Plant Descriptions and Characteristics

Terms

Acacia (Golden Wattle)

Acacia pycnantha

•

Description:

–

Phyllodes: modified petioles

(parallel veins)

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Legume

•

Flower:

–

Yellow

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originated in Australia

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

•

Uses:

–

Perfume

•

Family:

–

Fabaceae (Pea family)

Bladderpod

Isomeris arborea

•

Description

–

Compound leaves with 3 leaflets

–

Leaves alternate

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Yellow

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Endemic to Southern California

–

Found in coastal sage scrub (CSS)

and desert habitats in Southern

California

•

Chemical:

–

Strong odor to reduce

predation

•

Uses:

–

None

•

Family:

–

Capparaceae

Brazilian Pepper

Schinus terebinthifolius

•

Description:

–

Pinnately compound leaves

–

Leaves alternate

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Small white

•

Location:

–

Non-native (invasive)

–

Originated in tropical and

subtropical South America

•

Chemical:

–

Aromatic sap that may burn

–

May act as a narcotic on birds

who eat berries

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental

•

Family:

–

Anacardiaceae

(Sumac family)

Black Sage

Salvia mellifera

•

Description:

–

Simple leaves with small hairs

–

Drought Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Schizocarp

•

Flower:

–

Blue or lavender in stacked

balls

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub (CSS) and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Diterpenoids used as pain

relievers

•

Uses:

–

Rub on sore feet

–

Chumash brewed as sun tea

–

Nectar used to make honey

•

Family:

–

Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Bulrush

Schoenoplectus californicus

•

Description

–

Triangular leaf

–

Sedge-like

•

Fruit:

–

Grain

•

Flower:

–

Brown or tan panicle

inflorescence

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Indicator of freshwater in

North and South America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Used by Native Americans to

make baskets, rope, canoes

•

Family:

–

Cyperaceae

California Blackberry

Rubus ursinus

•

Description

–

Leaves usually have 3 leaflets

but sometimes 5 or only 1

–

Branches with prickles

–

Usually Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Aggregate fruit made up of

numerous duplets

•

Flower:

–

White with narrow petals

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Common in moist and shaded

shrublands, streamsides,

disturbed areas, and canyons

–

Western U.S.

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Used by Native Americans as a

food

•

Family:

–

Rosaceae

(Rose family)

California Buckeye

Aesculus californica

•

Description

–

Palmately Compound with

five leaflets

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Large white to pink

•

Location:

–

Native to northern California

–

Only buckeye species

endemic to California

•

Chemical:

–

Neurotoxic glycoside aesculin,

which causes hemolysis of

red blood cells.

•

Uses:

–

Used by Native Americans to

kill fish

–

Toxic to honeybees

•

Family:

–

Sapindaceae

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

•

Description:

–

Leaves in clusters

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Grain

•

Flower:

–

White or brown clusters

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Treatment of headache,

diarrhea, and wounds

–

Good for heart

–

Erosion control

–

Source of food for honeybees

in summer months

•

Family:

–

Polygonaceae

California Redbud

Cercis occidentalis

•

Description:

–

Simple heart-shaped leaves

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Legume

•

Flower:

–

Large Pink or red

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Chaparral habitats in western

United States

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Wood Veneer

–

Erosion control

–

Red bark used for baskets

•

Family:

–

Fabeaceae (Pea family)

California Sagebrush

Artemisia californica

•

Description

–

Slender flexible stems with

thin pinnate leaves

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Achene

•

Flower:

–

Narrow inflorescence which

are yellowish

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Terpenes to reduce

competition and predation

•

Uses:

–

Erosion control

–

Reduce digestive issues

•

Family:

–

Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Caster Bean

Ricinus communis

•

Description:

–

Palmate alternate Leaves

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Spiny capsule (not a true

bean)

•

Flower:

–

Panicle-like inflorescence

which are reddish in color

•

Location:

–

Non-native (invasive)

–

Originally from Asia and

Africa

•

Chemical:

–

Ricin (deadly)

•

Uses:

–

Source of Caster Oil used for

digestive cleansing

–

lubricant

•

Family:

–

Euphorbiaceae

Catalina Cherry

Prunus ilicifolia

•

Description:

–

Simple toothed alternating

leaves (vary)

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe with large pit

•

Flower:

–

Small white

•

Location:

–

Native

–

California chaparral

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

•

Uses:

–

Native Americans made a

fermented drink

•

Family:

–

Rosaceae

(Rose Family)

Catalina Ironwood

Lyonothamnus floribundus

•

Description:

–

Compound Leaves (fernlike)

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Cream  colored

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Endemic to Catalina Island

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental but seeds not

very viable

•

Family:

–

Rosaceae (Rose family)

Cattail

Typha sp

.)

