California Native Plants have arrived to Sarvodaya Farms

Why plant California Native Plants?

From promoting water-wise landscaping practices and supporting local ecosystems to fostering resilience in the face of a changing climate, CA native plants are not just beautiful additions to your surroundings—they are essential contributors to a sustainable and vibrant ecosystem. By planting CA Natives, you'll be diving into the rich cultural history of California and gain insights into how planting native species can be an empowering and purposeful act, aligning your garden with the ecology of California. 

What should I know when ordering?

California Natives are best established during fall and winter, when they can have plenty of cool weather and rain to help them establish their roots. Planting outside of this window is also possible, you'll just need to provide supplemental watering or irrigation to help the plants establish.

Once established, many CA Native plants will require no additional watering to survive our summer dry season. However, some plants may go dormant during the dry season and APPEAR dead.  If you would like to prevent dormancy, provide supplemental irrigation.

When creating a CA Native garden, choose a variety of plants to create the most habitat for our indigenous bees, butterflies, and fauna.  You'll be pleasantly surprised by the diversity these plants will bring to your garden.

Our CA Native Selection

Carmel Ceanothus, Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
Carmel Ceanothus, Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
Carmel Ceanothus, Ceanothus griseus horizontalis
Carmel Ceanothus, Ceanothus griseus horizontalis

Carmel Ceanothus, Ceanothus griseus horizontalis

$12.50

Carmel Ceanothus is a mounding evergreen perennial that tolerates partial to full sun and low to moderate watering. They produce green, oval leaves and light blue flowers. They will grow up to 4 feet tall and 6 - 10 feet wide. Their flowers attract butterflies and bees, and their foliage provides habitat to native birds like quail and towhees.

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Chuparosa, Justicia californica
Chuparosa, Justicia californica

Chuparosa, Justicia californica

$12.50

Chuparosa is a medium-large sized, perennial shrub native to the low-elevation deserts of Southern California, Arizona, and Mexico. They tolerate full sun and high heat very well, and require little maintenance once established. Their bright red flowers attract hummingbirds.

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Hummingbird Sage, Salvia spathacea
Hummingbird Sage, Salvia spathacea
Hummingbird Sage, Salvia spathacea
Hummingbird Sage, Salvia spathacea

Hummingbird Sage, Salvia spathacea

$12.50

Hummingbird Sage is a low-growing herbaceous perennial that prefers shade and part shade, as well as moderate watering throughout its establishment period. They typically reach about 1 - 2 feet tall and can reach 4 feet when blooming. They slowly spread outward and will make a great filler for your landscape. Their leaves are very aromatic.

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Jojoba, simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba, simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba, simmondsia chinensis
Jojoba, simmondsia chinensis

Jojoba, simmondsia chinensis

$12.50

Jojoba is a rounded evergreen shrub with thick, waxy green leaves that is moderately fast growing and long-lived. Clusters of small yellow and cream flowers bloom in late spring. 

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Catalina Currant, Ribes viburnifolium
Catalina Currant, Ribes viburnifolium

Catalina Currant, Ribes viburnifolium

$12.50

Catalina Currant is an evergreen shrub with aromatic, dark green leaves. Small clusters of rose pink flowers bloom in late winter to mid spring, followed by small red fruits later in the spring. This shrub has an open wide-spreading form, growing 3-4 ft tall and spreading to 6 ft wide. Can grow in part shade and is adapatable to various soil typees. Plant yields small red fruits later in the spring that sttract birds. 

Favorite to a host of butterflies and moths.

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Bruce Dickinson Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum
Bruce Dickinson Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum

Bruce Dickinson Buckwheat, Eriogonum fasciculatum

$12.50

Bruce Dickinson Buckwheat tolerates most soil types. Its great for dry sunny areas. A great source of food for many butterflies. 

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Island Pink Yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Island Pink Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

Island Pink Yarrow, Achillea millefolium

$12.50

Island Pink Yarrow is a horticultural selection from Achillea millefolium from the northern Channel Islands. Achillea millefolium 'Island Pink' is a perrenial yarrow that spreads by rhizomes. Island Pink yarrow is native to Santa Cruz Island and is distinguished from our common White Yarrow by its bright pink flowers. Dark green foliage is topped with clusters of bright pink flowers on 1-1/2' tall stems, over a long season. Best in full sun if coastal, part shade inland. Tolerant of drought conditions, rocky and clay soils.

