By Elias Herrera
Although California has over 5000 native plant species, more often than not we encounter non-natives or invasive plant species in our daily lives. Do you know which is which? Check your knowledge by advancing the slides.
Buckwheat – When cultivated, the Buckwheat can be used for habitat improvement. They discourage erosion, mitigate wildfires, and encourage ecosystem revitalization. Native or Non-Native? 
Native! Buckwheat can be found in a diverse set of climates in the Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. You can identify them by their cotton-like flowers. Indigenous people used the flowers to make tea that can heal stomach ailments. Their versatility makes them a great choice for native plant gardens! 
Black Mustard: It is rumored that the infamous Father Junipero Serra dropped Black Mustard seed along El Camino Real, the path that links the California mission system, to let padres know that they are following the settler trail. Native or Non-Native? 
Non-Native! While Father Junipero Serra is an unlikely culprit of the Black Mustard’s introduction to the California landscape, settler grazing and agricultural practices likely helped spread the seed throughout the state. The seed spreads easily and dominates native plants by taking nutrients from the soil and growing in dense packs, making the Black Mustard an invasive species. Habitats shrink as native plant growth reduces, and indigenous people lose access to important and sacred native plants. 
Toyon (Heteromeles): The Toyon, or California Holly, was placed under a protective status by the State of California in the 1920s; it was being over-harvested by Angelenos who were looking to “deck the halls with boughs of holly.” Native or Non-Native? 
Native! This plant grows plentifully in the western part of California and the Sierra Foothills. In Southern California, the Chumash, Tongva, and Tataviam peoples ate the red berry product raw (as is or in a beverage) or cooked (in jellies and pancakes); the fruit is an effective stomach remedy. European settlers made wine out of the fruit. Today, the Toyon holds the status of the official native plant of the city of Los Angeles. 
Pepper Tree (Shinus molle): The Pepper Tree was widely cultivated in California, starting with the rise of the Spanish missions up until the early 20th century. Native or Non-Native? 
Non-Native! Despite once being known as the “California Pepper Tree” and being an icon of a shady California escape, the Pepper Tree originates in Peru’s Andean deserts. Before being cultivated by the Spanish for use in boat building and as an ornamental tree, it was utilized for a variety of purposes by indigenous Peruvians. Pink peppercorns are a product of this tree; they provide antibacterial benefits, can be used as insecticide, and are tasty when added to other peppers! 
Black Sage (Salvia mellifera): Sun Tea, a medicinal beverage that soothes sore muscles and eases pain, is just one use of the plant by the Chumash people. Native or Non-Native? 
Native! The range of this dark-stemmed plant spreads from the San Francisco Bay Area to Baja California in Mexico, but it thrives the most in the coastal climate of Los Angeles and Orange counties. In Southern California, the black sage is vital to ecosystems as many animals depend on it for nourishment; the black sage is a source of exuberant amounts of nectar for pollinators. Black sage honey is considered a rare honey that is very peppery. 
Bottlebrush (Callistemon): The stamens (flowers) of this plant bear a striking resemblance to a common kitchen cleaning tool. Native or Non-Native? 
Non-Native! This evergreen plant of Australian origins thrive in the temperate conditions of the Australian east coast. They were first imported in 1789 to Britain, and since then they have been appropriated for landscaping use. The flowers bloom in a variety of colors: including red, yellow, white and pink. You can find them throughout Southern California– from colorful highway medians in Simi Valley to the well-maintained parks and gardens of Irvine. 
Oak Tree: This tree was so common in California, a populous San Francisco Bay Area city bears the plant’s name: Oakland, California. Native or Non-Native? 
Native! There are some 600 species worldwide, but 20 species are native to California: some of the more common ones include the Valley Oak, Black Oak, and the Island Oak. It’s estimated that, prior to settlement and population growth, about ⅓ of California was covered in oaks. Their abundance made them an important plant for indigenous people in California. Their use goes beyond the material and into the spiritual realm for indigenous Californians. The Oak tree pictured here is located on the Tree of Life Nursery in San Juan Capistrano, California. Oaks are categorized by their unique nut: the acorn. The acorn provided substantial nutritional value to indigenous people; 75% of indigenous Californians had acorns in their diets. Oakwood was a strong material, and the tree bark was used for dyes and paints to medicines. Before European settlement, the oak was key to achieving the largest population density in the Americas, north of present-day Mexico.
How did you do?
It is always a great idea to go for native plants when choosing the landscape of your garden. Everyone of us is able to make a difference in creating a more sustainable and resilient environment.