Native plants are plant species that existed in Woodland before people of European descent first visited the area. Native plants have had many more centuries to adapt to the conditions of our local climate, soils, and ecosystems than non-native plants have had, so they are more likely to survive without the help of a gardener than non-native plants are. Our local wildlife have had many more centuries to adapt to them as well, so these plant species are more likely to be edible to wildlife. This ecosystem balance helps keep native plants within reasonable limits, so they are less likely to spread out of control and kill every other plant in sight like invasive weeds do. Why are so many garden plants non-native, anyway?
In Woodland, the main original native plant communities were central oak woodland (also called foothill woodland) and valley grassland, with the former probably always predominant but the latter more thoroughly destroyed in the past couple of centuries. There could also be some of the riparian plant community along small streams. In the distant past, when the water table was much higher, there could also have been some of the freshwater marsh plant community.
Native Plant List
The following native plants have been documented within the city limits of Woodland, according to the records on CalFlora, and/or are believed to have historically grown in Woodland, according to the range maps on CalScape. Wetlands statuses have been added from the USDA Plants website or occasionally from CalFlora.
Native Trees and Large Shrubs
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
Boxelder | Acer negundo | Tree | SAPINDACEAE (Soapberry Family) | Wetlands usually |
Buckeye | Aesculus californica | Tree | SAPINDACEAE (Soapberry Family) | Uplands only |
White Alder | Alnus rhombifolia | Tree | BETULACEAE (Birch Family) | Wetlands usually |
Port Orford Cedar |
Chamaecyparis lawsoniana | Tree | CUPRESSACEAE (Cypress Family) | Uplands usually |
Western Redbud | Cercis occidentalis | Tree or Large Shrub | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Oregon Ash | Fraxinus latifolia | Tree | OLEACEAE (Olive Family) | Wetlands usually |
Southern California Black Walnut | Juglans californica | Tree | JUGLANDACEAE (Walnut Family) | Uplands usually |
Northern California Black Walnut | Juglans hindsii | Tree | JUGLANDACEAE (Walnut Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Western Sycamore | Platanus racemosa | Tree | PLATANACEAE (Plane Tree Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Fremont's Cottonwood | Populus fremontii | Tree | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Uplands only |
Blue Oak | Quercus douglasii | Tree | FAGACEAE (Beech Family) | Uplands only |
Valley Oak | Quercus lobata | Tree | FAGACEAE (Beech Family) | Uplands usually |
Interior Live Oak | Quercus wislizeni | Tree or Large Shrub | FAGACEAE (Beech Family) | Uplands only |
Narrowleaf Willow | Salix exigua | Tree or Large Shrub | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands usually |
San Joaquin Black Willow | Salix gooddingii | Tree | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands usually |
Polished Willow | Salix laevigata | Tree | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands usually |
Shining Willow | Salix lasiandra | Tree | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands usually |
Arroyo Willow | Salix lasiolepis | Tree or Large Shrub | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands usually |
Dusky Willow | Salix melanopsis | Tree or Large Shrub | SALICACEAE (Willow Family) | Wetlands only |
Elderberry | Sambucus cerulea | Tree or Large Shrub | VIBURNACEAE (Water Elder Family) | Uplands usually |
California Bay Laurel | Umbellularia californica | Tree | LAURACEAE (Laurel Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Native Smaller Shrubs
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
California Pipevine | Aristolochia californica | Shrub (Vining) | ARISTOLOCHIACEAE (Pipevine Family) | Uplands only |
Common Manzanita | Arctostaphylos manzanita | Shrub | ERICACEAE (Heath Family) | Uplands only |
Quail Bush | Atriplex lentiformis | Shrub | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Uplands usually |
Coyote Brush | Baccharis pilularis | Shrub | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Mule Fat | Baccharis salicifolia | Shrub | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Buckbrush | Ceanothus cuneatus | Shrub | RHAMNACEAE (Buckthorn Family) | Uplands only |
Deerbrush | Ceanothus integerrimus | Shrub | RHAMNACEAE (Buckthorn Family) | Uplands only |
Common Buttonbush | Cephalanthus occidentalis | Shrub | RUBIACEAE (Madder Family) | Wetlands only |
Sticky Monkeyflower | Diplacus aurantiacus | Shrub | PHRYMACEAE (Lopseed Family) | Uplands usually |
California Buckwheat | Eriogonum fasciculatum | Shrub | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Uplands only |
California Coffeeberry | Frangula californica | Shrub | RHAMNACEAE (Buckthorn Family) | Uplands only |
California Flannelbush | Fremontodendron californicum | Shrub | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Uplands only |
Toyon | Heteromeles arbutifolia | Shrub | ROSACEAE (Rose Family) | Uplands only |
Silver Bush Lupine | Lupinus albifrons | Shrub | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Bladderpod | Peritoma arborea | Shrub | CLEOMACEAE (Spider Flower Family) | Uplands only |
Hollyleaf Redberry | Rhamnus ilicifolia | Shrub | RHAMNACEAE (Buckthorn Family) | Uplands only |
California Wild Rose | Rosa californica | Shrub | ROSACEAE (Rose Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
California Blackberry | Rubus ursinus | Shrub (Vining) | ROSACEAE (Rose Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Parish's Purple Nightshade | Solanum parishii | Shrub | SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family) | Uplands only |
Common Snowberry | Symphoricarpos albus | Shrub | CAPRIFOLIACEAE (Honeysuckle Family) | Uplands usually |
Poison Oak | Toxicodendron diversilobum | Shrub (Vining) | ANACARDIACEAE (Cashew Family) | Uplands usually |
California Wild Grape | Vitis californica | Shrub (Vining) | VITACEAE (Grape Family) | Uplands usually |
Native Grasses, Sedges, Rushes, and Bulrushes
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
Spike Bentgrass | Agrostis exarata | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Littleleaf Bentgrass | Agrostis microphylla | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Carolina Foxtail | Alopecurus carolinianus | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Pacific Foxtail | Alopecurus saccatus | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands only |
Oldfield Three-Awn | Aristida oligantha | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
River Bulrush | Bolboschoenus fluviatilis | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Alkali Bulrush | Bolboschoenus maritimus | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Valley Sedge | Carex barbarae | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Clustered Field Sedge | Carex praegracilis | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands usually |
Tall Flatsedge | Cyperus eragrostis | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands usually |
Red-Rooted Flatsedge | Cyperus erythrorhizos | Annual sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Nutsedge | Cyperus esculentus | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands usually |
Fragrant Flatsedge | Cyperus odoratus | Annual sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands usually |
False Nutsedge | Cyperus strigosus | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands usually |
Annual Hairgrass | Deschampsia danthonioides | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Saltgrass | Distichlis spicata | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Rough Barnyard Grass | Echinochloa muricata | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Needle Spike Rush | Eleocharis acicularis | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Pale Spike Rush | Eleocharis macrostachya | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Uplands only |
Creeping Spike Rush | Eleocharis palustris | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Blue Wild Rye | Elymus glaucus | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands usually |
Big Squirreltail | Elymus multisetus | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Teal Lovegrass | Eragrostis hypnoides | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands only |
Orcutt's Lovegrass | Eragrostis mexicana | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands usually |
Tufted Lovegrass | Eragrostis pectinacea | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Tapertip Cupgrass | Eriochloa acuminata | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Pacific Fescue | Festuca microstachys | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Red Fescue | Festuca rubra | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Meadow Barley | Hordeum brachyantherum | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Alkali Barley | Hordeum depressum | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Foxtail Barley | Hordeum jubatum | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Wire Rush | Juncus balticus | Perennial rush | JUNCACEAE (Rush Family) | Wetlands usually |
Toad Rush | Juncus bufonius | Annual rush | JUNCACEAE (Rush Family) | Wetlands usually |
Pointed Rush | Juncus oxymeris | Perennial rush | JUNCACEAE (Rush Family) | Wetlands usually |
Inch-High Rush | Juncus uncialis | Annual rush | JUNCACEAE (Rush Family) | Wetlands only |
Rice Cutgrass | Leersia oryzoides | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands only |
Bearded Sprangletop | Leptochloa fusca | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
California Melic Grass | Melica californica | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Deergrass | Muhlenbergia rigens | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Old Witch Grass | Panicum capillare | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands usually |
Knot Grass | Paspalum distichum | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Lemmon's Canary Grass | Phalaris lemmonii | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Annual Semaphore Grass | Pleuropogon californicus | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands only |
Sandberg's Bluegrass | Poa secunda | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands usually |
Nuttall's Alkali Grass | Puccinellia nuttalliana | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
California Alkali Grass | Puccinellia simplex | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands usually |
Tule | Schoenoplectus acutus | Perennial sedge | CYPERACEAE (Sedge Family) | Wetlands only |
Scribner's Grass | Scribneria bolanderi | Annual grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Marsh Bristlegrass | Setaria parviflora | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Broadfruit Bur Reed | Sparganium eurycarpum | Perennial bulrush | TYPHACEAE (Cattail Family) | Wetlands only |
Alkali Sacaton | Sporobolus airoides | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Sand Dropseed | Sporobolus cryptandrus | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands usually |
Nodding Needle Grass | Stipa cernua | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Purple Needle Grass | Stipa pulchra | Perennial grass | POACEAE (Grass Family) | Uplands only |
Narrowleaf Cattail | Typha domingensis | Perennial bulrush | TYPHACEAE (Cattail Family) | Wetlands only |
Broadleaf Cattail | Typha latifolia | Perennial bulrush | TYPHACEAE (Cattail Family) | Wetlands only |
Native Perennial Herbs
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
Yarrow | Achillea millefolium | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Deerweed | Acmispon glaber | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Northern Water Plantain | Alisma triviale | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Jeweled Onion | Allium serra | Perennial herb (Bulb) | ALLIACEAE (Onion Family) | Uplands only |
Ragweed | Ambrosia psilostachya | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Indian Hemp Dogbane | Apocynum cannabinum | Perennial herb | APOCYNACEAE (Dogbane Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Douglas' Mugwort | Artemisia douglasiana | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Wild Tarragon | Artemisia dracunculus | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Parish's Glasswort | Perennial herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands usually | |
Narrowleaf Milkweed | Asclepias fascicularis | Perennial herb | APOCYNACEAE (Dogbane Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Showy Milkweed | Asclepias speciosa | Perennial herb | APOCYNACEAE (Dogbane Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
American Wintercress | Barbaraea orthoceras | Perennial herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands usually |
California Cluster-Lily | Brodiaea californica | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands only |
Early Harvest Cluster-Lily | Brodiaea coronaria | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Harvest Cluster-Lily | Brodiaea elegans | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands usually |
Yellow Mariposa Lily | Calochortus luteus | Perennial herb (Bulb) | LILIACEAE (Lily Family) | Uplands only |
Idaho Bittercress | Cardamine oligosperma | Annual or Perennial herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Pennsylvania Bittercress | Cardamine pennsylvanica | Perennial herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands usually |
Texas Paintbrush | Castilleja foliolosa | Perennial herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
California Goosefoot | Chenopodium californicum | Perennial herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Uplands only |
Narrowleaf Soap Lily | Chlorogalum angustifolium | Perennial herb (Bulb) | AGAVACEAE (Agave Family) | Uplands only |
Peregrine Thistle | Cirsium cymosum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Creek Clematis | Clematis ligusticifolia | Perennial herb (Vining) | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Spreading Alkali Weed | Cressa truxillensis | Perennial herb | CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glory Family) | Wetlands usually |
California Starfruit | Damasonium californicum | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Sacred Thorn-Apple/Jimsonweed | Datura wrightii | Perennial herb | SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family) | Uplands only |
Western Larkspur | Delphinium hesperium | Perennial herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Spreading Larkspur | Delphinium patens | Perennial herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Uplands only |
Royal Larkspur | Delphinium variegatum | Perennial herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Uplands only |
Twining Snakelily | Dichelostemma volubile | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands only |
Blue Dips | Dipterostemon capitatus | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands usually |
Burhead | Echinodorus berteroi | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
California Waterwort | Elatine californica | Annual or Perennial herb | ELATINACEAE (Waterwort Family) | Wetlands only |
California Fuchsia | Epilobium canum | Perennial herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
Slender Willow Herb | Epilobium ciliatum | Perennial herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands usually |
Philadelphia Fleabane | Erigeron philadelphicus | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Woolly Sunflower | Eriophyllum lanatum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
California Button Celery | Eryngium aristulatum | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Wetlands only |
Great Valley Button Celery | Eryngium castrense | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Wetlands only |
Jepson's Button Celery | Eryngium jepsonii | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Wetlands only |
Coyote Thistle | Eryngium vaseyi | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Wetlands usually |
Seep Monkeyflower | Erythranthe guttata | Annual or Perennial herb | PHRYMACEAE (Lopseed Family) | Wetlands only |
California Poppy | Eschscholzia californica | Annual or Perennial herb | PAPAVERACEAE (Poppy Family) | Uplands only |
Thymeleaf Spurge | Annual or Perennial herb | EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurge Family) | Uplands only | |
Western Goldenrod | Euthamia occidentalis | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Yerba Reuma/Alkali Heath | Frankenia salina | Perennial herb | FRANKENIACEAE (Sea Heath Family) | Wetlands usually |
Stinkbells | Fritillaria agrestis | Perennial herb (Bulb) | LILIACEAE (Lily Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Adobe Lily | Fritillaria pluriflora | Perennial herb (Bulb) | LILIACEAE (Lily Family) | Uplands only |
American Licorice | Glycyrrhiza lepidota | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Great Valley Gumplant | Grindelia camporum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Rosilla | Helenium puberulum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Serpentine Sunflower | Helianthus bolanderi | Annual or Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Seaside Heliotrope | Heliotropium curassavicum | Perennial herb | HELIOTROPIACEAE (Heliotrope Family) | Uplands usually |
Telegraph Weed | Heterotheca grandiflora | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Sacramento Rose Mallow | Hibiscus lasiocarpos | Perennial herb | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Wetlands only |
California Hemp | Hoita macrostachya | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands only |
Povertyweed | Iva axillaris | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Vernal Pool Goldfields | Lasthenia fremontii | Annual or Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
California Tule Peas | Lathyrus jepsonii | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands only |
Least Duckweed | Lemna minuta | Perennial herb | ARACEAE (Arum Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Net Peppergrass | Lepidium acutidens | Annual or Perennial herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Caraway-Leaf Desert Parsley | Lomatium caruifolium | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Wetlands usually |
Hog Fennel | Lomatium utriculatum | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Uplands only |
Miniature Lupine | Lupinus bicolor | Annual or Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Summer Lupine | Lupinus formosus | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Bugleweed | Lycopus americanus | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands only |
Common Loosestrife | Lythrum californicum | Perennial herb | LYTHRACEAE (Loosestrife Family) | Wetlands only |
Alkali Mallow | Malvella leprosa | Perennial herb | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Uplands usually |
California Manroot/Wild Cucumber | Marah fabacea | Perennial herb (Vining) | CUCURBITACEAE (Squash Family) | Uplands only |
American Field Mint | Mentha arvensis | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands usually |
American Corn Mint | Mentha canadensis | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands usually |
Giant Blazing Star | Mentzelia laevicaulis | Perennial herb | LOASACEAE (Chile Nettle Family) | Uplands only |
Mountain Mint | Monardella odoratissima | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Uplands usually |
Coyote Mint | Monardella villosa | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Uplands only |
Common Muilla | Muilla maritima | Perennial herb | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands only |
Hooker's Evening-Primrose | Oenothera elata | Perennial herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands usually |
Water Smartweed | Persicaria amphibia | Perennial herb | POLYGONACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Dotted Smartweed | Persicaria punctata | Perennial herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Wetlands only |
Rock Scorpionweed | Phacelia egena | Perennial herb | HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Waterleaf Family) | Uplands only |
Turkey-Tangle Fogfruit | Phyla nodiflora | Perennial herb | VERBENACEAE (Vervain Family) | Wetlands usually |
Padre's Shooting Star | Primula clevelandii | Perennial herb | PRIMULACEAE (Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
California Cudweed/Ladies' Tobacco | Pseudognaphalium californicum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Sacramento Valley Buttercup | Ranunculus canus | Perennial herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Curvepod Yellowcress | Rorippa curvisiliqua | Annual or Perennial herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands only |
Willowleaf Dock | Rumex salicifolius | Perennial herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Wetlands usually |
Broadleaf Arrowhead | Sagittaria latifolia | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Giant Arrowhead | Sagittaria montevidensis | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Sanford's Arrowhead | Sagittaria sanfordii | Perennial herb | ALISMATACEAE (Water Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Purple Sanicle | Sanicula bipinnatifida | Perennial herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Uplands only |
California Bee Plant | Scrophularia californica | Perennial herb | SCROPHULARIACEAE (Figwort Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Western Sea Purslane | Sesuvium verrucosum | Perennial herb | AIZOACEAE (Fig-Marigold Family) | Wetlands usually |
Blue-Eyed Grass | Sisyrinchium bellum | Perennial herb | IRIDACEAE (Iris Family) | Wetlands usually |
American Black Nightshade | Solanum americanum | Annual or Perennial herb | SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family) | Uplands usually |
California Goldenrod/Oreja de Liebre | Solidago velutina | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
White Sticky Sand Spurry | Spergularia macrotheca | Perennial herb | CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Carnation Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Ajuga Hedgenettle | Stachys ajugoides | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands only |
Sonoma Hedgenettle | Stachys stricta | Perennial herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands only |
Bush Seepweed | Suaeda nigra | Perennial herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands only |
Pacific Aster | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally | |
Suisun Marsh Aster | Symphyotrichum lentum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Eastern Saltmarsh Aster | Symphyotrichum subulatum | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Fremont's Death Camas | Toxicoscordion fremontii | Perennial herb (Bulb) | MELIANTHIACEAE (Bunchflower Family) | Uplands only |
Cow Clover | Trifolium wormskioldii | Perennial herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands usually |
Wild Hyacinth | Triteleia hyacinthina | Perennial herb (Bulb) | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Ithuriel's Spear | Triteleia laxa | Perennial herb | THEMIDACEAE (Triplet Lily Family) | Uplands only |
Swamp Vervain | Verbena hastata | Perennial herb | VERBENACEAE (Vervain Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Western Vervain | Verbena lasiostachys | Perennial herb | VERBENACEAE (Vervain Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
American Vetch | Vicia americana | Perennial herb (Vining) | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Douglas' Golden Violet | Viola douglasii | Perennial herb | VIOLACEAE (Violet Family) | Uplands only |
Narrowleaf Mule Ears | Wyethia angustifolia | Perennial herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Native Annual Herbs
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
Blow Wives | Achyrachaena mollis | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
American Bird's-Foot Trefoil | Acmispon americanus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Toothed Trefoil | Acmispon denticulatus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Chilean Trefoil | Acmispon wrangelianus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Mountain Dandelion | Agoseris heterophylla | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Prostrate Pigweed | Amaranthus blitoides | Annual herb | AMARANTHACEAE (Amaranth Family) | Uplands usually |
California Pigweed | Amaranthus californicus | Annual herb | AMARANTHACEAE (Amaranth Family) | Wetlands usually |
Palmer's Pigweed | Amaranthus palmeri | Annual herb | AMARANTHACEAE (Amaranth Family) | Uplands usually |
Powell's Pigweed | Amaranthus powellii | Annual herb | AMARANTHACEAE (Amaranth Family) | Uplands only |
Valley Redstem | Ammannia coccinea | Annual herb | LYTHRACEAE (Loosestrife Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Grand Redstem | Ammannia robusta | Annual herb | LYTHRACEAE (Loosestrife Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Common Fiddleneck | Amsinckia intermedia | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Uplands only |
Tarweed Fiddleneck | Amsinckia lycopsoides | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Uplands only |
Menzies' Fiddleneck | Amsinckia menziesii | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Uplands only |
Dwarf White Milk Vetch | Astragalus didymocarpus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Alkali Milk Vetch | Astragalus tener | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands usually |
Mojave Silverscale | Atriplex argentea | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Heartscale | Atriplex cordulata | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Brittlescale | Atriplex depressa | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Saltscale | Atriplex serenana | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Texas Bergia | Bergia texana | Annual herb | ELATINACEAE (Waterwort Family) | Wetlands only |
Sticktight | Bidens frondosa | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Yellow carpet | Blennosperma nanum | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Red Maids | Calandrinia menziesii | Annual herb | MONTIACEAE (Water Chickweed Family) | Uplands usually |
Winged Water Starwort | Callitriche marginata | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Contorted Suncup | Camissonia contorta | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
Narrowleaf Owl's Clover | Castilleja attenuata | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
Yellow Owl's Clover | Castilleja campestris | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Wetlands usually |
Common Owl's Clover | Castilleja exserta | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
Cream Sacs | Castilleja rubicundula | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
California Mustard | Caulanthus lasiophyllus | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Spikeweed | Centromadia fitchii | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Pappose Tarweed | Centromadia parryi | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Common Tarweed | Centromadia pungens | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Pitseed Goosefoot | Chenopodium berlandieri | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Uplands only |
Red Goosefoot | Chenopodium rubrum | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands usually |
Palmate-Bracted Bird's Beak | Chloropyron palmatum | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Wetlands only |
Common Microcalis | Cicendia quadrangularis | Annual herb | GENTIANACEAE (Gentian Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Chaparral Fairyfan | Clarkia affinis | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
Graceful Fairyfan | Clarkia gracilis | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
Purple Fairyfan | Clarkia purpurea | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Uplands only |
Rooreh/Miner's Lettuce | Claytonia perfoliata | Annual herb | MONTIACEAE (Water Chickweed Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Few-Flowered Blue-Eyed Mary | Collinsia sparsiflora | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Uplands only |
Hairy Bird's Beak | Cordylanthus pilosus | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
Aquatic Pygmy Weed | Crassula aquatica | Annual herb | CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrop Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Sand Pygmy Weed | Crassula connata | Annual herb | CRASSULACEAE (Stonecrop Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Turkey-Mullein | Croton setiger | Annual herb | EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurge Family) | Uplands only |
California Dodder | Cuscuta californica | Annual herb (Vining, Parasitic) | CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glory Family) | Uplands only |
Field Dodder | Cuscuta campestris | Annual herb (Vining, Parasitic) | CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glory Family) | Uplands only |
Big-Seed Alfalfa Dodder | Cuscuta indecora | Annual herb (Vining, Parasitic) | CONVOLVULACEAE (Morning Glory Family) | Uplands only |
Wild Carrot | Daucus pusillus | Annual herb | APIACEAE (Parsley Family) | Uplands only |
Tricolor Monkeyflower | Diplacus tricolor | Annual herb | PHRYMACEAE (Lopseed Family) | Wetlands only |
Hoover's Calicoflower | Downingia bella | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only |
Bristled Calicoflower | Downingia bicornuta | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only |
Harlequin Calicoflower | Downingia insignis | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only |
Horned Calicoflower | Downingia ornatissima | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only |
Flatface Calicoflower | Downingia pulchella | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only |
False Daisy | Eclipta prostrata | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Southwestern Waterwort | Elatine rubella | Annual herb | ELATINACEAE (Waterwort Family) | Wetlands only |
Autumn Willow Herb | Epilobium brachycarpum | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Smooth Willow Herb | Epilobium campestre | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands only |
Cleistogamous Willow Herb | Epilobium cleistogamum | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands only |
Narrow Willow Herb | Epilobium torreyi | Annual herb | ONAGRACEAE (Evening-Primrose Family) | Wetlands usually |
Canada Horseweed/Canada Fleabane | Erigeron canadensis | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Slender Buckwheat | Eriogonum gracile | Annual herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Uplands only |
Wicker Buckwheat | Eriogonum luteolum | Annual herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Uplands only |
Broadtooth Monkeyflower | Erythranthe latidens | Annual herb | PHRYMACEAE (Lopseed Family) | Wetlands only |
Frying Pan Poppy | Eschscholzia lobbii | Annual herb | PAPAVERACEAE (Poppy Family) | Uplands only |
Reticulate-Seeded Spurge | Euphorbia spathulata | Annual herb | EUPHORBIACEAE (Spurge Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
San Joaquin Spearscale | Extriplex joaquinana | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Uplands usually |
Cleavers | Galium aparine | Annual herb | RUBIACEAE (Madder Family) | Uplands usually |
Blue Globe Gilyflower | Gilia capitata | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Uplands only |
Bird's Eye Gilyflower | Gilia tricolor | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Uplands only |
Lowland Cudweed | Gnaphalium palustre | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Common Hedge Hyssop | Gratiola ebracteata | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Wetlands only |
Boggs Lake Hedge Hyssop | Gratiola heterosepala | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Hairyleaf Sunflower | Helianthus annuus | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Hayfield Tarweed | Hemizonia congesta | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Hogwallow Starfish | Hesperevax caulescens | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Narrow Tarweed | Holocarpha virgata | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Common Hareleaf | Lagophylla ramossisima | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
California Goldfields | Lasthenia californica | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Smooth Goldfields | Lasthenia glaberrima | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Yellow-Rayed Goldfields | Lasthenia glabrata | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Coastal Goldfields | Lasthenia minor | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Alkali Goldfields | Lasthenia platycarpha | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Smooth Tidy Tips | Layia chrysanthemoides | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Fremont's Tidy Tips | Layia fremontii | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
False Venus' Looking Glass | Legenere limosa | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Alkali Peppergrass | Lepidium dictyotum | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Dwarf Peppergrass | Lepidium latipes | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands usually |
Shining Peppergrass | Lepidium nitidum | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Veiny Peppergrass | Lepidium oblongum | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Sharp-Podded Peppergrass | Lepidium oxycarpum | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Wetlands only |
Common Peppergrass | Lepidium strictum | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Woolly-Headed Lessingia | Lessingia hololeuca | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
White Meadowfoam | Limnanthes alba | Annual herb | LIMNANTHACEAE (Meadowfoam Family) | Wetlands usually |
Common Meadowfoam | Limnanthes douglasii | Annual herb | LIMNANTHACEAE (Meadowfoam Family) | Wetlands only |
Stemless Mudwort | Limosella acaulis | Annual herb | SCROPHULARIACEAE (Figwort Family) | Wetlands only |
False Pimpernel | Lindernia dubia | Annual herb | LINDERNIACEAE (False pimpernel Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Chick Lupine | Lupinus microcarpus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Valley Sky Lupine | Lupinus nanus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Arroyo Lupine | Lupinus succulentus | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Common Tarweed | Madia elegans | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Grassy Tarweed | Madia gracilis | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Pineapple Weed | Matricaria discoidea | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Valley Mayweed | Matricaria occidentalis | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Q Tips/Cottontop | Micropus californicus | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Sierra foothills Silverpuffs | Microseris acuminata | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Douglas' Silverpuffs | Microseris douglasii | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands usually |
Elegant Silverpuffs | Microseris elegans | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Snouted Monkeyflower | Mimetanthe pilosa | Annual herb | PHRYMACEAE (Lopseed Family) | Wetlands usually |
Cupped Monolopia | Monolopia major | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Uplands only |
Water-Chickweed | Montia fontana | Annual herb | MONTIACEAE (Water-Chickweed Family) | Wetlands only |
Little Mouse Tail | Myosurus minimus | Annual herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands only |
Tiny Mouse Tail | Myosurus sessilis | Annual herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands usually |
Broadleaf Pincushion Plant | Navarretia cotulifolia | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands only |
Hoary Pincushion Plant | Navarretia eriocephala | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Tehama Pincushion Plant | Navarretia heterandra | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands only |
Interwoven Pincushion Plant | Navarretia intertexta | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands usually |
White-Headed Pincushion Plant | Navarretia leucocephala | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands only |
Marigold Pincushion Plant | Navarretia tagetina | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Wetlands usually |
Sticky Pincushion Plant | Navarretia viscidula | Annual herb | POLEMONIACEAE (Phlox Family) | Uplands only |
Baby Blue Eyes | Nemophila menziesii | Annual herb | HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Waterleaf Family) | Uplands only |
Indian Tobacco | Nicotiana quadrivalvis | Annual herb | SOLANACEAE (Nightshade Family) | Uplands usually |
Common Knotweed | Persicaria lapathifolia | Annual herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Wetlands usually |
Great Valley Scorpion Weed | Phacelia ciliata | Annual herb | HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Waterleaf Family) | Uplands only |
Tansyleaf Scorpion Weed | Phacelia tanacetifolia | Annual herb | HYDROPHYLLACEAE (Waterleaf Family) | Uplands only |
Bracted Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys bracteatus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands usually |
Valley Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys canescens | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Uplands only |
Fulvous Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys fulvus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Uplands only |
Greene's Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys greenei | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands usually |
Dwarf Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys humistratus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands only |
Alkali Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys leptocladus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands only |
Rusty-Haired Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys nothofulvus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Vernal Pool Popcorn Flower | Plagiobothrys stipitatus | Annual herb | BORAGINACEAE (Borage Family) | Wetlands usually |
Coastal Plantain | Plantago elongata | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Wetlands usually |
Dotseed Plantain | Plantago erecta | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Uplands only |
Cream Cups | Platystemon californicus | Annual herb | PAPAVERACEAE (Poppy Family) | Uplands only |
Douglas' Mesa Mint | Pogogyne douglasii | Annual herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands only |
Sacramento Mesa Mint | Pogogyne zizyphoroides | Annual herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Wetlands only |
California Knotweed | Polygonum californicum | Annual herb | POLYGONACEAE (Knotweed Family) | Uplands only |
Short Woolly Marbles | Psilocarphus brevissimus | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands usually |
Round Woolly Marbles | Psilocarphus chinensis | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Oregon Woolly Marbles | Psilocarphus oregonus | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Slender Woolly Marbles | Psilocarphus tenellus | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands only |
Carter's Buttercup | Ranunculus bonariensis | Annual herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Wetlands only |
Pubescent-Fruited Buttercup | Ranunculus hebecarpus | Annual herb | RANUNCULACEAE (Buttercup Family) | Uplands only |
Lowland Toothcup | Rotala ramosior | Annual herb | LYTHRACEAE (Loosestrife Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Douglas' Stitchwort | Sabulina douglasii | Annual herb | CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Carnation Family) | Uplands only |
Trailing Pearlwort | Sagina decumbens | Annual herb | CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Carnation Family) | Uplands usually |
Fringed Checker Mallow | Sidalcea diploscypha | Annual herb | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Uplands only |
Hartweg's Checker Mallow | Sidalcea hartwegii | Annual herb | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Uplands only |
Hairy Checker Mallow | Sidalcea hirsuta | Annual herb | MALVACEAE (Mallow Family) | Wetlands only |
Salt Sand Spurry | Spergularia marina | Annual herb | CARYOPHYLLACEAE (Carnation Family) | Wetlands only |
Horned Sea Blite | Suaeda calceoliformis | Annual herb | CHENOPODIACEAE (Goosefoot Family) | Wetlands usually |
Common Fringe Pod | Thysanocarpus curvipes | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Showy Fringe Pod | Thysanocarpus radians | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Vinegar weed | Trichostema lanceolatum | Annual herb | LAMIACEAE (Mint Family) | Uplands usually |
Indian Rancheria Clover | Trifolium albopurpureum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands usually |
Notchleaf Clover/Pinole Clover | Trifolium bifidum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Tree Clover | Trifolium ciliolatum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Olive Clover | Trifolium columbinum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Pale Sack Clover/Cowbag Clover | Trifolium depauperatum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Bull Clover/Sour Clover | Trifolium fucatum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands usually |
Pinpoint Clover | Trifolium gracilentum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Saline Clover | Trifolium hydrophilum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Small Head Clover/Hairy Clover | Trifolium microcephalum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Thimble Clover/Valparaiso Clover | Trifolium microdon | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Uplands only |
Variegated Clover/Whitetip Clover | Trifolium variegatum | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Tomcat Clover | Trifolium willdenovii | Annual herb | FABACEAE (Pea Family) | Wetlands usually |
Venus' Looking Glass | Triodanis biflora | Annual herb | CAMPANULACEAE (Bellflower Family) | Uplands only |
Butter 'n' Eggs | Triphysaria eriantha | Annual herb (Parasitic) | OROBANCHACEAE (Broomrape Family) | Uplands only |
Slender Keel Fruit | Tropidocarpum gracile | Annual herb | BRASSICACEAE (Mustard Family) | Uplands only |
Speedwell | Veronica peregrina | Annual herb | PLANTAGINACEAE (Plantain Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Cocklebur | Xanthium strumarium | Annual herb | ASTERACEAE (Aster Family) | Wetlands and uplands about equally |
Native Ferns
Common Name | Taxonomic Classification | Life Form | Family | Wetlands Status |
Mosquito Fern | Azolla filiculoides | Fern | AZOLLACEAE (Mosquito Fern Family) | Wetlands only (Aquatic) |
Scouringrush Horsetail | Equisetum hyemale | Fern | EQUISETACEAE (Horsetail Family) | Wetlands usually |
Smooth Scouringrush Horsetail | Equisetum laevigatum | Fern | EQUISETACEAE (Horsetail Family) | Wetlands usually |
Orcutt's Quillwort | Isoetes orcuttii | Fern | ISOETACEAE (Quillwort Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Hairy Waterclover | Marsilea vestita | Fern | MARSILEACEAE (Pepperwort Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
American Pillwort | Pilularia americana | Fern | MARSILEACEAE (Pepperwort Family) | Wetlands only (Semi-Aquatic) |
Why are so many garden plants non-native, anyway?
Sure, it makes sense that some plants from other parts of the world would be desirable to grow here. But why is it that when you walk into a standard garden center, nearly everything for sale there is non-native?
One of the more obvious reasons for this situation is that many garden centers today are owned by national or multinational chains that find it easier to sell mostly the same plants in every one of their locations. But gardens in the United States have been dominated by non-native plants since long before locally owned family nurseries started being displaced by corporate conglomerates. So why is that?
A lot of the answer likely comes down to changing horticultural philosophies regarding insects. Plant-eating insects, especially during their larval stages, often can only digest or survive on a few plant species—and those are usually plant species they co-evolved with. So, native plants tend to get significantly more insect-chewed holes in their leaves. As manufactured chemical pesticides began to be developed and sold to the general public in the 1800s, their marketers also sold the public on the idea that if you saw any insects chewing on the plant leaves in your garden, you should immediately go spray the insects with insecticides. A pristine, unchewed plant was prized as a sign of a gardener's vigilance. Nursery owners and gardeners alike soon realized that non-native plants attracted fewer insects in the first place, and this made non-native plants seem more desirable than native plants.
But what happens as more and more wilderness gets replaced by cities, and those cities are planted almost exclusively with non-native plants? Cities have been losing many of their butterflies and bees. Adult butterflies can nectar on plenty of non-native flowers, but caterpillars' diets are much more restricted. Some caterpillars can make use of some non-native plants that are very similar to the native plants they co-evolved with, but overall, many caterpillars do not fare as well when they don't have access to their native host plants. And you don't get butterflies if their caterpillars don't survive. You don't get a lot of other types of insects either, without the native plants that are the best hosts for their larvae.
When the populations of pollinating insects decline, so does the fruit production on your fruit trees and your fruiting vegetable plants. So do the populations of birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife that rely on insects, seeds, or fruit for food. So do the populations of carnivores that eat those other wildlife whose populations are crashing. Entire ecosystems can collapse without healthy populations of pollinating insects.
So it turns out that having a yard full of insect-chewed plants is a good thing! Insect-chewed plants keep the world around us healthy and help bees and butterflies grow to adulthood and pollinate our gardens.
A garden is also usually more interesting and more beautiful when it's full of insects and the other wildlife that shows up to eat them. Wandering through a collection of plants that isn't supporting any other life is hardly more interesting than looking at a photograph of flowers. Sure, real plants are three-dimensional instead of two-dimensional, and some of the plants might also have a scent. But in a garden full of butterflies and moths, dragonflies and damselflies, mason bees and sweat bees and bumble bees, ladybugs and praying mantises, with nesting birds and croaking toads and skittering lizards and so on, there's simply so much more to see and to learn about all the different animals and their life cycles than in a garden of just plants alone.
The more that we start choosing plants not just for the pretty flowers that come and go from them at different times of the year, but also for the pretty butterflies and fascinating caterpillars and other interesting insects that come and go from them on a more rapid timescale, the more we will naturally start to prefer growing mostly native plants rather than mostly non-native plants.