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More information »	Papaver atlanticum (Moroccan poppy) A sweet little perennial poppy native to Morocco. Small clumps of soft green foliage topped with cup-shaped crepe-papery blossoms that are a wonderful shade of salmon. Each flower lasts a day and are followed by handsome seed pods. Blooms over a long period in the summer. Plant in full sun with good drainage. Gets by on little water. Tends to seed about.
More information »	Pectiantia ovalis (coastal miterwort) Plant description coming soon.
More information »	Penstemon 'Catherine de la Mare' (penstemon) Beautiful electric blue tubular flowers blush purple as they age. Low (12 -18 inches tall) plant with a loose, open habit. Blooming begins in May and continues for a month or two. An easy and hardy penstemon requiring moderate water and sun to light shade. Wonderful for the front of borders. Adored by hummingbirds and bees.
More information »	Penstemon 'Enor' (border penstemon) Garden designer Kate Frey gave us this Border Penstemon along with high praise for its particularly long bloom season. Narrow tubes of rich burgundy flowers bloom throughout the summer. The compact, bushy foliage is deep-green and shiny with reddish stems, growing 2-3 foot tall and wide. Best in full sun with regular to moderate summer water. Hummingbird magnet.
More information »	Penstemon 'Firebird' (penstemon) Easy to grow, long blooming perennial, forming a compact clump of dark green narrow leaves 2-3 ft. tall. Showy bright red tubular flowers bloom over a long period beginning in late spring and will continue into the summer. Cutting back spent flowers can lengthen flowering period. Plant in full sun with moderate watering. Drought tolerant along the coast, requiring summer water inland. Attractive to bees and hummingbirds.
More information »	Penstemon 'Chiapas' This Penstemon offers a unique growth habit, with strong erect stems rising to 4 or 5 ft. tall. No flopping here, this perennial forms a vertical tower of apple green, triangular leaves that are slightly sticky. Chubby, purple, open mouth flowers bloom along each stem tip in mid summer. Plant in full sun with moderate summer water. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are all attracted to its flowers. Deer resistant.
More information »	Penstemon azureus (azure penstemon) Native to the mountains of California and Oregon where it grows in woodland and chaparral plant communities. Forms a tidy mound of bluish-green leaves 1-2 ft. tall and wide with bright blue tubular flowers late spring into summer. Requires good drainage and sun to light shade. This species is drought tolerant but prefers occasional summer water and is more garden tolerant than most native Penstemons. Attractive to bees and hummingbirds.
More information »	Penstemon barbatus (southwest penstemon) Native to sunny, hot, rocky slopes from Utah and Colorado to Texas and Mexico, this striking penstemon is a willing grower. Forms a low mound of lush foliage, topped with 4 ft. tall, erect flower spikes of brilliant, scarlet, tubular blossoms, providing a bold splash of color in beds, borders, rock garden or meadow planting. Plant in full sun with good drainage where it will be drought tolerant once established. Flowers adored by hummingbirds and butterflies. Deer resistant.
More information »	Penstemon barbatus 'Coral Baby' (southwest penstemon) This dazzling selection of Penstemon is from the Plant Select program of Colorado. Forms a tidy, compact mound of bright green foliage to around 15 inches tall by 12 inches or so wide. Late spring brings upright spikes of eye catching coral-pink tubular flowers which attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Full sun with good drainage and moderate to occasional summer water.
More information »	Penstemon barbatus 'Riding Hood Red' (southwest penstemon) Trumpet-shaped blossoms of coral-red arise on thick stems up to 2 ft. high on this Dutch selection of the beardlip penstemon. Originating from the American Southwest, this superlative species offers flowers from late spring to the end of summer, enticing hummingbirds, bees and butterflies into the garden. Light green, lanceolate leaves grow densely at the base and climb up the stout stalks. This selection has proven to be very garden tolerant, liking full sun and moderate to infrequent irrigation.
More information »	Penstemon centranthifolius (scarlet buglar) Custom made for hummingbirds, this Penstemon sports an abundance of bright-red to orange-red tubular flowers from late spring into summer. Native to dry habitats in the North Coast Ranges south to Mexico and east to the Southern Sierra, growing in chaparral and openings in woodlands below 6000 ft. Thick, blue-green leaves form a rosette 1 – 2 ft. tall and wide. Long flower spikes rise 2 – 4 ft. above the waxy leaves with many narrow, tubular, scarlet blossoms. Likes full sun, lean soils and good drainage. Drought and cold tolerant. Hummingbird and butterfly favorite.
