WILDFLOWER SEEDS (updated March 28, 2008)
The U.C. Riverside Botanic Gardens 35th Annual
SPRING PLANT SALE
Public Sale Saturday, April 5, 12 noon to 5 pm and Sunday, April 6, 9 am to 3 pm
KEY TO THE CODES AT END OF THE PLANT DESCRIPTIONS:
H* - attracts Hummingbirds
B* - attracts Butterflies or feeds butterfly larvae
W* - Water efficient/drought tolerant plants
C* - California native plant or derivative
F* - especially good cut Flower or cut Foliage
S* - fragrant flowers ("S" for Scented)
Ammi majus, "QUEEN ANNE'S LACE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Mediterranean native; a tall annual w/ feathery foliage and long-stemmed, flat-topped,
lacy clusters of tiny, white flowers; excellent cut flower. Reseeds readily. (B*W*F*)
Anagalis arvensis var. coerulea, "POOR-MAN'S WEATHER GLASS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Poor-man's weather glass is an easily-grown, spreading annual that covers itself with
half-inch, rich delphinium-blue flowers in late winter and spring. Few plants so easily
grown provide this color for the garden. The common name comes from the fact that
the flowers close during cloudy weather. It is native to the Mediterranean and is well
adapted to our climate.
Baileya multiradiata, "DESERT-MARIGOLD"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Desert perennial to 2 ft. tall w/ grayish foliage & 1 1/2 in., yellow daisy heads over a long
period, in both spring & fall. Best in well-drained soil or on slopes. (B*W*C*F*)
Centaurea cyanus, "CORNFLOWER", "BACHELOR'S BUTTON"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Cornflower is a striking, old-fashioned annual. The 1 to 1 1/2 inch flowers are a
luscious blue, giving the name to "cornflower blue". The leaves are narrow and silvery,
providing a striking combination with the flowers. Cornflower is easy to grow and the
flowers last well cut in arrangements. (B*F*)
Chrysanthemum carinatum, "PAINTED DAISY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Painted daisy is a colorful annual native to Morocco. The 2 to 3-inch flowers come in
red, yellow, orange, white and purple, often containing a combination of the above
colors. The leaves are finely divided and give the plants a delicate, ferny appearance.
Painted daisy is easy to grow and the cut flowers last well in arrangements. (B*W*F*)
Clarkia amoena, "FAREWELL-TO-SPRING"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Heralding the arrival of summer, farewell-to-spring is among the last of our spring
wildflowers to bloom. The 2-inch, poppy-like flowers are pink to lavender, often with a
splash of bright red at the center, and are born in succession from the top of long
stems. The entire stem may be cut for a long-lasting succession of bloom indoors.
Extremely easy to grow. Grows to 2 feet tall. (H*W*C*F*)
Clarkia bottae, "SHOWY FAREWELL-TO-SPRING"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Heralding the arrival of summer, farewell-to-spring is among the last of our spring
wildflowers to bloom. The 1 1/2-inch, poppy-like flowers are rosy-pink, and are born in
succession from the top of long stems. The entire stem may be cut for a long-lasting
succession of bloom indoors. Extremely easy to grow. Grows to 1 1/2 feet tall.
(H*W*C*F*)
Clarkia pulchella `Confetti Mixed', "DEERHORN CLARKIA"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
"Deerhorn clarkia" is an easy to grow, late-spring flowering, California native wildflower.
It bears tall, slender spikes of unusual, dainty flowers with antler-like petals in shades of
lavender, pink, purple and magenta. Extremely long lasting in cutflower arrangements,
the flowers continuing to open on the spikes for days. (H*W*C*F*)
Clarkia purpurea, "WINECUP CLARKIA"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Among the latest blooming of our California native, spring wildflowers. The 1/4 to 1 inch, bowl-shaped flowers are lavender to deep purple and are born in succession from the top of long stems; often there is a red or purple spot near the base of each petal. The entire stem may be cut for a long-lasting succession of bloom indoors. Easy to grow. To 1 foot tall or more. (H*W*C*F*)
Clarkia unguiculata, "CLARKIA," "MOUNTAIN GARLAND"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Mountain garland is one of our most distinctive late-spring wildflowers. It bears tall
spikes of unusual, rose-pink flowers with antler-like petals. Extremely long lasting in
cutflower arrangements, the flowers continuing to open on the spikes for days.
(H*W*C*F*)
Collinsia heterophylla, "CHINESE HOUSES"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Chinese houses are among the few California wildflowers that prefer partial shade.
They get their common name from the dainty, tiered arrangement of white and rose or
white and violet, snapdragon-like flowers. The plants are 1 to 2 feet tall and are used to
advantage in the partially shaded border, as a bulb cover, or mixed with other shade
tolerant wildflowers. (C*F*)
Coreopsis tinctoria, "RED PLAINS COREOPSIS"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Red plains coreopsis is an easy-to-grow, heat-loving annual for summer and fall bloom.
