Blooming now in the Santa Monica Mountains

Ceanothus crassifolius can be distinguished from other white-flowered ceanothus by the shape to the leaves, which have small points like holly.  Look for this plant - usually in stands with many other individuals - in the chaparral. California peony (Paeonia californica) is a small perennial about a foot tall.  The leaves are palm-shaped and dissected.  The small red flowers usually face downward and can be easy to overlook.  Look for this plant in the chaparral. Fuchsia-flowering gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) is a small shrub with red, pendant flowers and glossy, palm-shaped leaves.  Look for this thorny plant in shaded areas of chaparral and coastal sage scrub. View the list »
Ceanothus crassifolius blooms profusely in the Santa Monica Mountains

Outdoor Rec & Adventure newsletter

March is early spring in the Santa Monica Mountains. From tall and showy ceanothus shrubs to short and shy California peonies, wildflowers are blooming in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. Hit the trail in your favorite parkland and you are sure to see some of these beauties.

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  • Fuchsia-flowering gooseberry (Ribes speciosum) is a small shrub with red, pendant flowers and glossy, palm-shaped leaves.  Look for this thorny plant in shaded areas of chaparral and coastal sage scrub. 
  • California peony (Paeonia californica) is a small perennial about a foot tall.  The leaves are palm-shaped and dissected.  The small red flowers usually face downward and can be easy to overlook.  Look for this plant in the chaparral. 
  • Ceanothus crassifolius can be distinguished from other white-flowered ceanothus by the shape to the leaves, which have small points like holly.  Look for this plant - usually in stands with many other individuals - in the chaparral. 
  • Milkmaids (Cardamine californica) are small perennials about a foot tall.  The white to pinkish flowers brighten the shade in oak woodlands. 
  • Wild cucumber (Marah macrocarpus) is a perennial vine with palm-shaped leaves.  The flowers are small but usually abundant.  Look for the plant draping over shrubs in chaparral, coastal sage scrub, and oak woodlands. 
  • Prickly phlox (Leptodactylon californicum) is a small perennial shrub that bears clusters of pink flowers and small, needle-like prickly leaves.  Look for it in rocky areas.
View the list

, LA Nature Examiner

Kelli Kallenborn has had an interest in nature all of her life and she has a science background. She is a freelance writer and enjoys hiking locally, particularly in the Santa Monica Mountains and has a great interest in California native plants.

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