Blue-eyed grass* Sisyrinchium bellum

Delicate flowers, abundant from February to May, with grass-like leaves. A perennial, found naturally in grass meadows and other open places, re-seeds easily. A lovely addition to a dry border and does well in containers with well-draining soil. Likes sun to partial sun exposure. Foliage will die back in summer heat.

Plant size is 1 foot high x 1 foot wide.

California Fuchsia* Epilobium canum

Earlier reference books may have this listed as Zauschneria california. A very hardy native, that can take a lot of abuse, this is commonly found in dry areas, rocky slopes and cliffs. Abundant, scarlet tubular flowers from July to November, popular with hummingbirds. Likes sun to partial sun exposure, may be used as a ground cover.

Plant size is 2 feet high by 4 feet wide.

Twinberry Honeysuckle* Lonicera involucrata

Prefers moist areas and pruning will keep size under control. Dense foliage with unique orange-red flowers that produce berries, attractive to birds. Blooms in the spring, drops leaves in winter. Sun to partial shade exposure.

Plant size is 6 feet high by 6 feet wide.

California Redbud+ Cercis occidentalis

An interesting plant year round, with beautiful pea-shaped magenta flowers on leafless stems in the spring, followed by interesting seedpods and heart-shaped blue-green leaves. Dedicuous, with yellow or red fall foliage on multi-branching stems. Prefers sun exposure. Excellent for dry, seldom watered banks.

Plant size is 20 feet high by 15 feet wide.

Photo Credit:
* California Academy of Sciences, W.R. Hewlett, 1999; V. Moore, 1999; C. Webber, 1998
+ Society for Environmental Education, J. Dougherty, 2000

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