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.
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.
Penstemon heterophyllus
Blooms spring to summer
A perennial that grows 20” high with woody stem and pink, blue, or lavender flowers. Okay in poor to rich soil. Needs water in summer. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts 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.
Nemophila menziesii
Blooms spring and ongoing
A low-spreading annual that grows 6-12” high and 1 ft wide. Flowers with six blue petals. North coast atomaria is almost white. Likes full sun or part shade. Okay with low moisture and sandy to loam soil. Provides nectar.
Phacelia cicutaria
Blooms spring
An annual that grows erect 8”-18” high. Grey-green leaves and has vivid blue flowers. Likes well-drained soil. Bloom extends with water. Provides nectar and pollen. Attracts digger and mason bees.