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.

Full Sun, Dry Soil, Bats, Birds, Bees, Caterpillars, Butterflies Maya Normandi Full Sun, Dry Soil, Bats, Birds, Bees, Caterpillars, Butterflies Maya Normandi

California Poppy

Annual/ Perennial

Eschscholzia californica

Easy to Grow

Orange, Yellow flowers Spring to Fall.
Often drops into senescence in the heat of summer and returns from the surviving root growth with the onset of cooler weather

Supports Bats, Bees, Birds, Caterpillars, and 7 species of Butterflies and Moths .
A variety of Bee species are attracted to the pollen and nectar and California Quail especially like the seeds

A member of the poppy family that evolved perhaps 50 million years ago the California poppy is a truly an ancient part of our our ecosystems and has likely been on the landscape here for millions of years

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Type: Annual / Perrenial
Size: To 2 ft

Watering: Maximum Summer Water 2 x / month
Special uses: Easy to grow Deer Resistant, Fire Safe, Will grow in Pots, Self -Seeds

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Full Sun, Part Shade or Shade, Dry or Moist Soil, Bats, Birds, Caterpillars, Butterflies Maya Normandi Full Sun, Part Shade or Shade, Dry or Moist Soil, Bats, Birds, Caterpillars, Butterflies Maya Normandi

Mugwort

Perennial

Artemisia douglasiana

Easy to Grow

Fragrant silver-grey leaves, flowers are small and not obvious


Supports Bats, Birds, Caterpillars, and 30 species of Butterflies and Moths

Many medicinal uses reported

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Type: Perennial
Size: 1 To 3ft

Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
uses: TAGS Deer Resistant

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Full Sun or Part Shade, Dry Soil, Hummingbirds, Bats, Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Caterpillars Maya Normandi Full Sun or Part Shade, Dry Soil, Hummingbirds, Bats, Birds, Bees, Butterflies, Caterpillars Maya Normandi

California Fuchsia

Perennial

Epilobium canum

Easy to Grow

Red Summer and Fall Flowers .

Often goes dormant in Winter

Supports Bats, Birds, Hummingbirds, Caterpillars and 15 species of Butterflies and Moths

This is THE best California native plant for attracting hummingbirds.

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Type: Perennial
Size: To 1 ft

Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
uses: TAGS Deer Resistant, Will grow in Pots, Self-Seeds

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