This document provides information on several California native plant species, including Palmer's Penstemon, Desert Lily, Desert Lantern, California Laurel, White Pitchersage, Western Wallflower, Headland Wallflower, and Interior Woods' Rose. For each plant, the document describes characteristics such as growth form, blooming period, uses in the garden, habitat and requirements. The plants described are suitable for water-wise gardens and attract pollinators and other wildlife.

1. * Palmer’s Penstemon/Wild Pink Snapdragon – Penstemon palmeri
(PEN-stem-on PALM-er-ee)
Family: Plantaginaceae/Veroniceae (Plantain Family) – formerly in Scophulariaceae
Native to: Mojave Desert foothills to Utah, Arizona & New Mexico; washes, roadsides, canyon floors,
and other similar areas between 3500 and 6500 feet in creosote-bush scrub to pinyon/juniper
woodland.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 3-5+ ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Herbaceous perennial that dies back to a woody root in late summer/fall. Foliage a distinctive soft
gray-green. Leaves fleshy, triangular: basal leaves toothed.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring or summer. Flowers are a soft pale pink to pale lavender with
darker magenta markings. Flowers on tall stalks – very showy. The flowers are more open than
many penstemons and they have a sweet fragrance. Make a nice, long-lived cut flower.
Uses in the garden: Makes a lovely addition at the back of water-wise beds. Takes heat, so good
choice for hot, dry places. . Combine with other drought tolerant perennials and small shrubs, such
as other Penstemon species, Buckwheats, Artemisias. Good for hummingbird gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Snapdragons, Foxgloves.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, bumblebees.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun
Soil Well-drained soils are best (sandy or rocky); clays OK except in very wet years.
Water No/very little summer water once established (Zone 1 or 1-2); no water after
flowering ceases.
Fertilizer None
Other
Management: Prune off old dead stalks in fall. The real trick is summer dry conditions. Let plant
produce some seedlings to reproduce itself.
Propagation: from seed: cold-moist conditions for stored seeds; fall/winter by cuttings: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 10, 30, widely available 5/1/11
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

2. *Desert lily – Hesperocallis undulata (hes-per-oh-KAL-is un-dew-LAY-tuh)
Family: Agavaceae (Agave Family)
Native to: Sonoran (Colorado) Desert and sometimes Mojave Desert of CA, AZ, Baja CA & Sonora,
Mexico; below 5000' on sandy flats, gentle slopes and mesas of creosote bush scrub and joshua tree
woodlands. Soils dry and sandy.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous perennial mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Simple, herbaceous perennial from an onion-like bulb. Leaves are basal, strap-like with wavy edges.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms following the winter rains – Feb-May, depending on rains. Flowers on a tall
stalk that is usually 2-3 ft. but may be 5-6 ft. tall. Flowers look like Easter lilies: white, funnel-
shaped shaped and large (to 3 inches long). Flowers open late in the day and are very fragrant. This
is a very unusual, attractive bloomer.
Uses in the garden: As an accent plant in desert-themed gardens or in containers. This plant is
usually grown by gardeners who like to try unusual – and sometimes difficult – plants. Most often
used as an occasional scent plant – will only bloom in years when it likes the weather! Bulbs can be
eaten – raw or cooked (taste like garlic).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native bulbs.
Attracts: Native insect pollinators.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Very well-drained; sandy or rocky. pH 6.5 to 8.0.
Water Needs good winter/spring water; no summer water.
Fertilizer None needed in ground; 1 dose ½ strength in winter for container-grown.
Other Gravel mulch or none.
Management: Difficult plant to get to flower. Let dry down after flowering (or as leaves wither).
Propagation: from seed: fairly easy; don’t let seedlings dry out by divisions: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 38, 61 3/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

