Gardening on the West Coast

By Laura Lovett, CNPS Marin Plant Sale Committee

As all of you who live in our cooler coastal climate know, it can be frustrating to go native plant shopping. Plants that require full sun and heat just limp along in the damper weather. However, many species have evolved to flourish in the coastal climate. For the Fall 2024 Marin Chapter CNPS Plant Sale, we have made a special point to make some of these available for our west side gardeners.

Local Rarities

Top of the list is a rare ceanothus variety that we have not been able to offer previously: Ceanothus gloriosus var. porrectus, which has only been found growing on Mt. Vision. Mt. Vision Ceanothus tends to grow in sandy places, at elevations from sea level to 1,000 feet. It is low growing, forming a dark green mat or low mound with clusters of periwinkle blue flowers in late winter. [limited quantities]

Arctostaphylos virgata, or Marin manzanita is known by the common names Bolinas Manzanita and Marin Manzanita. It is known from only about twenty occurrences in the forests and chaparral of Marin’s coastal hills. Arctostaphylos virgata gets at least 6 feet tall and is known to exceed 20 ft. in height, growing in sun or part shade at the coast. Its twisted branches are covered in deep red bark. The shiny green leaves are accented by dense clusters of urn-shaped white flowers, an important food source for bees in late winter. It produces red berries in fall. [limited quantities]

Fog Lovers

Other natives we will be offering that particularly appreciate the summer fog:

Oxalis oregana ‘American Beauty’, Redwood Sorrel, a remarkable selection of our native redwood sorrel with bright pink blooms.

Lessingia filaginifolia ‘Silver Carpet’, Common Sand Aster needs sandy or fast-draining soil. It tolerates wind and even some salt spray in coastal areas.

Arctostaphylos uva-ursi ‘Point Reyes’, Point Reyes Bearberry was discovered near the Point Reyes lighthouse. Dark green, leathery leaves form distinctive whorls along the stems with pale pink, urn-shaped flowers emerging in early winter, followed by showy red berries.

Amorpha californica var. napensis, Napa False Indigo. This rare and threatened shrub is the larval food source for the California Dogface butterfly. Makes a delicate, airy, deciduous shrub to 2-6 ft. tall with intricate flower spikes. [limited quantities]

Fragaria chiloensis, Beach Strawberry. This blooms with beautiful white flowers, which are later replaced by edible red fruits. Plant in sandy soil, needs very low to low moisture.

Eriogonum latifolium, Coast Buckwheat, also known as Seaside Buckwheat, naturally grows on coastal bluffs and slopes, where it receives full sun and all of its water from fog and rainfall. An essential for a coastal garden, and an important species for many pollinators.

Rhododendron occidentale, Western Azalea. A much sought after and admired native deciduous shrub found in moist places and stream banks. It typically gets summer fog drip or some other source of summer moisture. Glorious displays of fragrant azalea flowers in dense terminal clusters appear in late spring. 4-8 ft, possibly taller. [limited quantities]

Vaccinium ovatum, Evergreen Huckleberry. A handsome evergreen shrub native to moist forests of the Pacific Coast. Small pinkish flowers in the spring are followed by delectable black berries prized in pies and jams. A slow-growing shrub for shady situations or cool sun along the coast with moderate to regular water. Gets 4 to 8 ft tall.

Ferns

And 3 varieties of fern for all those with redwood shade:

Adiantum aleuticum, Western Maidenhair or Five Finger Fern prefers deep shade and fertile, moist soil in rock crevices near streams.

Polystichum munitum, Western Sword Fern, a large evergreen fern with dark green fronds that grows in a tight clump. Plant in partial to full shade and give moderate to regular water.

Woodwardia fimbriata, Giant Chain Fern usually maxes out at around 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Performs best in nutrient-rich but well-draining soil with regular water and shade.

We hope you can find room in your garden for some of these special choices that should flourish under coastal conditions!