The Best 20 California Native Ground Covers for a Lush, Low-Maintenance Yard

Discover 20 stunning primer cover plant native to California that will transform your garden with their unparalleled beauty and adaptability .

These plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your outer space but also support local ecosystem by cater habitat and solid food for various species .

Perfect for nurseryman seeking eco - well-disposed pick , these plant are resilient and necessitate minimum sustainment , do them idealistic for sustainable landscape gardening .

1. Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)

Kinnikinnick , a magic evergreen soil cover version , have shiny leaves and vivacious red-faced berries . hone for shaded areas , it thrives in well - drain , acidulous soils . Its dim , low - growing habit makes it an excellent choice for wearing away control on incline .

The bright berries attract bird , adding lively visitant to your garden . This plant life ’s hardiness in various climates ensures it remains lush and green twelvemonth - round .

Consider using Kinnikinnick under Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree where other plants struggle to maturate . It ’s a low - maintenance option that requires minimal lachrymation once established , providing effortless beauty to any landscape .

2. Carmel Creeper Ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Carmel Creeper’)

Carmel Creeper Ceanothus is a various ground screening with lustrous green leaves and stunning dreary flowers . This robust works is ideal for coastal gardens , tolerating piquant melody and sandy soils .

It spreads promptly , providing first-class coverage for prominent areas . During leap , its vivacious flowers attract pollinator , heighten your garden ’s biodiversity .

Consider planting Carmel Creeper in rock garden or along pathways . Its ability to boom in unmanageable condition makes it a true pick for nurseryman see to add color and grain to gainsay spots .

3. ‘Yankee Point’ Ceanothus (Ceanothus griseus var. horizontalis ‘Yankee Point’)

‘ Yankee Point ’ Ceanothus impress with its cornucopia of downhearted flower and dense foliage . This ground binding is perfect for sunny locations and can tolerate drought once established .

Its low - grow nature makes it idealistic for coin bank stabilisation and erosion control . The plant attract bees and butterflies , upgrade garden biodiversity .

utilize ‘ Yankee Point ’ to cover big areas with minimal effort , as it requires short maintenance . Its stunning floral display each spring will become a highlight in any garden , honour minimal tutelage with maximum lulu .

4. Prostrate Coyote Brush (Baccharis pilularis ‘Pigeon Point’ or ‘Twin Peaks’)

Prostrate Coyote Brush is a resilient , evergreen plant ground cover hump for its adaptability . With pocket-size , bright green leaves , it forms a dense mat that ’s perfect for eating away control .

This flora prosper in full sun and is extremely drought - large-minded , attain it an fantabulous selection for ironical or jumpy landscapes . It supports local wildlife , providing cover and food for birds and insects .

Prostrate Coyote Brush is suited for orotund - scale plantings on incline and bank . Its depleted maintenance needs and power to prosper in misfortunate soils make it a worthful addition to any garden .

5. Beach Strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis)

Beach Strawberry is a delicious primer coat back with glossy leafage and white flowers , followed by eatable red berry . Ideal for coastal gardens , it tolerate flaxen soils and salty winds .

This low - develop plant form a dense matt , making it effective for corrosion control . Its fruit attracts birds and other wildlife , adding life-time to your garden .

Perfect for informal garden and naturalistic planting , Beach Strawberry ask little maintenance . moot it for a ground cover where its distribute use will provide lush , year - round coverage with the tally bonus of delectable berry .

6. Creeping Sage (Salvia sonomensis)

Creeping Sage , with its redolent silvery leaves and vivacious majestic prime , is a striking ground covering . It ’s drought - tolerant and thrive in full Dominicus , making it stark for arid gardens .

The sage ’s flowers attract pollinators , including bees and butterflies , enhancing your garden ’s ecosystem . Its fragrant foliage provides a sensory delight as you sweep past .

Consider Creeping Sage for slopes or jumpy areas where it can diffuse and fill in gaps . Its resilience and low water system requirements make it an idealistic alternative for sustainable gardening .

7. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

Yarrow is a versatile undercoat blanket known for its feathery foliage and cluster of white flowers . It thrive in a variety of soils , from dry sandlike areas to racy garden bed .

This stalwart plant is drought - tolerant and requires minimal care once established . Its blossom pull beneficial dirt ball , promoting a healthy garden ecosystem .

Perfect for naturalized areas or boundary line , Yarrow ’s dense maturation suppresses weeds effectively . Its ability to withstand coarse conditions while providing long - lasting blooms make it a dearie among nurseryman seeking tough , beautiful priming cover .

8. Canyon Gray California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica ‘Canyon Gray’)

Canyon Gray California Sagebrush is a captivating earth top with silvery - gray foliage and tiny yellow flowers . Its aromatic leaves add a touch of fragrance to the garden .

Ideal for sunny , ironical areas , this flora is extremely drouth - kind and helps keep corroding on gradient . Its foliage leave habitat for good insects and small wildlife .

Use Canyon Gray California Sagebrush to add texture and colour to bouldered landscape . Its low-down water needs and unique appearance make it a standout option for xeriscaping feat and sustainable horticulture .

9. Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii / Satureja douglasii)

Yerba Buena is a charming ground cover with modest light-green leave and delicate white flowers . It boom in shaded area , making it arrant for timber gardens .

This redolent flora is love for its fresh odour and has been used traditionally for medicinal purposes . Its dense growth aid suppress green goddess and maintain soil moisture .

debate using Yerba Buena in shaded borders or under trees where its fragrance can be appreciated . It ’s a humiliated - maintenance option that enhances the receptive experience of any garden with its fresh odor .

10. Redwood Sorrel (Oxalis oregana)

Redwood Sorrel , with its core - shaped leaves and pink - blank heyday , is a delicious ground binding . It thrives in the shade of Redwood forests , preferring moist , well - drained soils .

This industrial plant forms a lush carpeting , cater a serene aspect to shaded areas . Its flowers add a touch of color amid the greenery .

Redwood Sorrel is perfect for woodland gardens or shaded mete . Its power to flourish under tree where fiddling else will grow make it an invaluable addition to any garden seeking a touch of risky , lifelike beauty .

11. California Meadow Sedge (Carex pansa)

California Meadow Sedge is a live ground cover that forms a dumb , Gunter Wilhelm Grass - like Master of Arts in Teaching . Its slender steel rock gently , add movement to the landscape painting .

This plant is highly large-minded of various dirt condition , from dry to moderately moist area . It requires little maintenance , making it idealistic for low - water landscape .

Use California Meadow Sedge to make lavish lawns or fill in cheery meadows . Its ability to conform to different conditions while maintaining a neat appearance makes it a various choice for sustainable horticulture .

12. Catalina Perfume (Ribes viburnifolium)

Catalina Perfume is an attractive ground covering fire with glistening leave and small bunch of crimson flower . It thrive in shaded , moist areas , making it staring for woodland gardens .

This evergreen works provide year - rhythm interest with its lush foliage and fragrant blush that attract pollinator . Its dense growth suppresses weeds efficaciously .

regard Catalina Perfume for shaded delimitation or under Tree where its sweetness can be appreciate . This industrial plant ’s ability to flourish in challenging conditions makes it a valuable summation to any garden seeking beauty and resiliency .

13. Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus)

Seaside Daisy is a charming ground cover song with purple daisy - like flowers and grayish - green foliation . hone for coastal garden , it tolerates piquant gentle wind and sandy territory .

This hardy plant life blooms from spring to come down , provide continuous color . Its flower attract bee and butterflies , enhancing garden biodiversity .

Use Seaside Daisy in rock gardens or coastal borderline to add color and grain . Its power to withstand harsh weather condition while maintaining vivacious blooming make it a favorite among nurseryman looking for reliable , beautiful ground covers .

14. Prostrate California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium ‘Prostrate’)

Prostrate California Buckwheat is a tough footing cover with little , round clusters of white flowers . Its lithe gullible leaves take form a dense mat , ideal for eating away control .

This plant thrives in ironic , gay areas and requires minimal water once established . Its flowers pull pollinators , supporting local wildlife .

think using Prostrate California Buckwheat on slopes or in juiceless gardens where it can spread and fulfil in gap . Its resilience and low water penury make it a hardheaded choice for sustainable landscape seek visual interest group .

15. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum ‘Everett’s Choice’, formerly Zauschneria)

California Fuchsia is a prominent ground cover charge with vivacious cherry tubular flowers . Its silver - green leafage tally demarcation and sake to the landscape .

This plant life thrives in cheery , dry conditions and blooms from summer to fall , provide late - season color . The flowers draw hummingbird , adding lively visitors to your garden .

Use California Fuchsia in rock gardens or dry gradient where its bold people of colour can be appreciated . Its resilience and minimal water needs make it an excellent choice for gardener seeking to add vivacious looker to challenging spots .

16. Hearst’s Ceanothus (Ceanothus hearstiorum)

Hearst ’s Ceanothus is a delightful ground cover with compact blue peak clusters and sheeny parting . This plant expand in sunny locations and is drought - large-minded once established .

Its spreading habit makes it ideal for covering large areas quickly , providing both beauty and functionality . The flowers attract pollinator , raise garden diversity .

Consider Hearst ’s Ceanothus for sunny banks or incline where it can circulate and stabilize soil . Its ability to flourish with minimum guardianship makes it a virtual choice for gardeners look for easy - to - maintain beauty in their landscapes .

17. Blue-Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum)

Blue - Eyed Grass is a magical ground cover with delicate blue asterisk - shape flowers . Its grass - similar foliage adds a lenient texture to the landscape .

Thriving in sunny areas , this industrial plant is perfect for hayfield or borders . It need minimal water once established , making it idealistic for low - maintenance gardens .

apply Blue - Eyed Grass to add a plash of color to gay spots . Its ability to adjust to various conditions while providing uninterrupted blooms makes it a favourite among gardeners seeking easy - guardianship , beautiful plants for their landscape .

18. Trailing Blackberry (Rubus ursinus)

Trailing Blackberry is a robust ground cover with thorny stems and white prime that give way of life to juicy blackberry . idealistic for sunny locations , it thrives in unlike ground types .

This flora provides food for birds and insects , enhancing your garden ’s ecosystem . Its trailing habit create it hone for tumid country where it can spread naturally .

Consider using Trailing Blackberry in naturalized configurations or wildlife gardens . Its combining of beauty and functionality makes it a valuable summation to gardens assay to support local wildlife and enjoy delicious fruit .

19. Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa)

Coyote Mint is a delightful undercoat cover with imperial blossom clusters and redolent foliage . This industrial plant expand in sunny , dry locations and attracts pollinators , including bee and butterflies .

Its fragrant leaves add a sensorial element to the garden , making it a favorite for pathways or borders . The flowers provide a long - lasting display from summertime to fall .

believe Coyote Mint for dry gardens or meadow where its low water motive and vivacious colors can be revalue . Its resiliency and aromatic qualities make it a standout selection for sustainable landscaping efforts .

20. Monkeyflower (Creeping varieties of Diplacus / Mimulus spp.)

Monkeyflower is a vivacious ground top with bright orangish flowers and glossy leaves . This plant thrives in rough , well - drain soils and prefers cheery conditions .

Its flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies , adding liveliness to any garden . The flora ’s spreading habit make it suitable for cascade down over rocks or garden edges .

utilize Monkeyflower to sum bold color and grain to your landscape . Its ability to thrive in challenging condition with minimum care makes it a versatile choice for gardener seeking to create dynamic , wildlife - friendly gardens .

Kinnikinnick (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)