2012 list

Updated 2 May 2012

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. Ferns are listed separately at the end of this listing.

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?
Allium falcifolium - Liliaceae, California. photo Low very ornamental onion with gray-green falcate leaves and round heads of vivid rose purple flowers in spring. 30 seeds Z8
Agoseris grandiflora - Asteraceae, California. Just a dandelion, but with truly grand fluffy seedheads over 2" wide. Lemon yellow flowers over deeply lobed leaves on a basal rosette. Perennial. Should be very tough. To 12" tall.
Amsinckia vernicosa var. furcata - Boraginaceae, California. photo The typical large flowered annual species carries bright golden orange flowers in “fiddlenecks” in spring. Native to dry hills of the interior coastal ranges.
Amsinckia vernicosa var. furcata 'Griswold Hills' - Boraginaceae, California. photo 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.
Asclepias speciosa - Asclepiadaceae, Western N. America. photo 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

Brodiaea californica- Liliaceae, n. California. photo Native bulb makes strong stems to 18"+ with upfacing umbels of dark lavender purple flowers in late spring and early summer. Z8
Brodiaea elegans – Liliaceae, California. Harvest brodiaea is from California grasslands, and puts up loose umbels of upfacing vivid shining blue purple flowers in late spring and summer. Z8 30 seeds
Camissonia boothii ssp decorticans – Onagraceae, southern and central California. Tightly clustered white flowers emerge from pink buds on this 12-18" annual generally found on steep rocky slopes. Quite showy in a mass. Sold out 2012
Camissonia californica – Onagraceae, California. Shiny green stems on this erect annual can rise to over 4' in fertile conditions. Bright yellow "sun-cup" flowers are dotted along the upright stems. Blooms for a long time.
Camissonia cheiranthifolia – Onagraceae, California. Beach evening primrose forms wide, gray mats and produces bright yellow flowers along its stems over a long season. Not particularly long-lived, but pretty in its time. 100 seed
Carpenteria californica – Philadelphaceae, California. Clusters of large white showy fls. are displayed in spring over shiny green leaves on this attractive shrub. Dust-like seed to young seedling stage needs very close attention. Z8 100+ seed
Caulanthus inflatus - Brassicaceae, California. Spectacular annual with striking inflated yellow stems; terminal tip and buds are dark purple. Small petals are bicolored purple and white and stigmas are pink. Needs excellent drainage, and grows well in containers. Can grow to 2'. There is nothing quite like this plant, commonly known as desert candle, when it blooms.
Centaurium muehlenbergii – Gentianaceae, California. Slender annual carries heads of silky clear pink flowers in spring. Beautiful in a mass, or a meadow. 200+ seed
Chaenactis artemisiifolia – Asteraceae, California. photoFerny, finely dissected gray leaves are set against well branched purplish stems that can reach 5’ in a season; dense white heads of “pincushion” flowers are abundant. Annual.
Chlorogalum pomeridianum - Liliaceae, California, Oregon. photo Soap plant. Starry white flowers on 3'+ stalks appear in early summer. Flowers open late in the day. Bulbs used by native Americans. Z8
Chorizanthe douglasii – Polygonaceae, central California. photo Heads of hot pink flowers on slender stems are held over low leaves in late spring on this buckwheat relative. Best in lean soils, found in grassland or open woodland. Annual.
Chorizanthe membranacea - Polygonaceae, California. photo In natural settings, this annual is quite understated, with half-inch round heads of pinkish white flowers on erect stems. Planted closer together or in containers, it can present an impressive display of densely interlaced stems carrying white round flower heads in late spring and summer.
Chorizanthe stacticoides- Polygonaceae, California. Turkish rugging. Abundant on dry slopes, this annual puts on its show in late spring or early summer. Branched stems make broad heads of bright purplish magenta, prickly flowers.
Cirsium occidentale – Asteraceae, California. photo Coastal thistle makes rounded gray mounds to 2-3’; densely cobwebby heads open with red flowers. Literature calls it biennial, but it acts annual. 20 seeds

