Garden information sheets for plants covered in talk on California native edibles grown in containers.

1. Miner’s Lettuce – Claytonia perfoliata ssp. perfoliata & mexicana
(klay-TOH-nee-uh per-foh-lee-AY-tuh mex-i-KAY-na.)
Family: Portulacaceae (Purslane Family)
Native to: Western U.S. to Baja, often in coastal areas, but also in deserts; common in seasonally
moist, often shady or disturbed sites.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual mature height: to 1 ft. mature width: 1 ft.
Numerous fleshy stems from base. Leaves surround the stem (interesting shape) and foliage is an
attractive green to red-green color. Young leaves and stems can be eaten raw or cooked – a
gourmet winter salad green. Leaves can be picked through winter/spring; will produce new leaves
until days get too long.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Feb-June. Flowers small, white, in clusters above leaves. Many small
black seeds in papery capsules that explode open to spread seeds.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a ground cover in moist, shady areas of garden. Would
also do well in winter salad garden with lettuce, spinach, etc. Fine in containers if kept moist.
suitable for bogs and water gardens, pond edges.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native annual groundcovers; lettuce & other greens.
Attracts: Seed-eating birds (such as doves) enjoy the seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to full shade; best in partial sun and does well under trees.
Soil Any pH, texture; does particularly well in sandy soils
Water Winter/spring water; can extend summer growth with water. OK at edges of
watered lawns.
Fertilizer Low needs; no added fertilizer
Other
Management: Very easy to grow. Will reseed on bare ground – sometimes too much so.
Gophers like roots.
Propagation: from seed: easy. Best if sown in prepared soil in fall. Will germinate in short days
of fall/winter.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 10, 13 11/26/10
© Project SOUND

2. *Candyflower – Claytonia sibirica (klay-TOH-nee-uh sy-BEER-ih-kuh)
Family: Montiaceae (Miner’s lettuce Family); formerly in Portaculaceae
Native to: Northern CA coasts and mountains north to AK; in moist places in Redwood, Douglas-Fir,
Red Fir and Mixed Evergreen Forest forests, and on streambanks, along coast below 4500 ft.
Growth characteristics: spreading herbaceous perennial mature height:1-2 ft. mature width:3-4 ft.
Low-growing herbaceous annual or perennial with fleshy stems radiating from a central stem.
Leaves simple, mostly basal; egg-shaped at the base, becoming more lance-shaped on long petioles
up the stem. Plants are short-lived (3 years) but spread via seed and rhizomes. Sprawling/draped
habit. Plants evergreen to partially deciduous in western S. CA – die back if dry. Foliage is edible.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring; long bloom season (Mar-May or even June). Flowers in small
clusters, with five white to pink petals, usually with darker pink stripes (like a candy cane; hence
common name). While flowers are small they are quite enchanting. Fruit a dry capsule with
rounded dark seeds.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a groundcover in dark, moist places under trees or on north
sides of buildings, walls. Good choice for containers on shady porches/patios or for bog gardens.
Cool, woodsy appearance – good with ferns and other N. CA perennials. Foliage can be eaten as
fresh salad greens or cooked as a potherb. It can also be dried and used later in cooked/baked
dishes. Native Californians used as medicine for dandruff, sore eyes, sore throat and cuts/sores.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native groundcovers like English and Algerian Ivy
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to quite shady; this is a forest floor plant.
Soil Adaptable; best with slightly acid to neutral pH (5.5-7.5) or typical planting mix.
Water Best with regular water/moist soils (Water Zone 3)
Fertilizer 1-2 times with half-strength fertilize, especially in containers.
Other Use organic mulch (bark; pine needles).
Management: Pretty easy in the right spot. Keep soils moist. Re-seeds but easy to remove.
Propagation: from seed: cold/moist treat before planting by cuttings: probably
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 11, 13, 39, 46 2/29/16
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

