Where to Buy Native Plants?

If you have decided to look for native plants to add to your garden, you have likely come up against a wall trying to find a place to buy them. It is not possible to simply go down to your local garden center. No, most of those folks are knowledgeable about more commonly purchased, non-native varieties. So where to go? What to do?

I have put together a resource list of nurseries that specialize in native plants . They have staff that are very familiar with what is native to your area, and can be very informative about everything from selecting plants for your conditions & your location, to planting tips. There are also some nurseries that sell natives along with non-natives. These nursery folks may not have the expertise to answer all your questions, however. So, it is best to do some research.

These are some great native plant nurseries in Southern California:

Las Pilitas Nursery Web: www.laspilitas.com
3232 Las Pilitas Rd., Santa Margarita, CA 93453 Tel: 805/438-5992
Offer plants of 500 nursery-grown California native trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs. Ship throughout the continental U.S. and overseas.

Nopalito Nursery Web: www.nopalitonursery.com

4107 E. Main Street, Ventura, California 93003 Tel: 805-844-7449

Nopalito proudly offers the largest selection of California-native and drought-tolerant plants in Ventura County. You can also register for amazing classes.

Theodore Payne Nursery Web: www.theodorepayne.org
10549 Tuxford St., Sun Valley, CA 91352 Tel: 818/768-1802
A non-profit nursery serving the Los Angeles and Southern California area more than 40 years, we specialize exclusively in native plants. More than 400 species (grasses, shrubs, cacti and succulents, trees, perennials, vines) and seeds for more than 100 species, collected in the wild. Seed catalogue available online. 100% native

Tree of Life Nursery Web: www.CaliforniaNativePlants.com
33201 Ortega Hwy., P.O. Box 635, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92693 Tel: 949/728-0685
Specialize in California native plants.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
1212 Mission Canyon Rd., Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Tel: 805/682-4726
E-mail:breed@sbbg.org Web: www.santabarbarabotanicgarden.org
Garden Growers Nursery sells native plants and plants from other Mediterranean-climate regions. Open year-round, with two annual sales in April and October. Garden Shop carries excellent selection of gardening and botanical books.

For a Nationwide Regional List of Native Plant Nurseries, click here.

What will they look like all grown up?

When I go shopping for native plants, I look at the small specimens in their pots and wonder, “What will they look like all grown up? And how will they look grouped with other natives?” After all, not all natives grow well together – perhaps they need shade, or dry soil, or lots of sun, or room to spread out. Or, “How will they get along with the non-natives already growing in my garden?” For these decisions, I recommend visiting botanical gardens and arboretums . These are wonderful places to get a sense of what the whole native planting would look like, all together, once grown. Plus, there are informative docents to answer questions. You can write down the names of the plants that fit your plan, then give them to your local native nursery.

In addition, there are native plant societies for every region of the country. These are people totally dedicated to providing help & information, so I suggest checking in with them, as well.

Another great way to see native plants, is to go to where they live: take a walk in the park. No, not the kind with the green lawn, but a National Park or a State Park. Californians are fortunate to have a great park system. You can even get a guided tour. Or go for a hike.

These resource lists will be added onto as weeks pass, so checkback again if I don’t have you covered! Enjoy native planting. Why plant natives? Because they belong!