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. Packets contain 100+ seeds.
Clarkia amoena ssp. whitneyi - Onagraceae, Humboldt, Mendocino Co.,Calif. photoVery 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.
Clarkia [lewisii] – Onagraceae, central California. Creamy white petals edged pink, with reddish speckles through the white central portion, and a basal red ring. Plants appreciate good drainage.
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera – Onagraceae, California. photoThe usual shiny deep reddish purple fls. have an unusual white center. Stems can reach 3-5’ in a garden setting and carry many flowers.
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera—white fl. photo Erect willowy annual displays small white flowers along the stems in spring. From a white flowering population in Monterey County. Grows 3-5’ in garden setting.
Clarkia purpurea ssp. quadrivulnera hybrid - Onagraceae, California. photo 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'.
Clarkia rubicunda ssp. blasdalei - Onagraceae, California. photo 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.

Clarkia speciosa ssp. immaculata - Onagraceae, California. photo Silky mauve purple flowers with striking white centers are 1.5" across in this subspecies. Can only be sold within California
Clarkia speciosa ssp. speciosa – Onagraceae, California. photo Dark purplish red flowers are incredibly vivid with occasional orange staining at the base of the petals. Moderately sized flowers, best with reasonable drainage.
Clarkia unguiculata - compact form - Onagraceae, California. photo 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.
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.

Claytonia parviflora – Portulacaceae, California and the west. photo Diminutive form of miner’s lettuce forms tight mounds with white flowers nestled in the typical cupped leaves. Whole plant turns peachy gray as it matures. Buns to 8”.
Collinsia heterophylla--coastal form– Scrophulariaceae, California. photo Typical Chinese houses are bi-colored pinkish lavender and white; this form is from a relatively coastal population flowers are quite pale. At home on shaded slopes.
Collinsia heterophylla—Sierra form - Scrophulariaceae, California. Plants from the Sierras of this species have dark purple flowers, with light central patch and red lines in the usual places. Striking annual for part shade.
Collinsia parviflora - Scrophulariaceae, California.photo Roundish bright dark green leaves are densely held on short stems. Vivid small violet blue flowers nestled in leaf axils are very well displayed. Great annual for small scale or containers.
Collinsia tinctoria - Scrophulariaceae, California. photo Annual grows 2’ high. Abundant flowers in tiers are creamy white, with purple lines that seem almost painted on. Easy to grow.
Collomia grandiflora - Polemoniaceae, W. United States. photo 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.

Danthonia californica – California oat grass is found in many plant communities. Rich green clumps reach about 12” high; distinctive flowers are at the tips of 2’+ arching stems. Does well in part shade. Z8
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
Dicentra chrysantha – Papaveraceae, California. Golden eardrops. Low leaves are divided and gray; flower stems can reach 6’ and carry bright yellow flowers. Perennial. Difficult to germinate. 50 seeds
Dichelostemma capitatum - giant form. Liliaceae, California. Tight heads of lavender blue flowers on this form from Santa Cruz Island; original collection by Roger Raiche. Stems can reach to 3', and fl. heads are easily 3" across. 30 seeds Z5
Dudleya brittonii – Crassulaceae, Baja California. Huge succulent silvery rosettes put up flower spikes with pale yellow flowers in spring, but the ghostly rosette is the real show. Protect from hard frost and winter wet. 100 seeds
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
Eriogonum crocatum – Polygonaceae, Ventura County, California. photo Low shrublet has white-silver leaves and carries an abundance of chartreuse yellow flowers in spring and summer. Needs good drainage. Sold out 2012
Eriogonum fasciculatum – Polygonaceae, California. Shrubby buckwheat covers vast hillsides in the interior part of this state. All manner of insects revel in the warm white to pale pink flowers in early summer, rusty red seedheads follow.
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
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
Eriogonum vimineum– Polygonaceae, California to WA, Arizona. Wicker buckwheat. photoPerfect 18” domes with vivid rose pink round flowers held along wiry interlaced stems brighten the summer and early fall garden. Showy, annual.