•

Description

–

Flat simple leaf

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Nut

•

Flower:

–

Dense Brown Spike (wind

dispersed)

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Indicator of fresh water in

Northern Hemisphere

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Rhizomes are edible

–

Leaves can be woven in to

baskets or braided into rope

•

Family:

–

Typhaceae

Ceonothus (Mt. Lilac)

Ceonothus sp.

•

Description:

–

Simple leaf with three

prominent veins

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Blue

•

Location:

–

Native

–

California chaparral

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Eaten by Deer

–

Used for teas

–

Baskets

•

Family:

–

Rhamnaceae

Coast Live Oak

Quercus agrifolia

•

Description:

–

Simple convex leaves with

dentate margins

–

Hairs in axils in leaves

–

Evergreen

–

No undergrowth due to shade

and Tannins

•

Fruit:

–

Nut

•

Flower:

–

Catkins

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Oak woodlands, chaparral

and CSS habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

•

Uses:

–

Food

–

Charcoal

•

Family:

–

Fagaceae

Coffee Berry

Rhamnus californica

•

Description:

–

Simple, reddish bark on stems

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Greenis

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Southwestern United States,

Chaparral

•

Chemical:

–

none

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental not as well liked

by deer

–

Erosion control

–

Heal burns and rashes

–

Used as laxative

•

Family:

–

Rhamnaceae

Coyote Bush

Baccharis pilularis

•

Description

–

Simple leaves that are often

sticky

–

Various shapes determined

by location

–

Large root system

•

Fruit:

–

Achenes

•

Flower:

–

Small white or yellow

•

Location:

–

Native

–

CSS and chaparral habitats in

western United States

•

Chemical:

–

Oils to prevent predation

•

Uses:

–

Secondary pioneer plant

•

Family:

–

Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Crepe Myrtle

Lagerstroemia sp.

•

Description

–

Simple leaves that are opposite

–

Entire Margins

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Small crepe like flowers ranging

from Red to pink to white

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Found on the Indian continent,

Southeast Asia and Northern

Australia

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental

–

The timber of some species has

been used to manufacture

bridges, furniture, and railway

sleepers

•

Family:

–

Lythraceae

Blue Elderberry

Sambucus nigra

•

Description

–

Pinnately compound leaves

with 5-9 leaflets

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

True berry

•

Flower:

–

Yellow in an umbrella

structure

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Edible fruits

–

Wine

–

Syrup

•

Family:

–

Adoxaceae

Encelia or Brittlebush

Encelia sp

.)

•

Description:

–

White leaves

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Acene

•

Flower:

–

Yellow

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and desert

habitats

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Glue, Sealer, Gum, Incense

–

Treat toothaches

•

Family:

–

Asteraceae

(Sunflower family)

Eucalyptus

Eucalyptus sp

.)

•

Description:

–

700 species

–

Alternate simple leaves

–

Evergreen

–

Gum Trees

–

Peeling bark

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Vary in color with an

operculum

•

Location:

–

Non-native (Invasive)

–

Originally from Australia

•

Chemical:

–

Terpenoids (aromatic)

•

Uses:

–

Planted to lower the water

table

–

Make pulp for paper

–

Antiseptic

–

Food additives

–

Insect repellent

•

Family:

–

Myrtaceae

Flannel Bush

Fremontodendron sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Simple 3-lobed leaves

–

Evergreen

–

Fuzzy texture – modified hairs

called trichomes

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Large yellowish orange

Flowers

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Southwestern U.S. and

Mexico

–

Chaparral, pine woodlands,

and juniper woodland

habitats

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Water conservation gardens

•

Family:

–

Malvaceae

Fremont Cottonwood

Populus fremontii

•

Description:

–

Simple leaf with long

flattened petiole

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Achene

•

Flower:

–

Catkins

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Riparian habitats

–

Southwest U.S. and Northern

Mexico

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Erosion control

–

Fuel and fence posts

•

Family:

–

Salicaceae

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

•

Description:

–

Simple leaf with long

flattened petiole

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Large white or pinkish

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Desert habitats in

southwestern U.S

•

Chemical

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Wood used to make bows and

baskets

–

Used to treat fungal

infections

•

Family:

–

Oleaceae

Ginkgo

Ginkgo biloba

•

Description:

–

Simple leaf which is fan

shaped

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

None

•

Flower:

–

None

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originated in China

•

Chemical:

–

Butyric Acid

•

Uses:

–

Decorative ornamental –

only males planted in this

country

•

Family:

–

Ginkgoaceae

Horehound

Marrubium vulgare

•

Description

–

Simple leaf with crinkled

appearance

•

Fruit:

–

Berry

•

Flower:

–

White clusters on stem

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from Europe, Africa

and Asia

•

Chemical:

–

Essential oils

•

Uses:

–

Antimicrobial and anticancer

properties

–

Candy

–

Grasshopper repellent

–

Invasive Weed

•

Family

–

Laminaceae (Mint family)

Incense Cedar

Calocedrus decurrens

•

Description:

–

Scaled leaves in flat sprays

–

Branches Flexible

•

Fruit:

–

None

•

Flower:

–

None

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Evergreen forests in western

North America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Pencils

–

Light fires

•

Family:

–

Cupressaceae

Indian Paintbrush

Castilleja sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Clover like leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Red, orange to yellow (bracts)

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Various habitats in western

North America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Eaten as greens

–

Hairwash

–

Dye

•

Family:

–

Orobanchaceae

Jacaranda

Jacaranda sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Doubly compound leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

 Purple – often sticky

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from Central and

South America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental plants

–

Acoustic guitars

•

Family:

–

Bignoniaceae

Jimson Weed

Datura stramonium

•

Description

–

Large simple toothed leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Large white to purple

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub, desert,

and chaparral habitats

–

Widespread throughout

North and South America

•

Chemical:

–

Atropine

•

Uses:

–

Relieve asthma symptoms

–

Hallucinogen

•

Family:

–

Solanaceae

Jojoba

Simmondsia chinensis

•

Description:

–

Simple leaves that stand erect

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Small greenish yellow

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Chaparral and desert habitats

in western North America

•

Chemical

–

Oil (liquid wax ester)

•

Uses:

–

Laxative

–

Salve

–

Biodiesel fuel

–

Cosmetics

•

Family:

–

Simmondsiaceae

Laurel Sumac

Malosma laurina

•

Description;

–

Large Simple Leaves with

reddish edges

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Small white

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

Chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Volatile compounds

•

Uses:

–

Tea for dysentery

–

Crown sprouting

–

Fire adapted

•

Family:

–

Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Lemonade Berry

Rhus integrifolia

•

Description:

–

Large Simple and alternating

–

Evergreen

–

Reddish twigs

–

Leaf margins may be serrated

•

Fruit:

–

Berry

•

Flower:

–

Small rosy pink

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

•

Uses:

–

Lemonade like drink

–

Make candles

•

Family:

–

Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Liquid Amber

Lizuidamber styraciflua

•

Description:

–

Large Simple and palmate

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Woody Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Greenish

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from deciduous

forests in eastern U.S.

•

Chemical:

–

Styrax

•

Uses:

–

Plywood, furniture, cabinets

–

Chewing gum

•

Family:

–

Altingiaceae

Mesquite

Prosopis sp

.)

•

Description

–

Deciduous

–

Doubly pinnate compound

leaves

–

Long Taproot (up to 200 ft)

–

Thorns

•

Fruit:

–

Legume

•

Flower:

–

Catkins with pale green or

yellow flowers

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Desert habitats in

southwestern U.S

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

 Food (flour)

–

Furniture

–

Barbecues

•

Family:

–

Fabaceae (Pea family)

Monkey Flower

Mimulus

aurantiacus

•

Description

–

Deep Green Sticky

Leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Tubular flowers that are

red to orange in color

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Disturbed sandy habitats

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Native Americans used

the plant to treat minor

ailments such as sores,

burns, diarrhea, and eye

irritation.

•

Family:

–

Phrymaceae

Mulefat

Baccharis salicifolia

•

Description:

–

Simple Leaves

–

Sticky foliage

•

Fruit:

–

Small achene

•

Flower:

–

Small fuzzy pink or red-tinged

white flowers

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub, chaparral,

and riparian habitats in

western U.S

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

 Erosion control

•

Family:

–

Asteraceaea (Sunflower family)

Mustard

Bassica sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Annual

•

Fruit:

–

Silque

•

Flower:

–

Yellow

•

Location:

–

Non-native (Invasive)

–

Originally from

Mediterranean region

•

Chemical

–

Allelochemicals – inhibit

mychorrhizae of neighboring

plants

•

Uses:

–

 Pioneer plant (indicator of

distrubance)

–

Cooking oil

–

Spice

–

High in Vitamin C

•

Family:

–

Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

Olive

Olea europaea

•

Description:

–

Small evergreen tree with small

oblong leaves that are dark

green on the top, silvery on the

bottom

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Small white feathery flowers in

racemes

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from Mediterranean

region, Asia and Africa

•

Chemical

–

Oleuropein – makes olives bitter.