More information »	Penstemon davidsonii (Davidson's penstemon) Description coming soon.
More information »	Penstemon eatonii (firecracker penstemon) Adaptable and beautiful perennial native to the western United States including southeastern California. Narrow, leathery leaves form an evergreen rosette of foliage. Flower stalks rise 2-3 ft above the foliage. This form has brilliant red tubular flowers lining the erect stems in early summer. Requires good drainage, full sun to light shade and occasional to little summer water. Tolerates winter cold to 18 degrees and drought once established. Hummingbird favorite.
More information »	Penstemon fruticosus (shrubby penstemon) Blue-purple, trumpet-shaped flowers with curvy, flared lips cover this diminutive mountain species with a showy display in spring or early summer. Truly a delightful and easy to grow mountain penstemon, only reaching about 12 inches high and spreading to about 1.5 ft, covered in dense, narrow leaves. Perfect for a container or in a rock garden with good drainage. Enjoys full sun to light shade and occasional to infrequent irrigation. Native to the Pacific Northwest and the Northern Rockies, almost making it into California. A favorite of hummingbirds and enjoyed by bees.
More information »	Penstemon heterophyllus (foothill penstemon) Iridescent blue-purple tubular flowers in short spikes put on a good show over a long period in spring and early summer. The spent flower spikes should be cut off to encourage more blooming, better form, and longer life. Best in full sun with well drained soils and moderate to little water once established. Hummingbird favorite.
More information »	Penstemon heterophyllus 'Blue Springs' (foothill penstemon) A seed strain of a highly variable native penstemon. Attractive narrow, shiny, bluish-green leaves topped with dense spikes of narrow bell-shaped blossoms of bright blue. Flowers late spring to early summer, growing to around 1 to 1 1/2 ft. tall and wide. The spent flower spikes should be cut off to encourage more blooming, better form, and longer life. Best in full sun with good drainage and moderate to little summer water.
More information »	Penstemon heterophyllus 'GMR White' (white foothill penstemon) Description coming soon!
More information »	Penstemon heterophyllus 'Margarita BOP' (foothill penstemon) A fine selection of a native penstemon from Las Pilitas Nursery where this chance hybrid seedling was discovered at the “Bottom Of the Porch”. Forms a tidy mound 18 inches tall by 2 ft. or so wide. Iridescent blue-purple tubular flowers in short spikes put on a good show over a long period in spring and early summer. The spent flower spikes should be cut off to encourage more blooming, better form, and longer life. Best in full sun with well drained soils and moderate to little water once established. 'Margarita BOP' has proven particularly adaptable and has survived longer than other cultivars. Hummingbird favorite.
More information »	Penstemon heterophyllus - Hood Mt. seed strain (foothill penstemon) From the rugged Hood Mountain area, southeast of Santa Rosa, comes this local seed strain of foothill penstemon, which is showing promise as a particularly good performer. Proving to be vigorous and disease resistant, blooming freely with particularly large, vivid-blue, open-mouthed, tubular blossoms, spring into summer. An evergreen perennial, growing 1 -2 ft. tall and wide, for full sun with decent drainage, and little water once established. Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are all attracted to the showy flowers. A great, local, seed grown alternative to the cutting grown 'Margarita BOP'.
More information »	Penstemon newberryi (mountain pride) As the common name implies, this beauty is native to the mountains of California, Oregon and Nevada, where it grows in rocky habitats at high elevations. Forms an evergreen mat, under a foot tall with thick, leathery leaves and gorgeous magenta-pink tubular flowers, in mid to late spring. Good drainage is a must for success and growing in a container is an option for those with heavy soils. Full sun to very light shade with occasional summer waterings. Can be challenging to cultivate, but well worth the extra effort. The showy flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. Said to be deer resistant.
More information »	Penstemon palmeri (scented penstemon) Showy, grape-scented, pale pink flowers top blue-green, succulent-like foliage on vertical stalks reaching an astonishing 3 to 5 ft. in height. The bulbous flowers have given rise to the common name, ballon flower. Native to desert mountains of southern California and throughout the western United States. This penstemon is attractive to a multitude of pollinators, especially hummingbirds. Plant in full sun to light shade and provide good drainage. Drought tolerant once established. The tall but narrow flower stalks make this penstemon useful in narrow spaces where height is desired.
More information »	Penstemon parryi (Parry's penstemon) An adaptable species from the desert southwest of the United States. Thick bluish-green foliage forms a low rosette up to 2 feet wide. Bright pink funnel-shaped flowers are produced in profusion on stems 1-3 ft. tall in spring. Good drainage and full sun with moderate to little water once established. Attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.
