2009 list
Updated 31 March 2009
All packets are $3.50, packet size is at least 50
seeds, unless otherwise specified. 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.
Abutilon palmeri - Malvaceae, S. California, Arizona,
Mexico. Bright apricot cup-shaped flowers are held on long
wands over soft gray green leaves on this subshrub. From desert habitats, but not difficult to grow. Z9? CN Sold out 2009
Allium falcifolium - Liliaceae, California. Low very ornamental onion with gray-green falcate
leaves and round heads of vivid rose purple flowers in spring. 30 seeds Z8 CN
Amsinckia vernicosa
var. furcata 'Griswold Hills' - Boraginaceae, California. Very pretty pale yellow flowered form of the large
flowered annual golden orange fiddleneck. Flowers are
sweetly fragrant. Original seed received from Bart O'Brien of Rancho Santa Ana Botanic
Garden in Claremont, California. CN
Asclepias speciosa - Asclepiadaceae, Western
N. America. Wide gray leaves on stems to 4' and large rounded heads of pinkish
white flowers. Spreads at the root. Larval
food for monarch butterflies. Seed strain from northern California. Z2 CN
Brodiaea californica- Liliaceae, n. California. Native bulb makes strong stems to 18"+ with upfacing umbels of dark lavender purple flowers in late
spring and early summer. Z8 CN
Bromus laevipes - California to Washington. Woodland brome seldom gets consideration as an ornamental.
But it graces shady slopes with bright green leaves, is clumping, perennial,
and has distinctively drooping flower heads in spring. CN
Calandrinia ciliata
- Portulacaceae, California. Red maids. A familiar and very bright, easy to grow annual for open ground or
containers. Vivid red violet flowers for a long while in spring. 100+
seeds CN
Calandrinia ciliata - white fl. Portulacaceae, California. A generous plantsman (and
customer) shared seed of his white fl. form of red maids. Pure white fls and glossy dark green leaves. 100+ seeds CN
Carpenteria californica - Philadelphaceae,
California. Clusters of large white showy fls.
are carried in spring over shiny green leaves on this
attractive shrub. Dust-like seed to young seedling stage needs very
close attention. Z8 100+ seed CN
Centaurium muehlenbergii
- Gentianaceae, California. Slender annual carries heads of silky clear pink
flowers in spring. Beautiful in a mass, or a meadow.
200+ seed CN
Chaenactis artemisiifolia - Asteraceae, California. Remarkable for its ability to reach 5' in a season,
with finely dissected gray leaves set against purplish stems, and dense white
heads of "pincushion" flowers in spring and early summer, this
California annual is easy and rewarding. CN
Chlorogalum pomeridianum - Liliaceae, California, Oregon.
Soap plant. Starry white flowers on 3'+ stalks appear
in early summer. Flowers open late in the day. Bulbs used by native Americans.
Z8 CN
Chlorogalum pomeridianum - short form - Liliaceae.
This seed is from a form with short inflorescences (20 inches) that remain
erect rather than sprawling as in taller forms. 30 seeds CN
Clarkias are beautiful hardy annuals; they have been
hybridized and bred for larger and more double flowers, but some of the species
and varieties are the best. These species have been separated in the garden by
space and time of bloom, so seed should be true to name. These plants will
bloom for quite a long time if grown in containers or given supplemental water
in the garden. Packets contain 100+ seeds.