Erysimum capitatum – Brassicaceae, California. Biennial brightens hillsides with spikes of fragrant, glowing orange “wallflowers” in spring. This seed came from particularly well branched plants. 30 seeds
Erysimum franciscanum var. crassifolium - Brassicaceae, California. photo 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
Erysimum menziesii ssp menziesii – Brassicaceae, California. Tight mounds of green leaves put up flower stems that keep the supply of yellow scented wallflowers coming all summer if water is moderately supplied. 30 seeds
Eschscholzia californica - cream fl. - Papaveraceae, California. photo 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
Eschscholzia californica - coastal form. Papaveraceae, California. photoThis 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
Eschscholzia lobbii - Papaveraceae, California. photo Diminutive plants produce vibrant clear yellow round flowers in spring and summer. Great for containers or rock gardens. Annual. 100 seeds
Eschscholzia lobbii ‘Sundew’ – Papaveraceae, California. photo 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.
Eucrypta chrysanthemifolia - Hydrophyllaceae, California. photo 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.

Festuca californica California, Oregon. Dark green 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’+. Z8 or less
Gilia achilleifolia – bright blue fl. Polemoniaceae, California.photo More relaxed in leaf and flower than G. capitata, this population carries cheery bright blue or white heads of flowers in spring and early summer. 100+ seed
Gilia achilleifolia—white flower Polemoniaceae, California. White flowered form of this cheery annual—easy and prolific in bloom. Reseeds nicely.
Gilia capitata ssp chamissonis – Polemoniaceae, California. photo Finely divided leaves form tight, low cushions; round heads of lavender blue flowers are held just over the low leaves. Native to coastal sandhills.
Gilia nevinii – Polemoniaceae, San Clemente, Santa Catalina, Guadalupe islands, California. photo Small starry blue flowers appear for months in abundance among feathery leaves on this charming annual. Mounds to 12”. 200+ seed
Gilia splendens – Polemoniaceae, California. photo Recently pronounced Saltugilia splendens, but it may take a while for the name to settle. This splendid annual keeps its rosette of finely divided leaves low, and sends up 1-3’ slender stems that branch profusely and carry clouds of rich candy pink flowers that move in the slightest breeze. Not always easy in cultivation, good drainage and lean soil are recommended.
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".

Helenium puberulum - Asteraceae, California. Round balls of fertile flowers have 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
Helianthemum scoparium – Cistaceae, California. A charming perennial with bright yellow flowers held on wiry 1’ stems is native to harsh chaparral, or can be found growing out of cracks in boulders in full sun. Seedlings are often floppy; grown in thin soil their form will improve in subsequent years. Plants respond well to being pruned severely in fall.
Hemizonia congesta ssp. congesta - Asteraceae, California. photo Annual tarweed perfumes the summer air with its aromatic foliage, and carries pale cream to soft yellow daisy flowers for a long season. Blooms summer and fall.
Hemizonia congesta ssp. luzulifolia - Asteraceae, California. photo Bright white daisies are carried on this annual tarweed and it perfumes the summer and fall air with its aromatic foliage. Blooms summer to fall.
Hemizonia corymbosa - Asteraceae, California. photo Cheery 1" yellow daisies appear all summer on this well branched coastal annual to 18" with aromatic foliage and an easy constitution.
Hemizonia fasciculata – Asteraceae, California.photo Clouds of acid yellow daisy flowers are held in dense heads on wiry stems on this well branched, airy annual. Plants can reach 3’ in height. Extended bloom season. (Now it’s Deinandra fasc.)
Hemizonia mohavensis – Asteraceae, California. A charming tarweed to 2-3’ with delightfully aromatic, light green leaves and many yellow flowers in summer. Annual, easy. Recently renamed as Deinandra m.
Heuchera maxima – Saxifragaceae, Channel Islands, California. Large rounded leaves develop into low wide cushions; spikes of warm white flowers set on pinkish stems rise to 3’ in spring. Great in dry shade. 100+ seeds

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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.

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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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

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.
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.
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
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?
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
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+ seed
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

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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.

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
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.
All Salvias are in the Lamiaceae.
Salvia apiana – California. White sage. Subshrub makes 2-3’ mounds of broad white, highly aromatic leaves. Flower stems to 6’+ carry white to pinkish white flowers in spring. 50 seeds Sold out 2012
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
Salvia columbariae - California, southwest U.S. Chia is a great annual for open ground. Prickly round heads of bright blue purple flowers on very straight stems. Plants can bloom at 4" or 2', depending on cultural conditions. 50 seeds

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
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 Sold out 2012
Sanicula bipinnatifida – Apiaceae, California. photo Charming perennial from grasslands throughout California puts up branched stems to 18” with rounded balls of maroon flowers in spring and early summer. Z8? Sold out 2012
Stipa cernua, lepida listed under Nassella
Streptanthus albidus ssp. peramoenus - Brassicaceae, California. photo An uncommon subspecies with bright mauve-purple inflated flowers on slender stems. Annual. Easy.
Streptanthus farnsworthianus - Brassicaceae, California. photo 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.
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
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.

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.
Trifolium jokerstii – Fabaceae, Butte County, California. photo Bright golden flower heads glow over green –sometimes with red markings—leaves on this small annual cushion. Spring bloom. 20 seeds limited supply
Trifolium lilacinum - Fabaceae, California. photo Green, pink, cream and black are combined on (smallish) intricately patterned leaves. Flowers combine lilac and white. Included within T. barbigerum var. andrewsii in Jepson Manual.
Trifolium phaeocephalum Greene - Fabaceae, California. photo 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.
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.
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.

FERN SPORES can be very challenging to grow and require special conditions. Growing instructions will accompany spores. Packets will contain enough spores for 2-3 sowings.

Spores are $4.50 per packet

Adiantum aleuticum - Pteridaceae. The California native five finger fern is elegance itself. A spring and summer grower, it is restricted to moist areas in nature and needs summer water in the garden. Very easy from spore

Dryopteris arguta - Dryopteridaceae. A lovely California native fern for the bright woodland garden that grows in small clumps 1 to 2’ across and with upright fronds to about 18” tall. The spores of this species show a blue light dormancy. Sow in fall and/or give warm white artificial light, or keep in an exposure that restricts to either morning or evening light so that red light will be prominent in the spectrum received by the spore culture. After germination, light quality is less important. If no germination occurs after a month, put spore cultures in the dark for two weeks and try again with another round of warm white light. Easy after germination is achieved.

Pellaea andromedifolia - Pteridaceae. The coffee fern is found in nature from Oregon south through California to Baja California, Mexico. The common name comes from the small leaflets shaped like tiny coffee beans. (The Mexican plants have larger, more rounded leaflets.) The stiff fronds from 12” to 2’ have tan to pinkish stalks and a cloud of tiny blue-green leaflets developing a pinkish cast in bright light and make a clump on short creeping rhizomes. Good in the rock garden with a sandy soil, needing bright exposure and good air circulation. Responds well to fertilizer. Easy to grow from spore and maintain in a suitable garden site. Hardy to USDA zone 8 or a bit colder.

Polypodium scouleri - Polypodiaceae. Known for its shiny, bold, thick textured foliage, this species is often found as an epiphyte in coastal northern California and may be grown on tree trunks, rock walls, and rocky soil. Drought tolerant due to water storage in rhizomes and the leathery leaves. Give overhead water to discourage thrips. Easy from spore. Sold out 2012

Polystichum munitum - Dryopteridaceae. The handsome California native sword fern is an adaptable garden plant that performs well in the deep shade of redwoods as well as open eastern exposures in coastal California. It produces a single crown that can slowly increase into a clump with time. Avoid thrips by removing all fronds each winter before the new fronds unfurl. Looks its best in spring. Gametophytes are easy to grow, but somewhat slow to produce sporophytes.

Thelypteris puberula - Thelypteridaceae. A fine textured short creeping fern that makes a lush container plant or a graceful landscape specimen. Can reach several feet in height.