More information »	Penstemon pinifolius 'Mersea Yellow' (yellow pineleaf penstemon) Forms a tidy shrublet of attractive bright-green needle-like leaves, growing 12 - 18 inches tall and wide. This unusual color variant sports clear-yellow tubular flowers, which are rare in the genus Penstemon. Native to Arizona and New Mexico, this clump former requires good drainage, full sun with moderate to infrequent summer water. Blooming late spring to early summer, the tubular flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.
More information »	Penstemon pinifolius 'Sunset Glow' (pineleaf penstemon) The floriferous pineleaf penstemon is native to Arizona and New Mexico and is a popular dry garden addition. ‘Sunset Glow’ is the result of a 20 year breeding program at the Denver Botanic Garden, working towards improved flower color and plant size and form. The luscious shade of soft-orange, tubular flowers, blends beautifully with other foliage and flower colors. The flowers begin in late spring atop the finely textured foliage, which forms a compact mound 12 - 18 inches tall and 18 -24 inches wide. Plant in full sun with good drainage and moderate to infrequent watering once established. Highly attractive to hummingbirds and other pollinators.
More information »	Penstemon pseudospectabilis (desert penstemon) From the southeast corner of the state comes this surprisingly adaptable penstemon, with prolific displays of magenta-purple, tubular flowers with flared mouths. Large, serrated, gray-green leaves line stems in attractive pairs. Flower stalks rise 2 – 3 ft. in spring, drawing in hummingbirds and bees. Even though this species is from the desert, it does quite well in local gardens with good drainage, full sun and occasional irrigation once established. Several local butterflies use the desert penstemon as a larval food source, including the common buckeye, variable checkerspot and Edith’s checkerspot.
More information »	Penstemon rostriflorus (Bridges' penstemon) A wonderful addition to the dry garden, bringing late summer color through abundant, bright red, tubular flowers. Growing 24 – 36 inches tall and wide, with attractive, glossy foliage, that takes on red and bronze tones in winter. A late blooming Penstemon, beginning in July, provides copious nectar for hummingbirds as well as bees, butterflies, and moths. Tolerant of wide range of soils and conditions, plant in full sun to light shade with occasional water. Drought tolerant once established. Deer resistant.
More information »	Penstemon rydbergii (meadow penstemon) A widespread species native to much of the western United States, including California, growing in mountainous regions in moist meadows and along streams. Forms a low rosette of bright green leaves topped with flower stems 1 -2 foot tall. The small, lavender-purple, tubular flowers are clustered in whorls on dense spikes. The blossoms offer an excellent source of nectar and pollen to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies, as well as a larval food source for a number of butterfly species. Considered easy to grow and long lived. Plant in full sun to light shade with regular moisture. Somewhat winter deciduous. Deer resistant.
More information »	Penstemon spectabilis (royal penstemon) A spectacular Penstemon native to dry, gravelly slopes of southern California and northern Baja. Demanding good drainage and full sun, this perennial grows 3 ft. or more tall with striking displays of lavender-purple tubular flowers. A challenging species with a sensational floral display, but can be short lived in northern California. Performs best in hot inland gardens. Take care not to over water. Highly attractive to hummingbirds as well as bees and butterflies.
More information »	Penstemon strictus (Rocky Mt. penstemon) Showy perennial, native to a number of states in the Rocky Mountains, where it grows in sage brush and coniferous forest communities. Forming clumps of neat evergreen foliage 8 - 10 inches tall by 36 inches wide. Mid to late spring brings flowering stems 2 foot or so above the foliage with deep blue-purple tubular flowers. Considered one of the easier to grow, tolerating heavier soil and moisture better than many Penstemon species. Still, good drainage is best with little summer water once established. Plant in full sun to light shade in hot regions. Very cold tolerant. Penstemons are attractive to hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
More information »	Penstemon venustus (Venus penstemon, elegant penstemon) This jewel of the mountains displays richly toned, trumpet-shaped flowers of blue to lavender held on stalks reaching 1 – 3 ft. tall. Dark green, serrated leaves form a low mound up to 2ft. wide over time. Hummingbirds love the tubular flowers as do bees. Plant in full sun with excellent drainage and water infrequently. While native to much of the West, this penstemon doesn’t quite make it into California.
