This document provides information on the Southern Honeysuckle vine native to southern California. It is an evergreen vine or shrub that climbs on other plants with paired, leathery leaves. It blooms in spring with cream-white flowers and produces edible red or yellow berries in fall. It prefers partial shade and moderate summer water, and provides habitat for birds and pollinators.

1. Southern (Chaparral/Santa Barbara/San Diego) Honeysuckle – Lonicera
subspicata vars. denudata & subspicata (lon-ISS-er-uh sub-spy-KAY-tuh den-yew-DAY-tuh)
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Native to: Western and central S. CA ; fairly common on dry chaparral slopes and in shaded
woodlands. Often seen growing on N-facing slopes.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial vine/shrub mature length: 3-8 ft. up to ft.
An evergreen viney shrub that is somewhat woody at the base and generally climbs or reclines on
other shrubs. Well-spaced, paired leaves are oval/elliptical, leathery and evergreen.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr-May. Flowers are cream-white, in clusters (whorls) along a flowering
stem, and look like common honeysuckles. Scented. In fall, brilliant edible red or yellow berries.
Uses in the garden: Nice as a ground cover in shaded areas, including under oaks. Fine in planters
and large pots. Trained along a wall or fence with support. Excellent for scent and habitat value.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody vines, particularly invasive non-native Honeysuckles.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and nectar (hummingbirds; butterflies & bees) and
seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun with water; part- to full shade with no supplemental water
Soil Any texture; best in neutral pH’s
Water Can take moderate summer water, but is very drought tolerant once established
(see Sun)
Fertilizer Low; none needed
Other
Management: Prune to manage size/shape. Needs support to climb. Host for Phytophthora
ramorum (Sudden Oak Death).
Propagation: from seed: yes; may require soaking, cold treatment by cuttings: hard- or semi-
softwood in summer/fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 6, 11-14, 20, 23, 24, 26 3/27/17
© Project SOUND

2. * Coffeeberry – Frangula (Rhamnus) californica (FRAN-gyou-luh ka-li-FOR-ni-ka)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Western U.S. from S.W. OR to CA, NV, AZ. In CA, foothills of coastal ranges, Sierras &
desert mountains; open slopes and shaded canyons, Coastal-sage scrub, chaparral, woodlands,
forests and coastal strand below 3500' (to 6000'), usually in shade and frequently near streams.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/small tree mature height: 6-10 ft. mature width: 6-10 ft.
Woody shrub, evergreen, growth pattern & shape very dependent on local conditions. Leaves shiny,
light green becoming darker green, often with rolled edges. Bark brown or reddish. Moderate to
rapid growth. Long life-span (100s of years in wild).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring (Apr-June). Flowers small, white, fairly inconspicuous. Juicy
berries ripen to orange/red and finally to black in August – October – quite showy against the green
foliage. Berries will stain concrete.
Uses in the garden: Makes a wonderful hedge, screen or include in a hedgerow. Excellent habitat
plant. Useful for erosion control on dry, steep hillsides. Beautiful foundation shrub, parkway or
border plant, particularly in areas that get partial sun. Cultivars: 'Mound San Bruno', 'Salt Point',
‘Leatherleaf’ & ‘Seaview’ are more low-growing; 'Eve Case', 'Bonita Linda' are garden-adapted.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs like Carissa, Cotoneaster, Ligustrum, Myoporum,
Oleander, Photinia,Pittosporum, Raphiolepis and Xylosma.
Attracts: Excellent bird and insect habitat. Dense foliage for cover. Berries attract foraging and
nesting songbirds: Mockingbirds, Quail, Thrushes, Robins, Finches, Towhees, Thrashers and Jays.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade.
Soil Rocky or sandy best, but fine in well-drained soils if not over-watered. pH: 5.0-8.0.
Water Best with occasional summer water (Zone 2); quite drought tolerant.
Fertilizer No
Other
Management: Pretty easy. Can prune, hedge or shape if desired. Fairly disease/pest free.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed best; fairly easy by cuttings: semi-softwood
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 5, 6, 8, 9, 12-14, 16, 20-24 3/29/17
© Project SOUND

