Tarweed is in full bloom from late summer through fall, providing pollen and nectar when little else is available for bees and beneficial insects. A great choice with asters, goldenrod and grasses; heavy bloomer, reseeds readily. Usually 4 to 6 ft. tall, full sun, very low water needs.

This species of Gilia is unique to California and very easy to grow. Each plant yields hundreds of half-inch flowers on upright stems surrounded by soft, lacy foliage. Gilia is very attractive to bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Spring blooms, low water, 18” tall, reseeds.

The state flower of California, every garden should have this cheerful annual. California poppies like fast draining soil and plenty of sunshine but are very hardy and will tolerate poor soil conditions as well. Put out seed once winter rains start. Will reseed easily. 12” high, spring-summer blooming.

The blooms of this native clarkia range from white, pale pink, salmon, and bright pink to magenta. Flowers in full sun or partial shade. Clarkia grows in sandy, well-drained soils, but also thrives in clay soil. Spring blooms, 1-3’ tall, drought tolerant, moderate water for best flowering display.

Gilias are easy to grow, and will happily reseed when conditions are right! Annual wildflowers often mingle with other wildflowers in the Grasslands and sun spots in the Oak Woodlands. Plant them amongst bunchgrasses in the garden; and use wildflowers to fill in around newly planted shrubs.

The ferny foliage is beautiful, and the spring flowers attract many beneficial insects. Seed can be sown in the garden at the start of the rainy season, or in containers later in spring. Songbirds eat the seeds, so be sure to offer protection until seedlings are at least a few inches tall.

Phacleias are one of the very best bee forage plants! The flowers bloom in early summer, and also attract many other beneficial insects. Plant them anywhere you need the service of pollinators; they create a beautiful and beneficial understory in a fruit orchard.

Annual wildflowers can be started from seed in the fall; protect against songbirds, which will eat the seed and newly germinated seedlings. Wildflowers can also be grown in containers.