Sun, water, bloom season, wildlife value, and an honest note on whether it's sold true to species or as a bred lookalike — for every California-native plant in the registry.
131Native species listed
73With a live listing
8Blooming this month
Quick answer: California has 131 native plants in this directory, 73 with a live listing as of 04 Nov 2026, and 4 with a lookalike alert — check before you buy.
California has 131 native plants in this directory, from the West region. The typical last spring frost is around Feb 23 and the first fall frost around Dec 1, so most native seed goes in outdoors in late fall or winter. Of these, 95 feed pollinators, 91 handle dry spells and 48 are deer-resistant; bloom peaks in May. Good places to start: Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon and Brittlebush.
Right nowLast frost around Feb 23, first frost around Dec 1
Preferred deer browse, also browsed by cattle/sheep
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PUTR2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Antelope bitterbrush
Purshia tridentata
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy or rocky
Height
2-8 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, key wildlife browse
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ARTR2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Big sagebrush
Artemisia tridentata
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Aug-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Deep, well-drained
Height
2-8 ft
Wildlife value
Sage-grouse cover and food
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Special value to native bees, elk/deer browse foliage
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PSSP6), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Bluebunch wheatgrass
Pseudoroegneria spicata
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Wildlife forage
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (RHCA), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
California coffeeberry
Rhamnus californica
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Most soils
Height
4-12 ft
Wildlife value
Berries for birds, bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (FRCA6), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
California flannelbush
Fremontodendron californicum
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, fast-draining, no summer water
Height
6-20 ft
Wildlife value
Bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
California flannelbush (Fremontodendron californicum)
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (EPCA3), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
California fuchsia
Epilobium canum
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Aug-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, well-drained
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Key late hummingbird nectar
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part Shade, ShadeMedium-High water, Moist-WetGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMBloom May-Oct
Sold as seed via Amazon; verified 15 Sep 2026.
Listing verified 15 Sep 2026
Cardinal flower
Lobelia cardinalis
Sun
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water
Medium-High water, Moist-Wet
Bloom
Bloom May-Oct
Sold as
Seed
Soil
Moist to wet, humus-rich soil - medium loam, clay loam, limestone-based, sandy, sandy loam, clay
Height
Up to 6 ft tall
Wildlife value
Nectar source for hummingbirds, attracts birds and butterflies
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Toxicity
All parts toxic only if eaten in large quantities. Symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, exhaustion/weakness, pupil dilation, convulsions, coma. Toxic compounds: alkaloids lobelamine, lobeline, and others, plus volatile oil
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (DUPU), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Chalk dudleya
Dudleya pulverulenta
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, fast-draining
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (HEWH), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Chaparral yucca
Hesperoyucca whipplei
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky slopes
Height
3-10 ft
Wildlife value
Yucca moth host, bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part Shade, ShadeMedium water, Dry-MoistGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMBloom Apr-Jul
(MySeeds.Co); In Stock, $30.00 — original candidate rejected: mismatched description (listing actually described unrelated "Roc...
Listing verified 15 Sep 2026
Chokecherry
Prunus virginiana
Sun
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water
Medium water, Dry-Moist
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jul
Sold as
Seed
Soil
Nutrient-rich, moist soils with limestone - sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay
Height
Up to 30 ft tall
Wildlife value
Fruit feeds birds/bears/moose/deer/elk, larval host for Columbia silkmoth
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Toxicity
New growth, wilted leaves, or frost/drought-injured plant parts poisonous to cattle and humans; toxin hydrocyanic acid forms in stomach. Children have been poisoned and died after ingesting large quantities of berries (which contain seeds)
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (MIMU), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Colorado four o'clock
Mirabilis multiflora
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy or rocky
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Hawk moths
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ARMA), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Common manzanita
Arctostaphylos manzanita
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Jan-Apr
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, well-drained
Height
6-20 ft
Wildlife value
Early bees, hummingbirds, fruit for birds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (HEAN3), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Common sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry-Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jul-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Most soils
Height
3-8 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, seeds for birds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part ShadeDry, Medium water useGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMApr-Sep
On every list checked but Amazon stock is Eurasian-garden yarrow everywhere — not a true native ecotype anywhere. Consistent ca...