Clarkia amoena
ssp. whitneyi - Onagraceae, Humboldt,
Mendocino Co.,Calif. Very
large light lavender pink fls. have whitish areas at
the bases of the petals. Probably the largest clarkia in
size--to 3'--of plant and of flower--to 3"+across. CN
Clarkia imbricata
- white flowers - Onagraceae, Sonoma County, California. Clustered large white flowers at the tips of stems
sometimes have pinkish markings. Later to bloom than some
other species. Can only be sold in California CN
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera
- Onagraceae, California. The usual shiny deep reddish purple
fls. have an unusual white center. Collected from a wild population in Monterey Co. by an astute
observer and consistent through cultivation. CN
Clarkia purpurea
ssp. quadrivulnera hybrid
- Onagraceae, California. With the same vivid, shiny deep
purplish red fls. as ssp.
quadrivulnera, but with somewhat larger flowers
held in dense clusters at the tips, as well as singly along the stems, this is
thought to be a hybrid with ssp. purpurea. Very nice. Erect to
18"-2'. CN
Clarkia rubicunda ssp. blasdalei - Onagraceae, California. Large lavender pink flowers have red centers on this
showy annual. Floriferous and very striking in containers or
the garden. Good cut flower. Can grow to 2'+, blooms for months.
CN
Clarkia unguiculata
- compact form - Onagraceae, California. From a colony found in Santa Cruz County, this very distinctive seed strain makes stocky
columnar plants to 18". Bright mauve-red flowers and leaves are densely
held. CN
Clarkia williamsonii -
Onagraceae, California.photo Gaudy lavender pink flowers are good sized, with a
broad white central zone, and wedge shaped patches of dark red violet on the
petals. Best results with good drainage. CN
Collinsia heterophylla x tinctoria - Scrophulariaceae, California. Originally from a wild population, this intermediate
seed strain produces exceptionally tall spires of flowers--medium lavender with
painted lines. Annual. CN
Collinsia tinctoria
- Scrophulariaceae, California. Annual, to 1' or a little more.
Abundant flowers in tiers are creamy white, with purple lines that seem almost
painted on. Easy to grow. CN
Collomia grandiflora
- Polemoniaceae, W. United States. Erect annual to 3' with shiny green leaves and very
broad dense terminal heads of beige to salmon pink starry flowers. A very unusual color in flowers. CN
Dendromecon harfordii
- Papaveraceae, Channel Islands, California. Island bush poppy carries its bright yellow flowers
set among greenish gray leaves spring to fall. "Instant smoke" will
be included to encourage germination. 30 seeds Z8 CN
Dichelostemma capitatum - giant form. Liliaceae, California. Tight heads of lavender blue flowers are especially
large on this California bulb. Stems can reach to 3', and flower heads are
easily 3" across. This seed strain was originally collected on Santa Cruz Island by Roger Raiche. 30 seeds
Z5 CN
Elymus glaucus
- Blue wildrye is a clumping grass with a
vase shaped form. Chalky blue flower stems can reach 4' and flower heads are
held close to the stems. This selection from 3000' in central
California. Z8 or less CN
Eriogonum arborescens - Polygonaceae. A large woody Eriogonum
from the northern Channel Islands, with narrow gray green foliage and
dusty pink flowers. When grown in
full sun and poor soil it forms an almost perfect hemisphere of foliage,
crowned with 4" inflorescences that dry to a rusty brown. Seed was
collected from plants in the vicinity of E giganteum,
with which it occasionally produces handsome hybrids known as E x blissianum. Seed from Matt Teel.
CN
Eriogonum elongatum
- Polygonaceae, California. Leaves are thin and gray, 30" very silvery wands
carry white to pinkish flowers that appear in profusion over the low leaves. 30
seeds CN
Eriogonum giganteum - Polygonaceae, Islands off
southern California. This grand (4-6') shrub with large oval silver
leaves covers itself in summer with broad lacy umbels of white flowers that age
rusty. Attractive to beneficial insects. Z9 CN
Eriogonum grande var. rubescens - dark fl. Polygonaceae, California. This seed strain of red buckwheat produces rose pink
to exceptionally dark rose-red flowers. Low leaves are gray to greenish gray.
