Learn more about individual native plants found in the Golden Gate National Parks and grown in our nurseries for restoration projects.
Have you seen a beautiful wildflower while in the park and want more information about it? We have over 1200 species of plants native to these Parks (Recreation Area). Here we have information on many of the wildflowers and plants you will see along the trails in the park, and ones we have used to restore habitats and plant communities throughout the Parks. Below is just a sample of what you might see. Click on the name of a plant (scientific name followed by common name) to go to a page with a picture of the plant and information about it:
Aesculus californica (California Buckeye) >>
California buckeye, also known as California horse-chestnut, is the only buckey native to California.
Anaphalis margaritacea (Pearly Everlasting) >>
Fairly well known and popular in cultivation, the name of this plant is probably derived from the common practice of drying the flowers and stems for decorations through the winter months.
Aquilegia formosa (Crimson Columbine, Western Columbine) >>
A common and attractive wildflower, crimson columbine can be found in many types of habitat.
Armeria maritima (Pink Sea Thrift) >>
Pink sea thrift is a perennial flower that commonly grows in saline environments along coastal areas where few other plants can grow well.
Chlorogalum pomeridianum (soap plant, soap root) >>
Soap plant is endemic to western North America and had many traditional uses, including soap, shampoo, pain-reliever, fishing aid, and food.
Cornus sericea (American Dogwood) >>
American dogwood, with its red branches and twigs, is a popular ornamental shrub.
Dudleya farinosa (Live Forever) >>
Dudleya farinosa is known by several common names, including live forever, bluff lettuce, powdery liveforever, and powdery dudleya.
Heracleum lanatum (Cow Parsnip) >>
Cow parsnip is a large herb in the carrot family (Apiaceae) that can be found across North America.
Iris douglasiana (Douglas Iris) >>
Douglas iris is another common and attractive wildflower. It can be found locally from Sausalito to Point Reyes Peninsula.
Lilium pardalinum (Leopard Lily, California Tiger Lily) >>
Leopard lilies, also known as panther lilies, are commonly cultivated for use in native plant gardens and wildlife gardens.
Mimulus aurantiacus (Sticky Monkeyflower) >>
This plant has sticky leaves and a flower that (supposedly) resembles a laughing monkey's face, hence the name sticky monkeyflower.
Quercus agrifolia (Coast Live Oak) >>
Coast live oak is an evergreen oak that can live up to 250 years and thrives in a coastal environment.
Rhamnus californica (California Coffeeberry) >>
This plant, also known as California buckthorn, contains seeds which look like coffee beans.
Rosa californica (California Wild Rose) >>
California wild rose is a deciduous shrub with aromatic flowers and edible fruit, both of which can be used in many foods.
Salix lasiolepis (Arroyo Willow) >>
The arroyo willow is a riparian woodland regular, thriving along the edges of streams where it enjoys the moist soil it requires.
Sambucus Racemosa (Red Elderberry) >>
Red elderberry is a widespread shrub that occurs in moist cool places, including our own Redwood Creek.
Triteleia laxa (Ithuriel's Spear) >>
Ithuriel's spear is common in grasslands and open woodlands and thrives in clay soils.