Tag: birds
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February’s Featured Plant: Hummingbird Sage
Hummingbird sage (Salvia spathacea) is a semi-evergreen perennial thriving in dappled light or full sun, adaptable to various soils. This native California plant attracts hummingbirds with its striking magenta flower spikes from late winter to July. It’s drought-tolerant, culinary-friendly, and easy to maintain, enhancing gardens with beauty and habitat value.
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Benefits of Growing Bush Sunflower
Encelia californica, or bush sunflower, is an evergreen sub-shrub native to Southern California, thriving in coastal sage scrub. It features yellow daisy-like flowers, attracts pollinators, and provides food for birds. Suitable for slopes and gardens, it requires little maintenance, with moderate water and occasional pruning for optimal bloom.
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Join OCCNPS in Supporting Native Plants and Biodiversity
During a visit to Vera’s Sanctuary amid strong Santa Ana winds and ash from a fire, the interconnectedness of nature became apparent. The Orange County Chapter of the California Native Plant Society (OCCNPS) focuses on promoting native plants, offering education and support for conservation efforts, while recognizing the contributions of volunteers and community members toward…
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Insights on California Native Plants from OCCNPS Treasurer
Lindsey Giron, treasurer of the OCCNPS, shares her journey and insights on California native plants. With a background in hospitality and accounting, she emphasizes the importance of connecting with nature. Currently, she is establishing workshops at Tree of Life Nursery and aims to engage more people in appreciating native plants and their ecosystems.
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Indian Mallow: A Drought-Tolerant Desert Beauty
Abutilon palmeri, also known as Indian Mallow, is a semi-evergreen to evergreen subshrub with abundant golden blossoms. It thrives in full sun with occasional watering, and its silvery, velvety leaves and poppy-like flowers make it attractive to native solitary bees. This low-maintenance plant is native to the low Sonoran Desert and can be a stunning…
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Tracey Daschbach: A Journey with California Native Plants
Tracey Daschbach, member-at-large of the California Native Plant Society Orange County Chapter (OCCNPS), is featured in today’s article compiled by Thea Gavin. A person of many talents (software engineer, full-time parent, Braille Institute librarian, UCI Herbarium volunteer, nature-inspired textile artist), Tracey shares her skills with our chapter in many areas: E-newsletter lead, plant sales, A…
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California Coffeeberry: A Summer Garden Essential
Guest author Dan Songster discusses the benefits of the evergreen shrub Frangula californica, also known as California Coffeeberry, as a foundation plant during the hot summer months. Its adaptability, green foliage, and colorful berries make it a favorite for garden design and a valuable resource for butterflies.
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Discover the Beauty of Coast Live Oak Trees
The Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) is an evergreen tree native to California, thriving in various soil types and climates. Recognized for its beauty, it provides shade and sustains local wildlife. Despite threats like the Polyphagus Shot Hole Borer, it is increasingly planted in parks and community gardens across Orange County.
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Best Evergreen Native Plants for Summer Gardens
This column features local experts sharing their favorite native plants that remain green during hot, dry summers. Suggestions include wooly blue curls, coast live oaks, ceanothus, and coffeeberry. Readers are invited to share tips for successful planting of native plants in the upcoming newsletter.
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Irina Ensminger: Embracing California Native Plants
Irina Ensminger, a new member of the OCCNPS Board, has embraced a leadership role in the Garden Tour Team, showcasing a passion for California native plants. Reflecting on her past experiences in the Ural Mountains, she now shares her love for Southern California’s diverse landscapes. With plans for a native plant and edible garden, she…
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Daphne Christle: Rewilding Urban Landscapes with Native Plants
Daphne Christle, Vice President of the OCCNPS, aims to enhance urban environments with California native plants through education and community outreach. Inspired by her father and activists like Julia Butterfly Hill, she focuses on community science. Her future goals emphasize biodiversity, education, and rewilding urban landscapes for healthier ecosystems.
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Native Plant of the Month: Bladderpod
Guest author Dan Songster submitted this article featuring an outstanding California native plant for May: This fast growing, densely-branching shrub routinely grows in a mounding habit, becoming about 3-6 feet tall and as wide. It produces abundant bright-yellow flower clusters at the ends of its stem branches. These showy flowers are about a half-inch to…