Olives are fermented to use as

food

•

Uses:

–

 Food (Olives are artificially black

by adding the chemical ferrous

sulfate

–

90% of olives are used as olive

oil

–

Has been used as a symbol of

peace

•

Family:

–

Oleaceae

Palm Tree

Washingtonia sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Evergreen

–

Skirt

–

Near water (Oasis)

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Small and insignificant

•

Location:

–

Native or Non-native

–

Desert habitats in Mexico and

southern California

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

 Food

–

Baskets

–

Thatch Roofs

•

Family:

–

Arecaceae

Palo Verde

Parkinsonia microphylla

•

Description:

–

Green bark

–

Small leaves that are drought

deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Legume

•

Flower:

–

Pale yellow

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Desert habitats in

southwestern U.S

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

 Food (flour)

•

Family:

–

Fabaceae (Pea family)

Pampas Grass

Cortaderia selloana

•

Description:

–

Tall grass with leaves that cut

when going toward center of

plant

•

Fruit:

–

Grain

•

Flower:

–

Dense white panicles

•

Location:

–

Non-native (Invasive)

–

Riparian habitats

–

Originally from South America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Flower arrangements

•

Family:

–

Poaceaea (Grass family)

Pine Tree

Pinus sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Leaves are needles grouped

into fascicles

–

Branches flexible

•

Fruit:

–

None

•

Flower:

–

None

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Evergreen forests worldwide

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Wood

–

Furniture, floors

•

Family:

–

Pinaceae

Pricklypear Cactus

Opuntia littoralis

•

Description:

–

Leaves modified into Glochids

–

Stems modified as

Chladophylls

•

Fruit:

–

Fleshy red fruit (pear)

•

Flower:

–

Yellow to red

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Found in coastal sage scrub

and desert habitats in

southwestern United States

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Can be eaten

•

Family:

–

Cactaceae (Cactus family)

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

•

Description:

–

Palm-like

•

Fruit:

–

None

•

Flower:

–

None

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from Japan and

China

•

Chemical:

–

Alkaloids, tannins, steroids

•

Uses:

–

 Ornamental

•

Family:

–

Cycadaceae

Southern Black Walnut

Juglans nigra

•

Description:

–

Compound leaves

–

Deciduous

–

Slight odor

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Green catkins

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Riparian habitats

–

Endemic to California

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Flooring, furniture

–

Food

•

Family:

–

Juglandaceae

Southern Magnolia

Magnolia grandiflora

•

Description

–

Thick Waxy Leaves with rusty

pubescence underneath

•

Fruit:

–

Follicle

•

Flower:

–

Large White

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from southeastern

U.S.

•

Chemical

–

None

•

Use

–

 Ornamental

–

Make furniture, pallets and

veneer

•

Family

–

Magnoliaceae

Stinging Nettle

Urtica sp.

•

Description

–

Small perennial plant with

serrated leaves and trichomes

•

Fruit:

–

Achene

•

Flower:

–

Small greenish or brownish in

an inflorescence

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Western United States

•

Chemical

–

Acetylcholine, histamine,

formic acid

•

Use

–

 Food

•

Family

–

Urticaceae

Sugar Bush

Rhus ovata

•

Description

–

Large simple leaves with

reddish twigs

–

Ovate leaves that are folded

along the midrib

–

Leaf margins entire (smooth

•

Fruit:

–

Drupe

•

Flower:

–

Small, pink

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

•

Uses:

–

 Ornamental

•

Family:

–

Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Sweet Bay

Laurus sp

.)

•

Description:

–

Glossy simple leaves

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

True berry

•

Flower:

–

Pale yellow green

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Originally from

Mediterranean region

•

Chemical:

–

Cineole oil

•

Uses:

–

Astringent

–

Olympic wreaths

–

Cooking (spices)

•

Family

–

Lauraceae

Toyon

Heteromeles

Photonia

arbutifolia

•

Description:

–

Christmas Berry

–

Simple leaf - dentate

–

Evergreen

•

Fruit:

–

Pome

•

Flower:

–

Small, white

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

chaparral habitats.

•

Chemical:

–

Tannins

–

Glycocides

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental

–

Jelly from fruit

–

Tea for stomach ailments

•

Family:

–

Rosaceae (Rose family)

Tree Tobacco

Nicotiana glauca

•

Description:

–

Heart shaped leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Yellow tubular

•

Location:

–

Non-native (Invasive)

–

Originally from South America

•

Chemical:

–

Nicotine

•

Uses:

–

Smoked

–

Treat swelling and bruises

–

Biofuel

•

Family:

–

Solanaceae

Western Sycamore

Platanus racemosa

•

Description:

–

Large palmate leaves that are

pubescent

–

Deciduous

–

Peeling Bark

•

Fruit:

–

Achene

•

Flower:

–

Inflorescence

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Riparian habitats in California

and Baja California

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental

•

Family:

–

Platanaceae

White Alder

Alnus rhombifolia

•

Description:

–

Simple alternate leaves

with serrate margins

–

Deciduous

–

Bark with “eyes”

•

Fruit:

–

Strobili (females)

•

Flower:

–

Catkins (male)

•

Location:

–

Native

–

Chaparral and woodland

habitats in California and

Baja

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Ornamental

•

Family:

–

Betulaceae

White Ash

Fraxinus americana

•

Description:

–

Compound leaves that are

made of 5-9 leaflets

–

Leaves are opposite

–

Deciduous

•

Fruit:

–

Samara

•

Location:

–

Non-native

–

Riparian habitats

–

Originally from eastern North

America

•

Chemical:

–

None

•

Uses:

–

Baseball bats, oars, flooring,

tool handles

•

Family:

–

Oleaceae

White Sage

Salvia apiana

•

Description:

–

Large white leaves with an

odor

•

Fruit:

–

Achene

•

Flower:

–

White to lavender

•

 Location:

–

Native

–

Coastal sage scrub and

Chaparral habitats

•

Chemical:

–

Terpenes to reduce

competition and predation

•

Uses:

–

Food (Pinole)

•

Family:

–

Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Wild Radish

Raphanus raphanistrum

•

Description:

–

Annual

–

Small simple leaves

•

Fruit:

–

Silques

•

Flower:

–

White to lavender

•

 Location:

–

Non-native (Invasive)

–

Originally from Asia

•

Chemical

–

None

•

Use

–

Food

•

Family

–

Brassicaeae (Mustard family)

Willow

Salix sp

.)

•

Description

–

Narrow simple leaves

–

Usually Deciduous

–

Moist soils

•

Fruit:

–

Capsule

•

Flower:

–

Catkins

•

 Location:

–

Native

–

Riparian habitats in Northern

hemisphere

•

Chemical:

–

Salicylic Acid

•

Uses:

–

Aspirin

•

Family:

–

Salicaceae

Plant families

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Explore descriptions and characteristics of different plant species including Acacia, Bladderpod, Brazilian Pepper, Black Sage, Bulrush, and California Blackberry. Each plant's unique features, location, chemical composition, uses, and family classification are highlighted, along with images for visual reference.

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Acacia (Golden Wattle) (Acacia pycnantha) Description: Phyllodes: modified petioles (parallel veins) Evergreen Fruit: Legume Flower: Yellow Location: Non-native Originated in Australia Chemical: Tannins Uses: Perfume Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

Bladderpod (Isomeris arborea) Description Compound leaves with 3 leaflets Leaves alternate Evergreen Fruit: Capsule Flower: Yellow Location: Native Endemic to Southern California Found in coastal sage scrub (CSS) and desert habitats in Southern California Chemical: Strong odor to reduce predation Uses: None Family: Capparaceae

Brazilian Pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) Description: Pinnately compound leaves Leaves alternate Evergreen Fruit: Drupe Flower: Small white Location: Non-native (invasive) Originated in tropical and subtropical South America Chemical: Aromatic sap that may burn May act as a narcotic on birds who eat berries Uses: Ornamental Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) Description: Simple leaves with small hairs Drought Deciduous Fruit: Schizocarp Flower: Blue or lavender in stacked balls Location: Native Coastal sage scrub (CSS) and chaparral habitats Chemical: Diterpenoids used as pain relievers Uses: Rub on sore feet Chumash brewed as sun tea Nectar used to make honey Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)

Bulrush (Schoenoplectus californicus) Description Triangular leaf Sedge-like Fruit: Grain Flower: Brown or tan panicle inflorescence Location: Native Indicator of freshwater in North and South America Chemical: None Uses: Used by Native Americans to make baskets, rope, canoes Family: Cyperaceae

California Blackberry (Rubus ursinus) Description Leaves usually have 3 leaflets but sometimes 5 or only 1 Branches with prickles Usually Deciduous Fruit: Aggregate fruit made up of numerous duplets Flower: White with narrow petals Location: Native Common in moist and shaded shrublands, streamsides, disturbed areas, and canyons Western U.S. Chemical: None Uses: Used by Native Americans as a food Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

California Buckeye (Aesculus californica) Description Palmately Compound with five leaflets Deciduous Fruit: Capsule Flower: Large white to pink Location: Native to northern California Only buckeye species endemic to California Chemical: Neurotoxic glycoside aesculin, which causes hemolysis of red blood cells. Uses: Used by Native Americans to kill fish Toxic to honeybees Family: Sapindaceae

California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) Description: Leaves in clusters Evergreen Fruit: Grain Flower: White or brown clusters Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats Chemical: None Uses: Treatment of headache, diarrhea, and wounds Good for heart Erosion control Source of food for honeybees in summer months Family: Polygonaceae

California Redbud (Cercis occidentalis) Description: Simple heart-shaped leaves Deciduous Fruit: Legume Flower: Large Pink or red Location: Native Chaparral habitats in western United States Chemical: None Uses: Wood Veneer Erosion control Red bark used for baskets Family: Fabeaceae (Pea family)

California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica) Description Slender flexible stems with thin pinnate leaves Evergreen Fruit: Achene Flower: Narrow inflorescence which are yellowish Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats Chemical: Terpenes to reduce competition and predation Uses: Erosion control Reduce digestive issues Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Caster Bean (Ricinus communis) Description: Palmate alternate Leaves Evergreen Fruit: Spiny capsule (not a true bean) Flower: Panicle-like inflorescence which are reddish in color Location: Non-native (invasive) Originally from Asia and Africa Chemical: Ricin (deadly) Uses: Source of Caster Oil used for digestive cleansing lubricant Family: Euphorbiaceae

Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia) Description: Simple toothed alternating leaves (vary) Evergreen Fruit: Drupe with large pit Flower: Small white Location: Native California chaparral Chemical: Tannins Uses: Native Americans made a fermented drink Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Catalina Ironwood (Lyonothamnus floribundus) Description: Compound Leaves (fernlike) Evergreen Fruit: Capsule Flower: Cream colored Location: Native Endemic to Catalina Island Chemical: None Uses: Ornamental but seeds not very viable Family: Rosaceae (Rose family)

Cattail (Typha sp.) Description Flat simple leaf Evergreen Fruit: Nut Flower: Dense Brown Spike (wind dispersed) Location: Native Indicator of fresh water in Northern Hemisphere Chemical: None Uses: Rhizomes are edible Leaves can be woven in to baskets or braided into rope Family: Typhaceae

Ceonothus (Mt. Lilac) (Ceonothus sp.) Description: Simple leaf with three prominent veins Evergreen Fruit: Capsule Flower: Blue Location: Native California chaparral Chemical: None Uses: Eaten by Deer Used for teas Baskets Family: Rhamnaceae

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia) Description: Simple convex leaves with dentate margins Hairs in axils in leaves Evergreen No undergrowth due to shade and Tannins Fruit: Nut Flower: Catkins Location: Native Oak woodlands, chaparral and CSS habitats Chemical: Tannins Uses: Food Charcoal Family: Fagaceae

Coffee Berry (Rhamnus californica) Description: Simple, reddish bark on stems Evergreen Fruit: Drupe Flower: Greenish Location: Native Southwestern United States, Chaparral Chemical: none Uses: Ornamental not as well liked by deer Erosion control Heal burns and rashes Used as laxative Family: Rhamnaceae

Coyote Bush (Baccharis pilularis) Description Simple leaves that are often sticky Various shapes determined by location Large root system Fruit: Achenes Flower: Small white or yellow Location: Native CSS and chaparral habitats in western United States Chemical: Oils to prevent predation Uses: Secondary pioneer plant Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia sp.) Description Simple leaves that are opposite Entire Margins Deciduous Fruit: Capsule Flower: Small crepe like flowers ranging from Red to pink to white Location: Non-native Found on the Indian continent, Southeast Asia and Northern Australia Chemical: None Uses: Ornamental The timber of some species has been used to manufacture bridges, furniture, and railway sleepers Family: Lythraceae