Plants grow to 3 feet and bear sprightly, daisy-like flowers that are bright yellow and
maroon. Reseeds readily and makes a fine cut flower. (B*F*)
Cosmos bipinnatus, "COSMOS"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Cosmos is a charming, old-fashioned summer annual with 3-inch, daisy-like flowers in
shades of purple, lavender and rose. Plants are tall, from 3-5 feet, and foliage is dark
green and ferny. They require only moderate watering. Excellent cut flower. (B*F*)
Cosmos sulphureus `Bright Lights Mix', "SULPHUR COSMOS MIXED"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Sulphur cosmos is among the easiest of summer annuals. It has 3-inch, daisy-like
flowers in bright yellow, orange, gold and scarlet-orange that are fine for cutting. Plants
grow 2 to 3 feet tall and bloom quickly from seed. They require only moderate watering.
(B*F*)
Cynoglossum amabile, "CHINESE FORGET-ME-NOT"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Chinese forget-me-not is an easy-to-grow biennial that performs as an annual in our
mild climate. The foot-tall plants have hairy, tongue-shaped leaves and generous,
coiled clusters of small, true "forget-me-not" blue flowers with tiny white centers.
Flowers are born over a long spring/summer season, especially if lightly shaded.
Flowers attract butterflies and make fine cutflowers. (B*F*)
Delphinium ajacis or Consolida ambigua, "LARKSPUR"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Larkspur is a popular, old-fashioned annual that produces tall spikes of ruffly flowers in
shades of vibrant blue, lilac, pink or white. The two- to three- foot plants have lacy, dark
green foliage and are particularly nice placed toward the back of the flower bed or sown
in mixed wildflower displays. Larkspur is an excellent cutflower. (H*B*W*F*)
Digitalis purpurea, "COMMON FOXGLOVE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Easy, old-fashioned favorite biennial with a bold rosette of tongue-shaped leaves and
tall (to 3 feet) spires of pendulous, trumpet-shaped, purple flowers in spring or early
summer. Reseeds freely and is loved by hummingbirds. For sun, light shade, or part
day shade. Seeds sown in spring or early fall should bloom the following spring or
summer. (H*F*)
Dimorphotheca pluvialis, "WHITE AFRICAN DAISY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
White African daisy is a spreading annual that covers itself in glistening white flowers in
late winter, spring and early summer. It is easy to grow and will do well with only
moderate watering. White African daisy is good for naturalizing as it reseeds readily.
(B*W*)
Dimorphotheca sinuata, "ANNUAL AFRICAN DAISY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Annual African daisy is an extremely easy, floriferous, low-growing, annual, bearing
many 2-inch daisies in yellow, orange, apricot and salmon. They are good for
naturalizing as they reseed readily.(B*W*)
Eschscholzia caespitosa, "DWARF CALIFORNIA POPPY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Quite different from the regular California poppy, E. caespitosa is a smaller plant with
sprightly, 1-inch, lemon yellow flowers. The foliage is ferny and silvery-green in color.
This showy annual is excellent for naturalizing -- readily reseeding itself. (W*C*)
Eschscholzia californica, "CALIFORNIA POPPY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
The ever popular California poppy is a showy perennial, usually grown as an annual.
Bright orange-yellow, 2-inch flowers are born above ferny, silvery-green foliage from
late winter to early summer (bloom often begins in October from over-summering
plants). Excellent for naturalizing - the California poppy often reseeds itself. (W*C*F*)
Eschscholzia californica, "CALIFORNIA POPPY - INLAND AREA GENOTYPE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
The Inland Empire (Riverside, CA and vicinity) genotype of the popular California poppy . This California poppy is a showy annual with bright orange-yellow, 2-inch flowers born above ferny, silvery-green foliage from late winter to early summer. Excellent for naturalizing in Inland areas - the California poppy will reseed itself. (W*C*F*)
Gaillardia pulchella, "BLANKET FLOWER"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Blanket flower is an easily grown summer annual producing 2-foot mounds of bicolored
flowers over a long season. The distinctive flowers vary in color from nearly all yellow
to red with yellow edges to nearly all red. Fine cut flower and quite water efficient.
(B*W*F*)
Gilia capitata, "GLOBE GILIA," "BLUE THIMBLE FLOWER"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Globe gilia is a late season native California wildflower that produces globe-shaped
clusters of violet-blue flowers with blue pollen. It grows to about 2 feet tall (though it is
usually smaller) and its relatively shallow roots make it an excellent bulb cover. Globe
gilia is especially nice planted closely en masse or planted among other wildflowers.