3. *Desert lantern – Oenothera deltoides (ee-no-THER-uh del-TOY-deez)
Family: Onagraceae (Evening Primrose Family)
Native to: Mojave, Sonoran and Great Basin deserts of southern CA, NV, AZ and UT; sandy, open
desert areas, especially near dunes, below 3500 ft. in Creosote Bush Scrub, Joshua Tree Woodland,
Valley Grassland, Sagebrush Scrub plant communities.
Growth characteristics: annual/perennial wildflower mature height: 1-3 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Mounded herbaceous plant that looks like a bushy perennial. Leaves long, oval, gray-green and
mostly in a dense basal rosette. Leaves are hairy and often lobed or toothed. Stems dry to form an
unusual and decorative ‘birdcage’.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (March to May), although it sometimes blooms in summer in the
Sonoran Desert. May bloom second year. Flowers open at sunset and die by mid-morning the
following day. Flowers relatively large (3 in. wide), white with yellow centers fading to pale pink,
with four petals. Musky-sweet scent attracts the Hawkmoths that are the plants pollinators.
Uses in the garden: Mostly used in Desert gardens but can be planted elsewhere. Lovely choice for
scent gardens, white/moon gardens. Does fine in containers, under trees.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Evening Primroses.
Attracts: Pollinator habitat: large Hawkmoths.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade best: dappled shade or afternoon shade.
Soil Most soils and local pH. Fine with potting soils.
Water Good moisture until flowers; then taper off to summer dry.
Fertilizer None
Other No mulch or light gravel mulch.
Management: Need at least two plants for good seedset. Let plants go to seed; will reseed on bare
ground. Cut off birdcage when you get tired of it. May live 2 or even 3-4 years. That’s it.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed in fall; give cold treatment if planting in spring.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 10, 46, 61 3/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

4. California laurel – Umbellularia californica (um-bel-you-LAIR-ee-uh kal-ih-FORN-ih-kuh)
Family: Lauraceae (Laurel Family)
Native to: Foothills, slopes and coastal canyons from S. CA to OR; grows on a range of sites, but
best developed on deep, well-drained alluvial benches, valley bottoms subjected to occasional
inundation, well-watered coastal slopes, or along foothill streams. from 2,000 to 5,000. Chaparral,
Foothill Woodland, Yellow Pine Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Redwood Forest, wetland-riparian.
Growth characteristics: large woody tree mature height: 25-75 ft. mature width: 15-40 ft.
Form varies with site characteristics: wider and more bushy in sunny sites, sometimes remains small
in dry situations. Foliage has pungent, peppery odor of bay leaves in hot weather & when crushed.
Smell may cause allergies, headaches in some people. Evergreen, with glossy, lance-shaped leaves,
red-brown bark. Rapid growth to 25-40 ft. Attractive, long-lived native tree.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms sometimes from winter to spring (usually Dec. to Apr or May). Small cream
or yellow-green flowers in clusters. Edible fruits like a small avocado.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a shade tree (provides rather dense shade). Excellent tree
for large yards, parks, parkways, medians and larger business landscapes. Can be clipped as large
screen or hedge. Sometimes grown in planters or large containers, where it can be kept to ~ 8-10
ft. Leaves and be used (sparingly – young leaves more mild) as seasoning. Nuts can be roasted
and eaten. Poultices and infusions of the leaves widely used medicinally.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native landscape trees.
Attracts: Excellent bird and pollinator habitat: provides cover, nest sites, nectar and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade except in mountains, along immediate coast.
Soil Just about any soil, pH 5.0-8.0.
Water Best with some summer water: Water Zone 2 to 3.
Fertilizer OK with occasional; ½ strength fertilizer if grown in container.
Other Leaf or other organic mulch fine.
Management: Prune as needed (wear protection; skin allergies possible). Fairly easy, adaptable.
Propagation: from seed: fresh seed; best with 2-3 month moist-cold by cuttings: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 5, 6, 11-14, 20, 24, 26, 32, 40, 62, 63 3/31/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

