Selecting native plants

California is a big state with many types of habitats, so it's important to choose the native plants that make sense for your region. The local native plants near you are already adapted to your climate and other growing conditions. When you select plants with this in mind, your garden is more likely to thrive. 

For even greater likelihood of success and ecosystem benefit, choose plants that grow together in nature. These are known as plant communities. Placing and grouping plants in natural ways is not only beautiful, it supports the pollinators and other wildlife that have evolved alongside them.  

Native plants typically require considerably less water than non-natives, because they are naturally adapted to California’s rainfall patterns. Once established, many California native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall. 

Group plants with similar watering needs together, and site the plants with highest water needs closest to your house.

Choosing plants that will thrive in your soil will be much easier than trying to alter your soil to match certain plants. Different proportions of rock, sand, silt, and clay make up the texture of your soil and will impact your drainage. The more sandy your soil, the faster it drains. The more clay-like your soil, the slower it drains.

Though most native plants are adaptable to a variety of soil types, take the time to understand what kind of soil you have and aim to match plants to your soil. Your garden most likely has different kinds of soil throughout, so it can be helpful to test your soil in multiple areas.

Learn how your soil drains by testing it in any of several ways. You can track how long a water-filled hole takes to drain, conduct a soil ribbon test, or use a soil test kit purchased at your local nursery or hardware store.