Think Again: The Tree of Life California Native Plant Re-Specifier

For thirty years, Tree of Life Nursery has been growing California native plants for the landscaping trade, and year after year we are faced with the same question: “What native plants are comparable to the common and traditional ornamental plants consistently chosen today?” Now we are answering this question with the newly revised “Handy Plant Re-Specifier.”

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Featured Plant: Epibolium

Epilobium, formerly Zauschneria, common name “California Fuchsia” is a champion of summer color. When many native plants in the landscape are in summer dormancy, Epilobium blooms brightly with its orange-red tubular flowers held above grayish-green to green foliage. Epilobium’s brilliant color and tubular flower are guaranteed to attract hummingbirds, who take turns for the privilege of feeding on the nectar. In fact, Epilobium is dependent on hummingbirds for pollination, and it provides one of their principal nectar sources during the summer months.

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Since you won’t have to write a book report due in September for credit, we hope that you enjoy reading and learning about native plants as you explore the region on your summer holiday. Our recommended reading is San Diego County Native Plants (second edition) by James Lightner. 2006. This easily accessible, lightweight and colorful guide is an excellent resource for all native plant enthusiasts in southern California, because many of the San Diego plants are widespread throughout the region.

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