Listing verified 15 Sep 2026
Common yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry, Medium water use
Bloom
Apr-Sep
Sold as
Seeds
Soil
Disturbed soils, medium calcium carbonate tolerance
Height
Up to 3 ft
Wildlife value
Special value to native bees, supports conservation biological control
Lookalike alert
On every list checked but Amazon stock is Eurasian-garden yarrow everywhere — not a true native ecotype anywhere. Consistent caveat across all 6 states.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (HEMI7), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Crevice alumroot
Heuchera micrantha
Sun
Part Shade, Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, well-drained
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (CEIN3), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Deerbrush
Ceanothus integerrimus
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained slopes
Height
3-12 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, butterfly host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ABVI), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Desert sand verbena
Abronia villosa
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Feb-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy
Height
6-12 in
Wildlife value
Moths, butterflies
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 03 Nov 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Feathery false Solomon's seal (Maianthemum racemosum) — Herb
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PEHE3), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Foothill penstemon
Penstemon heterophyllus
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained, rocky
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (POFR2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Fremont cottonwood
Populus fremontii
Sun
Sun
Water
Wet
Bloom
Bloom Feb-Apr
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Riparian, moist
Height
40-80 ft
Wildlife value
Nesting birds, caterpillar host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (CAMI12), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Giant red paintbrush
Castilleja miniata
Sun
Sun
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist meadows
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (GRCA), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Great Valley gumweed
Grindelia camporum
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Clay, alkaline ok
Height
2-4 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, butterflies
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ARPA6), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Greenleaf manzanita
Arctostaphylos patula
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, well-drained
Height
3-6 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, fruit for wildlife
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (DOHE), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Henderson's shooting star
Dodecatheon hendersonii
Sun
Part Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Feb-May
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist in spring
Height
6-16 in
Wildlife value
Bumble bees (buzz pollination)
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Henderson's shooting star (Dodecatheon hendersonii)
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (OEEL), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Hooker's evening primrose
Oenothera elata
Sun
Sun
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist, sandy
Height
2-5 ft
Wildlife value
Night-flying moths, goldfinches
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (FEID), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Idaho fescue
Festuca idahoensis
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Grazing and cover
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ACHY), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Indian ricegrass
Achnatherum hymenoides
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Seeds for birds and rodents
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part ShadeLow water, Dry-MoistGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMBloom Apr-Jun
(CZ Grain); seeds, In Stock, $10.49
Listing verified 15 Sep 2026
Indigo bush
Amorpha fruticosa
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Low water, Dry-Moist
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Seed
Soil
Sandy, sandy loam, medium loam, clay loam, clay soils
Height
6-12 ft tall
Wildlife value
Nectar for bees/butterflies/insects, larval host for Silver-spotted Skipper/Southern Dogface/California Dogface/Gray Hairstreak/Hoary Edge, high deer resistance
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (15 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Invasive / regulated
Can be weedy or invasive in the Northeast; forms thickets on riverbanks and islands
Indigo bush / False indigo bush (Amorpha fruticosa) — Seed
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PEPR2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Littleflower penstemon
Penstemon procerus
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Aug
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist meadows, well-drained
Height
4-16 in
Wildlife value
Bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (LUBI), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Miniature lupine
Lupinus bicolor
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Mar-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy, well-drained
Height
6-16 in
Wildlife value
Native bees, butterfly host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Toxicity
Seeds and foliage toxic to livestock and people if eaten
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (AGUR), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Nettleleaf giant hyssop
Agastache urticifolia
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained loam
Height
2-5 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part ShadeDry-MediumGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMBloom May-Jul
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (HODI), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Oceanspray
Holodiscus discolor
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry-Medium
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained
Height
6-15 ft
Wildlife value
Butterfly host, birds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (QUGA4), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Oregon white oak
Quercus garryana
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry-Medium
Bloom
Bloom Apr-May
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Deep, well-drained
Height
40-80 ft
Wildlife value
Acorns, hundreds of caterpillar species
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (SYCH4), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Pacific aster
Symphyotrichum chilense
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry-Medium
Bloom
Bloom Jul-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Clay or loam
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Late bees, butterflies
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Part Shade, ShadeMoist, WetGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMFeb-Jun
No live listing found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Not currently sold
Pacific trillium
Trillium ovatum
Sun
Part Shade, Shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Bloom
Feb-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Cool, moist soils
Height
Up to 20 in
Wildlife value
Attracts other showy insects
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (STPU2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Purple needlegrass
Stipa pulchra
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Mar-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Clay or loam
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Seeds for birds, cover
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (SADO4), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Purple sage (desert sage)
Salvia dorrii
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, sandy, alkaline ok
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Seeds (listed under synonym genus "Cleomella serrulata"), purchasable, $6.99
Listing verified 16 Sep 2026
Rocky Mountain bee plant
Peritoma serrulata
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Low
Bloom
May-Sep
Sold as
Seeds
Soil
Well-drained, moist to dry, medium to sandy
Height
Up to 32 in (to 6 ft)
Wildlife value
Seeds feed pocket mice/mourning doves/birds, larval host for checkered white butterflies, nectar source, highly deer resistant
Buying it
Sold true to the wild species as of the last check (16 Sep 2026), via Amazon.
