Our Plants (List)

This little bunch grass is one of the most common grasses in shady settings in the SF Bay Area. It often colonizes trail sides, so it is easy to find. It has an upright form of soft blades and maintains its structure throughout the year (it does not sprawl as…

Field mint is one of a relatively small number of California native plants that has a wide distribution outside the state. It grows near water sources in much of the contiguous US and into Canada and Alaska. It grows as an upright, somewhat sprawling little perennial. The textured opposite leaves…

One often encounters the blazing star on a hot summer afternoon in a rocky, barren setting. Amidst the dry foliage of other dormant plants, the large yellow flowers of the blazing star shine conspicuously. The plant pictured above was growing on a sandy bar along the American River. The blazing…

Monkeyflowers, in one form or another, are found throughout California. Most species are little annuals. The few perennial shrubs are also widespread, but are most common in our coastal mountains. The apricot-flowered Mimulus aurantiacus is most common. It is the local monkeyflower in Santa Clara County. Moving south, the species…

Sticky monkeyflower is widespread in the coastal mountains and lower Sierra foothills. At one time there were numerous recognized varieties which varied in flower shape and size, flower color, overall size, etc. These varieties are no longer recognized by botanists, but they still help plant people distinguish between the many…