Gardening information sheets for plants covered in talk on Beatrice F. Howitt.

1. *Golden brodiaea/Prettyface – Triteleia ixioides (try-TELL-ee-uh ix-ee-OIY-deez)
Family: Themidaceae (Brodiea Family); formerly in Liliaceae
Native to: Southern Oregon south to c. California (Mountain ranges and foothills: Sierras Nevada,
Klamath, N. Coast and Tehachapi Ranges); dry conditions in various plant communities from forest
margins to scrub in gravely or sandy soils from 2000-9000 ft. elevation.
Growth characteristics: perennial from corm mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: to 1 ft.
Upright perennial with 1-2 slender, grass-like leaves that die back in the dry season. Edible corms
are rounded and have a fibrous covering; cooked corms used (and taste) like potatoes.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – May-June in wilds, but may be as early as March or late as
August. Cluster of a dozen or more funnel-shaped flowers at top of upright stem. Flowers can be up
to an inch or more long and vary in color from straw-colored to bright yellow. Very pretty bloomer!
Uses in the garden: Most often included in meadow plantings or in containers. Pretty massed along
edges of pathways or in a rock garden. Fine in any garden that stays fairly dry in summer/fall.
‘Starlight’ cultivar is readily available on-line; yellow-flowers. ‘Tiger’ is another cultivar.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native spring bulbs.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator and hummingbird habitat: many insect pollinator visits.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade in most garden; full sun at coast.
Soil Well-drained soils best, but tolerates any local texture, pH.
Water Needs good winter-spring water; little to no water summer-fall (Zone 1-2 or 1).
Fertilizer Not needed in ground; ½ strength dose in winter for container-grown.
Other Best with no, gravel or light leaf-litter mulch.
Management: Easy to grow, even in our area. Let re-seed to increase number of plants.
Propagation: from seed: fairly easy in pots by corms: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 18, 45, 75 1/2/2018
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

2. Splendid mariposa lily – Calochortus splendens (kal-uh-KOR-tus SPLEN-dens)
Family: Lilliaceae (Lily Family)
Native to: California coastal foothills from Marin Co. to Baja. Locally on Catalina Isl., Santa Monica
Mountains, Puente Hills, San Gabriel foothills; dry slopes in heavy, often granitic soils in grassland,
chaparral and yellow-pine forest up to an elevation of 7000'.
Growth characteristics: perennial from bulb mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: to 1 ft.
Erect, sparsely-leaved perennial. Leaves very narrow from the base; wither at or before blooming.
True bulb is turban-shaped with a slightly membranous coat.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms mid- to late spring in our area – April-June. Lovely flowers on erect stems.
Petals unfurl to form a bowl-shaped flower with four purple petals. Color ranges from pale lilac to
deep purple, often with deeper splotches at the base. Showy anthers usually deep purple (may be
white) and surrounded by conspicuous white hairs. Very attractive!
Uses in the garden: Best used up close, where flowers can be best appreciated. Good choice for
containers or along pathways in drought-tolerant gardens. Fine for summer-dry hillsides. Provides
pretty contrast among other native bulbs; also works well with native grasses. Bulbs are edible.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native bulbs.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts native bees and others.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Sun to part-sun; afternoon shade fine.
Soil Well-drained, sandy or rocky soil best; any local pH.
Water Adequate winter/spring water. No summer water.
Fertilizer Not needed in ground; single dose of ½ strength OK for plants in containers.
Other Non-organic or none is best. Light natural leaf litter is fine.
Management: Pretty carefree. Let plants re-seed (3-4 years to blooming size). Dry summer/fall.
Propagation: from seed: easiest to let self-seed; if starting in pots, keep medium moist from fall
through spring. Some seeds take months to germinate. from bulbs: one of the easier Calochortus.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 13, 14, 24, 47 1/2/2018
© Project SOUND

