2012 list

Updated 5 November 2011

All packets are $3.50, packet size is at least 50 seeds, unless otherwise specified. Ordering information is on the home page at How to Order. Zones included at the end of the description correspond to climatic zones used by the USDA and the RHS Index of Garden Plants. CN at the end of the entry denotes plants native to California.

Lasthenia californica – Asteraceae, California. photo The name “goldfields” says it all. Low plants produce shining golden yellow daisy flowers that carpet the ground in spring. Better soil encourages more robust plants. 100+ seeds CN
Lasthenia californica ssp macrantha – Asteraceae, California. Hard to believe this perennial goldfields is closely related to the slender yellow daisy of dry places. Green leaves are wider than the threadlike ones of its relative, and it forms a tight mound. Bright yellow flowers appear almost year-round. From the immediate coast, best with some water. CN
Lavandula stoechas –dwarf form - Lamiaceae, Mediterranean. This very compact form of Spanish lavender comes true from seed and makes tight little shrubs to 1'. Very pretty in bloom. Z8
Lavandula viridis - Lamiaceae, Spain, Portugal. Aromatic light green leaves stay dense on a 3’ rounded shrub; green flags perch on top of the inflorescence. An adaptable, easy shrub. Z9
Layia chrysanthemoides – Asteraceae, California. photo Smooth tidy tips. Somewhat succulent low leaves are glossy green; cheery spring flowers are good sized, abundant and yellow with white tips. Annual. CN
Layia gaillardioides – Asteraceae, California. photo Perfumed tarweed ends the spring season with bright yellow daisies held on slender stems with that wonderful tangy aroma. Easy annual in sun or part shade. CN
Layia glandulosa - creamy yellow fl. Asteraceae, western U.S. photo Palest yellow daisies in spring on branched slender stems create a great effect in spring. Aromatic leaves. Spring bloom is profuse, annual. CN
Lepechinia bella – Lamiaceae, Bolivia. Beautiful bright blue flowered pitcher sage with curved flowers held erect along the stems. Plants grow to 4-5', and need protection from hard frost. 30 seeds
Lepechinia hastata - Lamiaceae, Mexico. Large, arrow-shaped gray leaves are held on stiffly upright stems, red purple flowers in terminal spikes are showy in summer and fall. Grows 4-6' high. Adaptable. Z8
Lessertia montana – Fabaceae, South Africa. photo 3’ shrub with fine, gray divided leaves produces clusters of bright red “parrot’s beak” flowers in spring and summer. These mature to inflated shiny rose pink bladder-like fruits. Z9, at least.

Limnanthes douglasii ssp. nivea - Limnanthaceae, California. photo Easy annual, and it does well in winter wet soil. Pure white flowers in spring appear in abundance, before the plant disappears for the summer, to reappear with fall rains. CN
Limnanthes douglasii ssp. rosea – Limnanthaceae, California. photo Charming variant of meadow foam puts out bright white flowers with pink veins that age to pale pink. Spring bloom, well adapted to wet soils—and containers. 30 seeds CN
Linanthus “dylanae” – Polemoniaceae, Santa Cruz County, California. photo Thought to be either a subspecies of Linanthus grandiflorus or a distinct species, this annual extends its blooming season for months with some supplemental water. Dense heads (over an inch across) of dark lavender flowers are held on 12” stems. Easy. CN

