This document provides information on the Blue/Mexican Elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea). It is a large shrub or small tree native to western North America that can grow up to 24 feet tall and wide. It has attractive light green leaves and produces creamy white flowers in clusters from May to September followed by edible blue fruits. It is well adapted to gardens where it provides habitat and forage for birds and other wildlife. It requires full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil, and is very drought tolerant once established.

1. Annual (Common) Sunflower – Helianthus annuus (heel-ee-AN-thus AN-yoo-us)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Most of western U.S., SW Canada, Mexico. Found on bare ground (disturbed sites) in many
habitats. Common along roadsides, in old fields, shrublands.
Growth characteristics: herbaceaous annual mature height: 4-10 ft mature width: 2-5 ft
Tall, herbaceous annual with large leaves and stout stem. Leaves and branches hairy. Growth
slightly open, spreading. Showy flowers held above the foliage.
Blooms/fruits: Many yellow “sunflowers” with yellow ray flowers and purple-brown disk flowers, in
summer/fall.
Uses in the garden: attracts lots of attention due to size and attractive flowers. Good in backs of
beds, along walls and fences. Nice in both native and cottage gardens. Excellent for wildlife. Nice
“sunflower” scent. Can even grow in large pots. Good as a cut flower. Seeds are edible.
Sensible substitute for: non-native annual sunflowers, and sunflower cultivars
Attracts: bees, butterflies and other nectar-loving insects. Other insects eat leaves. Seeds favored
by a wide range of birds including finches, jays, songbirds. Small mammals also eat seeds and foliage.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun
Soil Any well-drained soil
Water Little needed in summer – don’t overwater
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Little needed. Don’t over-water or you’ll risk powdery mildew in our area. You can
remove spent flowers if you don’t want the plant to re-seed (re-seeds naturally – unless the birds get
all the seeds!). Remove dead plants in fall after seeds are collected/eaten.
Propagation: from seed: Very easy (a good one for child gardeners). Allow seed to dry on the plant.
Collect seed in late summer/fall. An easy method is to cut entire dried heads, then place them stem
side up on a layer of newspaper or paper towels in a dry place. Seeds will fall out as they complete
their drying. Plant seeds out in beds in fall (rake in) or plant either in pots or directly in beds in spring.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, many others – get locally-collected 12/5/10
© Project SOUND

2. Collared/Truncated Lupine – Lupinus truncatus (loo-PIE-nus trun-KAY-tus)
Family: Fabaceae (Pea Family)
Native to: Coastal & western CA from central CA to Baja; openings in woodlands, chaparral, coastal
sage scrub, grasslands & burns below 3000' elevation.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual wildflower mature height:1-2 ft. mature width:1-2 ft.
Pretty, erect annual lupine. Shape is larger at the bottom tapering to the top (somewhat conical).
Foliage is bright green with typical lupine leaves (like an outstretched hand). Note: seeds and other
parts of all lupines are toxic if eaten.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, often Mar-May in our area. Flowers have typical lupine form,
fragrant and change color from purple to violet/magenta. Flowers are sparse along a central stalk that
rises above the foliage. Quite showy particularly when massed. Seeds in hairy pods.
Uses in the garden: Nice addition to annual wildflower prairie/meadow. Showy when massed in flower
beds. Look nice in large pots or planters. This species, like all lupines, improves the soil by making
nitrogen available to other plants. Place where you can enjoy the fragrance!
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lupines.
Attracts: Important nectar source for larger bees. Ground-feeding birds like doves eat the seed.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Any well-drained soil including moderately alkali (pH to 8.0)
Water Needs good winter/spring rains (supplement if needed); no water after blooming.
Fertilizer None needed
Other
Management: Somewhat more difficult to grow than other lupines. Plant in prepared ground in fall.
See notes under seed propagation.
Propagation: from seed: to aid germination place seeds in a cup of hot (not boiling) water and let
seeds sit over night. Plant the next day. Lightly cover seed or rake in lightly.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 10, 13, 16, 19 12/7/10
© Project SOUND