More information »	Perideridia gairdneri (yampah) An interesting and rarely cultivated native perennial that grows in grasslands and meadows in central to northern California and the Sierra Nevada foothills. Narrow leaves emerge in the spring giving way to lovely 4 ft. tall flowering stems topped with umbels of delicate white flowers in the summer. Looks particularly nice in mass and livens up a meadow or grassland planting that may be waning in summer. Entice the anise swallowtail butterfly with a NATIVE larval food source. Plant in full sun to light shade with a little water. Allow to go dry after flowering.
More information »	Perideridia kelloggii (yampah) An interesting and rarely cultivated native perennial that grows in grasslands and meadows in central to northern California and the Sierra Nevada foothills. Narrow leaves emerge in the spring giving way to lovely 4 ft. tall flowering stems topped with umbels of delicate white flowers in the summer. Looks particularly nice in mass and livens up a meadow or grassland planting that may be waning in summer. Entice the anise swallowtail butterfly with a NATIVE larval food source. Plant in full sun to light shade with a little water. Allow to go dry after flowering.
More information »	Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage) Upright, shrubby perennial, reaching 3 – 4 foot tall and wide, spreading by underground stems. Greyish, lacy, aromatic foliage, producing spires of small violet-blue flowers in late spring and summer, which create a haze of soft color. Plant in full sun where it will be heat and drought tolerant once established. Beloved by pollinators, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Deer and rabbit resistant.
More information »	Petasites frigidus var. palmatus (western coltsfoot) A bold, beautiful and AGGRESSIVE creekside native, found in coastal and montane regions in California, north to Alaska, where it grows along shady creek banks. The large, almost tropical, palmate leaves spread from thick creeping rootstocks to form large colonies. Flowers before the foliage fully emerges in the spring with flat topped clusters of white to pink flowers on 1-2 ft. tall stems. Requires shade and plenty of water and is useful as a soil stabilizer. To control its spreading nature, use in containers or in contained areas. It won't spread into areas which are dry. Dies back to the ground in the winter. Flowers attractive to a wide range of beneficial insects.
More information »	Petasites palmatus 'Golden Palms' (golden western coltsfoot) Here is an exciting introduction of the western coltsfoot with wonderful golden foliage. Native to streamsides in low elevation forests, the broadly palmate leaves spread by creeping rhizomes. Careful thought should be given to its placement as it can be invasive. This bold foliage plant is great in containers or contained areas with regular water and part shade. Dies back to the ground in winter.
More information »	Phacelia bolanderi (woodland phacelia) Easy to grow perennial for part shade and a little summer water. Native to slopes and canyons of coastal forests in northern California. Forms low mounds of soft foliage 6 - 8 inches tall by 2 ft. or so wide. Pretty powder blue-purple one inch flowers late spring into summer offer nectar to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. The seeds are enjoyed by songbirds. Though somewhat short-lived, it often reseeds. Appears to be deer resistant.
More information »	Phacelia californica (California phacelia) A low elevation species inhabiting bluffs, open slopes, road cuts and canyons of our inner and outer Coast Ranges down through the central coast. Forms perennial clumps of crinkled gray leaves. Stout stems rise above the rosette one foot to 18 inches tall with large coils of lavender flowers. Excellent rock garden subject. Plant in sunny areas with good drainage where it will be drought tolerant, and will do fine with a little summer water. Phacelias are great for attracting bees and butterflies.
More information »	Phacelia campanularia (desert bluebells) This ANNUAL is endemic to washes in Southern California deserts. Amazing, royal blue flowers make a show stopping display a top foliage 6-10 inches tall. Surprisingly adaptable, requiring well drained soils , full sun and dryish conditions. Excellent in containers too. Bee favorite.
More information »	Phacelia grandiflora (large-flowered phacelia) Native to southern California coastal sage scrub and chaparral communities, this native ANNUAL is often a fire follower. Fast growing to 3 ft. tall and topped with clusters of large fragrant blossoms of lavender- blue. Abundant nectar and pollen is highly attractive to bees and a great addition to the habitat garden. Plant in full sun with a little water to encourage long blooming. Often self sows.
More information »	Phacelia imbricata (imbricate phacelia) Description coming soon!
More information »	Phacelia tanacetifolia (tansy leaf phacelia) A robust ANNUAL increasingly used in agriculture as a pollinator attracting cover crop. This native covers the ground and flowers abundantly producing high quality pollen and nectar which is highly attractive to bees and beneficial insects. Fast growing frilly foliage grows 1-4 ft. tall and wide topped with clusters of small lavender-blue cup shaped flowers. Sun to light shade, decent drainage and drought tolerant. Occasional water during flowering will keep it going longer.