Lotus crassifolius var. otayensis - Fabaceae, San Diego County, California. photo Arching stems carry gray green, softly furry leaves and rise to about 18". Clusters of red violet and white fls. appear in spring and summer. Perennial. Z9? 30 seeds CN
Lotus formosissimus - Fabaceae, California.photo From seasonally moist meadows, harlequin lotus forms a flat perennial mat to 2' across, covered with bright yellow and pink pea flowers in spring, with scattered bloom in summer. Z8? 30 seeds CN
Lotus grandiflorus- Fabaceae, California. Rounded perennial to 2-3' with soft light green divided leaves and pretty clusters of cream colored flowers. Persistent fruits to 3"+ across form a stiff chestnut pinwheel. Hardy to at least Z9. CN
Lotus purshianus– Fabaceae, California and w. North America. photo Light gray green leaves and pale pink fls. never dazzle with their beauty, but they do bring subtle color and reliable nectar to summer gardens. Annual. 30 seeds CN
Lotus yollaboliensis- Fabaceae, northern California. Absolutely flat mats of green leaves are covered with white and yellow pea flowers in summer. Z9 at least. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus albifrons – Fabaceae, California. This widespread species is found in many plant communities. Leaves are silvery; flower stems with reddish to blue purple flowers wreath 2-3’ shrubs in spring and early summer. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus albifrons var. collinus – Fabaceae, California. Silvery leaves on spreading stems make a low mat; spikes of bright blue purple flowers extend to 18”. Spring bloom on this perennial subshrub. 20 seeds CN
Lupinus arboreus—blue fl– Fabaceae, central California. Bush lupine also goes by the name of L. propinquus. It quickly makes a rounded 4’ loose shrub with spires of lavender blue flowers in spring. Green leaves. Adaptable. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus benthamii – Fabaceae, California. Spider lupine is similar to the lovely L. nanus, but tends to have narrower leaves, taller stems, but similar bright blue purple flowers. Grows to 30" in favorable situations. Annual. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus bicolor – Fabaceae, California to Washington. photo Annual. Miniature lupine displays small, very bright blue flowers in spring. Only 12” tall, but a patch of flowers creates quite a nice, sparkling effect. Annual. 30+ seeds CN
Lupinus concinnus– Fabaceae, California. photo Cute little bajada lupine has furry white leaves and small bright blue purple flowers. The effect is nice, but not particularly showy. Small buns to 10”, annual. 20 seeds CN
Lupinus hirsutissimus - Fabaceae, California. photo The common name of stinging lupine for this annual does not begin to illustrate the charm of this plant. Covered with stiff hairs, it bristles with enthusiasm. Red violet fls. in spring. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus latifolius var. parishii – Fabaceae, California. photo A moisture loving California lupine, this leafy perennial makes strong stems to 4-5’ and tops them with long stems of soft mauve pink flowers in late spring and summer. 20 seeds CN
Lupinus microcarpus var. densiflorus – pale pink – Fabaceae, California. photo This form of chick lupine carries soft pink to light lavender flowers over light green leaves. Annual 50 seeds CN

Lupinus microcarpus var microcarpus (L. subvexus) – Bright red violet to purple flowers are carried in spikes over low green leaves on this spring blooming annual. Low leaves, nice show. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus nanus - Fabaceae, western U.S. Annual with bright blue flowers grows to 15", and blooms with abandon in spring. Sweet "moth ball" fl. fragrance is just another intriguing smell from California grasslands. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus [paynei] – Fabaceae, California. Considered to be Lupinus excubitus var hallii (as well as other species) for years, this impressive lupine has been determined by genetic analysis to be quite distinct. Tall plants to 5’+ have large silvery leaves. Photos from wild populations show lush flower spikes that appear in colors from white to pink to blue purple. These seeds came from plants with light blue violet flowers that develop rich red violet tones as they age. 20 seeds CN
Lupinus polyphyllus var. burkei – Fabaceae, California. Perennial lupine native to mountain meadows and slopes makes low, typically palmate green leaves; bright lavender blue flowers are carried in spikes in midsummer. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus sericatus – Fabaceae, California. photo Uncommon in nature, this perennial lupine stays low with broad silver palmate leaves. Flowers on 12”+ spikes are dark mauve pink to violet. Z8 or less 30 seeds CN
Lupinus succulentus - Fabaceae, California. Typical L. succulentus has vivid blue purple flowers and strong, almost succulent upright stems. Grows well in heavy soils. Annual. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus succulentus 'Rodeo Rose' - Fabaceae, California. Typical L. succulentus has blue purple flowers. This very pretty seed strain produces soft rose pink flower spikes for a long period in spring and summer. Original selection and naming was by Roger Raiche. Annual. 30 seeds CN

