Ceanothus spp.
Blooms spring to summer
Perennial groundcover that can grow to 18 ft shrub with voluminous blue flowers. Prefers well-drained soil, though some varieties tolerate clay. Provides pollen. Attracts Bombus, honey, minim, and sweat bees.
Erigeron glaucus
Blooms spring to early fall
Low-growing mounding perennial to 8” tall and up to 12” wide with yellow disk and different color rays. Thrives in coastal areas but needs water and partial shade for inland locations. Attracts sweat bees and leafcutters.
Aster chilensis
Blooms summer into early fall
A fast-growing perennial that grows 1.3-3.3 ft tall and 3 ft wide with yellow disks, purple or blue ray florets. Grows in poor to moderate rich soil, accepts medium water but tolerates dry conditions. Attracts honey, sweat mining, Bombus, and mason bees.
Solidago californica
Blooms summer to early fall
Perennial with upright slender stems to 4 ft high with masses of floral heads. Does well in a variety of soils. Water increases flowering. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts honey, sweat, mining, Bombus, and mason bees.
Eriogonum grande rubescens
Blooms in summer
Perennial low-mounding subshrub that can grow to 24” high. Likes well drained poor to moderately rich soil. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts honey, sweat, mining, Bombus, and mason bees.
Gilia capitata
Blooms April - May
An annual with numerous blue flowers forming a globe. Glows erect to about 27” high. Likes sun and average to dry soil. Provides nectar and pllen. Attracts honey, sweat, and mining bees.
Grindelia hirsutula
Blooms early spring to early fall
A perennial that grows up to 30” high with yellow, sticky flowers and hairy leaves. Likes clay to loam soil and full sun. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts Bombus and sweat bees.
Grindelia stricta
Blooms late spring to fall
A perennial that grows up to 30” high with yellow, sticky flowers and broad leaves. Likes clay to loam soil and full sun. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts Bombus and sweat bees.
Helianthus annuus
Blooms summer to fall
A tall annual with branched leaves, dark floral disk, heart shaped petals, and varying colors and heights. Tolerates poor soil and needs a little water in summer. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts honey, sweat, mining, Bombus, and mason bees.