- Why Choose Native Plants?<\/a><\/li>
- Native Flowers for San Francisco<\/a>
- 1. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Beardtongue (Penstemon)<\/a><\/li>
- 5. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Native Shrubs for San Francisco<\/a>
- 6. California Lilac (Ceanothus)<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos)<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Chaparral Mallow (Malacothamnus fasciculatus)<\/a><\/li>
- 10. Bush Anemone (Carpenteria californica)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Native Trees for San Francisco<\/a>
- 11. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Where to Find Native Plants in San Francisco<\/a><\/li>
- FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Why Choose Native Plants?<\/h2>
Native plants are defined by their place of origin and are favored by gardeners and landscapers for their ability to adapt to a region\u2019s climate and soil conditions. San Francisco sees warm, long summers and cold, wet winters. On average, the city gets 25 inches of rain a year. San Francisco is in the USDA Hardiness Zone 10b. <\/p>
Here\u2019s why you should choose native plants:<\/p>
- They can quickly adapt to your yard\u2019s condition <\/li>
- Require fewer fertilizers<\/li>
- Use less water<\/li>
- Resist diseases and pests naturally <\/li>
- Attract pollinators like moths, butterflies, hummingbirds, and native bees<\/li> <\/ul>
Native Flowers for San Francisco<\/h2>
If you like potted plants or flower beds, native flowers are an excellent choice. They enhance the look of your landscape and are easy to maintain. <\/p>
1. Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"cluster](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-170.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Yarrow blooms during spring and summer, producing clusters of fragrant, small white flowers that butterflies and bees love. We recommend regularly deadheading spent flowers during the blooming season to encourage new blooms. This perennial grows best in full sun but can also withstand partial shade. <\/p>
Yarrow thrives in various San Francisco soils, from sandy to clay to loam. It requires frequent watering initially but resists drought exceptionally well once established. Yarrow is toxic to pets, so don\u2019t let your curious furry friends near it. <\/p>
Learn more about yarrow<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3a-9b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Tolerates most well-drained soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>1 to 3 feet<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to pets<\/li> <\/ul>
2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/California-Poppy.jpg\")
Photo Credit: docentjoyce<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This perennial produces beautiful cup-shaped flowers that come in bright orange, white, red, pink, or yellow. California poppy blooms from spring to early summer and attracts butterflies and bees. No one likes faded flowers, so deadhead them to promote new growth. California poppy requires at least six hours of sunlight and prefers sandy, well-drained soil. <\/p>
This plant is an excellent choice for low-maintenance gardens because it requires very little water. California poppy is toxic to humans and pets. <\/p>
Learn more about California poppy<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 5a-10b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Well-draining sandy soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Annual<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>4 to 12 inches<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to humans and pets <\/li> <\/ul>
3. Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Sisyrinchium-bellum-blue-eyed-grass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: John Rusk<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Blue-eyed grass gets its name from its grass-like leaves and bluish-violet, star-shaped flowers, which appear from late spring to early summer. This perennial has a short blooming period, but deadheading can extend it and encourage more blooms. Bees and butterflies love the flowers. Blue-eyed grass grows best in full sun but can withstand partial shade. <\/p>
This perennial thrives in moist, loam soil that\u2019s well-drained. Water this plant daily during our hot summers to prevent it from going dormant. Blue-eyed grass is slightly toxic to humans and pets. <\/p>
Learn more about blue-eyed grass<\/a>.<\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>4a-9b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Moist loam soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate <\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>1 to 2 feet<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to humans and pets<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Beardtongue (Penstemon<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Blue-purple](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-163.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: peganum from Small Dole, England<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Beardtongue blooms during spring and summer, producing spectacular tubular blooms that can be red, pink, white, or purple. Bees just love these fragrant flowers. We recommend deadheading fading flowers to encourage new blooms. This perennial requires at least six hours of sunlight and prefers well-drained sandy or rocky soil. <\/p>
Beardtongue requires at least an inch of water every week in the hot summers of San Francisco to survive. This perennial can be toxic to humans and pets, but only if ingested in large amounts. <\/p>
Learn more about beardtongue<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>3a-9b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Well-drained sandy or rocky soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>6 inches to 4 feet<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to humans and pets <\/li> <\/ul>
5. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Close](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-166.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: Curtis Clark<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.5<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> California Fuchsia is one of my favorites because it produces bright red, trumpet-shaped flowers in summer and fall that hummingbirds love to feed on. This perennial blooms for quite a long time, but you can extend it further by deadheading the faded flowers. California Fuchsia prefers full sun and thrives in any well-drained soil. <\/p>
This plant requires watering every once or twice a month. California Fuchsia is non-toxic, so you don\u2019t have to worry about your curious furry friend going near it. <\/p>
Learn more about California fuchsia<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Any well-draining soil<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>3 to 18 inches<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Non-toxic<\/li> <\/ul>
Native Shrubs for San Francisco<\/h2>
6. California Lilac (Ceanothus<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/California-Lilac.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Changku88<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> California lilac produces clusters of small white, blue, or pink flowers in the spring. Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love these flowers. Deadheading this shrub isn\u2019t necessary, but you can do so for a neat appearance. It requires at least six hours of sunlight a day. <\/p>
This shrub thrives in most well-drained soils, from sandy to loamy to clay. California lilac requires regular watering but can survive with little to no watering once established. It\u2019s also non-toxic. <\/p>
Learn more about California lilac<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade <\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Tolerates most well-drained soil<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate <\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Evergreen<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Dark green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>1 to 6 feet<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Non-toxic<\/li> <\/ul>
7. Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"western](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Western-redbud.jpg\")
Photo Credit: LaurentianShield<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This shrub produces clusters of small bright pink flowers throughout the spring season that bees love. We recommend deadheading spent flowers and pruning to maintain the desired shape. Western redbud grows best in full sun but can withstand partial shade.<\/p>
Western redbud thrives in most well-drained soil, including sandy, clay, and loam. It requires little to no watering but is slightly toxic to humans and pets. <\/p>
Learn more about Western redbud<\/a>. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>7a-9b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Tolerates most well-drained soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Medium green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>10 to 20 feet<\/li>
- Potential hazards: <\/strong>Toxic to humans and pets<\/li> <\/ul>
8. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"manzanita](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Manzanita.jpg\")
Photo Credit: snoyes at the English Wikipedia<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Manzanita blooms from late winter to spring, producing white or green lantern-shaped flowers that attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Deadhead faded flowers to encourage new blooms, but wait at least three years before pruning. It\u2019s best to prune in summer when the weather is dry and sunny. <\/p>
This shrub grows best in full sun but can also withstand partial shade. It thrives in well-drained sandy, clay, or loamy soil. Manzanita withstands drought and can survive with occasional watering in the Golden City\u2019s hot summers. It\u2019s also non-toxic. <\/p>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Well-draining sandy, clay, or loam soils<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Low<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Evergreen<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Bright green<\/li>
- Height: <\/strong>6 to 25 feet <\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>7a-9b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>8a-10b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>3a-9b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>4a-9b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 5a-10b<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3a-9b<\/li>
- Growth habit: <\/strong>Herb<\/li>
- 12. Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 7. Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)<\/a><\/li>
- 2. California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)<\/a><\/li>
- Native Flowers for San Francisco<\/a>