Petaluma Library

Hot Lips Salvia microphylla The Hot Lips plant, scientifically known as Salvia microphylla is a visually striking perennial known for its remarkable two-tone flowers that resemble a pair of lips. This plant's vibrant appearance and ability to attract pollinators make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes. [...]

Black Lace Elderberry Sambucus nigra porphyrophylla This Black Lace Elderberry, or Sambucus nigra porphyrophylla, is a large, upright, deciduous shrub adorned with striking foliage of purple leaves from Spring to Fall. In early Summer, a profusion of lemon-scented umbels are packed with creamy pink flowers make their appearance. The [...]

Bog Sage Salvia uliginosa Bog Sage, or Salvia uliginosa, is native to Southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.  It was named for its typical habitat "of swamps and marshes," so it loves lots of water and thrives in full-sun, but is also drought-tolerant once established. It's beautiful blue flowers bloom [...]

Mexican Bush Sage Salvia leucantha Mexican Bush Sage, or Salvia leucantha, is usually found blooming for a long time, from March to November, and is a favorite of bees and hummingbirds. It grows well in full-sun and is drought tolerant once established, but does well with some supplemental [...]

French Lavender Lavandula dentata French Lavender, or Lavandula dentata, is a sun-loving and extremely drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean. It's fragrant blooms attract many types of pollinators. The blooms and leaves are often used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

California Fuchsia Epilobium canum California Fuchsia, or Epilobium canum, is a species of willowherb that is native to the California foothills and coastal areas. It is a perennial with scarlet flowers that bloom in summer and autumn --- it's often the only native California plant in an area [...]

Penstemon Penstemon heterophyllus Penstemon, or Penstemon heterophyllus, is a species endemic to California and can be found in all major coastal mountain ranges and the northern Sierra Nevada foothills. It occurs in many habitat types from grassland to chaparral to forests. It produces upright, branching stems often exceeding [...]

Coast Goldenrod Solidago spathulata Coast Goldenrod, or Solidago spathulata, is a North American species of goldenrod in the sunflower family. It's native to coastal regions in California and Oregon. It's is perennial herb that grows up to 20 inches tall. One plant can produce as many as 100 [...]

Hummingbird Sage Salvia spathacea Hummingbird Sage, or Salvia spathacea is a magnet for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and you guessed it— hummingbirds! This spectacular sage is recognized for its bright pink and red flowering spikes and pleasant aroma. It spreads by rhizomes and over time can cover [...]

Deer Grass Muhlenbergia rigens Deergrass, or Muhlenbergia rigens, is a native bunchgrass and a popular plant choice for groundcover applications. It's a low-water grass that's very easy to grow. It does best in sandy soil and partial to full sun, but it is versatile enough to tolerate a [...]