More information »	Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile' (mock orange) This is the much sought after true ‘Belle Etoile’ with abundant profuse clusters of white flowers with a mauve flush inside. Wonderfully fragrant. The new stems of this deciduous shrub are mahogany colored. Can grow to 6 ft. or so tall. Sun to light shade in hottest areas. Moderate to occasional summer water. Bee and butterfly favorite.
More information »	Philadelphus 'Desert Snow' (mock orange) A very charming and useful mock orange, only reaching 4 ft. tall and wide. Dainty, 4-petaled flowers which resemble dogwood blossoms cover the plant in late spring and perfume the air with their sweet fragrance. For those who want a mock orange and have a small garden, this is the perfect option. Provide moderate to occasional irrigation and full sun to light shade. Protect from the hot afternoon sun in hot areas. An excellent container plant. Attracts pollinators and birds.
More information »	Philadelphus lewisii 'Covelo' (western mock orange) Sweetly fragrant, pure white blossoms with yellow stamens cover this desirable, deciduous native shrub in late spring, attracting bees and butterflies. Reaches to 8 ft. tall and wide with a vaguely umbrella shape. This selection is somewhat denser than 'Marjorie Schmidt', in both foliage and flower, with leaves that are less serrated. Enjoys full sun to light shade and moderate to occasional summer water. Tolerant of clay soil. Works well in a conatainer.
More information »	Philadelphus lewisii 'Goose Creek' (western mock orange) This native mock orange is a large deciduous shrub up to 8 ft tall and wide with sweetly fragrant white flowers in late spring and early summer. The cultivar 'Goose Creek' offers unique, fully double flowers, discovered near the Smith River in Del Norte County. Useful as a specimen or in mixed plantings. Sun to light shade, moderate to little water when established.
More information »	Philadelphus lewisii 'Marjorie Schmidt' (western mock orange) This native mock orange was selected by Roger Raiche and Ron Lutsko in Shasta County. It caught their eye while driving along Route 36 west of Red Bluff, as being larger-flowered and more floriferous than surrounding shrubs. Large deciduous shrub up to 8 ft tall and wide with fragrant white flowers in early summer. Sun to light shade, most soils, moderate to little water once established. Flowers attractive to bees and butterflies.
More information »	Phlomis 'Edward Bowles' (Jerusalem sage) We have grown this sturdy perennial in our landscape for over 20 years. A hybrid between Phlomis fruticosa and P. russeliana, which forms a mound of large coarse leaves 3-4 tall by 5-6 ft. wide. The clear yellow flowers are in ball-like clusters on tall stems 3 - 4 ft. high. Dependable and adaptable, plant in full sun to light shade with moderate to occasional summer water. Deer resistant.
More information »	Phlomis purpurea (purple phlomis) Native to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, this tough perennial has beautiful grey-green woolly foliage. Growing 4-6 foot tall and wide, topped with whorls of rosy-lavender hooded blossoms in late spring-summer. Plant in full sun to light shade. Heat and drought tolerant along the coast but best with some summer water inland. This sage relative is pollinator friendly and deer resistant.
More information »	Phlomis russeliana (Jerusalem sage) A sturdy Mediterranean plant forming low mats of large heart-shaped leaves. Spikes with whorls of yellow flowers rise 3 feet above the bold foliage in spring. An adaptable shrub which tolerates poor or heavy soils, full sun to light shade and are drought tolerant once established. Requires more water inland then along the coast. Can form a weed smothering ground cover. Pollinator friendly and deer resistant.
More information »	Phyla nodiflora (lippia / turkey tangle frog fruit) Vigorous, spreading ground cover native to California, North America and other parts of the world. It's a tough one, able to survive a wide range of conditions and soil types. Tolerates both drought and flooding, but best with occasional deep watering in full sun to very light shade. Flowers heavily over a long period with charming little heads of mauve-pink, lavender and white blossoms, delighting an assortment of bees and butterflies. This dense, carpeting plant makes a serviceable ground cover or lawn-like replacement, tolerating moderate foot traffic and occasional mowing. May look rough in the winter, but quickly recovers in spring. Free flowering and pollinator friendly.
More information »	Physocarpus capitatus (western ninebark) Handsome, deciduous shrub favoring wooded streamsides in California. Grows vigorously 4 - 8 ft. tall and wide. After leafing out in the spring, the shrub looks spiraea-like, covered with small clusters of white flowers followed by red capsular fruits. Best with light shade and some summer water, but will accept full sun in cooler areas. Keep bushy and in bounds with pruning.
