy loam; moist; requires more water in sun.Lovely woodland plant; delicate blue-green foliage and dainty,nodding deep red-orange, tipped with yellow flowers, 3′ stalks.

Castilleja spp. herbaceous perennialsPaintbrush May–Aug (varies by species)Important hummingbird plants in the western US. Many arenative in dry, open, chaparral habitats; some are native tomoister habitats. Comes up in the spring after the rains.Heights range from 1″ to 3′. Partially parasitic; require theshrubs and plants that each grows with natively. Many specieshave striking red flowers (actually the flower bracts).C. affinis (Common*), C. applegatei (Applegate′s*),C. miniata (Giant*), C. pruinosa (Frosty*)

Penstemon rydbergii low, mat-forming perennialMeadow Penstemon* (above 4,000′) May–AugNative in moist meadows. Full sun to part shade; regularwater. Easy to grow in garden conditions. Bright lavender-blue flowers in whorls on a 4–6″ spire.

Rhododendron occidentale large, deciduous shrubWestern Azalea* May–AugBest in moist, filtered shade.Usually 3–6′; up to 12′.Spectacular in bloom; large clusters of 2″ long funnel-shaped,glowing white flowers, flushed yellow and pink. Has exotic,sweet, spicy fragrance. Dark green leaves turn yellow, red,purple, or orange in fall, sometimes all on a single specimen.

Trichostemma lanatum evergreen shrubWooly Blue Curls May–AugNative to dry, coastal serpentine clay to gravel slopes. Fullsun; decomposed granite to rocky, well-drained soil; dry;no summer water once established. Unusual, rosemary-likefoliage on a 3–4′ shrub. Wonderful, woolly, royal blueflowers on stems to 1′ long. Flowers and foliage both have asweet fragrance like freshly cut cedar with a bouquet oflavender. Excellent next to a large rock, if available.Native to: Southern California coast ranges.

Rosa californica deciduous shrub/thicketCalifornia Wild Rose* May–AugPart shade to shade; clay to sandy soil; semi-dry to moist.Hardy; soil stabilizer; to 5′ × 5′. With hooked thorns, makesexcellent barrier and cover for wildlife. Clusters of 1–2″fragrant, rosy pink flowers; large, red, decortive hips makewonderful tea.Rhododendron occidentale,

Western Azalea

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 10

Stachys ajugoides var. rigida herbaceous perennialRigid Hedge Nettle* May–SeptNative in moist areas; sometimes found in drier areas,typically in the shade of shrubs. Low, spreading plant, usuallywith cobwebby woolly hairs covering the stems and leaves.Flowering stems rise 1–2′; widely spaced whorls of whiteflowers with rose-purple to purple veins. Quite variable. Usein a cool flower bed that gets some water.

Calochortus superbus perennial bulbSuperb Mariposa Lily* late May–JulySun to part shade; well drained soil; regular moisture ingrowth; dry in dormancy. Flowers usually white—sometimescream, yellow, or magenta-pink, solid or tinted—withmulticolored interior markings; on 18–24″ stems.

Heteromeles arbutifolia evergreen shrub/small treeToyon, Christmas Berry* June–JulySun to partial sun; sand, clay, or serpentine soil; dry tosemi-dry. Easy! In fire areas, water a little more to improvefire resistance (but makes it more appealing to the deer).Multi-trunked, 6–15′ tall. Dark, leathery, glossy green leaves.Tolerates some pruning, but flowers—in broad, showy,creamy white clusters—only on second-year growth.Hollywood was named for this plant, which used to cover thehillsides there. Beautiful red berries in fall and winter.

Lilium humboldtii perennial bulbHumboldt Lily* June–JulyShade or partial sun; well draining soil; dry. Give water inspring but very little in summer. Does well under oaks.Spectacular large, spotted, orange Turk’s cap flowers, on3–10′ stems.

Philadelphus lewisii deciduous shrubWild Mock Orange* June–JulyFull to part sun; rocky and acidic soil; semi-dry to semi-moist.Use as informal hedge or foundation planting. Attractivefoliage and rapid growth, to 10′. White flowers in ornamentalclusters with fragance of citrus flowers.