Madia elegans - Asteraceae, California. Annual. Young rosettes are soft-hairy; by midsummer they can elongate from 3-7' and short branches carrying many 1.5" miniature sunflowers explode with color. Aromatic foliage. CN
Madia elegans ssp. vernalis - California. photo Annual. The cheery spring blooming form of common madia makes masses of 1-2" bright yellow daisies on a rounded, well branched mound to 30". Lvs have the typical sweet tarweed aroma. CN
Melianthus major - Melianthaceae, South Africa. Grown primarily for its large lush, blue gray foliage, the tall spikes of maroon flowers are an added bonus. Z9 30 seeds
Melica imperfecta - photo Coast melic grows in many plant communities in California. It forms bright green tidy clumps and flower stems are narrow and somewhat drooping. Will grow in sun or part shade. Z8 or less CN
Melica torreyana – Another nice green clumping California bunchgrass, this species does well in part to full shade. Fl. stems are narrow and a little drooping. Clumps are neat and provide nice contrast to other more ephemeral flowers. Z8? CN
Mimulus cardinalis - gold fl. Scrophulariaceae, western U.S. photo Golden orange flowers appear in subtle variations in this seed strain from a golden flowered form of the perennial scarlet monkeyflower found on Santa Cruz Island. Z7 100+ seed CN
Mimulus guttatus -low form Scrophulariaceae, western U.S. This desirable seed strain of common monkeyflower produces leaves that always stay low, and fairly tidy. Brilliant yellow fls. on leafless 18" stems. Wet growing. Z6 100+ seeds CN
Mimulus pictus - Scrophulariaceae, California. photo The beauty of this small annual is in the intricate markings on its salverform flowers. The background color is white, but it is delicately patterned with clear brown lines. Best in containers. 100+ seed CN

Mirabilis longiflora - Nyctaginaceae, Texas, Mexico. Long stems have clusters of white flowers at their tips. The effect is very airy, as the flower tubes are 5” long, and the exotically scented, rose-centered white flowers open only at night, and all point in different directions. Not for the meticulously manicured garden, but well worth growing! Perennial. Z8 30 seeds
Mirabilis viscosa - Nyctaginaceae, Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru. Vase shaped perennial to 30" has firm textured medium green, heart shaped leaves and bright fuchsia pink 1" flowers followed by tan “seed parachutes”. Z8
Monardella linoides ssp. viminea - Lamiaceae, San Diego County. photo Narrow light green, very aromatic leaves on thin stems provide a succession of one inch wide dense heads of starry lavender flowers through summer. Perennial. Z9 or less CN
Monolopia lanceolata – Asteraceae, California. Hilltop daisy paints the interior coast range hillsides yellow in favored years. This annual is easy to grow with an abundance of bright yellow daisies in spring. CN
Muhlenbergia dubia - Texas, New Mexico, northern Mexico. A half-size version of California Deer Grass, M. rigens, the evergreen foliage of this grass is 12-18". Thin, erect flower spikes rise to 3', and keep their stiff silhouette. Z7 100+ seed
Muhlenbergia rigens - California. This architectural grass has an evergreen basal foliage clump and thin, silvery, erect flower spikes in summer. Spikes persist into fall and winter. Used by native Americans for baskets. Z7 100+ seed CN

Nassella cernua - California. Nodding needlegrass. Slender stems carry long sleek 3" awns on this native California bunchgrass. Narrow leaves are blue-green. Very ornamental in flower and seed. Z8 CN
Nassella lepida – Poacaee, California. Foothill needlegrass. Similar to N. cernua, but a little smaller. Graceful flower sprays are silky blond, with fine textured low foliage clumps. Looks great on banks or backlit. Z8 CN
Nepeta tuberosa - Lamiaceae, Spain, Portugal. Wide gray leaves spread on stems along the ground. Thick, dense flower spikes come in late spring and summer, and are bright purple. Best color in hot sun. Z8 100+ seeds
Nicotiana 'Hot Chocolate'- Solanaceae. This charming seed strain was generously shared by Brian McGowan of Blue Meadow Farm, Massachusetts. Starry flower faces are muted ruby red to chocolate. Green flower tubes are great contrast.
Nicotiana knightiana - Solanaceae, Peru. Rounded gray leaves have firm texture; flowers have creamy tubes and bright green mouths. A stately and striking annual. To 5'+. 100+ seeds
Nicotiana 'Priscilla' – Solanaceae, garden hybrid. Seed strain from a local garden displays huge white flowers in the usual fashion. Greenish buds open to lightly fragrant starry white flowers with faces almost 3" across; tubes are 2" long. 4-5' tall.
Orthrosanthus chimboracensis - Iridaceae, Mexico to Peru. Evergreen, iris-like clumps are about 1' high. Spikes of beautiful sky blue, open flowers appear from spring to fall. Z9