5. *White pitchersage – Lepechinia calycina (lep-uh-KIN-ee-uh cal-ih-SEE-nuh)
Family: Lamiaceae (Mint Family)
Native to: Central CA coast (Mendocino to Ventura County) & portions of the Coast Ranges and
Sierra foothills; locally common on rocky slopes, canyons and ridges to about 3000 ft. (900 m.) in
Chaparral, Foothill Woodland communities.
Growth characteristics: part-woody sub-shrub mature height: 4-8 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Shrub or sub-shrub with mounded to irregular habit (much like Lepechinia fragrans). Leaves lance-
shaped to oval, thick, with glandular hairs. Foliage aromatic when crushed – lovely scent.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, usually March-June. Flowers are the showy, pitcher-shaped
flowers of the Lepechinias – but in this species they’re white or very pale lavender. The flowers
always attract attention – from pollinators, hummingbirds and humans.
Uses in the garden: Often used as an accent plant in part-shady places. Sometimes used as a
hedge plant. Good choice for medicinal/herb garden. Leaves make a fragrant tea that is sometimes
used for headaches and fever (or just for a nice cup of hot or iced tea). Lovely with Monkeyflowers
and California poppies, native grasses and wildflowers.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent hummingbird and butterfly plant.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade in local gardens; full sun only on N. CA coast.
Soil Most local soils, pH. Prefers a well-drained soil.
Water Occasional to moderate water; best with monthly summer water (Water Zone 2)
Fertilizer Not needed but would probably be fine with low dose.
Other Organic mulch or natural leaf mulch is fine.
Management: Prune back to shade in winter. Pinch when growing for fuller plant. May experience
occasional branch die-back (as with Lepechinia fragrans).
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed by cuttings: yes, but haven’t tried it.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 6, 8, 14, 46 3/26/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

6. Western Wallflower – Erysimum capitatum var. capitatum (er-IS-i-mum kap-i-TAY-tum)
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Native to: Much of California & W. N. America; common in many plant communities, generally away
from the coast, at elevations below 8000 ft.
Growth characteristics: perennial wildflower mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft.
Short-lived perennial wildflower that dies back entirely after blooming. Plant is erect with narrow
gray-green to medium green leaves. Leaves often hairy with toothed margins. Lives only 2-3
years, but reseeds on bare ground.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring (Mar.-Jun.). Flowers are bright orange-yellow to gold, densely
crowded on upright stems. Very showy in bloom. Flower color is variable. Flowers are typical for
Wallflowers (look like non-native Wallflower species) and of the Mustard Family. Fruit is a long,
slender capsule that ‘pops’ open, spreading the seeds.
Uses in the garden: Excellent choice for mixed wildflower gardens, perennial beds. Color contrasts
well with spring-flowering Lupines. Look great massed; pretty in a rock garden. Good choice for a
hummingbird garden or cottage garden, along walls. Native Californians used dried powdered
foliage, mixed with water, as a sun-screen or to relieve pain of sunburn, burns and muscle pains.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Wallflowers.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nectar for hummingbirds and seeds for seed-eaters like
doves. Early butterflies, particularly skippers, are attracted to the nectar.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun in most gardens; part-shade in hot gardens.
Soil Any, including clays – well-drained clays excellent; pH 6.0-8.0
Water Quite adaptable – dry to infrequent irrigation. Cut back on water in summer.
Fertilizer None – likes nutrient-poor soils
Other
Management: Easy in the proper environment. Let seeds ripen – then either collect seeds or let
plant re-seed naturally.
Propagation: from seed: easy; no treatment required; fall to spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 13 4/28/09
© Project SOUND

7. *Headland (Curly) wallflower – Erysimum concinnum (er-RIS-ih-mum KON-kin-um)
Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard Family)
Native to: Northern CA coast from Marin Co to OR; on coastal bluffs, dunes, prairies at < 1000 ft.
Growth characteristics: herbaceous biennial/perennial mature height: to 1 ft. mature width: 1 ft.
Low, fleshy biennial or short-lived perennial. Leaves mostly in basal rosette for first year. Leaves
spoon-shaped, often with coarsely-toothed margins.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter/early spring – usually Mar-Apr. Flowers grow on stout stems;
resembles a wildland version of garden Stock (Matthiola incana). Flowers are cream to yellow-
colored, open serially and are very sweetly scented. Long seed pods contain many small seeds.
Uses in the garden: A must for the scented garden, particularly one with no space for the larger
Wallflowers like Erysimum capitatum and E. insulare. Charming at the front of mixed beds, around
seating. Fine for containers, rock gardens of narrow spaces. Makes a good cut flower.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Erysimum.
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat: attracts native bees, butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade (dappled sun under trees or afternoon shade)
Soil Adaptable; most local soils. Likes pH 5.0-7.0 (grow in pots if your soil is alkali)
Water Infrequent to moderate; let dry out in summer.
Fertilizer Several doses of ½ strength fertilizer for container plants (when starts to grow).
Other Gravel or no mulch best, Ok with thin leaf mulch.
Management: Let plants go to seed and self-seed, as this plant is short-lived. Cut back stems.
Propagation: from seed: easy with fresh seed sown in fall (or just let self-seed)
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 19, 46 Suncrest 3/25/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

8. *Interior/Woods’ Rose – Rosa woodsii ssp ultramontana ( RO-zuh WOOD-zee-eye)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Species native to much of w. N. America from British Columbia/MT to AZ, NM. In CA, ssp.
ultramontana native to Sierras, San Gabriel/San Bernardino Mtns., desert ranges; usually in
seasonally moist places in Yellow Pine, other Forest types, or wetland-riparian, 3500-11500 feet.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-6+ ft. mature width: spreading
Typical spreading wild rose forming mounds or thickets (with abundant water). Stems are straight,
red to grey-brown, with rather sparsely spaced straight prickles. Leaves are compound, similar to
but smaller than garden roses. Plants are fast growing and may be long-lived.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring/early summer, usually May-June in w. L.A. county. Flowers
are lovely single roses, usually medium to pale pink. Individual flowers are short-lived, but plant
many be covered with blooms for a month or more. Sweet scent. Flowers and fruits (hips) are
among the best tasting of any wild rose – used for tea, jelly, syrup, potpourri, etc.
Uses in the garden: Commonly used restoration plant on steep slopes at higher elevations. Makes a
nice specimen plant. May be grown for its fruits. Excellent addition to a habitat garden. Can be
used as a barrier plant. All parts used medicinally as well as for herbal teas, other edibles. Could
likely be grown in a large container. Very sensitive to sulfur dioxide (SO2) air pollution.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native roses.
Attracts: Excellent habitat: provides cover and fruits. Loved by native insect pollinators.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Afternoon shade except along immediate coast.
Soil Best in medium to coarse soils; any local pH.
Water Quite drought tolerant but best with occasional summer water (Zone 1-2 to 2).
Fertilizer Would gladly take ½ strength fertilizer – just don’t overdo.
Other Organic mulch is fine.
Management: Prune out dead stems. Can cut back to rejuvenate. May want to contain – or
water only occasionally to limit growth rate. Don’t over-water; check for disease.
Propagation: from seed: requires rose-type pre-treatment by cuttings/layering: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 11, 13 11/29/13
© Project SOUND

9. *Licorice fern – Polypodium glycyrrhiza (poly-PO-dee-um GLISS-er-EYE-zuh)
Family: Polypodaceae (Polypody Fern Family)
Native to: Coastal North America from AK to about the San Francisco Bay; mostly coastal, on tree
trunks, mossy logs & rocks, moist banks in Redwood, Mixed Evergreen or Yellow Pine Forest.
Growth characteristics: spreading perennial fern mature height: < 1 ft. mature width: 1-3 ft.
Small, rather simple fern that sends up fronds (leaves) from stout rhizome (which may be exposed
above ground or if growing on log). Leaves drought-deciduous, emerging again with rains.
Rhizomes have an intense, sweet licorice scent and flavor.
Blooms/fruits: No blooms (it’s a fern). Sporulates late fall to winter.
Uses in the garden: Often used in natural gardens in its native range. Nice addition to a fern
garden or fern grotto; its small size and spreading form makes a nice cover fern (can even grow
vertically). Interesting accent plant in a pot on a shady porch or around a cool, shady fountain.
Rhizome was traditionally chewed or used as flavoring; makes a nice tea. Traditionally also used as
treatment for colds, cough, sore throat and chest congestion (rhizome chewed & juice swallowed).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native ferns.
Attracts: Provides some cover for small creatures like tree frogs.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Part-shade to quite shady.
Soil High in organics; acidic soils
Water Needs moist soil – Water Zone 2-3 to 3 to stay green; mist plants daily to weekly in
hot dry times. Let plants die back in late summer-fall.
Fertilizer ½ strength fertilizer 2x/month during growing season, especially in containers.
Other Leaf mulch or moss growing as mulch.
Management: The big trick in S. CA is keeping plants sufficiently watered.
Propagation: from spores: requires moist conditions by cuttings: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 13, many on-line sources 3/27/18
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND