Ever wonder what to plant in your San Francisco garden to attract buzzing pollinators? We got you covered with our list of 5 accessible San Francisco native plants to keep your garden blooming year-round! Native plants in San Francisco, over 450 species strong, are ideal for supporting local wildlife as they have evolved right in our neighborhoods alongside our local wildlife for thousands of years! These plants provide essential food and habitat for native pollinators. Additionally, cultivating flowering native plants in your garden supports local biodiversity, and enhances the natural beauty of our landscape!
Here are our top 5 native plants for you to have blooms in your SF garden every season of the year:
- Early spring: California Lilac (Ceanothus thyrsiflorus)
Blueblossom ceanothus is a large shrub or small tree. When in bloom, California Lilac is almost entirely covered in flowers, creating a beautiful blue haze in the landscape!
- Mid-late spring: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Yarrow is a versatile native garden favorite that quickly reseeds and spreads! With clusters of small white flowers and feathery foliage, it adds wonderful texture to any garden.
- Summer: California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)
These iconic golden-orange California blooms need no introduction and are super easy to grow in any of our city's soil types.
- Late summer - Early fall: Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)
Seaside Daisy is a cheerful and sturdy groundcover plant with dense clusters of daisy-like flowers!
- Winter: Pink Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum)
This tall shrub, with its clusters of vibrant pink flowers, is a favorite hangout for hummingbirds and butterflies. After it blooms, it develops berries that provide food for fruit- and seed-eating birds!
You can find more detailed information on these native plants listed and many more at SF Plant Finder.
SF Environment’s Biodiversity Program collaborates with multiple agencies to plan and manage natural resources effectively. It supports restoring wildlife habitats and educates the public about our local natural heritage, offering opportunities for community stewardship of our ecological environment. To learn more about biodiversity at San Francisco Environment, visit our Biodiversity website page!
Source: Calscape