Papaver somniferum ‘Lauren’s Grape’ – Papaveraceae. This selection of breadseed poppy floats single silky deep purple flowers with darker blotches. Annual of course. 100+ seed
Parochetus communis - Fabaceae, mts. of tropical Africa. Lush green clover like leaves form a dense perennial mat; bright gentian blue pea fls with a spicy cinnamon scent are held over the leaves in summer. Easy in containers. Z9 30 seeds
Petromarula pinnata - Campanulaceae, Crete. Low pinnate leaves form substantial glossy green clump. Dense columns to 2’ of starry lavender blue flowers extend over the leaves in spring and summer. Flowering goes on for months. Z8 100+seed
Phacelia bolanderi - Hydrophyllaceae, California, Oregon. Light lilac blue flowers are held on spreading stems over softly hairy, gray green leaves. Effect is subtle, but very pleasing. Good perennial plant for dry shade. CN
Phacelia californica - Hydrophyllaceae, California. Perennial foliage clumps are a purplish gray green. Full flower heads are light lavender and are held over the foliage on erect stems in spring. Z9, at least CN
Phacelia distans – Hydrophyllaceae, California. photo Creamy flowers with delicate brown veining are abundant on this widespread California annual. It is much appreciated by all sorts of bees and flying creatures. 100+ seeds CN
Phacelia grandiflora - Hydrophyllaceae, California. photo This grand annual can easily grow to 3'. Large dark lavender flowers with white centers appear in late spring and summer with a long display if given moderate water. 100+ seeds CN
Phacelia parryi – Hydrophyllaceae, California. photo Annual to 2’, with bright blue violet flowers on a coiled inflorescence that unfurls as spring moves on. Most phacelias are attractive to beneficial insects. CN

Pickeringia montana – Fabaceae, California. A spiny chaparral native, with small dark green foliage and large bright pink 'pea' flowers in late spring. In temperate areas a smattering of flowers all summer is not uncommon. Tolerant of heavy clay if kept dry. Not easy to find –or harvest – the seed. From Matt Teel. 20 seeds CN
Pseudocydonia sinensis - Rosaceae, China. This Chinese quince has been prized for its spring pink flowers, very large fragrant fruits, nice bark and great fall color. Large shrub or small tree. 30 seeds
Puya alpestris - Bromeliaceae, Chile. photo Stiff rosettes with hooked spines form dense clumps; stout fl. stems rise to 5'+ and produce short branches with incredible silky, deep blue green flowers with bright orange anthers in late spring and summer. Plants can be slow to bloom, but the flower color is worth the wait. Z8
Puya mirabilis - Bromeliaceae, Argentina, Bolivia. Clumps are not as spiny as some puyas, and plants bloom at a young age. Flower spikes to 3' carry drooping creamy green twisted bells. Very graceful plant. Z9

Retama monosperma - Fabaceae, Spain, N. Africa. Graceful shrub to 10', with silvery stems, tiny leaves and willowy, pendulous branches. Masses of fragrant white flowers in spring. Spring cut flower on the French Riviera. Z9 20 seeds
Romanzoffia californica - Hydrophyllaceae, California to Washington. Mist maidens. Low clumps of shiny lobed lvs are absolutely covered with dainty white flowers in spring. Must dry out completely summer and fall. Easy in containers. Z7 CN
Romneya coulteri – Papaveraceae, California. White poppy flowers can be 6-12” wide on this glorious perennial. Not particularly easy from seed, it can be difficult to establish in the garden, and then difficult to eradicate if it settles in and begins relentless root wandering. But it is still very desirable. “Instant smoke” will be supplied to aid germination. CN
Romulea subfistulosa – Iridaceae, South Africa. Vibrant hot purplish pink flowers have a yellow center with black outlining. Spring bloom on this very striking, easy bulb from S. Africa. Can bloom second year from seed. Z9 ?