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Beavertail Cactus, Opuntia basilaris
Beavertail Cactus, Opuntia basilaris

Beavertail Cactus, Opuntia basilaris

$12.50

Beavertail Pricklypear (Opuntia basilaris) is a striking medium-sized cactus distinguished by its broad, paddle-shaped leaf segments and stunning magenta blooms. Unlike many cacti, the pads lack prominent spines but feature fine barbs requiring careful handling. This species excels in spring and early summer with prolific flowering that attracts pollinators and adds dramatic color to xeric gardens. Exceptionally drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, it thrives in well-draining soil and full sun, making it an excellent choice for water-wise landscaping and desert-adapted plantings.

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CA Native Pollinator Starter Bundle
CA Native Pollinator Starter Bundle

CA Native Pollinator Starter Bundle

$55.00

New to California Native Plants? This starter bundle includes 5 key pollinator plants that are hosts to a wide variety of species.

This bundle includes:
- White Sage, Salvia apiana
- Red-flowered Buckwheat, Eriogonum grande var. rubescens
- De La Mina Verbena, Verbena Lilacina
- California Buckwheat, Eriogonum Fasciculatum
- Black Sage, Salvia mesllifera

Plant this bundle in fall or early spring to allow establishment with the rainy season.  Water regularly during their first summer to allow roots to establish further.  By the second season, these plants should require very little irrigation to survive the dry/hot season.

You will start to see pollinators coming to enjoy the plants by the first Spring they are planted!  Butterflies, indigenous bees, and birds will be enticed by this collection!

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Pt Sal Purple Sage, Salvia leucophylla 'Pt Sal'
Pt Sal Purple Sage, Salvia leucophylla 'Pt Sal'

Pt Sal Purple Sage, Salvia leucophylla 'Pt Sal'

$12.50

Pt Sal Purple Sage (Salvia leucophylla 'Pt Sal') is an expertly selected California native groundcover ideal for full sun to part shade environments. This low-growing variety features gray-green foliage and multi-blossomed lavender flowers arranged in circular clusters, attracting butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds. Noted for its drought tolerance and minimal maintenance needs, it thrives in nearly any soil type. Prune flowers in late fall to encourage a vibrant spring bloom. Perfect for coastal and inland gardens seeking sustainable beauty with low water demand.

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Deer Grass, Muhlenbergia rigens
Deer Grass, Muhlenbergia rigens

Deer Grass, Muhlenbergia rigens

$12.50

Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) is a versatile native bunchgrass ideal for groundcover and lawn replacement. Preferring sandy soil and full sun, it also tolerates shade and various soils. Its pale green leaves form large mounds, and in spring, it produces tall spikes of yellow flowers. This low-water grass supports local wildlife by providing seeds for birds during summer. Plant in groups to create an attractive, natural display that requires minimal maintenance.

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Yellow Douglas Iris, Iris Douglasiana Yellow
Yellow Douglas Iris, Iris Douglasiana Yellow

Yellow Douglas Iris, Iris Douglasiana Yellow

$12.50

The Yellow Douglas Iris (Iris douglasiana 'Yellow') features robust 2 to 3-foot-wide clumps of arching, dark green sword-shaped leaves. Blooming from spring to early summer, its 3 to 4-inch sun-yellow flowers with orange to orange-brown veins rise on 1 to 2-foot stems. This hardy plant thrives in diverse conditions—from dry, shaded oak groves to coastal full sun—and adapts well to various soils, especially richer, clay-based ones with organic matter. Once established, it requires minimal watering, making it an excellent choice for sustainable landscaping and ground cover in mixed light environments.

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Red-flowered Buckwheat, Eriogonum grande var. rubescens
Red-flowered Buckwheat, Eriogonum grande var. rubescens

Red-flowered Buckwheat, Eriogonum grande var. rubescens

$12.50

Red-flowered Buckwheat (Eriogonum grande var. rubescens) is a compact, attractive perennial native to California's Channel Islands, now widely used across the state. Its rosy flower clusters bloom from spring through fall, attracting a diverse range of pollinators, particularly butterflies. Post-bloom, the seeds serve as a valuable food source for birds. This moderately spreading plant thrives in full sun with minimal summer irrigation, making it ideal for small spaces, rock gardens, borders, and slopes, especially when paired with other drought-tolerant species.

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Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica
Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica
Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica
Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica

Bush Sunflower, Encelia californica

$12.50

Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica) is a vibrant, fast-growing shrub from the Daisy family, ideal for native and pollinator gardens. Its large yellow flowers bloom from winter to spring, attracting butterflies and bees while offering excellent cut flower potential. After flowering, its seeds serve as a valuable food source for small, seed-eating birds. This resilient plant supports wildlife and establishes quickly, making it a reliable choice for gardeners aiming to enhance biodiversity.

