Common name: California Poppy
Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica
The California State Flower. This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer. It is an aggressive grower and can get away from you in a residential garden space. Plant it in spaces where it is alright for it to roam.
Common name: Matilija Poppy
Botanical name: Romneya coulteri
This wonderful California native perennial can reach 5' tall and 8' wide. Foliage is gray green and 3-5 lobes. Large white flowers with yellow centers appear in spring and summer. Slightly scented, attracting bees and butterflies. This plant does best in full or part sun with well draining soil. However, it does spread by underground runners so consider planting on slopes or in areas where it is allowed to spread. Flowers are great for vase arrangements. This plant is drought tolerant once it's established.
Common name: Mexican Evening Primrose
Botanical name: Oenothera speciosa
Oenothera berlandieri is a perennial. Grows 10"-12" high, with profuse showing of 1.5" rose pink blooms in summer. Flowers open in daytime and stems die back after bloom. Can be highly invasive.
Common name: Blue Elderberry
Botanical name: Sambucus mexicana
The Blue Elderberry is a deciduous shrub that grows 4'-10' tall or tree that reaches up to 40' high. The leaves of this plant have 5-9 leaflets with white spring flower clusters developing into blue berries. The Blue Elderberry is a native to California, is drought tolerant and is a beneficial insect plant.
-Cornflower Farms
Common name: California Fescue
Botanical name: Festuca californica
The California Fescue is a cool season bunchgrass with blue-green blades that reach 2' high. The violet colored flower stalks are 5' tall, appearing in spring and summer, creating fountain-like clumps. This grass is drought tolerant for sun and shade although it looks better with additional summer water. The California fescue is a beneficial insect plant. Plant on dry sunny slopes or on the edge of a dry creek bed.