More information »	Physocarpus capitatus 'Siskiyou Beauty' (western ninebark) Description coming soon!
More information »	Physocarpus capitatus 'Tilden Park' (prostrate western ninebark) A prostrate form of the native ninebark from San Bruno Mountain. Makes a good groundcover about 3 ft. tall and spreading widely. Deciduous stems sprout beautiful green foliage with white flower clusters in spring. Sun to light shade with summer water, but will tolerate dryish conditions once established.
More information »	Physocarpus opulifolius 'Coppertina' (bronze ninebark) This species of ninebark hails from the eastern half of North America and is an easy to grow, adaptable shrub. Many cultivars are available, offering gorgeous foliage colors. This hybrid, by Proven Winners, is a cross between Physocarpus ‘Diablo’ and ‘Dart’s Gold’, with shimmering, coppery-red foliage and pink-tinted, late spring flowers followed by showy, red seed capsules. A fast growing, deciduous shrub with a rounded habit, reaching 6 -8 foot tall and 5 -6 foot wide. Good light is needed for best growth, though light shade is helpful in hot areas, where it will appreciate moderate to occasional summer water. The abundant flowers are a valuable nectar source for a wide array of pollinators.
More information »	Picea sitchensis (Sitka spruce)
More information »	Pinus contorta ssp. bolanderi (pygmy pine) A close relative of the shore pine, the pygmy pine occurs in the coastal pygmy forests of Mendocino Co. This rare and threatened pine only reaches a height of about 6 ft in the acidic soils of its native habitat but acts more like the shore pine in a garden setting, reaching up to about 30 ft in time. The upward reaching stems are clad in short needles with small cones produced on the ends. Provide full sun near the coast and a little afternoon shade inland. Needs moderate to occasional irrigation and decent drainage. Good container plant. Deer resistant.
More information »	Pinus contorta ssp. contorta (shore pine) On windswept coastal bluffs from Mendocino Co. northwards resides this dense, picturesque shore pine. While small in stature on the weathered cliffs of our shoreline often reaching only 6-10 ft. in height, in a garden setting the shore pine is a small to medium sized tree, growing to about 30 ft. Short, dark green needles cover the stems with small cones. An excellent compact conifer for the medium sized garden or in a container where it stays more diminutive. Provide full sun and occasional deep irrigation once established. Needs decent drainage. Deer resistant.
More information »	Pinus contorta ssp. murrayana (lodgepole pine) Plant description coming soon.
More information »	Pinus jeffreyi (Jeffrey pine) The stately Jeffrey pine hales from high elevation areas in many mountains of California. Features long needles and a broad trunk developing deeply furrowed bark of orangy-red. Similar to the ponderosa pine but occurring at higher elevations and the bark has a distinct vanilla scent. The cones are also larger than those of the ponderosa and don’t have sharp, outwardly protruding scales, hence the affectionate name “gentle Jeffrey”. Features long needles and an open canopy, becoming a large tree over time. Not suitable for the small garden. The Jeffrey pine is the dominant pine of the Tahoe basin. Provide good drainage and full sun to light shade. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.
More information »	Pinus lambertiana (sugar pine) Plant description coming soon.
More information »	Pinus muricata (Bishop pine) The Bishop pine is native to the northern California coast from Marin to Mendocino. A medium to large sized tree with a beautifully rounded crown and long, gray-green needles. Distinguished from the more southerly Monterey pine by its smaller cones which prick the hand when held. The Bishop pine often cohabitates with the redwood and other coastal conifers but should be drought tolerant once established except in interior locations where an occasional deep watering may be required. Can reach 100 ft in height over time. Deer resistant.
More information »	Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine) When visiting the Sierra Nevada, one is likely to encounter this stately conifer. But many people don’t realize they can see the ponderosa pine in special places in Sonoma County and surrounding areas. Long, gray-green needles form bushy clusters at the ends of branches with cantaloupe-sized cones developing at the very tips. The bark at maturity is a colorful patchwork of orange-tan plates separated by deep grooves of dark brown. This pine can grow a couple of feet a year, eventually becoming a large tree not suited for the small garden. Provide full sun to light shade with occasional deep waterings when young. Needs decent drainage. Deer resistant.
More information »	Pinus sabiniana (gray pine) When strolling in the foothills of California one is likely to encounter this distinctive pine emerging from the chaparral. Some people call it the ghost pine due to its long gray needles set against dark, furrowed bark. The open, distorted crown casts a ghoulish silhouette at dusk when the mind plays tricks on the weary hiker. While fairly slow growing, the gray pine can reach a height of 80 ft or more in well-draining sites with ample sunlight. Native Americans prized the big, prickly cones for their large, edible seeds. Plant with manzanitas, toyon, goldenfleece and other drought tolerant shrubs.