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Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)
Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)

Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)

$12.50

A hardy native shrub of the desert Southwest and Great Plains, Fourwing Saltbush thrives in sandy soils and harsh climates. Recognized by its silvery-gray leaves and distinctive four-winged fruits, this resilient plant plays an important ecological role in arid landscapes. Remarkably, Fourwing Saltbush can change its sex in response to environmental conditions—an uncommon trait among plants.

For generations, Native American tribes valued Fourwing Saltbush for its many uses. Its stems provided reliable fuel, its leaves were boiled with alum to create yellow dye, and its mildly salty seeds were parched and ground into flour by the Navajo.

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CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025
CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025

CA Indigenous (Native) Wildflower Mix - PREORDER for shipment starting Oct 7, 2025

$15.00

NOTE: Orders placed now are PREORDERS and will ship starting Oct 7. Follow the instructions below to start preparing your garden and soil before received your seeds.

Our California Indigenous Wildflower Mix is a custom blend made for us by a local seed company.  California Wildflowers are the easiest way to bring a variety of bright colors to your spring garden, while strongly supporting local wildlife and pollinators (many of which are endangered).

We are offering our mix in packets of 1oz or bulk quantities of 1/4lb and up. Successful plantings of wildflowers require much more seed than most people think, so we only recommend packets for container planting or very small gardens. For average size gardens and up, we recommend at least 1/4lb.

We recommend an application rate of 1/4 lb per 500 sq ft.

Our CA Indigenous mix includes only plants that are indigenous to California and that will support indigenous wildlife species:

Achillea millefolium White yarrow (perennial)

Clarkia unguiculata Elegant clarkia (annual)

Collinsia heterophylla Chinese houses (annual)

Eschscholzia californica California poppy (tender perennial)

Gilia capitata Globe gilia (annual)

Gilia tricolor Bird’s eyes (annual)

Lasthenia californica Dwarf goldfields (annual)

Layia platyglossa Tidytips (annual)

Lupinus microcarpus densiflorus Golden lupine (perennial)

Lupinus succulentus Arroyo lupine (annual)

Mimulus aurantiacus aurantiacus Monkeyflower (perennial)

Nemophila maculata Five spot (annual)

Nemophila menziesii Baby blue eyes (annual)

Phacelia campanularia California blue bells (annual)

Sisyrinchium bellum Blue eyed grass (perennial)

 

How to seed this wildflower mix:

Prepare Your Soil

The plants in this mix are indigenous to CA, but that doesn't mean they will grow in unprepared soil.  If the area you will be planting has very compact soil with an existing weed population, you will likely get very poor germination without some preparation.

For compacted soils, begin by removing any existing invasive plants.  Loosen the soil surface with a digging fork or tiller and incorporate a 1 inch layer of compost. Water the soil thoroughly and allow water to soak in for one week.

If new "weed" seedling germinate, remove weeds before proceeding to wildfloewr planting.

Planting Time

Spread seeds a few days before there is a prediction for several days of rainy weather.  Wildflower seeds need consistent moisture and cooler temperatures to germinate. An ideal week would have 3 days of rainy weather with temperatures in the 50s and 60s.

Planting Technique

Pour your wildflower seed mix into a 5 gallon bucket or similar size container (that has no holes) with a lid. Add in soil from your garden so the ratio in the bucket is 20:1 soil:seeds.  Close the lid and shake the bucket thoroughly for 2 minutes.  This process will scratch the surface of seed coats, assisting with germination.

Hand broadcast your seeds over the area you want to plant.

Watering

In a prepared soil and a typical California rainy season, wildflowers should not need additional watering to germinate or grow. In the case of a dry season, hand water every days for 5-6 days to germinate, then about twice a week for establishment. 

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Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'
Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'
Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'
Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'
Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'
Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'

Black Sage, 'Salvia mellifera'

$12.50

Black Sage, 'Salvia Mellifera', is an attractive and versatile shrub with benefits for wildlife. Growing up to 6' tall and 10' wide, it features small, pale blue-lavender flowers and dark green leaves. Thriving in full sun and well-draining soil, it requires no supplemental water once established making it a low-maintenance plant. An important food source for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, its seeds also provide food for birds like quail and towhees.

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Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia'
Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia'
Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia'
Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia'

Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia'

$12.50

Lemonade Berry, 'Rhus integrifolia', is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can reach heights up to 30 feet. Found in seaside canyons or inland on mountains, it has pink or brownish petioles and leathery leaves. Its small flowers appear from February to May, and its tart red to gray fruits give the plant its name. A popular species, it is used decoratively and for medicinal and culinary purposes.

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Common Yarrow, 'Achillea millefolium'
Common Yarrow, 'Achillea millefolium'

Common Yarrow, 'Achillea millefolium'

$12.50

As part of the Asteraceae family, this beautiful wildflower adds texture and long-lasting blooms to any garden. With regular deadheading, yarrow will bloom from spring into late summer and will attract butterflies to your yard. Yarrow is also quite drought resistant and does require good drainage or else it will get floppy. 