3. Fringed Red Maids – Calandrinia ciliata (cal-an-DREE-ee-uh sill-ee-AY-tuh)
Family: Portaculaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Much of California w. of the Sierras; open grassy places and cultivated fields, open
forests and near desert edge on sandy, rocky or loamy soils.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height:1-2 ft. mature width:1-2 ft.
Low, spreading annual with narrow, fleshy leaves and stems. Height depends on soil, water and
other conditions. Foliage color is light green to blue-green.
Blooms/fruits: Spring bloomer (Mar-May). Flowers are small (< ½ in.), rose-red with darker
veins, along the stems. Showy when massed. Flowers only open when the sun is shining.
Uses in the garden: Often used in mixed beds with other native annuals and perennials. Makes a
nice addition to the vegetable garden. Wonderful in pots, mixed with annuals, native bulbs/corms.
Young foliage makes a zesty addition to spring salads. Use in moderation or cook as boiled greens
to remove some of the oxalic acid. Seeds can be parched and eaten as pinole.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native salad greens and pink wildflowers.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: birds, small mammals & insects all eat the seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Light to medium well-drained soils; sandy soils probably optimal.
Water Needs good winter/spring moisture – rains often sufficient. No watering after
flowering is complete.
Fertilizer None.
Other
Management: Easy to grow. Sprinkle seeds on prepared ground/in pots in late fall/winter. Rack
in (barely cover). Will reseed on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: see above
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 5, 10 11/25/10
© Project SOUND

4. Seep (Common) Monkeyflower – Mimulus guttatus (MIM-yoo-luss guh-TAY-tus)
Family: Phrymaceae (Monkeyflower Family) – formerly Scrophulareaceae (Figwort Family)
Native to: Much of western U.S. from Canada to N. Mexico; moist to wet soils of springs, seeps,
marshes, meadows, and stream banks.
Growth characteristics: herb. perennial/annual mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Short lived perennials, usually grown as annuals. Plant dies back entirely in summer. Leaves are
bright green, simple, oval and often toothed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-Aug. The bright yellow flowers start in the spring and last through the
fall if constant moisture is present. The flowers are typical of monkeyflowers – look like yellow
snapdragons with bright red spots. Very showy plant with adequate water.
Uses in the garden: Moist places in the garden are best. Useful along the edges of ponds or the
fountains, and under the birdbath. Use with Juncus spp. (rushes) and Carex spp. (sedges). Leaves
can be eaten but seeds are poisonous.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native snapdragons and other flowering plants of damp places.
Attracts: Excellent insect habitat, providing nectar for hummingbirds, bees, butterflies. Also larval
food for caterpillars. Also good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (with water) to part-shade
Soil Any texture, including heavy clays; any local pH
Water Needs damp soil to summer flowering; can even grow in pots in shallow water in
pools and ponds
Fertilizer Benefits from moderate fertilizer and/or organic mulch
Other
Management: Self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes (roots) so may become weedy in damp areas.
Probably benefits from a dry period in late summer/early fall. Remove unwanted seedlings.
Propagation: from seed: easy; best to sow in place in fall, but can start in pots.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 24 12/10/10
© Project SOUND

5. Sticky (Bush) Monkey Flower – Diplacus/Mimulus aurantiacus
(DY (or DIP)-pla-kus aw-ran-TIE-ak-us)
Family: Scophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Native to: Much of western & southern CA; Rocky hillsides, cliffs, canyon slopes, disturbed areas,
borders of chaparral, coastal sage scrub and southern oak woodland, open forest.
Growth characteristics: perennial sub-shrub mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-4 ft.
Broadleaf evergreen shrub or subshrub that is semi-open, spreading upright and globular from a
woody base. May become sprawling. Leaves are narrow glossy sticky and dark green. Dormant in
summer in hot dry climates. Fast growing; lifespan in gardens is 10 years or so (water-limited).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-Aug – long blooming season; most flowers buff-orange or yellow. The
lower surface of the throat usually has two yellow-orange bands. The flowers get a drop of nectar at
their base in early spring, and the stigma lips will close if you poke them with a twig, but will open
again later. Tiny seeds are encased in a dry capsule.
Uses in the garden: Showy blooms so be sure to locate where you can enjoy it. Great on dry slopes
and natural gardens. Does well in large pots, planters. Excellent accent plant in a mixed bed,
pastel-colored garden. Cultivars/hybrids include: ‘Buff’, 'Verity Buff’, & ‘Jellybean’.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native fuschias.
Attracts: Superb habitat plant. Attracts hummingbirds (the plant’s pollinator) as well as bees and
butterflies (Buckeyes) with its nectar; important larval food for Checkerspot butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (best in hot gardens)
Soil Sandy, rocky soils best, but any well-drained soil is ok; any local pH – tolerates
alkali soils
Water A little water is ok in summer, but don’t overdo – susceptible to fungal diseases
Fertilizer None needed, but will take a little time-released fertilizer
Other
Management: Very easy to grow once established. Don’t over-water and withhold water towards
the end of summer to encourage it to go dormant. You can prune back after first flowering period to
encourage fall flowers and again before new spring growth in late winter to keep from getting leggy.
Propagation: from seed: easy; plant fresh seed in winter by cuttings: easy in early-mid summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 5, 8, 10, 12-14, 16, 17, 20, 21, 24, 28 11/26/10
© Project SOUND