More information »	Plantago maritima (seaside plantain) From coastal bluffs up and down the California coast comes this charming little plantain. Starting in late spring and continuing through summer, small, greenish-yellow flowers flank the top of slender stems up to 6 inches tall. The dense rosettes of narrow, succulent leaves provide a striking accent in a rock garden or nestled in crevices between pavers or stones. A good container specimen. Recognized for its edible and medicinal uses. Plant in full sun to light shade. Tolerates low to regular moisture. May spread vigorously by seed.
More information »	Platanus racemosa (California sycamore) This most Californian of trees from the southern and central parts of our state features stunning bark mottled white and grey on a large, sculptured trunk. The maple-like leaves create an open canopy on this stately tree which can reach up to around 80 ft. tall at maturity. Seeds are produced in fuzzy pom-poms dangling on short stems and are a great food source for birds. In autumn, the leaves can turn orangey-yellow before they drop, adding rare fall color to the California landscape. Makes its home in sunny, low-lying areas and canyons with moderate to occasional irrigation. A great shade tree for the large garden and a larval host for the Western tiger swallowtail butterfly. Deer resistant.
More information »	Polypodium californicum (California polypody) Description coming soon!
More information »	Polypodium californicum 'Sarah Lyman' (California polypody) An interesting cultivar of the California polypody fern with finely divided leaves. A wonderful addition to the shade garden where it is perfectly adapted to our dry summers. With the first coolness of autumn the fiddleheads emerge and unfurl. Energetic bright green frilly foliage thrives all winter and into spring. Goes dormant late spring or early summer where it waits out the dry season returning dependably again in the autumn. Grows 12 to 15 inches tall and slowly spreads.
More information »	Polypodium glycyrrhiza (licorice fern) Native to moist coastal forests from Monterey County to Alaska. This epiphytic fern enjoys shady environments where it grows on trees, logs and stumps, mossy rocks and slopes. The long, narrow, deeply lobed fronds spread by creeping rhizomes, which have a sweet licorice flavor and a history of use by various native American peoples. They grow happily in moist shady gardens, going summer dormant once conditions get too dry, returning with the autumn rains and coolness. Drought tolerant in somewhat coastal conditions. Good container subject. Deer resistant.
More information »	Polypodium scouleri (evergreen polypody) A choice species native to moist coastal forests of the western U.S. where this fern will grow on trees, rocks and logs. Beautiful, leathery, deeply lobed, evergreen fronds grow on creeping rhizomes to about 8-12 inches tall and slowly spreading. Requires good drainage with a humusy soil and some summer moisture, but not overly wet. Wonderful on rocks, cracks in walls, and logs in shady locations. Excellent in containers. Makes a lovely hanging basket.
More information »	Polystichum munitum (western sword fern) The versatile western sword fern is an evergreen native fern from California to Alaska. In most gardens it will reach about three feet tall and wide. In prime areas near the coast where moisture is readily available and cool temperatures prevail, this fern can get up to 5 feet tall and wide. Excellent for shady beds, along walls, as a large scale groundcover and mixed woodland planting. Best with humusy soil and regular to moderate water, but drought tolerant once established and tolerant of most soil types. Actually quite adaptable and deer resistant.
More information »	Populus fremontii (Fremont's cottonwood) Fast growing riparian tree, native to watercourses throughout California. A tall and dramatic tree, 50 - 75 feet tall, with a spreading, open crown. The leaves are shiny, triangular to heart shaped, with coarsely serrated margins and flattened petioles. Turns beautiful shades of brilliant yellow in the autumn. The wind causes the leaves to flutter and rustle, making a whispering sound. Cottonwoods can be either male or female, with the female trees producing masses of cottony seeds. When young, the bark is smooth and silver gray, becoming thick and furrowed with age. They have wide spreading surface roots and sucker sprouts. An important wildlife plant, providing food and cover for a wide array of insects and birds. This major riparian species provides rich habitat value, soil stabilization, and expansive shade. Plant in full sun with plenty of space and regular to occasional irrigation.