Fl. color is variable, but never light pink. Some fl. stems are taller than the
typical seed strains offered of this species. Z9 CN
Eriogonum vimineum-
Polygonaceae, California to WA, Arizona. Wicker buckwheat. Perfect
18" domes with vivid rose pink round fls. held
along wiry interlaced stems brighten the summer and early fall garden. Showy, annual. CN
Erysimum franciscanum
var. crassifolium - Brassicaceae, California. Low subshrubs make dense
mounds that carry many spikes of bright yellow, sweetly scented wallflowers
over the foliage in spring and summer. These seeds originated from a coastal
population in Santa
Cruz County. Z9 at least 30 seeds CN
Eschscholzia californica - cream fl. - Papaveraceae, California. This perennial form of California poppy has creamy
to pale yellow flowers; it is smaller in stature than many robust orange
cultivars, fitting into plantings easily. Z6 100 seeds CN
Eschscholzia californica - coastal form. Papaveraceae, California. This groundcover form of California poppy develops
branching stout roots, and spreading low stems. Blooms all summer in my garden,
flowers are golden yellow with orange centers. Foliage stays clean all season,
plants retreat to leafy rosettes in winter. Perennial.
Z9 CN
Eschscholzia lobbii - Papaveraceae, California. Diminutive plants produce vibrant clear yellow round
flowers in spring and summer. Great for containers or rock
gardens. Annual. CN
Eschscholzia lobbii
'Sundew' - Papaveraceae, California. The always diminutive plants put on their spring show
with bright soft creamy yellow flowers. Exceptional seed strain for the dry
border or containers. Annual, of course. CN
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - Hydrophyllaceae, California. Divided mounding foliage has a wafting sweet-lemony
smell; small white flowers are carried in loose clusters in spring
,early summer. Annual, and worth it for the foliage
scent alone. CN
Festuca californica
- blue leaf California,
Oregon. Blue-gray leaf blades on
18" full clumps, this handsome grass is well adapted to summer dry
climates. It inhabits north facing, often shady slopes Airy fl. stems to 4'+. Seed also available of green leaf form. Z8 or less CN
Gilia achilleifolia - bright blue fl. Polemoniaceae, California. More relaxed in leaf and flower than G. capitata, this population carries cheery bright blue
heads of flowers in spring and early summer. 200+ seed CN
Gilia capitata - Polemoniaceae, California. Charming annual is weedy in the nicest way, and
produces fls. almost continuously
from spring to fall, from repeated self sowings. Bright blue fl. heads
are over an inch across. 200+seed CN
Gilia nevinii - Polemoniaceae, San Clemente, Santa
Catalina, Guadalupe islands,
California. Months of small but abundant starry blue flowers set
among feathery leaves assure this charming annual of a place in the garden.
200+ seed CN
Guillenia flavescens - Brassicaceae, California. Erect thin spikes carry masses of bright, creamy
yellow flowers in spring and early summer on this annual. Very
showy when grown in a small colony. Stems to
18-24". CN
Helenium puberulum - Asteraceae, California. Charming perennial found at streamsides
in California. Airy stems carry round balls of fertile flowers with
a short skirt of petals below. The effect is of upright stems, very nodding in
bud, and many round half-inch yellow balls. Very easy, can
reseed. Z8 100 seeds CN
The naming of the two subspecies below is
tentative, and follows local floras. What is certain is the difference in fl.
color.