3. Lemonadeberry – Rhus integrifolia (ROOS (or RUSS) in-teg-ree-FOLE-ee-uh)
Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac Family)
Native to: Coastal areas of S. CA below Santa Barbara; northern Baja CA. In nature prefers dry
areas in canyons, north-facing slopes and areas that face the ocean.
Growth characteristics: large woody shrub mature height: 2-10 ft mature width: 3-20+ ft
Thick, waxy leaves are shiny green (new growth is red). Trucks and branches are stout. Forms a
dense shrub, spreading with age. Evergreen, even in drought.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Feb-Apr (usually) in our area. Flowers are small, pink-white, in bunches –
quite pretty close-up. Pink edible fruits ripen in Fall. Can be used to make a lemonade-like drink.
Uses in the garden: Best as a large, attractive specimen shrub. Can also be trimmed as a hedge
or espaliered along a wall or fence. Excellent backbone plant for hedgerows Aromatic; flavor for
food/beverage. Good for erosion control, dry banks and slopes. Habitat for birds and butterflies.
Sensible substitute for: large, non-native shrubs such as Melaleuka, Photinia, Ficus
Attracts: Excellent habitat shrub. Flowers attract butterflies and bees. Birds that eat berries
include crows, jays, Northern Flicker and many other fruit-eating birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun in cooler areas; partial shade
Soils Any texture – sandy is fine; acid to alkali soils fine
Water None or occasional summer watering after establishment; very drought and heat
tolerant
Fertilizer None; does fine in nutrient-poor soils
Other Does not do well in high wind areas – brittle wood
Management: Little needed. Can be trained by pruning as hedge or espaliered along a wall or
fence. In nature, may grow as large clumps of several plants. Can cut back to decrease spreading
in the garden – very adaptable.
Propagation: From seed: planting fresh seed is best. Requires hot water treatment (24 hr soak).
By cuttings: best by suckers or root cuttings harvested in winter.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7-10, 12-14, 16, 17, 19, 21, 24-28 3/29/17
© Project SOUND

4. * Willowy Monardella – Monardella linoides ssp. viminea
(mon-ar-DEL-la lie-NO-i-dees vim-IN-ee-a)
Family: Lamiaaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: SW San Diego Co. south to Baja; sandy or rocky washes to 1000', mostly in chaparral,
coastal sage scrub but also in pine forests.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Drought-deciduous perennial with long narrow leaves on slender stems. Foliage gray-green, very
aromatic (minty scent). Sprawling habit, but dainty look.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late - June to August, even to November with water. Flowers white to rose
or lavender, in dense 1 inch heads (typical for mints). Flowers in profusion over long time. Scented
flowers have a wonderful old-fashioned look.
Uses in the garden: Nice at the front of bed or near pathways where flowers and fragrance can be
enjoyed. Fire retardant. Excellent choice for Butterfly Garden. Make tea from leaves. Nice in
dappled sun under trees or with Salvias, Penstemons and native bunchgrasses.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Monardellas.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly habitat: butterflies hummingbirds and bees all collect nectar. Song
birds eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Sandy or rocky best; pH 6.5 to 8.0
Water Needs regular water to establish. Then best in Zone 2 (occasional summer water).
Fertilizer None.
Other
Management: Cut back by 1/3 after flowering to improve appearance (only if desired).
Propagation: from seed: yes, fresh seed by divisions: yes; probably like other Mints.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 13, 14, 19, 24 3/29/17
© Project SOUND