(B*W*C*F*)
Gilia leptantha, "SHOWY BLUE GILIA"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Showy blue gilia is a dainty, California native annual with ferny foliage and half-inch,
violet-pink flowers in spring & early summer (sow in fall or winter). (B*W*C*F*)
Gilia tricolor, "BIRD'S-EYE GILIA"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Bird's-eye gilia is an attractive wildflower that produces clusters of small violet flowers
with yellow throats. It has fine, ferny foliage and looks best planted en masse or mixed
with other wildflowers. (B*W*C*F*)
Lasthenia glabrata, "GOLDFIELDS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Adaptable California native that often carpets acres of grassland with its yellow, daisy
flowers; from 6 in. to 1.5 ft. tall depending on soil & moisture conditions. Yellow, daisy-like flower heads to 1 in. across. (B*W*C*)
Layia platyglossa, "TIDY TIPS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Tidy tips are among California's most eye-catching annual wildflowers. They bear an
abundance of 2-inch, yellow, daisy-like flowers with the ends of each "petal" tipped with
pure white, thus the common name "tidy tips". The plants are up to 15 inches tall and
are most stunning planted en masse (as they occur in the wild) or mixed with other
wildflowers. (B*W*C*)
Limonium perezii, "SEA LAVENDER"
(Plant any time)
A bold, water efficient perennial with large, leathery, rounded leaves and long-stemmed, many-branched clusters of tiny white flowers, each surrounded by papery, purple bracts. The flowers are long lasting either fresh or dry in arrangements and are attractive to butterflies. (B*W*F*)
Limonium sinuatum, "STATICE"
(Plant in fall or early spring)
Listed as summer annual but definitely perennial at the Botanic Gardens if not kept too
wet in summer; tough plant with lobed leaves and clusters of flowers born on long,
winged stems; flowers w/ papery purple calyx and tiny white flowers, nearly all year;
popular cut flower fresh or dry (the statice of florists); reseeds freely.
Linanthus grandiflorus, "MOUNTAIN PHLOX"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
"Mountain phlox" is a handsome California native wildflower that produces clusters of 1-inch white, funnel-shaped flowers with a pink tinge. It has fine, ferny foliage and is
attractive planted en masse or mixed with other wildflowers. (B*W*C*)
Linaria maroccana, "TOADFLAX," "BABY SNAPDRAGON"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
The rainbow colors of toadflax flowers always seem to draw attention. The small but
abundant, snapdragon-like flowers are produced in dense spikes and come in white,
red, yellow, pink, blue-violet, purple, mauve and combinations of these colors. The
plants grow up to about 1 1/2 feet tall and bear their flowers over a long period. They
combine nicely with other "wildflowers" and are excellent for cutflower arrangements.
(B*W*F*)
Linaria reticulata, "PURPLE-NET TOADFLAX"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Purple-net toadflax is an easy-to-grow, cool-season annual with long, many-flowered
spikes of small, snapdragon-shaped flowers over a long season; flowers are purple,
intricately veined w/ yellow. (B*W*F*)
Linum grandiflorum `Rubrum', "SCARLET FLAX"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Scarlet flax is an easy-to-grow north African wildflower that produces branching sprays
of 1 to 1 1/2 inch scarlet, poppy-like flowers on tall stems. It is excellent for planting
among other flowers or in dense patches by itself. It will self-sow readily but is never
invasive. It makes a delicate addition to mixed flower arrangements. (H*W*F*)
Lupinus densiflorus var. aureus `Ed Gedling', "GOLDEN LUPINE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Golden lupine is a 2-foot showy annual with tall, dense spikes of golden yellow, pea-like
flowers. The rich yellow color combines well with most other wildflowers, but is
particularly nice with baby blue-eyes or arroyo lupine. The plants require only moderate
watering once they are established. (H*B*C*F*)
Lupinus nanus, "SKY LUPINE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
A widely adapted, California native annual with hand-shaped leaves and dense spikes of rich blue and white, pea-flowers. It is especially nice planted in combination with California poppies. (W*C*)
Lupinus succulentus, "ARROYO LUPINE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
The arroyo lupine is one of the most planted wildflowers along roadsides in southern
California. The many-branched plants are annuals growing to two feet or more and
bearing tall, dense spikes of deep purple, pea-like flowers. They are very easy to grow
and combine particularly well with California poppies. (H*B*C*F*)
Malcomia maritima, "VIRGINIA STOCKS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Virginia stocks are one of the fastest blooming plants from seed - blooming in as little
as 6 weeks after planting. They rapidly become covered in 4-petaled, half-inch flowers
in shades from white to pink, lilac & magenta, with the general appearance of garden
stocks in miniature. They may be sown almost anytime except the hottest weather.
They are shallow rooted & make a fine bulb cover or are handsome mixed with other
wildflowers.(B*)
Matthiola longipetala bicornis, "EVENING SCENTED STOCK"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Evening scented stock is grown principally for the delicious night-fragrance rather than
for the small, purplish flowers. Foot tall plants with sword-shaped leaves & spikes of
small, purple flowers that are deliciously fragrant at night. Especially useful planted
among showier, unscented annuals.(B*F*S*)
Mentzelia lindleyi, "BLAZING STAR"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Blazing star is a dramatic California native annual growing to 3 feet. It has sandpapery
leaves and bears 2.5-inch, bright yellow, fragrant flowers that open in the evening, and
remain open the next morning. (W*C*)
Nemophila maculata, "FIVESPOT"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Fivespot is one of California's most distinctive wildflowers. It gets its name from the
unusual cup-shaped flowers which are white with one large purple dot at the tip of each
of the five lobes. As with its close relative, baby-blue-eyes, it is one of the few
wildflowers that succeed in partial shade. The plants are about 6 inches high and
somewhat spreading and make an excellent bulb cover. (C*)
Nemophila menziesii, "BABY BLUE EYES"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Baby blue eyes is one of the easiest of our California wildflowers to grow and one of the
few that succeeds in part shade. Its one-inch, sky blue flowers are born freely on 6 to
10 inch plants in the spring. The low stature and spreading habit make baby blue eyes
an excellent bulb cover. (W*C*)
Papaver rhoeas, "CORN POPPY," "FLANDERS POPPY"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Corn poppy is a striking cool-weather annual famous for its mass natural displays in its
native Europe and Asia. It is very easy to grow and will self-sow readily though it is
never invasive. The corn poppy is excellent in mixed wildflower displays, or massed in
beds alone. The flowers may be cut for long-lasting arrangements; cut them just as
they open and heat the cut end with a flame or hot water before placing in cool water.
Cut off the forming seed capsules to prolong blooming. (W*F*)
Penstemon spectabilis, "SHOWY PENSTEMON"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Showy penstemon is one of California's most striking native plants. It has waxy, gray-green foliage and tall spikes of lavender-purple and blue, tubular flowers. Showy penstemon needs perfect drainage and little if any, summer water. Hummingbirds love it. (H*W*C*F*)
Phacelia campanularia, "WILD CANTERBURY BELLS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
One of the most spectacular of California's many Phacelia species, wild Canterbury
bells' profusion of royal blue flowers always draws attention. The 3/4 inch flowers are
born in uncoiling sprays held above the silvery-green foliage from early March to
summer if watered occasionally during dry spells. (H*W*C*F*)
Phacelia minor, "WILD CANTERBURY BELLS"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
One of the most spectacular of the Inland Empire's wildflowers, wild Canterbury bells' profusion of rich violet-purple, bell-shaped flowers is striking. The 3/4 inch flowers are born in uncoiling, branching spikes held above the bronzy-green foliage from early March to summer if watered occasionally during dry spells. (H*W*C*F*)
Ratibida columnifera, "MEXICAN HAT"
(Plant in spring/early summer)
Mexican hat is a prairie & western states native perennial that will bloom the first year
from seed. One- to three-foot, bushy plants bear deeply divided, ferny leaves. The
unusual, sombrero-shaped flower heads have a 1 1/2 inch central column with 1 inch,
drooping "petals" in mahogany red & yellow. Mexican hat blooms in summer/fall & is a
fine cutflower. (B*W*F*)
Reseda odorata, "MIGNONETTE"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Mignonette is a one-of-a-kind plant w/ green & copper-colored flowers in dense spikes.
The flowers are more unusual than beautiful but are deliciously fragrant. The plant
grows to over a foot tall & prefers part day shade or filtered sun. Plant it among
unscented wildflowers or cut the flowers to scent a bouquet. (F*S*)
Tropaeolum majus `Dwarf Jewel Mix', "DWARF NASTURTIUM"
(Plant in fall or early winter)
Compact form of this old fashioned cool season annual with many virtues. Handsome,
long-stalked, shield-shaped leaves and deliciously fragrant, funnel-shaped, spurred
flowers in glowing colors: yellow, orange, vermillion, red. Flowers, young leaves and
unripe seeds are spicy and edible in salads. One of the easiest plants to grow from
seed, excellent for children to plant. Can be perennial if watered in summer. For sun,
part sun, or light shade. (H*B*F*S*)
Verbena tenuisecta, "MOSS VERBENA"
(Plant in spring or early summer)
This is a tough and easy groundcover forming a dense mat of dark green, ferny foliage and clusters of lavender flowers on and off from spring to fall; a butterfly favorite. (B*W*).
Verbesina encelioides, "BUTTER DAISY", "GOLDEN CROWNBEARD"
(Plant in spring or early summer)
Native of Arizona, Great Plains and Mexico. Shrubby annual with gray, wooly leaves
and rich, solid yellow daisy heads over a long summer season. Tough and drought
tolerant. Too weedy for the highly irrigated garden (B*W*F*).