Hemizonia congesta
ssp. congesta - Asteraceae, California. Annual tarweed perfumes the summer air with its
aromatic foliage, and carries pale cream to soft yellow daisy flowers for a
long season. Blooms in August in summer dry pasture. CN
Hemizonia congesta
ssp. luzulifolia - Asteraceae, California. Annual tarweed perfumes the hot summer air with its
aromatic foliage, and carries pretty bright white daisy flowers in late summer
and fall. CN
Hemizonia corymbosa
- Asteraceae, California. Cheery 1" yellow daisies appear all summer on
this well branched coastal annual to 18" with aromatic foliage and an easy
constitution. Seed from a collection in Marina,
California made many years ago, before asphalt and concrete
claimed that rural neighborhood. CN
Horkelia californica - Rosaceae, California. Lax clumps of low green leaves with fringed leaflets
have a pleasing scent; small white flowers in spring are dotted over the tidy
foliage. Z8 or less CN
Isomeris arborea - Capparaceae, California. Silvery light green leaves add beautiful foliage
texture to any planting. Bright yellow flowers followed by fat green seedpods
(hence its common name of bladderpod). Shrub to 4-5'. Z9? 30 seeds CN
Layia chrysanthemoides - Asteraceae, California. 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. Perfumed tarweed ends the spring season with bright
yellow daisies held on slender stems with that wonderful tangy aroma. Easy in sun or part shade. CN
Lepechinia calycina - Lamiaceae. A pungent local chaparral member,
with large woolly gray leaves and palest lilac flowers to 4 feet high and wide.
This shrub will completely defoliate in summer in a hot dry spot, though a few
deep waterings will keep it greener. Hot water treatment and 3 months stratification for best
germination. From Matt Teel. 30 seeds CN
Lessingia filaginifolia
- Asteraceae, California. This form of the quite variable California aster makes broad domes of interlaced stems to
18" high and at least 2' wide. These stems produce a series of three
quarter inch dark lavender pink daisies in summer and fall. Dies
back to a basal crown in winter. Attractive to
butterflies. Z8? CN
Limnanthes douglasii
ssp. nivea - Limnanthaceae, California. 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. Charming variant of meadow foam puts out bright white
fls. 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. 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. 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. Found in seasonally moist meadows, harlequin lotus
can grow as a flat mat to 2' across, covered with bright yellow and lavender
pink pea fls in spring, with scattered bloom in
summer. Z8? 30 seeds CN
Lupinus albifrons var. collinus - Fabaceae, California. Silvery leaves on spreading stems make a low mat;
spikes of bright blue purple fls. extend to 18".
Spring bloom on this perennial subshrub.
30 seeds CN Sold out 2009
Lupinus hirsutissimus - Fabaceae, California. 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. 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. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus longifolius - Fabaceae, southern California. Bush lupine (to 3') has silvery leaves and long
wands of scented blue and white flowers in spring. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus microcarpus
var. densiflorus - dark pink - Fabaceae, California. This form of chick lupine carries deep pinky mauve
flowers over grayish green leaves. Unusual strong flower
color for this variable species. 30 seeds CN
Lupinus nanus - Fabaceae, western U.S.
Annual with soft lavender blue flowers grows to 15", and blooms with
abandon. Sweet "moth ball" fl. fragrance is just another intriguing
smell from the California chaparral. 50 seeds CN
Lupinus sericatus - Fabaceae, California. Uncommon in nature, this perennial lupine stays low
with broad silver palmate leaves. Fl. spikes to 12"+ are dark mauve pink
to violet. Z8 or less 20 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
Lupinus truncatus - Fabaceae, California. Easy annual lupine combines bright green leaves and
rich purple flowers on spikes to 10". Blooming can continue for months if
plants receive moderate water. 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. Seeds gathered
from plants with pale yellow, solid bright yellow, and yellow and white
patterned flowers. CN
Madia elegans ssp.
vernalis
- California. 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
Malacothrix coulteri
- Asteraceae, California. Green leaves produce curiously patterned black and
white fl. buds on the annual Snake's-head. Buds open to very pretty white,
chicory style daisies, sometimes with creamy yellow centers. CN
Melica imperfecta - 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. Golden orange flowers
appear in subtle variations in this seed strain from a golden flowered form of
scarlet monkeyflower found on Santa Cruz Island. Z7 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 CN
Mimulus pictus - Scrophulariaceae, California. 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. CN
Monardella linoides ssp. viminea - Lamiaceae, San Diego County. 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
? CN
Monardella villosa - Lamiaceae, California. Low shrublets with roundish green leaves and dense heads of lavender flowers
in late spring and summer. This form to 12", and
originally from Sonoma County. Z8 CN
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 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
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 grandiflora
- Hydrophyllaceae, California. 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. Annual to 2', with bright blue violet flowers on an 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
Poa secunda - California.