5. *Southern mountain monardella – Monardella australis (mon-ar-DEL-uh aw-STRAY-lis)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: San Gabriel, San Bernardino & San Jacinto Ranges of S. CA; on rocky slopes and
openings in Red fir forest and Yellow pine forest, at elevations from 4,500-10,000 ft.
Growth characteristics: part-woody perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Delicate perennial with wand-like stems; becoming mounded with age. Leaves sparse, light- to
gray-green, linear to ovate, with intense, minty aroma (one of the best for our native mints).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late spring-summer, often from June to August in gardens. Flowers
clustered in ball-like clusters around the stems. Flower color pastel pink or lavender – very pretty in
a delicate way. Flowers are a real butterfly attractant!
Uses in the garden: Can be used as a groundcover or in a perennial bed with other native grasses,
perennials and shrubs. Good choice for butterfly garden, herb garden – even around the edges of a
vegetable garden. Good candidate for large containers. Use foliage for aromatic tea, flavoring.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant for pollinators, butterflies (many species): provides cover and
seeds for food for birds, lizards, etc.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (probably best in many gardens).
Soil Most well-drained soils, from sandy to clay. Most local pH except very alkali.
Water Occasional summer water (Water Zone 2 – 2-4 times per month).
Fertilizer Half-strength in containers; otherwise not needed.
Other Inorganic or thin organic mulch.
Management: Prune back by 1/3 each year in summer or fall. Short-lived (3-5 years); propagate
replacements from seed or cuttings.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed, ?winter by cuttings/layering: try – both should work.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 14 7/1/16
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

6. * Mountain Monardella – Monardella odoratissima
(mon-ar-DELL-uh oh-dor-uh-TISS-ee-muh)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Mountains of central & N. CA including the Western Sierras & locally in the San Gabriels;
Sin wet or dry, rocky openings in Sagebrush scrub, montane forest from 2000-11,000' elevation.
Growth characteristics: perennial/sub-shrub mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
A variable species with many subspecies across its range. Gray-green to medium green mounded
perennial with erect stems, woody at very bottom. Leaves simple, paired, highly aromatic with
minty fragrance. Plants may be mat-like and low or more shrubby. Evergreen.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring to summer (June to July, even Aug.). Flowers are typical for
Mint family – small flowers in ball-like whorls at the top of stems. Flowers are pale pink or lavender
(except ssp. pallida which has white flowers). Flowers are particularly large, numerous and showy
compared to others in this family.
Uses in the garden: One of the prettiest Monardellas. Excellent choice for the butterfly garden.
Minty fragrance is welcome in the scented garden – and also as an herbal tea. Lovely in containers,
where it may drape down the sides. Good for bordering lawns – can take a little extra moisture – or
for rain gardens/vegetated swales. Very versatile; good under trees. Best at higher elevations.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Mints.
Attracts: A range of butterflies with its sweet nectar.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Does best in part-shade in our area; dappled shade under trees is excellent.
Soil Well-drained – does well in sandy soils; any local pH
Water Adaptable – Zone 2 is best, but OK with 2-3 in well-drained soils.
Fertilizer Fine with organic amendments, ½ strength fertilizer.
Other Organic mulch recommended.
Management: Prune back lightly in fall. Deadhead to improve appearance.
Propagation: from seed: yes; follow instructions from source by cuttings: in summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 24, 28 3/29/17
© Project SOUND

7. * Mountain (Sierra) Mint – Pycnanthemum californicum
(pick-NAN-the-mum kal-ih-FOR-ni-kum)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Mountain ranges & foothills of California. Locally in the San Gabriels; moist sites in
chaparral, oak woodland, and coniferous forests, 1,500-5,500' elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: spreading
Spreading, herbaceous groundcover that dies back if water-stressed. Leaves shiny green, lance-
shaped, typical for mints. Plant has strong minty scent when crushed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring or summer. Flowers are small, white with purple spots, in clusters
in the leaf axils. Flowers very typical for Mint family, attract butterflies, hummingbirds.
Uses in the garden: Best used in moist areas of the garden – lawn edges, etc. Makes a surprisingly
hardy ground cover. Good choice under fountains & birdbaths. Would also work will in large
containers. Fragrant foliage useful as a seasoning, for teas, or as a cold remedy (traditional use).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints.
Attracts: Excellent butterfly nectar plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part sun best. Morning sun or dappled sun.
Soil Most local soil types and pH’s.
Water Best in moist soils – Water Zone 2-3 to 3.
Fertilizer Not needed if organic mulch used.
Other Organic leaf mulch best.
Management: Plant will spread, so contain if this is an issue. Easy to pull out unwanted stems.
Cut back to nearly the ground when it becomes raggedy.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed by cuttings: fairly easy, spring/summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 6, 8, 11, 13, 14 3/29/17
© Project SOUND

