The California Floristic Province

The California Floristic Province is a unique, biodiverse area along the North American Pacific coast. It includes over 6,000 species and sub-species of native plants and is characterized by a Mediterranean-type climate with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The region includes a wide range of ecosystems, including coastal sage scrub, chaparral, redwood forests, and coastal dunes. More than half of the region's native plants occur nowhere else in the world.

Planting with Natives

Most of California has a Mediterranean climate with little or no rain in the summer. The Library's garden contains plants that have adapted to survive in such an environment and have these unique characteristics:

• Save Water - Once established, California native plants need minimal additional irrigation.
• Less Maintenance - California native plants require much less maintenance than common garden plants. 
• Attract Wildlife - Hummingbirds, native birds, butterflies, and other beneficial insects are attracted to California native plants and help control mosquitoes and other pest bugs.

Visit the Commerce Rosewood Library to explore drought-resistant plants.