Sedum spathulifolium perennial succulentPacific Sedum, Common Stonecrop* June–JulyPart sun; sandy to rocky, well-draining soil; semi-dry. Easycare. Dense, compact succulent with soft, textured leaves inflat rosettes. Bright yellow flowers on erect stems to 9″.Recommended for container or rock garden.

Sedum obtusatum ssp. obtusatum perennial succulentSierra Sedum or Stonecrop* June–JulyPart sun; sandy to rocky, well-draining soil; semi-dry. Fast,low-growing and hardy plant. Basal rosette of light blue-gray-green, spoon-shaped leaves. Pale, creamy yellow flowers ageto a pink tinge on erect stems to 9″. Excellent in rock oralpine garden.

Salvia apiana evergreen shrubWhite Sage June–JulyFull to part sun; sandy to loam soil; good drainage; dry.Striking structural form brings a sense of drama to the drygarden. Unassuming 3′ shrub in the fall and winter shoots up2–5′ arching spikes of white flowers; flowering stems flushedwith pink in full sun and nutient-poor soil. Foliage is stronglyscented. Spectacular in a moon garden or with night lighting.Native to: coastal So. California to desert margins; Baja.

Scrophularia californica herbaceous perennialCalifornia Figwort* June–AugPart sun to shade; sandy to rocky soil; semi-dry to moist;best in well-drained, open heavy clay soils. Fast spreadingrootstock; can become invasive with summer water. Widelybranching with handsome, toothed foliage; 2–4′ tall.Interesting, two-toned flowers of brownish maroon and paleyellowish green. Nice woodland feel.

Symphoricarpos mollis deciduous shrubCreeping Snowberry, Trip Vine* June–AugPart sun to shade; sand to clay soil; semi-moist. Excellentlarge-scale ground cover for dry to damp shady areas;erosion control. Trailing, rooting stems to 3′ long × 1′ tall.Dainty, bright pink, bell-shaped flowers in small clustersfollowed by clusters of pure white berries that persistthrough fall. Soft, small, rounded, gray-green leaves turngolden in fall.

Symphoricarpos rotundifoliusvar. rotundifolius deciduous shrub

Roundleaf Snowberry* (above 3,500′) June–AugSun to part sun; sandy to rocky to granitic soil; semi-dry tosemi-moist. Larger berries and rounder leaves than othersubspecies; 3–4′ tall. Lovely, white to pink, elongated bell-shaped flowers; beautiful white berries in the fall.

Keckiella cordifolia woody perennialHeart-leafed or Red Climbing Penstemon,Straggly Keckiella June–AugSun or shade; sand to clay soil; semi-dry; drought tolerantand drought deciduous. Works well in dry shady areas; greatunder oaks. 3′ × 6′. Planted near a fence, it can climb muchlike a climbing rose. Red-orange flowers at branch tips.Leaves turn a nice red before dropping in fall. Cut back infall for a compact plant the next year. Native to: coastalregion, Monterey south to Baja.

Helenium bigelovii herbaceous perennialBigelow’s Sneezeweed* June–AugSun or partial sun; loam to clay soil; moist. Good for wetmeadow or bog garden. Showy yellow flowers (do not causeallergies) on 1–3′ stems, have dark, raised, dome-shapedcentral disks.

Philadelphus lewisii,Wild Mock Orange

* native to Nevada and Placer County region 11

Sidalcea oregana herbaceous perennialOregon Sidalcea, Mountain Hollyhock* June–AugSun to part sun; semi-moist to moist. Native to meadows,streamsides, lake shores, and seeps. Tough, easy to grow.Carmine-pink flowers on a 2′ spike atop bright green foliage.Excellent as part of a native “cottage garden.”

Penstemon newberryi mat-forming, woody perennialMountain Pride* (above 4,000′) June–AugNative in nearly straight granitic scree and rock, with summersrarely above 85°F, moist ground until end of floweringseason, and blanket of insulating winter snow. Good for truerock gardens or beautiful container specimen; 5–12″ tall;must have very good drainage, water just to keep from dryingout completely, and plenty of sun. Stunning in bloom withvivid, deep rose-pink flowers. Somewhat finicky specieswhen planted in the ground; does poorly in heavy soils,summer heat, and winter rain and cold.

Penstemon speciosus woody perennialShowy Penstemon* (above 4,000′) June–AugFull sun; good drainage; little water; drought and heat tolerant.Showy border plant with 2′ spikes of sky blue flowers.

Salvia sonomensis evergreen groundcoverCreeping or Sonoma Sage* June–SeptSun to shade; sandy to clay soil; dry. Wonderful groundcover;ground-hugging, pale gray-green foliage combines well withmany different plants. Flowers range from light blue or purpleto creamy white. Commonly found in shade under chaparralshrubs; low, trailing stems sometimes drape down andfestoon steep banks.

Hoita macrostachya herbaceous perennialLarge Leather Root* June–SeptNative to moist situations. Winter dormant, bright greenshoots appear in early spring. Spikes of purple pea flowers,to 6′ tall, last over a month before the plant slowly goesdormant. Can be used as a soil stabilizer along a sunnystream, in a marsh, or at pond edges.

Delphinium nudicaule herbaceous perennialRed Larkspur June–SeptNative to moist talus, wooded, rocky slopes. Shade to partshade; well-drained, semi-dry to dry. Needs dry (no water)dormant period after flowering. Red-orange flowers on 1–3′stalks. Native to: central Sierra, central to northern coastalregion, northern-most Sierra, southern Cascade Range; tosouthern Oregon.

Spiraea douglasii deciduous shrubDouglas’ Spiraea* June–SeptFull to part sun; sand to clay soil; semi-moist to moist.Beautiful, hardy, fast, 3–6′ erect, clump-forming. Dense,4–6″ elongated clusters of fragrant, tiny, magenta-pink flowerswith long stamens that give a fuzzy look. Leaves turn yellowto orange in fall.

Monardella odoratissima herbaceous perennialMountain or Western Pennyroyal* June–SeptFull to part sun; acidic to rocky soil; good drainage; semi-dryto dry; tolerates occasional moisture. Fast growing, 1′ × 3′;invigorating foliage fragrance. Long-blooming, with pale-colored flowers ranging from white to lavender. Excellent forcontainer gardens in sunny spot.

Monardella villosa herbaceous perennialCoyote Mint* June–SeptFull to part sun; good drainage; little to no summer water.Dark green leaves contrast nicely with long-blooming,typically lavender flowers, though can be purple, pink, orwhite; 1–2′ × 2′. Cut back heavily in winter for compactplant next season or allow to grow naturally into mats.

Mimulus lewisii herbaceous perennialLewis’ Monkeyflower* (above 4,000′) June–SeptFull sun to part shade; moist; tolerates heavy wet soil, cold,and wind; does not like moist heat. Native along stream banksand seeps. Multiple stems, 1–3′ tall. Lovely, large pink flowers.

Triteleia ixioides perennial bulbPrettyface, Golden Brodiaea* June–SeptSun to part shade; well drained; regular moisture in growth,dry in dormancy. Large clusters of butter-yellow flowers withdark stripes on sturdy 12″ stems. Profuse bloomer.

Ipomopsis aggregata biennialScarlet Gilia, Skyrocket* (above 3,300′) June–SeptFull sun; sandy to rocky, well drained soil. Native to openingsin woodlands and shrublands. Basal rosette of finely cut,green leaves silver speckled with fine white hairs. Slender,trumpet-shaped flowers range from fiery red to red-orangewith yellow mottling on stems 12–32″ tall. Mass plantingsgive best effect.

Verbena hastata biennial/perennialVerbena, Blue Vervain* June–SeptSun to part shade; semi-moist to moist. To 5′ × 3′. Violetflowers in dense, 3–6″ spikes. Good for pond edge or wetgarden area, such as under a dripping, bird-attracting waterfeature.

Salvia sonomensis,Creeping or Sonoma Sage

Oenothera elata biennialEvening Primrose* June–SeptSun to part sun; rocky to sandy soil; dry to semi-moist. Doeswell in drier areas. Hardy; reseeds freely. Stalks (1–4′) ofbeautiful yellow flower arch up from basal rosette of leaves.Flowers open at dusk—from tight bud to full open inminutes—and wither by mid-morning.

Epilobium canum (Zauschneria californica)herbaceous to woody perennial

ssp. latifolium* (ground-hugging; moister)ssp. canum (to 3′ tall; drier)

California or Hummingbird Fuchsia June–OctSeveral varieties and cultivars. Full sun to part shade; rocky,sandy, clay soil; dry to semi-moist. Hardy; extremely droughtand heat tolerant; garden tolerant. Excellent in rock walls, onslopes, for erosion control; can be invasive where watered.Ground-hugging to 3′ tall. Species all have glowing scarletred, tubular flowers. Cultivars include flowers in shades ofwhite, pink, and orange. Key species for fall migration ofhummingbirds along Pacific Flyway and Rocky Mountains.ssp. canum native to: coastal, central, and So. California.

Lilium washingtonianum perennial bulbWashington Lily* (above 3,500′) July–AugNative to dry, coniferous forest habitats. Partial to full shade.Magnificent, 3″ waxy, trumpet-shaped, deliciously fragrant,pure white flowers, held horizontally, on 4–6′ stems.

Epilobium angustifoliumssp. circumvagum herbaceous perennial

Red Fireweed* (above 3,500′) July–SeptFull sun to fairly deep shade; moist; no mulch. Excellent toenhance a woodland or riparian site. A great plant for thoseof you that need your lawn but feel guilty; 1–6′ in bloom. Tallinflorescence heavily festooned with 1″ deep pink to magentaflowers. Called Fireweed because it comes back rapidly andin abudance after a fire, starting up the plant community.

Solidago californica herbaceous perennialWestern or California Goldenrod* July–OctNative along woodland margins, grasslands, and in disturbedsoils. Full sun to part-shade; sandy loam; clay tolerant; semi-dry to regular water. Spreads slowly by root natively; 8″–5′ inbloom; can be invasive with regular irrigation. Yellow wandsof small flowers rise above low-growing foliage in the lattermonths of the dry season when most everything else is done.

Lobelia cardinalis herbaceous perennialCardinal Flower Aug–OctNative next to streams and springs. Best in filtered light withregular water; sand to clay soil. Good container plant, hardy.Winter dormant. Intense, day-glow red flowers on 2′ spikesbring hummingbirds from miles around. Native to:Southern California inner coastal mountains, PanamintMountains (Mojave Desert); to west Texas, Mexico.

Compiled by Cindy Rubin

Information Sources

Brooklyn Botanic Garden. Hummingbird Gardens. 2000.

Chainey, Mark, Carolyn Chainey-Davis, and Helen Henthorn.“Attracting Birds to Your Garden.” 1999.

Cornflower Farms, www.cornflowerfarms.com.

Gioumousis, Ellie. “California Native Hummingbird Plants.”Santa Clara Valley Chapter, CNPS handout.

Las Pilitas Nursery, www.laspilitas.com.

Peaceful Valley Farm and Garden Supply,www.groworganic.com.

Redbud Chapter, CNPS. Wildflowers of Nevada andPlacer Counties, California. Sacramento, California:CNPS Press and Redbud Chapter, 2007.

Stokes, Donald and Lillian. The Hummingbird Book.Boston, Toronto, London: Little Brown andCompany, 1989.

Sierra Foothills Audubon Society,www.sierrafoothillsaudubon.com.

Theodore Payne Foundation,www.theodorepayne.org.

Yerba Buena Nursery,www.yerbabuenanursery.com.

Epilobium canum, California Fuchsia

Illustration by and courtesy ofJohn Muir Laws, ©2008* native to Nevada and Placer County region

Lilium parvum perennial bulbAlpine or Fairy Lily* (above 4,000′) July–SeptFull to partial sun; sandy loam soil; wet. Lovely upward-facing,orange trumpet-shaped flowers, on 3–5′ stems.

Delphinium glaucum herbaceous perennialMountain or Tower Larkspur* (above 6,000′) July–SeptFull sun and moisture. Typically grows in large stands in itsnative habitat. Lush foliage with highly lobed, divided, andcoarsely toothed leaves; to 7′ tall. Flowers a delicious shadeof blue-purple.