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Theodore Payne with a Matilija Poppy

The California Native Plant Wiki is an information resource created by the Theodore Payne Foundation to help you garden with California native plants. The Theodore Payne Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use and understanding of California's extraordinary flora. If you find this resource helpful, consider becoming a member or making a donation to support this service.

California Native Plant Library

Eschscholzia californica

These plant descriptions are from the placards in our nursery, drawing on the Foundation's 50 years of experience growing California native plants. View the California Native Plant Library here, with details on the library's organization, or go directly to our beautiful California native plants using the alphabet below.

...by Botanical Name:	A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
...by Common Name:	A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z
...by Family Name:	A - B - C - D - E - F - G - H - I - J - K - L - M - N - O - P - Q - R - S - T - U - V - W - X - Y - Z

These special lists of plants by Plant Type, Flower Color and Water Needs help you find the right plant.

Grasses Groundcovers Ferns Bulbs Cactus & Succulents Annuals	Perennials & Sub-Shrubs Shrubs Vines Under-story & Small Trees Trees Pond Plants

Native Garden Design and Horticulture

Gulf Fritillary (Agraulis vanillae)

Hooded Oriole (Icterus cucullatus)

• Why Should I Plant Natives?
• Native Plant Horticulture 101: How to Plant and Care for Native Plants

Here you'll find our Planting Guides which provide a quick review of how to plant and care for native plants. You can also find detailed discussions concerning important questions related to the care and maintenance of a California native plant garden.

• California Native Plants To Attract Wildlife
  • Birds
  • Hummingbirds
  • Butterflies
  • Pollinators (a bonus for vegetable gardens)

• Special Garden Features
  • Plants for Containers
  • Aromatic Plants: Plants with fragrant leaves and flowers

• Plants for Special Geographic Areas
  • High Desert Plants
  • High Elevations

• Special Garden Conditions
  • Dry Shade and Under Oaks
  • Erosion Control
  • Heavy Soil and Clay
  • Grasses
  • Plants Less Tasty to Deer

• Creating an Eco-Friendly Garden
  • A Snagging Issue