6. Bigelow coreopsis – Leptosyne (Coreopsis) bigelovii (lep-toe-SY-ni big-eh-LOV-ee-eye)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Much of Central & South CA from Merced & Inyo Counties to San Diego County. Locally
in Santa Monica, San Gabriel and Tehachipi Mtns; open woodlands, grasslands, deserts including
Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Foothill Woodland.
Growth characteristics: annual wildflower mature height: 1-2+ ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Pretty annual with one to many upright stems. Leaves medium to gray-green, narrowly dissected
and appearing almost linear. Most of the leaves are at the base of the plant. Dies after re-seeding.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually Mar-May, but may be earlier. Flowers are typical
sunflower heads on long stems. Both the ray (‘petal’) and disk (middle) flowers are a bright, golden
yellow. Very pretty plants that adds a touch of color to the flower garden.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a flower, either in natural or more traditional gardens. Good
choice for desert-themed landscapes. Does beautifully in containers. Excellent habitat plant. Good
choice for the vegetable garden, where it attracts pollinators and is an edible itself. Young foliage
can be eaten raw or cooked as a potherb.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native sunflowers or yellow-flowered annuals.
Attracts: Excellent bird & pollinator habitat: provides nectar, pollen and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade; fine for Eastern exposures
Soil Very adaptable; any local pH
Water Needs good winter/spring moisture; taper off water after flowering.
Fertilizer None needed.
Other No mulch (or thin gravel mulch).
Management: Plant seeds in prepared beds/containers in winter. Seeds can be collected, or let
plants re-seed naturally on bare ground.
Propagation: from seed: fairly easy; keep soils well watered during growth.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 10, 16 3/2/16
© Project SOUND

7. California goosefoot – Chenopodium californicum
(kee-no-PODE-ee-um kal-ee-FOR-ni-cum)
Family: Chenopodiaceae (Goosefoot Family)
Native to: Much of CA from Northern coast, Southern Ca and Mojave Desert to Baja; generally dry
to moist, open sites in Yellow Pine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland.
Grows in many plant communities, on soils ranging from sandy to clay.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 2-4 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Drought-deciduous (dies completely back) perennial with many stems from a single fleshy root (like
a beet). Leaves simple, medium green and coarsely toothed, on a long petiole. Young foliage
makes a tasty cooked potherb; it can be dried or blanched and frozen for future use.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms summer/fall; July to Oct. Flowers are small, green-yellow and insignificant.
However, they grow in dense terminal spikes, which become attractive as the seeds ripen. Seeds
are red- to dark brown, pitted and edible. Fresh seed should be leached overnight; dried seed can be
ground and used in baked goods or as topping.
Uses in the garden: Most appropriate in a wild garden or on the dry periphery of a vegetable
garden. Does fine in dappled shade under trees. Can be grown in large containers. In addition to
providing food, foliage can be used for yellow-green dye; roots traditionally ground and used to
make detergent for fabric & for shampoo.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ‘wild’ herbs.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade (probably better with some afternoon shade).
Soil Tolerates wide range of soil textures; pH 5.00-8.00 (any local)
Water Needs good spring moisture; let dry down in late summer/fall (Water Zone 2).
Fertilizer Not really needed.
Other
Management: Fairly easy to grow. Cut back dried stems in fall. Will re-seed.
Propagation: from seed: easy in winter/spring by divisions: in spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5 2/29/16
© Project SOUND