3. *White tidytips – Layia glandulosa (LAY-ee-uh glan-doo-LOW-suh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Western N. America, from S. California coast to s.w. ID, NM, AZ & Baja. Locally in San
Gabriels, Tehachapis; open, dry places in lowlands and foothills, in many plant communities (coastal
prairie to pine forests) up to 7500 ft. elevation, especially in sandy soils.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: to 1 ft.
Herbaceous annual – erect and branched with hairy, glandular foliage that may be scented. Leaves
are irregularly toothed, oval to linear, up to 3 inches long. Fresh-looking foliage.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – Mar-Jun (often Mar-Apr in S. CA). Flowers in typical daisy-type
heads of Sunflower family. Ray flowers (‘petals’) are broad and usually all white, but may be pale
yellow. Disk flowers are golden yellow. Very pretty and garden-like. Edible seeds have stiff hairs.
Uses in the garden: Very pretty daisy for spring. Often used with other wildflowers for its white
color. Good choice for bird and pollinator gardens. Mix with other wildflowers and grasses for a
spectacular display. Also a good plant for containers or as cover for later-blooming bulbs.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native spring daisies.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator and bird habitat: provides nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best.
Soil Well-drained best, but tolerates most; any local pH.
Water Adequate winter/spring water; taper off as begins to flower.
Fertilizer Prefers lean soils.
Other No or gravel mulch best; thin leaf mulch OK.
Management: Pretty easy. Will re-seed, but best to save some seed (birds devour the seeds).
Propagation: from seed: easy; no pre-treatment required. Sow in garden or containers.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 10, 16, 19, 38, 46 1/2/2018
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

4. California (Showy) gilia – Gilia achilleifolia (JEEL-ee-uh ah-kill-ee-uh-FOE-lee-uh)
Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Native to: Coastal CA from Marin and Contra Costa to San Diego Counties, including L.A. basin
foothills & coastal prairie; grassy, open places below 4000 ft., often in sandy or rocky soils.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Erect, herbaceous annual with the feathery, dissected leaves typical for our native Gilias. Similar in
appearance to Globe gilia (Gilia capitata), but more open, relaxed leaves and flower clusters.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in later spring – May or June. Small, funnel-shaped flowers grow in ball-
like clusters at the ends of stems, above the foliage. Color ranges from white to blue-lavender.
Very pretty flower that attracts a number of native bee pollinators. Pretty blue wildflower!
Uses in the garden: Often used in pollinator gardens. Combines well with other native wildflowers
and grasses. Very lovely massed – striking color. Fine addition to cottage garden or mixed beds.
This plant has been planted (and naturalized) in much of the U.S. due to its decorative flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native blue spring annuals.
Attracts: Excellent bee and bird habitat: provides nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade; OK in dappled shade under trees.
Soil Well-drained best, but OK in others. Any local pH.
Water Adequate winter/spring water; withhold after bloom.
Fertilizer None needed except in containers (1/2 strength in winter)
Other No, gravel or light leaf mulch.
Management: Easy to grow. Re-seeds well, but birds love seeds; save some seeds for next year.
Propagation: from seed: easy – no treatment needed
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 19, 46 1/2/2018
© Project SOUND

5. *Douglas’ spineflower – Chorizanthe douglasii (kor-ee-ZAN-thuh doug-LASS-ee-eye)
Family: Polygonaceae (Buckwheat Family)
Native to: Native to the Santa Lucia Mountains and to the San Gabilan and La Panza ranges of west-
central California; sandy to gravelly flats and slopes, mixed grassland, oak and pine woodlands from
about 650 to 5500 ft.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 12-15 in. mature width: < 1 ft.
Erect, herbaceous wildflower with most leaves basal (also a whorl of leaves part-way up the stem.
Leaves spatula-shaped; all parts quite hairy.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – April to July, usually April-May at lower elevations. Many small
pink flowers in clusters typical of the buckwheats. Very pretty and unusual among the spring
wildflowers. Attracts many pollinators.
Uses in the garden: Most often used with other annual wildflowers and native grasses in a prairie
planting. Striking accent when massed. Pair with California poppies and other yellow wildflowers.
Great as cover in a bulb pot or on its own in a container. Good spring plant for pollinators.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native spring wildflowers.
Attracts: Excellent pollinators and bird habitat: provides nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Any local texture; any local pH.
Water Adequate winter/spring water; withhold water after blooming.
Fertilizer None needed in ground; ½ strength for plants in pots.
Other No mulch, gravel mulch or thin grass mulch.
Management: Pretty easy. Collect seeds (best) or let re-seed; birds love the seed.
Propagation: from seed: relatively easy; not all seed will germinate.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 19 1/3/2018
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

