Our Plants (List)

Western larkspur is a California endemic found in a variety of habitats in much of the state. It is especially prominent in the SF Bay Area, where it greets spring hikers with long fronds of deep blue flowers. After dormancy (i.e. no above ground growth), deeply lobed leaves emerge in…

Generally one encounters larkspur in fairly sunny, open areas displaying cone-shaped flowers of blue or purple. Canyon larkspur is exceptional on several fronts. It is found exclusively in shady areas with at most a few hours of dappled sun. In Santa Clara County they are often seen on rocky slopes…

The island bush poppy is perhaps the most popular Channel Island endemic, and for good reason. It grows vigorously in an open upright form with blue-green leaves. The luminescent yellow flowers cover the plant year round even here in Santa Clara County where it is quite far north of its…

The bush poppy grows throughout the California Floristic Province (i.e. portions of California that enjoy a Mediterranean climate) in dry mountainous regions. The site is often so hot and dry it is a wonder that anything can grow there, much less a shrub as beautiful as the bush poppy. The…