8. Red-skinned Onion – Allium haematochiton (AL-ee-um hee-MAT-oh-KITE-on)
Family: Alliaceae (Onion Family)
Native to: Coastal S. CA to Baja; openings, fields, dry ridges & slopes in Coastal Sage Scrub,
Chaparral and grasslands.
Growth characteristics: perennial bulb mature height: 6-16 in. mature width: 6-10 in.
Clumps of grass/strap-like leaves in spring. Produces edible red-skinned bulbs. Plant dormant in
dry season – dies back to the ground.
Blooms/fruits: Flowers white-pink, in clusters. Blooms for several months in spring (Mar-May,
usually). Dainty and attractive.
Uses in the garden: natural garden, rock garden or in a bulb garden or border. Attracts nectar-
loving insects (including butterflies) and birds. Wildlife (and humans) eat bulbs for food. Nice
choice for pots or along walkways, where the charming flowers can be appreciated.
Sensible substitute for: non-native alliums.
Attracts: birds, butterflies, other pollinators.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade
Soil Alkaline fine; prefers well-drained
Water In winter & spring; can survive with little/no water in summer
Fertilizer None needed
Other Plant in un-mulched area – needs bare ground. Likes to grow around rocks
Management: little needed – easy to grow. Divide bulbs if getting crowded.
Propagation: from seed: collect seed in summer. Can start in pots By division of bulbs: collect
dormant bulbs in summer after foliage dies back. Plant in fall. Easy.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20 11/24/10
© Project SOUND

9. Peninsula/Mexicali Onion – Allium peninsulare var. peninsulare
(AL-ee-um pen-in-soo-LAIR-ee )
Family: Alliaceae (Onion Family)
Native to: Foothills of Central and SW CA. Locally in Santa Monica Mtns, Catalina, San Gabriels; on
slopes and flats that are winter-wet but summer dry, often in grassland, chaparral.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial bulb mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Perennial bulb which dies back to the ground after flowering. Single to several simple, stiff C-shaped
linear leaves that die back before flowering. Bulb small (to ~ 1 inch) rounded, smelling like onion.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually April-May. Flowers in an umbel-like cluster atop flowering
stems. Flowers bell-shaped, magenta to pink/purple (rarely white). Very showy – among the best
of our showy onions.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in dry flowering beds or in containers. Nice in a meadow or
coastal prairie area – will take a little summer water. Pair with local grasses, annual wildflowers.
Showy bulb for spring pots. Bulbs and leaves are edible; can be used for flavoring agent in soups,
stews, other cooked and baked goods.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Alliums.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade.
Soil Most local textures & pH.
Water Best summer dry (Zone 1 or 1-2 after flowering).
Fertilizer None
Other
Management: Leave dry leaves on until fall. Little/no summer water.
Propagation: from seed: yes by bulbs: fairly easy – 3rd
year bulbs will flower.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 20, 30, 43 3/2/16
© Project SOUND

10. * California Wood Strawberry – Fragaria vesca ssp. californica (frag-AY-ree-uh VES-kuh)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: North America to Baja. In CA, mountain ranges throughout the state including San
Bernardino & San Jacinto Mtns and San Diego Coastal Ranges; on hillsides, along paths and roads
and in sparse forest or woodland edges and clearings. Will grow, but not fruit, in shady areas.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 2-4+ ft.
Spreading herbaceous perennial that dies back in fall. Leaves are medium green, typical 3-lobed
strawberry leaves. Plant reproduces by seed, rhizomes and stolons (above-ground ‘runners’ that
produce new plantlets). Very attractive low ground-cover plant. Vigorous growth.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms spring/summer, usually Mar.-June in western L.A. Co. Flowers are small
(smaller than F. chiloensis), with white petals typical of strawberries. Charming and old-fashioned
looking. Fruits are tasty red strawberries – larger than F. chiloensis fruits. Fruits make excellent
jams and are also good eaten fresh. Leaves make a soothing tea.
Uses in the garden: One of the best native groundcover plants for shady areas like under oaks and
conifers. Will produce lots of tasty fruits if grown in dappled shade. Dainty old-fashioned look – pair
it with shade-loving perennials like Columbine and Coral Bells. Nice choice for edging paths,
around stepping stones, in strawberry pots. Perfect for scented and/or woodland gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native strawberries.
Attracts: Butterflies like the nectar, and just about anything likes the fruits!!!
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun, dappled or part-shade. Will grow in quite shady areas, but no fruit.
Soil Any, including clays. Any local pH including acidic soils under pines.
Water Wide range: occasional water to regular water (Zone 2 to 3).
Fertilizer Try half-strength fertilizer – or use organic mulch (leaf mulch is fine)
Other
Management: Little needed. Will spread but easy to remove in unwanted areas. Individual plants
die after about 3 years, but is always producing new plants. Cover to keep birds from eat fruits.
Propagation: from seed: yes – but naturally reseeds by cuttings: divisions - easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 8, 11, 13, 14, 20 2/9/11
* Native to CA but not to western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

