native wisdom
Energy moves in spirals, expanding outward as we connect with ancestral knowledge that the earth provides for healing and survival. Learn more about traditional uses of Bay Area native plants.
plant connections
Building community through shared knowledge of native plants creates resilience. These plants have supported communities for generations - let's keep that wisdom alive.
seasonal guide
Spring: Flowering currant blooms
Summer: Yarrow harvest time
Fall: Seed collection season
Winter: Root preparation period
Summer: Yarrow harvest time
Fall: Seed collection season
Winter: Root preparation period
bay area native plants
"Through connection with the land, we discover natural remedies and build community resilience. These plants offer us ancestral knowledge for healing and survival."
🌼 Chamomile
A gentle flowering herb known for its calming properties and delicate white flowers. Grows well in Bay Area gardens and provides natural stress relief.
Uses: Calming tea, digestive aid, skin soother
🌿 Yarrow
A hardy perennial with feathery leaves and flat-topped flower clusters. Excellent for wound healing and has been used medicinally for thousands of years.
Uses: Wound healing, fever reduction, digestive support
💜 Lupine
Beautiful tall spikes of purple-blue flowers that fix nitrogen in the soil. An important plant for pollinators and soil health in Bay Area ecosystems.
Uses: Soil improvement, pollinator support, ornamental
🌸 Flowering Currant
A native shrub with fragrant pink flower clusters that bloom in early spring. Provides nectar for hummingbirds and supports local wildlife.
Uses: Wildlife habitat, ornamental, early nectar source
🦋 Ceanothus
California lilac with dense clusters of small blue or white flowers. Drought-tolerant and supports over 40 species of butterflies and moths.
Uses: Drought landscaping, butterfly habitat, erosion control
🍀 Wild Clover
A low-growing legume with three-leaflet leaves and small white or purple flowers. Fixes nitrogen and provides food for wildlife.
Uses: Soil enrichment, ground cover, wildlife food
traditional healing practices
Many Bay Area native plants have been used for centuries by indigenous peoples for medicine, food, and ceremony. Learning about these uses helps us reconnect with the land's wisdom and build healing communities.
Respectful practices: Always ask permission before harvesting, take only what you need, and leave the first plant you see. Give thanks and consider what you can offer back to the land.
Respectful practices: Always ask permission before harvesting, take only what you need, and leave the first plant you see. Give thanks and consider what you can offer back to the land.
growing together
These native plants create resilient ecosystems when grown together. Start with one or two species and gradually expand your native plant community. Connection with the land strengthens our ability to support each other through mutual aid and shared resources.
quick links
seed swaps harvest calendar
March-April: Flowering currant blooms
May-June: Clover flowers
July-August: Yarrow flowering
September: Ceanothus seeds
October: Lupine pods
Year-round: Chamomile (indoor)
May-June: Clover flowers
July-August: Yarrow flowering
September: Ceanothus seeds
October: Lupine pods
Year-round: Chamomile (indoor)
resources
Books: Native Plants of the Bay Area by local botanists
Organizations: California Native Plant Society Bay Area chapter
Seed sources: Community seed libraries and local exchanges
Organizations: California Native Plant Society Bay Area chapter
Seed sources: Community seed libraries and local exchanges
safety notes
Always properly identify plants before use. Consult with experienced herbalists for medicinal applications. Some plants may interact with medications or cause allergic reactions.
Layout: Itinerae