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White Sage, 'Salvia Apiana'
White Sage, 'Salvia Apiana'

White Sage, 'Salvia Apiana'

$8.00
White sage, bee sage, or sacred sage, (Salvia apiana) is one of the cornerstone species of the coastal sage scrub habitat of Southern California and Baja California. It grows rapidly to 3 or 4 feet tall, with white flower spikes shooting up sometimes 8 feet or more. The leaves (about 1.5-3 inches long) are covered with dense hairs, which give them a white coloring, sometimes with a blueish tint. Younger leaves tend to be greener, and turn whiter as they get older. Each flower spikes bears ~100 white flowers with tiny lavender spots and streaks. From a few feet away, the white flowers sometimes appear to have a purplish tint. White sage is strongly aromatic, with a powerful and slightly acrid sage smell. Native people use the dried leaves as an incense for ceremonial purposes. (Calscape.org)
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Narrowleaf Milkweed, 'Asclepias fascicularis'
Narrowleaf Milkweed, 'Asclepias fascicularis'
Narrowleaf Milkweed, 'Asclepias fascicularis'
Narrowleaf Milkweed, 'Asclepias fascicularis'

Narrowleaf Milkweed, 'Asclepias fascicularis'

$12.50

California's narrow-leaved Milkweed has narrow leaves and a wider native range and a whole lot more garden tolerance than most of the other native species. Asclepias fascicularis is a perennial with three foot tall stem and large (but narrow) five inch leaves, and a five inch or so flower cluster. In our area, this plant is covered with monarch caterpillars during the summer. The Orioles use the dead stems for nests the next spring. (The matter looks like fiberglass.) Milkweeds need sun (less flowers in the shade) and can be quite drought tolerant, plant; mulch heavily,or better yet, plant next to boulder, water well first month and ignore. Asclepias fascicularis can tolerate some pretty awful coastal clays that are sour bogs in winter and salty toast in summer. Native from Southeast Washington and adjacent Idaho through California, Oregon, into Baja California and west into Nevada. 

The alkaloids associated with this milkweed and other milkweeds give the monarch and other butterflies that feed on it protection from predators. Alkaloids from the wrong milkweed (South American, Mexican, etc.) can expose the butterflies to predation. If the monarch or other butterfly has not evolved with the milkweed they may have limited tolerance for the particular alkaloid or latex of the plant species. The California flyway runs from Baja to Canada, it does not include Mexico proper nor Central America.

Asclepias fascicularis tolerates clay and seasonal flooding.
Asclepias fascicularis is great for a bird garden and a butterfly garden.
Asclepias fascicularis's foliage color is green and type is deciduous.
Asclepias fascicularis's flower color is white.

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CA Native Planting Instructions

Planting California native plants is a rewarding endeavor that supports local ecosystems and enhances the natural beauty of your surroundings. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you successfully plant and care for these indigenous gems:

#1 Choose right location

Identify a suitable location based on the sunlight requirements of your selected native plants. Most California natives prefer full sun, but some may thrive in partial shade.

#2 Planting

Dig a hole slightly larger than the plant's root ball. Gently remove the plant from its container, loosen the roots, and place it in the hole. Position the plant at the same depth it was in the container and backfill with soil. Water thoroughly after planting.

#3 Amend the Soil

Though most CA Native plants don't require highly fertile soil, soil in most home gardens has been damaged from construction and years of dehydration and sun exposure. Improve soil quality by amending it with organic matter such as compost. Add a 1/2 inch layer of compost in a 1 foot diameter around each plant.

#4 Mulch

Apply a layer of wood chip mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch away from the plant's stem to prevent rot.

#5 Watering

Water newly planted California native plants deeply to establish their roots. Afterward, reduce the frequency of watering, as many natives are adapted to drought conditions. However, monitor soil moisture and water when needed, especially during prolonged dry spells.

#6 Pruning and Maintenance

Native plants generally require minimal pruning. Remove dead or damaged growth as needed. Avoid over-fertilizing, as many California natives are adapted to nutrient-poor soils.

#7 Attract Wildlife

California native plants often play a crucial role in supporting local wildlife. Consider incorporating plants that attract pollinators, butterflies, and birds, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.

#8 Observe and Adapt

Regularly observe the health and growth of your native plants. If adjustments are needed, such as additional water during extreme heat, be responsive to the changing needs of your garden.By following these steps, you can create a thriving garden that not only showcases the beauty of California's native plants but also contributes to the overall health of the local environment.