Coming Soon!

We are currently working on having descriptions of all of our ecotypes listed on our website. In the mean time, available ecotypes are listed by species in the section "Species and Descriptions".

Why Plant Native Grasses?

Any school child can tell you what the California State Flower is: the California Poppy. But did you know that California has a State Grass, too?

The native grasslands of California provide a variety of plant materials that can be used for revegetation of many landscapes. While many of our native stands have been lost or heavily impacted by exotic invasives, remnant populations still exist. These natural assemblages provide templates for restoration, reclamation, erosion control, and landscaping.

Beyond the breathtaking beauty of California native grasslands, native grasses are an integral part of maintaining healthy ecosystems. Root systems enhance water infiltration and groundwater recharge, and can filter non point source pollution. This attribute makes them incredibly useful in filter strips for agricultural runoff. Also, tall perennials provide habitat for nesting birds and insects.

Not only are California native grasses and plants essential in restoring California's wild areas, but they translate wonderfully into landscape uses as well. Numerous California native grasses are long-lived perennials, providing many, many years of landscaping enjoyment. Native grasses have a major role in fighting weeds: when managed correctly established stands can out-compete weeds. With non-native ornamentals, there is the risk that they will escape their intended landscape and wreak havoc on natural ecosystems. California native grasses are already adapted to the many conditions faced in this diverse state. Natives are tolerant to fire, drought, grazing, and mowing. Using native grasses reduces the amount of summer irrigation required at your home, and in some species, eliminates the need for summer water all together.

Flowering forbs seve multiple purposes in the native landscape. Not only do they provide beautiful aesthetics, but they are crucial in providing diversity that attracts and harbors beneficial insectes, many of which themselves are disappearing from our environment.

So why plant native grasses? They are a beautiful and resourceful way to incorporate California's natural landscape into your home or project site, and a great way to help restore some of our wild areas. Celebrate California's botanical heritage!

(By the way, California's State Grass is Purple Needlegrass)

Photo captions -- Above left: Two birds feeding on Oenothera elata ssp. hirsutissima (Evening Primrose). Below right: A Swallowtail butterfly on Asclepias fascicularis (Narrow-leaf Milkweed).