Invasive / regulated
Northeastern/midwestern US populations are non-persistent waifs/garden escapes, not native there; tolerant of many soils/conditions which may contribute to spread beyond its native Rocky Mountain range
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PESP), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Royal penstemon
Penstemon speciosus
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Gravelly or sandy
Height
1-2 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ASSU), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Rush milkweed
Asclepias subulata
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Mar-Dec
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Sandy desert washes
Height
3-5 ft
Wildlife value
Monarch and queen host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ERCA23), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Scarlet monkeyflower
Erythranthe cardinalis
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Wet
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Oct
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist stream banks
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (MIGU), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Seep monkeyflower
Erythranthe guttata
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Wet
Bloom
Bloom Mar-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Wet soil, stream edges
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, hummingbirds, butterfly host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Attracts butterflies, special value to native bees and bumble bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (LECO5), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Siskiyou lewisia
Lewisia cotyledon
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky crevices, sharp drainage
Height
6-12 in
Wildlife value
Bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (MIAU), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Sticky monkeyflower
Mimulus aurantiacus
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Mar-Aug
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky slopes, well-drained
Height
2-4 ft
Wildlife value
Hummingbirds, checkerspot host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ERUM), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Sulphur-flower buckwheat
Eriogonum umbellatum
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, gravelly, well-drained
Height
4-12 in
Wildlife value
Bees, butterflies, host for many blues
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Sun, Part Shade, ShadeDryGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMApr-Sep
No live listing found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Not currently sold
Toyon
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Sun
Sun, Part Shade, Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Apr-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Poor, dry, well-drained soil
Height
6-8 ft typically, up to 15-20 ft
Wildlife value
Birds eat berries, drought-tolerant, long-lived
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (OECA10), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Tufted evening primrose
Oenothera caespitosa
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Aug
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Rocky, gravelly
Height
4-8 in
Wildlife value
Hawk moths
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (DENU2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Upland larkspur
Delphinium nuttallianum
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jul
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained
Height
6-16 in
Wildlife value
Bumble bees, hummingbirds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (PRVE), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Velvet mesquite
Prosopis velutina
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Apr-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Deep desert soils
Height
15-30 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, pods for wildlife
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ACCI), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Vine maple
Acer circinatum
Sun
Part Shade, Shade
Water
Medium
Bloom
Bloom Apr-May
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Moist, well-drained
Height
10-20 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, seeds for birds
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Special value to bumble bees, adult food source for Hoary Comma butterfly
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (CEOC3), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Western redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Sun
Sun, Part Shade
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Feb-Apr
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Well-drained
Height
8-20 ft
Wildlife value
Early bees
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ACMI2), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native....
Not currently sold
Western yarrow
Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom May-Sep
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Most soils
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Bees, small butterflies
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Western yarrow (Achillea millefolium var. occidentalis)
SunLow water, drought tolerantGrow from seedWild species
BLOOMMar-Jun
No live listing found as of 15 Sep 2026.
