Five Great Native Plants

The Huntington’s living collections feature an abundance of plants from Mediterranean climate areas around the world, including Southern California. Because plants from these regions—characterized by cool, rainy winters and hot, dry summers—often share similar adaptations, these species can mingle nicely in a garden setting, despite originating from far-flung places. A prime example of this is the mixture of drought-tolerant plants along the walkways through the Frances and Sidney Brody California Garden. When creating a landscape with low water needs, California natives add a regional flair and also support local wildlife; many birds and pollinators prefer native plants, and some depend exclusively on them. Native plants fit a variety of garden niches, from spectacular specimen trees to ground covers, vines, and colorful annuals. Many established natives at The Huntington are in peak form at this time of year.

Among the native trees in The Huntington’s landscape are oaks, notably Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) and the endangered Engelmann Oak (Q. engelmannii). Both species can provide a magnificent, sculptural focal point. Noteworthy specimens on the property include the massive Coast Live Oak in the Chinese Garden and a large Engelmann Oak between the Huntington Art Gallery and the North Vista. Depending on the conditions, these trees can grow moderately quickly. They are host plants for native butterfly species and provide shelter for birds and other wildlife.

In winter, the berries of Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) add splashes of bright red to Los Angeles Basin hillsides and The Huntington’s grounds—noticeably near the benches at the passenger pickup/drop-off area. This evergreen native shrub thrives in a wide range of growing conditions and is also extremely versatile. Its natural growth habit is a robust bush up to 10 feet in height and about 8 feet in width. It can be pruned and clipped to form a small tree or a hedge. It can also be espaliered—a method of pruning and training a plant to grow flat against a wall, usually with some type of lattice for support. The flowers attract a wide range of pollinators, and the berries are an important food source for birds.

Pacific Grape (Vitis californica) is native to California and parts of Oregon. This vine is useful for covering fences, walls, and arbors. Because it is deciduous, it provides shade in summer and allows sunlight to shine through in winter. ‘Roger’s Red’ is a popular hybrid of V. californica and the European grape (V. vinifera); its foliage puts on a vibrant red autumn display that is particularly noticeable on the pergola near the Huntington Store. The fruits are an important food source for wildlife, and the fallen leaves provide cover for pollinators and other insects during winter.

Ground cover plants help retain moisture in the soil, prevent erosion, and choke out weeds. The Huntington parking lot landscape features a diversity of ground covers. Prominent among the natives is California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum), an outstanding wildlife plant. When in bloom, it provides nectar and pollen for numerous insects. Clouds of creamy white (or sometimes pink-tinged) flower clusters eventually dry into rich reddish-brown seed heads, an important source of food for birds. The species can reach up to 6 feet in height, but other buckwheat species have lower profiles and appealing color alternatives.

Another ground cover option is annual wildflowers, which pop up in various locations at The Huntington (and on surrounding hillsides) when winter rains arrive. The Southwest is home to a bounty of beautiful blooms; among the showiest is our official state flower, the California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). This plant is easy to grow from seed or seedlings. In addition to the classic luminous orange wild form, cultivated varieties produce white, dark red, and sometimes variegated flowers.

Early spring is an outstanding time to visit the gardens and enjoy the native plants waking up after winter rain. If you feel inspired by the stunning array of California flora and want to add some to your home garden, look for them at this year’s Spring Plant Sale, which will take place April 26–28 at The Huntington’s Plant Sale Nursery.

Three tips for growing California native plants:

• The best time to plant natives is late fall through early spring. This gives the plants time to settle in before the long dry season begins.
• Even the most drought-tolerant natives will need regular water (once a week) for the first few months. It can take one to two years for some to fully establish themselves, and most need a deep soak about once a month during that period. After this, many will thrive on natural rainfall.
• Take time to research your options. California is a diverse state with a wide range of habitats. Native plants from regions near rivers and wetlands need more water than chaparral or desert species, and some are adapted to particular types of soil. Never hesitate to ask questions when selecting plants at a nursery or consult reliable online resources, such as Calflora.org.

Related content on Verso:

• Five Lessons Learned in the California Garden
• Top 10 Water-Wise Plants

Sandy Masuo is the botanical content specialist at The Huntington.