#eastbaynative

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California goldenrod, Solidago velutina ssp. californica, is a late blooming perennial, which is why I was able to take these photos of it while most other wildflowers have already withered away long ago in this extremely hot summer and early fall. California goldenrod spreads by creeping underground stems, or rhizomes,. Has spread slowly in our heavy clay soils with minimal water, but has the potential to spread aggressively in lighter soils especially with regular water. The yellow wands of flowers grow 2–3 feet tall, and are a favorite of butterflies, bees, and other insects.  

Photos by Sarah Han

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Coyote brush or bush, Baccharis pilularis consanguinea, is one of the hardiest native plants you’ll find in the East Bay hills. It’s known as a “secondary pioneer plant,” because when other native vegetation is removed, it’s one of the first natives to return to the area. It’s also a nectar-giving plant, which attracts all kinds of bugs, including ants, wasps, butterflies, and regular flies, too. 

Coyote brush is dioecious, which means it produces male and female flowers on separate plants. The flowers shown above, with yellow flowers, are male; the flowers with white, brush-like flowers are female. 

Photo by Sarah Han