Native Plants to Attract Beneficial Insects

Bladderpod 

(Peritoma arborea)

Large shrub to 6 feet, bright yellow flowers, full sun, very low water needs, but tolerates summer water. Highly fragrant and easy to propagate from seed.

California buckwheat

(Eriogonum fasciculatum)  

Attracts many beneficial insects. Evergreen shrub to 3 feet with creamy white blooms that turn to rust color. Fast grower, tolerates drought and poor soils, good for hillside stabilization. Can be cut back to stimulate fresh growth if it gets woody. Attracts pollinators and birds and is deer resistant.

California coffeeberry (Frangula californica)

Large shrub to 15 ft, dwarf version available, dark evergreen leaves, flowers inconspicuous, very low water, sun or part shade.

California lilac 

(Ceanothus various species)

161 varieties native to CA. Check Calscape.org for options in your local area. Most have blue or white blooms in the winter to spring. Can be low growing or tall to 15 feet. Most tolerate partial shade and have low water needs once established.

Coyote brush

(Baccharis pilularis)

Fast growing shrub to 10 feet in some areas. Has male and female plants; choose male to prevent spreading by seeds. Blooms most of the year depending on climate. Can be used for bank stabilization. There is a dwarf variety, usually sold as male only. Fluff is used by birds in nests.

Currants 

(Ribes aureum or sanguineum)

Grows in a vase like shape to 6 feet high. Red currant and yellow varieties. Tolerates shade inland and sun in coastal areas. Provides blossoms that attract hummingbirds. Cold tolerant, low water needs.

Elderberry 

(Sambucus mexicana)

Shrub to small tree, up to 2030 feet. Can be shaped with pruning. Tolerates shade and cold. Creamy white blossoms and dark blue berries provide food for birds and mammals.

Easy to grow.

Manzanita 

(Arctostaphylos various species)

63 varieties native to CA, many hybrids available in nurseries. Available as low growing ground covers to large shrubs. Flowers in winter and spring. Most are slow growing. Low water needs.

Mountain Mahogany

(Cercocarpus betuloides)

Small tree 8-20 feet tall.

Evergreen leaves. Low water needs and tolerates a variety of soil types. A fast grower that attracts butterflies, moths, and birds. Can be pruned heavily to fit spaces as needed.

Purple needlegrass  (Nassella pulchra)

California’s state grass. Bunch grass grows up to 3 feet with purple hued seed pods. Deep roots are good for erosion control. Easy to grow, tolerates most soils, low water needs. Full sun, deer resistant.

Purple sage 

(Alvia clevelandii)

Shrub 3-5 feet tall, lowgrowing hybrids are available. Easy to grow, very aromatic purple blossoms with grey green leaves. Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds. Low water use, grows well on slopes.

Toyon 

(Heteromeles arbutifolia)

Common name Christmas

berry or holly berry, produces bright red berries in the winter which are important to birds. Typically grows 8-10 feet tall but growth to 30 ft is possible, can be pruned back as a smaller shrub. Fast and easy to grow, small white flowers attract many insects. Tolerates sun or part shade and a variety of soils. Tolerates summer water with good drainage.

Western Redbud 

(Cercis occidentalis)

Shrub or small deciduous tree to 20 feet, produces bright pink blossoms in spring. Heart shaped leaves attract leaf cutter bees. Part shade to full sun, low water, tolerates cold to 15?F.

Common Yarrow 

(Achillea millefolium)  

Easy to grow, low water needs, tolerates a wide variety of soil types. White blossoms attract many pollinators and beneficials. A pperennial that dies back in the fall and grows typically 1-2 feet.