PILOT PROJECT
Native Plants on State Street
Friends of State Street, the City of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden are testing a more sustainable, water-wise streetscape on the 1200 block of State Street.
96.1%
Community Support for the Native Plant Pilot
Based on survey responses collected December 6, 2025 - October 14, 2026 (ongoing)
A Living Showcase of Sustainability on State Street
The 1200 block is coming to life with resilient, low-water native plants chosen for their sustainability and ability to thrive in California’s climate.
This pilot project supports the broader State Street Master Planning process and aims to enhance downtown sustainability with plants that require little to no irrigation once established.
Take the Inspiration Home
Did you know many of these plants are perfect for your California home garden? They’re resilient, easy to care for, and support local wildlife while helping us conserve water. Stop by and get inspired by what a sustainable, climate-smart future for Santa Barbara can look like.
Learn About the Plants
Here's a look at what's been planted along the 1200 block
Island Pink Yarrow
Scientific Name: Achillea
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 1–1.5 ft tall
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Image © Calscape
Valley Violet California Lilac
Scientific Name: Ceanothus maritimus
Plant Type: Shrub
Size: 2 ft tall
Flowering Season: Spring
Image © Emily Sluiman, Calscape
Common Lippia
Scientific Name: Phyla nodiflora
Plant Type: Perennial groundcover
Size: 2–4 in tall, spreading
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Plant Details
Image © Forest Starr and Kim Starr
Santa Ana Cardinal Coral Bells
Scientific Name: Heuchera (hybrid)
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 1-12 in tall
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Image © El Nativo Growers, Calscape
Seaside Daisy
Scientific Name: Erigeron glaucus 'Elstead Pink'
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 6 - 12 in Tall
Flowering Season: Spring
Image © Theodore Payne Foundation.
Aulon Beach Strawberry
Scientific Name: Fragaria chiloensis 'Aulon'
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 3 - 6 in Tall
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
Image © Theodore Payne Foundation
Woodland Strawberry
Scientific Name: Fragaria vesca
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 1–1.5 ft tall
Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
Image © H. Zell, Calscape
Montara Sagebrush
Scientific Name: Artemisia californica
Plant Type: Shrub
Size: 1–2 ft tall, spreading
Flowering Season: Spring
Image © California Flora Nursery, Calscape
Jelly Bean Orange Monkeyflower
Scientific Name: Diplacus (cultivar)
Plant Type: Shrub
Size: 2-3 ft tall
Flowering Season: Spring
Plant Details
Image © Theodore Payne Foundation, Calscape
Sonoran Maiden Fern
Scientific Name: Pelazoneuron puberulum, sonorense
Plant Type: Fern
Size: 3 ft tall
Image © Calscape
Foothill Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex tumulicola
Plant Type: Grasses
Size: 1 - 2 ft tall
Flowering Season: Spring
Image © California Floral Nursery
Western Sword Fern
Scientific Name: Polystichum munitum
Plant Type: Fern
Size: 2 - 6 ft Tall
Flowering Season: N/A
Image © Jennifer Wheeler
Island Alum Root
Scientific Name: Heuchera maxima
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 1-2 ft tall
Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
Image © Stan Shebs, Calscape
Douglas Iris
Scientific Name: Iris douglasiana
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 7-31 in tall
Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
Plant Details
Image © Calscape
Berkeley Sedge
Scientific Name: Carex tumulicola
Plant Type: Perennial sedge
Size: 12–24 in tall
Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
Plant Details
Image © California Flora Nursery
Common Yarrow (White)
Scientific Name: Achillea millefolium
Plant Type: Perennial herb
Size: 1 - 3 ft Tall
Flowering Season: Summer, Spring
Image © Keir Morse
Get Involved
Calling all green thumbs!
Everyday gardeners are welcome to sign up here to be a part of this pilot! As the project evolves and opportunities become available, we'll reach out to our local gardeners for help keeping State Street's native plants thriving.
Creating a Thriving Native Garden at Home
Location
Consider your planting site. What kind of soil? How much sun?
Timing
Planting at the right time of year makes all the difference.
Wildlife
Think about what types of local wildlife you'd like your garden to support
Tips & Tricks
Visit Santa Barbara Botanic Garden growing guide for in-depth information!
A Collaboration Between Friends of State Street, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, and the City of Santa Barbara