Pine bluegrass quickly forms soft low clumps. Spring flowers are a charming
combination of green with hints of purple. Foliage goes dormant with summer
drought. CN
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
Salvia carduacea - California.
Pale lavender blue flowers with an incredibly frilly lower lip are borne in
spiny, cobwebby heads. Annual, good in containers. Z8
30 seeds CN
Salvia columbariae - California, southwest U.S. Chia is a great
annual for open ground. Round heads of bright blue flowers on
very straight stems. Plants can bloom at 4" or 2', depending on
cultural conditions. 50 seeds CN
Salvia mellifera
- California. Dark
green leaved shrubs of black sage perfume the chaparral hillsides of coastal California. Dense whorls of white flowers in spring.
Z8 50 seeds CN
Salvia spathacea - California. A matting perennial with the sweetest smelling rough green
leaves, pitcher sage produces thick spikes of dark pink flowers in spring and
early summer. To 2'. Z8 30 seeds CN
Scrophularia californica - chartreuse fl. Scrophulariaceae, California. The typical figwort has small dark red flowers; this seed
strain has the same small flowers but they are a striking yellow green.
Perennial, to 5'+. Z7 CN
Streptanthus albidus ssp.
peramoenus -
Brassicaceae, California. An uncommon subspecies with bright
mauve-purple inflated flowers on slender stems. Annual.
Easy. CN
Streptanthus farnsworthianus - Brassicaceae, California. Startling shiny red violet to navy blue bracts are up to
4" long and 2" wide on this spring annual. Actual small flowers are
white. To 18" tall. Easy to
grow. CN
Thermopsis macrophylla
- Fabaceae, California.
Rhizomatous perennial to 2-4' with fuzzy light green leaves and spikes of
golden pea flowers in spring. Common name is false lupine or golden pea. Z8 30
seeds CN
Trichostema lanceolatum
- Lamiaceae, California.
Fall blooming annual vinegar weed has long spikes of intricate light blue
flowers and distinctively pungent light green leaves. Bushlets
to 18", best with good drainage. 30 seeds CN
A closer look at the California clovers has been very rewarding. Seeds offered are from
annual species with richly colored flowers and often they have interesting
patterns on their leaves too. Special thanks to Randall Morgan for sharing
seeds. Hot water treatment for best
germination.
Trifolium fucatum - Fabaceae,
California, Oregon. A very nice annual from wet meadows, lush green leaves
often have interesting brown and silver markings. Large flower heads start out
creamy white and age to a light rosy pink. CN
Trifolium phaeocephalum
Greene - Fabaceae, California.
Flowers are darkest purple and white on this species; and can appear for a long
time if season is mild. Some markings on the leaves. Classified in Jepson under T. variegatum.
CN
Trifolium virescens Greene - Fabaceae, California, Oregon.
Lush green leaves form strong clumps on this annual; good sized flower heads
start out bright greenish yellow and age to vivid rose. A very ornamental
clover; also used by native Americans. Some of the seedlings may have dark
patterns on the leaves. CN
Trifolium willdenovii - Fabaceae, W. United States. Thin leaves and many rich purple and white flowers on rounded
heads. Some seedlings have burgundy leaves. Annual.
Good on heavy soils. CN
Triteleia laxa - Liliaceae, California.
Large clusters of upfacing violet blue trumpets
appear on sturdy stalks in late spring. Easy from seed, let
dry in summer. Stems to 2'+. CN
Verbena lilacina - Verbenaceae, Baja California. Densely mounding verbena to 2' high and wide. Fragrant heads
of lilac flowers in spring and summer.