Blue Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) Description Pinnately compound leaves with 5-9 leaflets Deciduous Fruit: True berry Flower: Yellow in an umbrella structure Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats Chemical: None Uses: Edible fruits Wine Syrup Family: Adoxaceae

Encelia or Brittlebush (Encelia sp.) Description: White leaves Evergreen Fruit: Acene Flower: Yellow Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and desert habitats Chemical: None Uses: Glue, Sealer, Gum, Incense Treat toothaches Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower family)

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus sp.) Description: 700 species Alternate simple leaves Evergreen Gum Trees Peeling bark Fruit: Capsule Flower: Vary in color with an operculum Location: Non-native (Invasive) Originally from Australia Chemical: Terpenoids (aromatic) Uses: Planted to lower the water table Make pulp for paper Antiseptic Food additives Insect repellent Family: Myrtaceae

Flannel Bush (Fremontodendron sp.) Description: Simple 3-lobed leaves Evergreen Fuzzy texture modified hairs called trichomes Fruit: Capsule Flower: Large yellowish orange Flowers Location: Native Southwestern U.S. and Mexico Chaparral, pine woodlands, and juniper woodland habitats Chemical: None Uses: Water conservation gardens Family: Malvaceae

Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii) Description: Simple leaf with long flattened petiole Deciduous Fruit: Achene Flower: Catkins Location: Native Riparian habitats Southwest U.S. and Northern Mexico Chemical: None Uses: Erosion control Fuel and fence posts Family: Salicaceae

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) Chemical None Uses: Wood used to make bows and baskets Used to treat fungal infections Family: Oleaceae Description: Simple leaf with long flattened petiole Deciduous Fruit: Drupe Flower: Large white or pinkish Location: Native Desert habitats in southwestern U.S

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) Description: Simple leaf which is fan shaped Deciduous Fruit: None Flower: None Location: Non-native Originated in China Chemical: Butyric Acid Uses: Decorative ornamental only males planted in this country Family: Ginkgoaceae

Horehound (Marrubium vulgare) Description Simple leaf with crinkled appearance Fruit: Berry Flower: White clusters on stem Location: Non-native Originally from Europe, Africa and Asia Chemical: Essential oils Uses: Antimicrobial and anticancer properties Candy Grasshopper repellent Invasive Weed Family Laminaceae (Mint family)

Incense Cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) Description: Scaled leaves in flat sprays Branches Flexible Fruit: None Flower: None Location: Native Evergreen forests in western North America Chemical: None Uses: Pencils Light fires Family: Cupressaceae

Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja sp.) Description: Clover like leaves Fruit: Capsule Flower: Red, orange to yellow (bracts) Location: Native Various habitats in western North America Chemical: None Uses: Eaten as greens Hairwash Dye Family: Orobanchaceae

Jacaranda (Jacaranda sp.) Description: Doubly compound leaves Fruit: Capsule Flower: Purple often sticky Location: Non-native Originally from Central and South America Chemical: None Uses: Ornamental plants Acoustic guitars Family: Bignoniaceae

Jimson Weed (Datura stramonium) Description Large simple toothed leaves Fruit: Capsule Flower: Large white to purple Location: Native Coastal sage scrub, desert, and chaparral habitats Widespread throughout North and South America Chemical: Atropine Uses: Relieve asthma symptoms Hallucinogen Family: Solanaceae

Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis) Description: Simple leaves that stand erect Fruit: Capsule Flower: Small greenish yellow Location: Native Chaparral and desert habitats in western North America Chemical Oil (liquid wax ester) Uses: Laxative Salve Biodiesel fuel Cosmetics Family: Simmondsiaceae

Laurel Sumac (Malosma laurina) Description; Large Simple Leaves with reddish edges Fruit: Drupe Flower: Small white Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and Chaparral habitats Chemical: Volatile compounds Uses: Tea for dysentery Crown sprouting Fire adapted Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Lemonade Berry (Rhus integrifolia) Description: Large Simple and alternating Evergreen Reddish twigs Leaf margins may be serrated Fruit: Berry Flower: Small rosy pink Location: Native Coastal sage scrub and chaparral habitats Chemical: Tannins Uses: Lemonade like drink Make candles Family: Anacardiaceae (Sumac family)

Liquid Amber (Lizuidamber styraciflua) Description: Large Simple and palmate Deciduous Fruit: Woody Capsule Flower: Greenish Location: Non-native Originally from deciduous forests in eastern U.S. Chemical: Styrax Uses: Plywood, furniture, cabinets Chewing gum Family: Altingiaceae

Mesquite (Prosopis sp.) Description Deciduous Doubly pinnate compound leaves Long Taproot (up to 200 ft) Thorns Fruit: Legume Flower: Catkins with pale green or yellow flowers Location: Native Desert habitats in southwestern U.S Chemical: None Uses: Food (flour) Furniture Barbecues Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

Monkey Flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) Description Deep Green Sticky Leaves Fruit: Capsule Flower: Tubular flowers that are red to orange in color Location: Native Disturbed sandy habitats Chemical: None Uses: Native Americans used the plant to treat minor ailments such as sores, burns, diarrhea, and eye irritation. Family: Phrymaceae

Mulefat (Baccharis salicifolia) Description: Simple Leaves Sticky foliage Fruit: Small achene Flower: Small fuzzy pink or red-tinged white flowers Location: Native Coastal sage scrub, chaparral, and riparian habitats in western U.S Chemical: None Uses: Erosion control Family: Asteraceaea (Sunflower family)

Mustard (Bassica sp.) Description: Annual Fruit: Silque Flower: Yellow Location: Non-native (Invasive) Originally from Mediterranean region Chemical Allelochemicals inhibit mychorrhizae of neighboring plants Uses: Pioneer plant (indicator of distrubance) Cooking oil Spice High in Vitamin C Family: Brassicaceae (Mustard family)

Olive (Olea europaea) Description: Small evergreen tree with small oblong leaves that are dark green on the top, silvery on the bottom Fruit: Drupe Flower: Small white feathery flowers in racemes Location: Non-native Originally from Mediterranean region, Asia and Africa Chemical Oleuropein makes olives bitter. Olives are fermented to use as food Uses: Food (Olives are artificially black by adding the chemical ferrous sulfate 90% of olives are used as olive oil Has been used as a symbol of peace Family: Oleaceae

Palm Tree (Washingtonia sp.) Description: Evergreen Skirt Near water (Oasis) Fruit: Drupe Flower: Small and insignificant Location: Native or Non-native Desert habitats in Mexico and southern California Chemical: None Uses: Food Baskets Thatch Roofs Family: Arecaceae

Palo Verde (Parkinsonia microphylla) Description: Green bark Small leaves that are drought deciduous Fruit: Legume Flower: Pale yellow Location: Native Desert habitats in southwestern U.S Chemical: None Uses: Food (flour) Family: Fabaceae (Pea family)

Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana) Description: Tall grass with leaves that cut when going toward center of plant Fruit: Grain Flower: Dense white panicles Location: Non-native (Invasive) Riparian habitats Originally from South America Chemical: None Uses: Flower arrangements Family: Poaceaea (Grass family)

Pine Tree (Pinus sp.) Description: Leaves are needles grouped into fascicles Branches flexible Fruit: None Flower: None Location: Native Evergreen forests worldwide Chemical: None Uses: Wood Furniture, floors Family: Pinaceae

Pricklypear Cactus (Opuntia littoralis) Description: Leaves modified into Glochids Stems modified as Chladophylls Fruit: Fleshy red fruit (pear) Flower: Yellow to red Location: Native Found in coastal sage scrub and desert habitats in southwestern United States Chemical: None Uses: Can be eaten Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)

Sago Palm (Cycas revoluta) Description: Palm-like Fruit: None Flower: None Location: Non-native Originally from Japan and China Chemical: Alkaloids, tannins, steroids Uses: Ornamental Family: Cycadaceae

Southern Black Walnut (Juglans nigra) Description: Compound leaves Deciduous Slight odor Fruit: Drupe Flower: Green catkins Location: Native Riparian habitats Endemic to California Chemical: None Uses: Flooring, furniture Food Family: Juglandaceae

Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) Description Thick Waxy Leaves with rusty pubescence underneath Fruit: Follicle Flower: Large White Location: Non-native Originally from southeastern U.S. Chemical None Use Ornamental Make furniture, pallets and veneer Family Magnoliaceae

Stinging Nettle (Urtica sp.) Description Small perennial plant with serrated leaves and trichomes Fruit: Achene Flower: Small greenish or brownish in an inflorescence Location: Native Western United States Chemical Acetylcholine, histamine, formic acid Use Food Family Urticaceae

Plant Descriptions and Characteristics

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