Palmer’s Penstemon is a drought tolerant perennial that prefers full sunlight. It produces soft pink flower that bloom May through July on tall, stout stems. Palmer’s Penstemon prefers open, exposed areas such as rocky hillsides, road banks, gravel pits, or gravelly washes. Its basal leaves are semi-evergreen and are palatable to livestock and wildlife during spring and winter. It is recommended for revegetating disturbed sites, especially on limestone soils.

Muhlenbergia rigens, commonly known as deergrass, is a species of perennial bunchgrass native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Deergrass is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid regions and is commonly found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and desert scrub. It prefers well-drained soils and is often seen on slopes or hillsides. Deergrass forms dense, clumping tufts with slender, arching, and graceful foliage. The leaves are narrow, linear, and can reach lengths of up to 2 feet (60 cm) or more. They are typically bluish-green or grayish-green in color.

Deergrass is an ecologically important plant in its native range. It provides food and habitat for various wildlife species, including deer, birds, and insects. Additionally, its dense clumps help stabilize soil and prevent erosion in areas prone to disturbance. Historically, indigenous communities in the southwestern United States utilized deergrass for various purposes, such as weaving baskets and mats.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx and green cutworm moth

Produced by S&S Seeds

California Brome, Bromus carinatus
Blue Wildrye, Elymus glaucus
California Barley, Hordeum californicum
Idaho Fescue, Festuca idahoensis
Purple Needlegrass, Stipa pulchra
One Sided Bluegrass, Poa secunda

The California Habitat Mix is a meticulously crafted blend of native grasses designed to bring the essence of the Californian landscape right to your doorstep. Perfect for sustainable landscaping, restoration projects, and creating a vibrant habitat for local wildlife, this mix embodies the beauty and resilience of California’s diverse ecosystems. We have formulated the perfect mix of grasses that will thrive in these conditions using little irrigation.

Big squirreltail is a species of wildrye native to the western United States, particularly in California; often found on rocky or brushy hillsides and in open woods, dry plains, grasslands, or savannas. It is a drought tolerant bunchgrass that is fire resistant. Big squirretail prefers full sun, well drained soils and is used as a quick fix to soil stabilization. Big squirretail is similar to bottlebrush squirreltail (Elymus elymoides), but grows in slightly more mesic areas.

Host plant: woodland skipper, Nevada skipper, white-lined sphinx, armyworm moth, bronzed cutworm, glassy borer, and darted wainscot

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Our California Native Erosion Control Mix is a thoughtfully curated blend of native grasses and legumes designed to provide effective erosion control while supporting local ecosystems. Comprising California Brome (Bromus carinatus), Small Fescue (Vulpia microstachys), and Foothill Clover (Trifolium ciliolatum), this mix is ideal for stabilizing soils in California’s diverse terrains, including slopes, disturbed sites, and areas prone to erosion.

Key Benefits:

Effective Erosion Control

• California Brome establishes rapidly, offering quick ground cover to protect against soil erosion. Its robust root system helps anchor soil on slopes and disturbed areas.

• Small Fescue contributes to soil stabilization with its fine roots, enhancing the soil structure and reducing runoff.

Adapted to California’s Climate

• All species in this mix are native to California, ensuring adaptability to local soil types and climatic conditions.

• These plants are drought-tolerant once established, making them suitable for areas with limited water availability.

Supports Local Biodiversity

• Foothill Clover, a native legume, enriches the soil by fixing atmospheric nitrogen, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

• The mix provides habitat and forage for native pollinators and wildlife, promoting ecological balance.

Ideal Applications:

• Slope stabilization and erosion control projects

• Restoration of native grasslands and habitats

• Roadside and utility corridor revegetation

• Post-fire landscape recovery

Establishment and Maintenance:

• Seeding Time: Optimal seeding occurs in the fall to take advantage of winter rains, promoting germination and establishment.

• Seeding Rate: Apply at a rate of 20–30 pounds per acre, depending on site conditions and desired coverage.

• Maintenance: Minimal maintenance required once established. Occasional mowing or controlled burns can help maintain plant vigor and control invasive species.

By choosing the California Native Erosion Control Mix, you’re investing in a sustainable solution that not only protects your land from erosion but also enhances the local environment by supporting native plant and animal species.

For the contents of this seed mix by weight, please contact us to request a digital copy of the seed tag.

Coast range melic, also known as California melic, small flower melic, and little California melic, is a perennial grass native to the southwestern United States and Baja California. It typically grows in woodlands, chaparral, and other dry areas and can be primarily found in the central and southern portions of California, along the coast, in the coastal mountain ranges, and in the foothills of the Sierras. With supplemental irrigation, coast range melic can remain evergreen, otherwise, it is dormant throughout the summer, greening up in fall/winter rain.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx and rural skipper

Produced by S&S Seeds

Scientific Name: Hordeum brachyantherum

Meadow barley is a perennial grass native, to western North America, from Alaska to northern Mexico, and parts of eastern North America. It is a tufted grass that produces compact, narrow purple flower clusters. Similar to other barleys, the smaller lateral spikelets come in triplets.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx, alfalfa looper moth, venerable dart, armyworm moth, bilobed looper moth, bronzed cutworm, and glassy borer

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Nodding needlegrass is a perennial grass native to California, primarily in the Coast Ranges from Tehama County southward. It is often found at elevations from sea level to 5,000 feet. This quick-growing grass flourishes in the spring with medium-green deciduous leaves. Needle grasses (Stipas) have been a major component of California’s native grasslands. In the garden, this grass is best grown in small patches between chaparral or sage scrub species and mixed with various perennial herbs and annuals.

Host plant: white-lined sphinx, Juba skipper, common ringlet, and Nevada skipper

Scientific Name: Plantago erecta

Dotseed plantain, also known as California plantain, foothill plantain, English plantain, and dwarf plantain, is a small annual herb native to California and Oregon. It often grows in sandy, clay, or serpentine soils, on flat or open woodland, or on grassy slopes. Dotseed plantain provides a grasslike appearance, is easy to establish, and is an excellent choice for erosion control.

Host plant: common buckeye, variable checkerspot, Edith’s checkerspot, painted lady, variegated fritillary, Anicia checkerspot, and snowberry checkerspot.

Produced by Hedgerow Farms

Scientific Name: Festuca microstachys

Small fescue, also known as pacific fescue or three weeks fescue, is an annual grasslike herb native to western North America, particularly to California. It is often found in disturbed or recently burned, open, sandy regions at elevations up to 5,000 feet. Small fescue is also found in the Yellow Pine Forest, in foothill woodlands, chaparral, and valley grasslands.

Host plant: common ringlet, sandhill skipper, Sonora skipper, Madron skipper, Sierra skipper, Lindsey’s skipper, and Nevada skipper

Produced by Hedgerow Farms