More information »	Populus tremuloides (quaking aspen) From mountain meadows and hillsides across the Sierra Nevada comes this iconic native poplar. Smooth, white bark and rounded leaves which quake in the wind make this slender tree highly ornamental. Reaches a height of at least 20 ft. and spreads by underground roots to form groves. While the fall color may not be quite as stunning in lower elevation gardens as it is in the mountains, colder parts of our area will still see leaves of yellow, orange and red in the autumn. Easily grown at lower elevations, this form is reported to be particularly disease resistant. Needs full sun to light shade and regular to moderate irrigation once established. Lower irrigation should slow aspen’s ability to multiply.
More information »	Potentilla gracilis (slender cinquefoil) Prolific displays of bright yellow flowers resembling buttercups make this little cinquefoil a hit from spring through autumn. Flowers are held on two foot stems above low mats of dissected,dark green leaves. Native to mountainous areas throughout California. Provide full sun to light shade and give occasional to regular moisture. Will spread slowly by seed if exposed soil is nearby. A favorite of bees and butterflies.Deer resistant.
More information »	Potentilla (Dasiphora) fruticosa (shrubby cinquefoil) A popular landscape subject, valued for its long bloom period, hardiness and carefree nature. A member of the rose family, this deciduous shrub can be found across the northern hemisphere, often growing at higher elevations. Here in California, it ocurrs in the Sierras, the Klamath Mountains and the Warners. Grows 2 -3 ft tall and wide with handsome, pinnately compound leaves. Cheerful, rich-yellow, saucer-shaped flowers bloom over a long period, summer into fall. Plant in full sun to light shade with moderate watering. Drought tolerant once established. Attracts bees and butterflies. Great in a pot. Deer resistant.
More information »	Prosartes (Disporum) smithii (largeflower fairybells) Description coming soon!
More information »	Prunella vulgaris v. lanceolata (self heal) Native to moist areas usually near coniferous forests and woodlands. Creeping perennial forms a low dense mat of foliage. Upright spikes of purple flowers over a long period summer - fall. Give some thought to placement because if happy it will reseed vigorously. Plant in full sun or light shade with regular water.
More information »	Prunus emarginata (bitter cherry) Description will be available soon.
More information »	Prunus ilicifolia ssp. ilicifolia (hollyleaf cherry) Large evergreen native shrub 10 - 25 ft. tall and wide. Often used for background or screen plantings. Can be clipped into a formal hedge, pruned to be treelike, or left to its own natural gumdrop-shaped habit. Glossy holly-like leaves with showy displays of creamy white flowers in narrow spikes late spring to early summer. Robins, finches, towhees, Cedar waxwings and mockingbirds eat its cherries. Plant in full sun to very light shade. Requires good drainage but is tolerant of heat, drought, wind and oak root fungus. Looks best with occasional deep waterings, but can tolerate very dry conditions once established. Excellent habitat value, offering food and cover. Generally deer resistant.
More information »	Prunus ilicifolia ssp. lyonii (Catalina cherry) Evergreen shrub or small tree. Creamy white flower spikes in March. Reddish purple half inch fruit is edible. Does best in well drained soil with occasional deep watering once established. Moderate growth rate to 10 ft. or more. Can also be trimmed into a 6 or 10 ft. hedge. Robins, finches, towhees, Cedar waxwings and mockingbirds eat its cherries.
More information »	Prunus virginiana v. demissa (chokecherry) Large, deciduous shrub or small tree with red-purple bark and dark green foliage. Growing 8 foot or more tall and spreading slowly to form a thicket. Striking racemes of fragrant white flowers in the spring followed by dark red fruits which can be sweet but astringent. Foliage can take on nice fall color before dropping its leaves. Fabulous habitat plant drawing bees, butterflies and other pollinators to its flowers. Birds, especially bluebirds, adore the fruits and are known to swoop in and finish them off quickly. Where summers are hot, light or part shade is best, with regular to occasional water once established. They often grow where there is seasonal moisture in the spring, but somewhat dry as the season progresses.
More information »	Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas fir) Plant description coming soon.
More information »	Ptelea crenulata (California hoptree) This interesting California endemic deserves wider use in California gardens. Hoptree is a deciduous, large shrub/small tree, growing 6 - 15 ft. tall, in the citrus family. Native to hot, interior coast ranges and the Sierra Nevada foothills, often growing in canyons where residual moisture can be found. Glossy, green, fragrant, trifoliate leaves with panicles of small creamy-white flowers decorate the branch tips in spring. Handsome, circular, flattened, fruits which look like hop seeds, start out green and age to tan and may hold on after the leaves have fallen in the autumn. Plant in full sun to light shade with occasional, deep summer watering. The fragrant flowers are attractive to a variety of pollinators including butterflies. A larval host for the two-tailed swallowtail butterfly.