11. * Western Thimbleberry – Rubus parviflorus (ROO-bus par-vee-FLOR-us )
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Western N. America from AK to Dakotas, the Southwest and CA. Locally, in the San
Gabriel Mtns.; on open, wooded hillsides, stream banks, canyons from sea level to sub-alpine.
Growth characteristics: spreading sub-shrub mature height: 3-6 ft. mature width: spreading
Perennial sub-shrub with erect to sprawling canes. Winter-deciduous with 5-lobed leaves like a
raspberry/blackberry. Leaves may give fall color. Canes are hairy but thornless. Fast growth.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, with time depending on weather. Flowers white, showy, with 5
petals on side branches of second-year canes (the ‘floricanes’). Fruits are red, somewhat dry and
like a raspberry (or thimble – hence the common name). Ripe fruits are edible and make excellent
jelly, syrup, beverages. Flavor is mild compared to a raspberry or blackberry.
Uses in the garden: Mostly grown as an edible fruit. Also useful for preventing soil erosion on
slopes. Woodsy looking. Does well in large pots/containers or planters, where it can be contained.
Sometimes used as a hedge or screen. Great addition to a habitat garden. Leaves used as pleasant
herbal tea or for flavoring baking meats; dried leaves ground and applied to skin sores, pimples.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native cane berries like Himalayan Blackberry.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant. Birds and smaller animals eat fruits and use plant for cover.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (best fruit) to part-shade.
Soil Any.
Water Regular water – Zone 2-3 best.
Fertilizer Fine with yearly application of compost.
Other Likes an organic mulch.
Management: Plants will spread via rhizomes, so be sure to locate appropriately or contain. Cut
back oldest/dead canes each year in late fall.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; cold-moist treatment by cuttings: in spring/summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 11, 13 5/29/12
© Project SOUND

12. *Whitebark (Blue/Blackcap) raspberry – Rubus leucodermis
(ROO-bus LOO-co-derm-us)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: CA north to British Columbia, Montana, Nevada. In CA, California Floristic Province
(except coast, Great Central Valley); rocky, generally moist soils from 0-7000 ft. elevation.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial shrub mature height: 3-5 ft. mature width: 3-9 ft.
Woody, winter deciduous shrub. Habit is often trailing, even vine-like. Numerous stout, hooked
prickles protect the plant. Leaves trifoliate, greenish and hairless above, white-woolly beneath.
Stems are white (hence name).
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring/summer, usually May-July. Flowers with 5 white petals, with
numerous stamens and pistils (sexual parts), typical of Rose family. Flowers in small groups (5-7).
Fruits typical raspberries, on two-year-old canes; dark red/black when ripe (pull easily off when
ripe). Berries can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked, for jam, beverages, etc. Young shoots/leaves
can be cooked as greens.
Uses in the garden: Most often planted for the fruits; can be trained on trellises of other support like
other cane berries. Does well in large containers, which also will contain them. Can be used as a
hedge or included in a hedgerow. Good habitat plant – adds food and shelter to the garden mix.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native cane berries.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and fruits for food. Attracts insect pollinators.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to dappled shade/afternoon shade (the latter probably best in S. CA).
Soil Any well-drained texture; likes slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.5 best).
Water Regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3).
Fertilizer Once a year, particularly if grown in containers.
Other Use organic mulch (bark mulch is good).
Management: Prune out dead canes in fall. Train young canes as desired. Keep soil moist.
Propagation: from seed: cold-moist treatment needed by cuttings, tip-layering, divisions: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, 62 3/1/16
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND