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

Arthrocnemum subterminale

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

Euphorbia serpyllifolia

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

Symphyotrichum chilense

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.