3. Dot-seed Plantain – Plantago erecta (plan-TAY-go ee-REC-tuh)
Family: Plantaginacaceae (Plantain Family)
Native to: Throughout California from OR to Baja; on grassy beaches, dunes, stable sandy flats, vernal
pools, ridges and rock outcrops.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous annual mature height: 1-12 in. mature width: 1-5 In.
Slender, erect plant with slightly hairy stems and flower stalks. Attractive light green. Neat & petite.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Mar-May. Flowers are small, papery, white-green and borne on erect stalk.
Very small but attractive up close.
Uses in the garden: Pleasant in annual wildflower garden (plant up front – very small). Excellent for
rock garden, miniature garden or in pots as a cover for bulbs. Does well in disturbed soils, so good for
restoring disturbed areas. Useful as an annual groundcover or to fill between other plants.
Sensible substitute for: Small non-native annuals, ornamental grasses.
Attracts: Larval food for Checkerspot and Buckeye butterflies. Birds eat seeds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade
Soil Any; sand to clay
Water No summer water; requires winter water to germinate
Fertilizer none
Other
Management: Out-competed by non-native annual grasses. Does best if soil is bare, and surface is
slightly disturbed. Easy under right conditions. Let plants dry out after flowering to promote seed-set.
Will reseed but may not come back every year.
Propagation: from seed: no special requirements; sow in place; will germinate in warm spring
weather.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 14, 16, 24 12/9/10
© Project SOUND

4. Giant Wildrye Grass – Leymus condensatus (LIE (or LAY)-mus con-den-SAY-tus)
Family: Poaceae (Grass family)
Native to: Western N. America ; dunes, dry plains, dry or moist places in grasslands, Coastal Sage
Scrub, Chaparral.
Growth characteristics: cool season grass mature height: 3-8.5 ft. mature width: 4+ ft
Large, densely clumping perennial grass that spreads vigorously by rhizomes. Summer dormant in dry
conditions. Long lifespan. Extremely hardy.
Blooms/fruits: blooms in summer; typical grass flowers (small, green-brown) on elevated stalks.
Flowering stalks are bold and showy – makes a real statement!
Uses in the garden: Large, robust accent or background plant. Bold border plant or informal screen.
Great on slopes. Would look fine in large containers. Cultivar “Canyon Prince” is smaller, more blue-
green – often used as an ornamental grass or ground cover.
Sensible substitute for: large non-native bunching grasses such as Pampas Grass
Attracts: birds (nest, cover food); butterflies (larval food)
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to some shade
Soil Any soil texture; tolerates alkaline and salty soils
Water Not particular; can tolerate seasonal wetness, regular irrigation, dry garden
Fertilizer Low (medium to increase vigor)
Other tolerates maritime conditions, fire
Management: vigorous growth – so contain if necessary. Curtailing water decreases growth.
Severely shear (as often as yearly for “Canyon Prince”) in fall/winter to keep from getting leggy.
Remove spent leaves.
Propagation: From seed: collect ripe seed summer/fall. Sow in ground or pots in spring. High
germination rates under warm, light conditions. Germination: 14-30 days. By divisions: spring or
summer
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-4, 8-14, 16, 20, 21, 25, 28 12/6/10
© Project SOUND

5. Pink Honeysuckle – Lonicera hispidula var. vacillans
(lon-ISS-er-a his-PID-yoo-la VAS-i-lans)
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family)
Native to: Much of CA to OR, WA; in canyons, streamsides, woodlands below 3000', chaparral.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial vine mature length: 5-18 ft. Spreading
or climbing vine with small, oval fuzzy leaves. Foliage turns bronze/purple in winter.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms Apr-Jul. Large pink-white flowers in whorls. Showy and fragrant.
Hummingbird pollinated. Red edible (but tart) berries in fall are also showy.
Uses in the garden: Excellent as ground cover, bank cover or climber in natural gardens. Good for
covering fences (with support) and for shaded areas. Nice fragrance & good habitat plant. Pretty
choice over an arbor or climbing up a trellis. Plant where you can enjoy sweet-scented flowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native woody vines, including invasive non-native honeysuckles.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds; cover and berries for food. Also
good nectar source for bees and butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to shade; probably best in part-shade
Soil Any texture including clays; pH 5-7 best
Water Moderate to no summer water once established. Can tolerate seasonal flooding.
Fertilizer Low
Other Best in well-drained soils
Management: Can be invasive in wet sites. Prune to manage. 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, 2, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 20, 24, 27 2/21/11
© Project SOUND

6. Mule Fat – Baccharis salicifolia (BACK-uh-ris sal-iss-ih-FO-lee-uh)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: California; west to Texas and south to S. America (Chile). Grows in riparian areas and
wetlands in coastal regions, deserts and arroyos in hills. Often found in canyon bottoms, streamsides,
drainage ditches.
Growth characteristics: large woody shrub mature height: 8-10 ft. mature width: 8-10 ft.
Multi-stemmed shrub with erects to slightly arching stems. Leaves are long and narrow (“willow-like”)
and sticky. Branches rather stiff.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms throughout the year, most conspicuously in spring and fall. Flowers are small,
pink-white composite flower-heads borne in clusters at ends of branches. Male and female flowers are
on separate plants. Small seeds have a fluffy parachute.
Uses in the garden: along walls and fences; as a groundcover along banks (roots system bind soil);
as a small to medium shrub. Has a fresh, distinctive scent. Used for medicinal purposes and as a
building material by Native Californians. Excellent all-round habitat plant. Can use in hedgerow
(single species or mixed).
Sensible substitute for: large non-native shrubs like Acacia, Photinia, Ligustrum, Oleander.
Attracts: butterflies (nectar source); bees; birds (shelter; nest site)
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (may tolerate partial shade in hot inland areas)
Soil Any texture and pH
Water Does fine with watering but is very drought tolerant
Fertilizer None needed
Other Tolerant of salty and alkaline soils; also tolerates heat well
Management: Responds well to trimming – can be shaped and trained. May spread if given much
summer water, but not as invasive as willows. Fast growing; crowds out undesirable weeds.
Propagation: from seed: relatively easy from very fresh seed. Barely cover seeds.
by cuttings: easy all year long. Take 12-16 inch hardwood cuttings from 1-2 year old growth.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 12, 13, 20, 21, 24, 27 11/23/10
© Project SOUND

7. Channel Island Scrub Oak – Quercus pacifica (KWERE-cus puh-SIFF-ee-cuh )
Family: Fagaceae (Beech Family)
Native to: Endemic to three Channel Islands: Santa Cruz, Santa Catalina, and Santa Rosa.; in
chaparral, oak woodlands, margins of grasslands.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub/small tree mature height: 6-18 ft. mature width: 6-20 ft.
Shrubby spreading species, usually shrub-like but may become tree-like in old age. Similar overall
shape to other local evergreen oaks (Q. agrifolia; Q. berberidifolia) but moderate size. Leaves
evergreen to sub-evergreen, glossy with only a few spiny teeth. Older bark gray & scaly.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in winter/early spring. Separate male & female flowers on same plant. Male
flowers on drooping stalk. Acorns shorter & stouter than Q. agrifolia.
Uses in the garden: A nice size oak for the home garden. All oaks are excellent habitat plants. Good
choice for dry slopes or natural areas of the garden. Heritage plant – very rare in wild. Acorns can
be prepared for food. Tannins in leaves and acorns used in natural dyes.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native trees & shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent all-round habitat plant. Provides birds and small mammals with cover, nest sites
and food. Also attracts a wide range of insects. larval food for Hairstreaks, Duskywings, CA Sister
butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Well-drained a must; sandy-rocky soils are best. Any local pH.
Water Very drought tolerant once established (Zone 1 or 1-2)
Fertilizer None
Other Leave leaf litter beneath the tree.
Management: Requires little pruning or other care. Water deeply for first 2-3 years. Long-lived.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed in fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 7, 14, 20, 24 2/24/10
© Project SOUND