8. Wild (Field) Mint – Mentha arvensis (MEN-thuh ar-VEN-sis)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Much of Northern Hemisphere. Locally in Santa Monica and San Bernardino Mtns. &
mountains of San Diego Co.; in moist places like lakeshores & stream banks, seeps.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: spreading
Low-growing herbaceous perennial that spreads via rhizomes to create sizeable colonies (typical
mint). Leaves bright green, crinkled with typical strong minty scent. Stems square, may be
sprawling or more upright. Foliage dies back in fall.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer/fall, anytime from July through Oct. Flowers are tiny white to
lavender or pink, bell-shaped in dense clusters in the leaf axils. Flowers are small and may be
almost hidden by the leaves.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in the kitchen or herbal garden, as this plant is usually grown
for tea and as a flavoring agent in cooking. The flavor is a typical, strong mint. Scent repels insect
pests, mice/other rodents. Consider growing this plant in containers, as it will spread. Useful for
damp areas in the garden, along creek beds or in the wettest part of a rain garden or swale.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mints.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Bees & butterflies love nectar.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to dappled shade. Flavor more intense with full sun.
Soil Any local. Likes slightly acid pH, but takes 6.0 to 8.0.
Water Regular water – Zone 2-3 to 3. Tolerates seasonal flooding.
Fertilizer Not needed but not harmful. Can amend soil with compost.
Other Do not use pesticides if using as an edible plant
Management: Cut back dead stems to 1-2 inches in fall. Remove rambunctious growth as needed.
Consider growing in a large container. Will hybridize with other mints.
Propagation: from seed: cold, moist treat 2-3 mo. by stem cuttings: easy in spring, fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 6, 13 1/13/15
© Project SOUND

9. Hummingbird Sage – Salvia spathacea (SAL-vee-uh spath-ay-SEE-uh)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
Native to: Central Washington through Southern California, including Santa Monica Mountains.
Grows in open or shady places in coastal hills/valleys, coastal oak woodland, coastal scrub and
chaparral.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft mature width: patch: 1-5+ ft.
Short colonial groundcover that spreads by underground stems (rhizomes). Leaves are large,
arrow-shaped and bright to dark green (darken with age). Leaves are wrinkled and fuzzy. Foliage
very fragrant – somewhat minty but a scent unique to this species.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms from early Spring to Fall. Flower stalks rise above leaves from early spring
to fall. Flower heads are large, conspicuous and brightly colored. Flowers are brilliant magenta.
Uses in the garden: Great in aroma and butterfly gardens. As its name implies, it routinely attracts
hummingbirds. Stalks make nice cut flowers. Works well as a ground cover on hillsides, coastal
bluffs and under trees. Can be grown in containers and planters. Plants are drought tolerant so
good choice for water-wise gardens. Delicious hot or iced tea can be made from the leaves.
Sensible substitute for: non-native ornamental mints.
Attracts: hummingbirds (pollinators); butterflies; seed-eating birds; ground feeding birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (along coast), partial shade to shade.
Soil Likes well drained soils, but will tolerate clay
Water Once or twice a month; let dry out between waterings
Fertilizer Prefers somewhat rich organic soil; amend with mulch, compost
Other Tolerates salt-spray
Management: prune back almost to the ground in fall to remove old flower stalks; can give a light
pruning in late summer if looking ragged.
Propagation: from seed: bag seed heads to catch seeds, shake dry seeds into paper bag. Keep
dry/cool. Plant fall or spring in pot or garden soil. By rhizome divisions: easy. By semi-softwood
cuttings: root in water (no hormones needed) in glass jar. Plant in pots when roots emerge.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 9, 11-14, 19, 20, 24, 25 1/12/15
© Project SOUND