Plant Library
A curated selection of species proven to perform in the Tuolumne County foothills. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and beautiful.
California Fescue
Festuca californica
Verdict: A reliable native bunchgrass for foothill gardens and restoration sites: deep-rooted, non-aggressive, and excellent for slope stability in oak woodland settings.
California Fuchsia
Epilobium canum
Verdict: The grand finale of the native garden. Blazes with red trumpets in late summer/fall when everything else is brown.
California Sheepburr
Acaena californica
Verdict: A tough, low-growing native groundcover perfect for stabilizing slopes and filling gaps between stepping stones.
Common Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Verdict: A spreading groundcover with feathery foliage. Tough as nails and excellent for suppressing weeds.
Deer Grass
Muhlenbergia rigens
Verdict: A sculptural bunchgrass that looks good in every season. Bulletproof against heat and deer.
Penstemon ‘Margarita BOP’
Penstemon heterophyllus
Verdict: The most reliable native penstemon. Electric blue-purple flowers that bloom for months.