6. Variable linanthus – Leptosiphon parviflorus (lep-toe-SY-fon par-vi-FLOR-us)
Family: Polemoniaceae (Phlox Family)
Native to: California Floristic Province. Locally on Catalina Isl., in the Santa Monica Mountains and
San Gabriel foothills; common in many plant communities, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral,
oak woodlands, mixed evergreen forests, and montane coniferous forests to 4500 ft.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: to 12 in. mature width: < 12 in.
Upright, herbaceous annual with leaves divided into narrow lobes. Leaves in dense whorl. Foliage
hairy. Plants vary greatly in size and other characteristics (hence common name).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms mid-Mar-Jun, depending on weather. Funnel-shaped flowers grow in
clusters. Flower color highly variable: slender floral tube is maroon, pink, or yellow and throat can
be yellow, purple, or orange. Flowers hairy, glandular. Very pretty little flowers; garden-like.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in prairie or meadow plantings, with other wildflowers and
native grasses. Plant in a container or along pathways – pretty flowers merit close inspection. Plants
attract hummingbirds, long-tongued butterflies & bee-fly pollinators. Charming, old-fashioned plant.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Linanthus species.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator and bird habitat: provides nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (coast); afternoon shade inland.
Soil Pretty much any local – sandy to clay; any local pH.
Water Adequate winter-spring water; taper off with flowering.
Fertilizer None needed.
Other No or gravel mulch best; thin leaf litter OK.
Management: Plant in prepared garden plot (best) or containers. Easy in right spot.
Propagation: from seed: no pre-treatment needed. Best to seed directly into garden.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 19 1/3/2018
© Project SOUND

7. * Lindley’s Blazingstar – Mentzelia lindleyi (ment-ZEE-lee-uh LIND-lee-eye)
Family: Loasaceae (Eveningstar family)
Native to: Foothills of central and northern CA; rocky, open slopes, coastal-sage scrub, oak/pine
woodland below 2500 ft.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Herbaceous annual wildflower with erect growth habit. Leaves are lobed, rather dandelion-like along
the hairy stems. Plant dies after blooming and producing seed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually Apr-June but may continue into summer. Large ( 3”)
flowers are bright, iridescent yellow, sometimes with an orange center. Very showy. Blooms open
in the late afternoon, releasing a sweet scent. Looks right at home in an old-fashioned garden.
Uses in the garden: Most common use is in mixed flower gardens. Adds a bright accent in late
spring-summer. Very showy when massed or mixed with other native wildflowers – particularly
with Penstemons & Phacelias. Excellent choice for large pots. Nice addition to scented garden.
This plant is used extensively in European gardens because of its attractive flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yellow-flowered annuals.
Attracts: Birds eat the seeds. Nectar attracts native and non-native bees.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Any well-drained soil; any local pH.
Water Needs adequate water during growth period (winter/spring); taper off water while
flowering. No water after flowering ends.
Fertilizer None needed, but will tolerate.
Other Will tolerate heat, wind, and poor soils
Management: Carefree. Best to sow seeds in place in fall.
Propagation: from seed: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 13, 16 3/15/10
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

8. Common Madia – Madia elegans (MAD-ee-uh EL-eh-gans)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of Western U.S. from S. WA to Baja. Locally it grows in the Santa Monica and San
Gabriel Mtns; dry, open, usually grassy places in shrublands & woodlands, often along roadsides,
usually in coarse or clay soils.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Herbaceous annual wildflower with long, narrow leaves. Foliage is fuzzy and glandular – distinct
aroma of foliage and flowers somewhat like tropical fruit. Upright, slightly coarse looking plant.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms are fabulous. Summer bloomer – July-Sept; long bloom period. Flowers
grow in typical sunflower heads ~ 1 inch in diameter. Ray flowers bright golden yellow, often with
maroon blotches. Disk flowers yellow or maroon. Loads of flowers – really showy. Small sunflower
seeds are delicious to eat – parched and eaten whole or ground for pinole or ground seed recipes.
Uses in the garden: Anywhere that you need a bright little sunflower. Large size and open growth
habit make it good for mixed beds. Nice cut flowers. Would be good for containers, areas around a
vegetable garden or dry slopes. Flowers close at mid-day. Nice, cheerful addition to the garden.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant; many birds attracted by seeds including including doves, quail,
blackbirds, finches, Oregon juncos, western meadowlarks, American pipits, sparrows, towhees.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Any well-drained soil; any local pH.
Water Best as Zone 1-2 to 2; withhold water after flowering for good seed production.
Fertilizer None needed – but won’t harm it.
Other Inorganic (gravel) mulch or bare ground.
Management: Quite easy to grow. Plant seed at time of first winter rains. Will reseed on bare
ground, but collect some seed for replanting in case the birds gobble up all the seed!
Propagation: from seed: no pre-treatment necessary. Just barely cover seeds.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 10, 11, 16, 19 2/17/11
© Project SOUND