8. Blue/Mexican Elderberry – Sambucus nigra ssp. cerulea (sam-BUCK-us NI-gruh sir-ROOL-ee-uh)
Family: Caprifoliaceae (Honeysuckle Family) – possible better in Adoxaceae?
Native to: Western N. America to northern Mexico. Found in drier, more open habitats within riparian
areas, moist forests, north-facing hillsides. Also known as Sambucus cerulea and S. mexicana.
Growth characteristics: Large shrub/small tree mature height: to 24 ft. mature width: to 24 ft
Rapidly-growing, upright plant with an open lacy look. Leaves are attractive light green. Can be long-
lived (50-100+ years).
Blooms/fruits: Cream/white flowers in clusters from May-Sept. Edible blue-colored fruits ripen from
July-Sept. Self-fertile. Pollinated by bees.
Uses in the garden: Very adaptable. Use as a small specimen tree or bush in backs of beds. Good
soil retention abilities – works well on slopes. Flowers have a sweet scent, so plant where you can
enjoy it. Excellent for bird habitat. Does well in xeriscape or rain garden/vernal swale.
Attracts: a wide variety of birds use it for cover, nesting and the edible berries. Birds include Northern
Flicker, Black-headed Grosbeak, Western Tanager, Song Sparrow and Cedar Waxwing. Hummingbirds
and bees are attracted to flowers.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun (best) to partial shade
Soil Sandy to medium texture best; well-drained
Water Occasional water during hot weather; very drought tolerant
Fertilizer None needed; might consider using an organic mulch or manure
Other Does not tolerate salty soils or high winds (will cause breakage)
Management: very little needed. Prune out dead wood, or to shape, when dormant. Can prune into
tree shape or prune heavily every few years to maintain bushy shape.
Propagation: from seed: difficult. From cuttings: Can be propagated from dormant hardwood cuttings
taken in winter. Ask for protocol if interested.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7, 8, 10-14, 16, 20, 21, 24-26, 28 12/15/10
More: http://mother-natures-backyard.blogspot.com/2012/08/plant-of-month-august-blue-mexican.html © Project SOUND

9. White-flowered Currant – Ribes indecorum (RYE-bees in-DECK-oh-rum)
Family: Grossulariaceae (Gooseberry Family)
Native to: S. CA from Santa Barbara Co to Baja; commonly growing in the shade of large oaks, along
seasonal creeks and on north and east slopes.
Growth characteristics: erect woody shrubs mature height: 3-7 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Drought-deciduous woody shrubs with erect, open growth habit. Not spiny or thorny or very invasive.
Blooms/fruits: Bloom Dec-Mar; Showy sprays of white/pink flowers on drooping flower stalks.
Flowers are scented. Fruits are purple, hairy/ sticky and edible.
Uses in the garden: Excellent for a spot of showy early color in shaded areas of garden. Does well
under trees (including oaks and eucalyptus) or in woodland garden. Great along north-facing walls.
Great for scented garden or for bird and insect habitat. Can be espaliered. Old-fashioned look.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native berries, including non-native gooseberries
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provide nectar for hummingbirds plus cover and berries for other
birds (Robins, Finches, Juncos, Towhees, Jays). Great early nectar sources for bees, butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun along coast; part shade elsewhere
Soil Any texture & local pH; well-drained soils are best
Water Regular water to establish plants; reduced summer water after that (although can
take modest summer water or complete drought – will lose it’s leaves but survive)
Fertilizer Low needs; none if an organic mulch used
Other
Management: Requires little care. Annual pruning can promote a more desirable form and a better
bloom. All Ribes are susceptible to fungal diseases so be sure that there is good air circulation. Let soil
dry out between waterings and don’t use overhead watering, if possible.
Propagation: from seed: yes; fresh seed in fall best by cuttings: yes; dormant 1-year hard wood
best
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 8, 11-14, 20, 24, 28 12/13/10
© Project SOUND