Marin Backyard Habitats
The Marin Backyard Habitats program invites you to transform your yard into a thriving habitat by planting native species that support local wildlife, conserve water, and improve soil health.
By replacing invasive plants and reducing pesticide use, you can protect waterways from pollution and create a sanctuary for birds, bees, bats, butterflies, and more.
Start your journey to creating a healthy backyard habitat by selecting plants from the searchable Marin Local Native Plant Guide listing below .
Here we have suggested over 40 resilient local native plants that will enrich your garden, improve your appreciation of local wildlife and enhance the resilience of your neighborhood.
Sticky monkeyflower
Shrub
Diplacus aurantiacus
Orange, Red Flowers in Winter, Spring, and Summer
Supports Hummingbirds, Bats, Bees, Birds, Catterpillars and 8 species of Butterflies
Exceptionally deep root systems to 6 feet or more
Type: Shrub Tree
Size: To 4 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
uses: TAGS Deer Resistant, Fire Safe
Toyon
Tree / Shrub
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Easy to Grow
White Flowers in the Summer followed by Fall and Winter Red Berries
Supports Bats, Birds, Bees, Caterpillars, and 8 species of Butterflies and Moths
An important nectar plant for the California Tortoiseshell butterfly.
The berries are eaten by many birds, including Mockingbirds, American Robins, and Cedar Waxwings. Mammals including coyotes also eat and disperse the berries.
Grows to 15 feet tall a good choice for erosion control, fire resistance, and as an informal hedge in the landscape.
A great native alternative to exotic Pyracantha and Cotoneaster.
Type: Tree
Size: To 15 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 2 x / Month
Uses: Deer Resistant
Red Flowering Currant
Shrub
Ribes sanguineum
Easy to Grow
Red and Pink Winter and Spring Flowers
Supports Hummingbirds, Bats, Bees, Birds, Catterpilars and 86 species of Butterflies and Moths !
Ecological History
Type: Annual Grass Perennial Herbaceous Shrub Tree
Size: 6 To 10 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 3 x / Month
uses: Deer Resistant
Sonoma Sage
Shrub / Perennial
Salvia sonomensis
Easy to Grow
Blue and Lavender Flowers in Spring and Summer
Supports Hummingbirds, Bats, Bees, Caterpillars, and 11 species of Butterflies and Moths
The plant’s mat-forming roots help retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation at the surface, which benefits surrounding plants in drought-prone environments.
In addition to soil stabilization, the shallow roots and aromatic foliage of Sonoma sage help suppress weed growth, making it a valuable ground cover in native gardens. Its fragrant leaves and pale lavender to blue flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, while providing a resilient, low-maintenance habitat for native species in dryland landscapes.
Type: Perennial
Size To 2 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 3 x / Month
uses: Deer Resistant
Blue Elderberry
Tree / Shrub
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea
White Spring Flowers and Summer Fruit
Supports Bats, Birds, Bees, Hummingbirds, Caterpillars and 23 species of Butterflies and Moths
Berries are a good for source for wildlife and are edible for humans only after cooking.
Type: Annual Grass Perennial Herbaceous Shrub Tree
Size: To ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
Uses: Deer Resistant
Coast Live Oak
Tree
Quercus agrifolia
Evergreen Oak. An ideal Shade tree with very deep roots.
Supports Bats, Birds, Caterpillars, and 163 species of Butterflies and Moths
A true keystone species supporting a myriad of life forms
Type: Tree
Size: To 25 ft and more
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
Notes: Deer Resistant, Fire Safe, Grow in Containers