Not currently sold
Winterfat
Krascheninnikovia lanata
Sun
Sun
Water
Low water, drought tolerant
Bloom
Mar-Jun
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Clay, chalky or saline soils
Height
Up to 3 ft
Wildlife value
Winter browse for rabbits and other wildlife
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
western native added 24 Oct 2026. Range from USDA PLANTS (ASER), limited to the western and Plains states where it is native. N...
Not currently sold
Woollypod milkweed
Asclepias eriocarpa
Sun
Sun
Water
Dry
Bloom
Bloom Jun-Aug
Sold as
Not currently sold
Soil
Dry, well-drained
Height
1-3 ft
Wildlife value
Monarch host
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 24 Oct 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 15 Sep 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
Wyoming Indian paintbrush (Castilleja linariifolia)
Prices change and stock sells out. Listing verified 15 Sep 2026. Always check your state's native plant list before planting.
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Growing basics for California
Frost dates and the sowing calendar for your area.
Hardiness zoneVariesZones differ across California · find yours by ZIP
Last spring frostFeb 23Ranges Jan 4 – Jun 6 by location
First fall frostDec 1Ranges Sep 29 – Jan 1 by location
Frost-free season281 daysTypical, between the two dates
When to sow and plant
JanSow
FebRest
MarSow + plant
AprRest
MayRest
JunRest
JulRest
AugRest
SepRest
OctPlant
NovPlant
DecSow
Sow seed outdoorsPlant live plantsBothThis month
Dec 1 – Jan 24Sow seed: late fall into winter
Sow most native wildflower and grass seed outdoors. Many natives need weeks of cold, moist conditions before they sprout, and a California winter does that for free.
Feb 23 – Apr 9Spring: after the last frost
Sow seed that needs no cold treatment, and set out live plants once the soil warms.
Oct 12 – Nov 24Plant: early fall
A strong second window for live plants and shrubs, while roots still have time to settle in.
Check each seed packet: a few species want spring sowing or special treatment. Frost dates are NOAA 1991–2020 normals (32°F, 50% chance) from 273 California weather stations; your own yard may differ by a week or two.
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Common questions about California native plants
What are the best native plants for California?
Good starter natives for California gardens include Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon, Brittlebush, Hummingbird sage and Narrowleaf milkweed. They're sold as the true wild species, valuable to wildlife and suited to home gardens. The full list has 131 California natives.
How many plants are native to California?
This directory lists 131 plants native to California, and 73 of them have a live seed or plant listing we've checked. California has many more native species in the wild; this list focuses on plants that gardeners can grow.
When should I plant native seeds in California?
Sow most native perennial seed outdoors in late fall or winter, after the first fall frost (typically around Dec 1 in California). Winter cold breaks seed dormancy so it sprouts in spring. Set out nursery plants after the last spring frost (typically around Feb 23) or in early fall.
What native plants bloom in California in November?
8 California natives in this directory bloom in November, including Desert marigold, Desert globemallow, Jojoba, Shrubby cinquefoil and Coast redwood.
What are the best native plants for pollinators in California?
Strong pollinator plants native to California include Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon, Brittlebush, Hummingbird sage and Narrowleaf milkweed. The full list has 95 options.
What native plants are deer-resistant in California?
Deer-resistant natives for California include Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon, Brittlebush, Hummingbird sage and Narrowleaf milkweed. The full list has 48 options.
What native plants grow in shade in California?
Shade-tolerant natives for California include Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon, Hummingbird sage, Cardinal flower and Common snowberry. The full list has 28 options.
What native plants are drought-tolerant in California?
Drought-tolerant natives for California include Desert marigold, Firecracker penstemon, Brittlebush, Narrowleaf milkweed and Palmer's penstemon. The full list has 91 options.
This page lists every species in the Native Seed Directory documented as native to California — 131 plants, 73 of them with a live seed or plant listing verified as recently as 04 Nov 2026. Growing conditions come from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; the "Buying it" note on each plant tells you whether what stores sell is the wild species or a bred variety. Open any card for soil, height, wildlife value and the buying note, or follow the plant name for its full profile and the other states where it grows.
Get the full buying guide for California
Every pick worth knowing across pollinators, shade, drought and more, in one PDF, with the tradeoffs spelled out. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
