Western redbud is an ornamental, multi-trunked and deciduous, large shrub or small tree with year-round interest that provides a California native and very low-water alternative to the moderate-water Cercis canadensis. Magenta to rosy pink blossoms that resemble pea flowers cover bare branches in late winter to early spring. Apple green, heart-shaped leaves emerge to accompany the flowers. Over the summer, the leaves become more leathery and bluish green, and seed pods mature and remain into the winter months.

• Water: Very Low
• Light: Full SunPartial Shade
• Soil: Most Soils

This woodland perennial has blue-green, deeply divided leaves and delicate, nodding flowers. Leave spent flowers to form seed heads for a crop of new seedlings. There are many species and hybrids, but the red-and-yellow flowering Aquilegia formosa (western columbine) is perhaps the most fitting for gardens in Sonoma and Marin. Excellent companion for other shade-loving plants such as coffeeberry and currants.

• Water: Low
• Light: Partial Shade
• Soil: Most Soils

Important northern California native habitat plant that is the sole larval food source for the pipevine swallowtail butterfly. This deciduous vine grows naturally along stream banks and in woodlands and performs well under native oaks. Dutchman’s pipevine is relatively slow-growing and takes a few years to establish. Pendulous pipe-shaped flowers bloom in early spring, followed by soft, bright green, heart-shaped leaves. Best grown as a groundcover to provide protection for pipevine swallowtail larvae but will also twine up other plants and structures. The real show comes in late spring as larvae feed on the plant and grow into spectacular horned, black caterpillars with red spots!

• Water: Low
• Light: Partial ShadeShade
• Soil: Most Soils

Flowers are inconspicuous but provide a source of pollen, nectar, and seeds for wildlife. Shrubby varieties can be cut back to maintain a more tidy and compact appearance. Perennial varieties can be divided in fall or early spring. Excellent choice as support for more showy plants in the garden.

• Water: Low
• Light: Full Sun
• Soil: Most Soils

Group of flowering annuals and perennials mostly native to North America. Two species are commonly grown in California gardens. Beach aster (E. glaucus, 12” x 18”) is native to coastal California and Oregon and has purple flowers with yellow centers from spring into summer. Santa Barbara daisy (E. karvinskianus, 10-18” x 2-3’) has white and pink flowers with yellow centers. This plant can self-sow aggressively but is easily pulled.

Examples: E. g. ‘Wayne Roderick’ has deep purple flowers. E. g. ‘White Lights’ is a white- flowering form from Sonoma County.

• Water: Low
• Light: Full SunPartial Shade
• Soil: Most Soils

The Common Wooly Sunflower is native to northern California up to British Columbia and east to Wyoming. Many cultivars are available. Generally, they grow less than 1 foot to 2 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. They have upright stems with wooly leaves and a singular sunflower atop each stem. It tolerates a wide variety of well-draining soils. Cut back in late winter to renew.

• Water: Low
• Light: Full SunPartial Shade
• Soil: Well Drained

Short-lived perennials with differing growth habits with flower spikes of small flowers. Erysimum ‘Bowles Mauve’ is a popular hybrid that grows 3’ x 3-4’ and blooms from winter and into spring. Many hybrids with different flower colors are available.

• Water: Low
• Light: Full SunPartial Shade
• Soil: Most Soils

The orange, tubular flowers of sticky monkey flower can be enjoyed in many locations throughout Sonoma and Marin counties in spring and summer, a testament to how well this plant is adapted to hot and dry conditions. The slightly sticky leaves benefit from light pinching and pruning to maintain an attractive appearance and support for the beautiful flowers. Many hybrids provide color variation. Do not confuse this plant with the red-flowered scarlet monkey flower (Mimulus cardinalis), an herbaceous riparian plant that requires regular water to thrive.

• Water: Very Low
• Light: Full SunPartial Shade
• Soil: Sandy