Lobularia maritima (sweet Alyssum) is a perennial (family Brassicaceae) found along the coast of California and in the San Francisco Bay area. Sweet Alyssum is a common ornamental plant that has escaped cultivation and invaded disturbed coastal dunes, scrub, bluffs, prairies and riparian areas. It has a long flowering season, and appears to have the […]

Ludwigia hexapetala (Uruguay waterprimrose) is an aquatic plant (family Onagraceae) that forms dense mats in waterways, reaching above and below the water surface. This dense growth impedes water movement, blocks the growth of native plants, and reduces available habitat for waterbirds and fish. Although this species has been naturalized in California for at least 25 […]

Lythrum hyssopifolia (hyssop loosestrife) is a perennial forb/herb (family Lythraceae) that invades wetlands. It occurs in seasonal wetlands, ditches, and cultivated fields, especially rice fields. L. hyssopifolia often grows on exposed mud, tolerates some salinity, but is sensitive to heavy frost.

Myoporum laetum (ngaio tree) is an evergreen shrub or small tree (family Myoporaceae) found along the coast of California and in the San Francisco Bay region. It favors coastal areas, woodlands and riparian areas. This landscape ornamental has white flowers with purple dots and reddish-purple fruits. Ngaio tree has escaped cultivation in many areas, and […]

Medicago polymorpha (California burclover) is a perennial/annual forb/herb (family Fabaceae) found throughout California in disturbed areas such as pastures, roadsides and vacant lots. Although it is considered good forage for livestock in pastures, it can out-compete native species in natural areas. Despite its name, California burclover is native to the Mediterranean.

Myosotis latifolia (common forget-me-not) is a perennial or annual herb (family Boraginaceae) found primarily in coniferous and riparian areas along the coast in northern and central California. It is native to northwestern Africa and was introduced into North America as a garden ornamental. Common forget-me-not is low-statured, with pale blue to pink radiate flowers in […]

Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrotfeather) is a stout aquatic perennial (family Haloragaceae) that forms dense mats of intertwined brownish stems (rhizomes) in water. Myriophyllum aquaticum can be found in freshwater lakes, ponds, and canals with slow-moving waters in northern and central California. This invasive plant may compete with native aquatic plants, eliminating them or reducing their numbers […]

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum (crystalline iceplant) is a low-growing annual or biennial succulent shrub (family Aizoaceae) found on coastal bluffs of the California coastline and the Channel Islands. It is native to South Africa, but has been used as a landscape ornamental.  It is named for the small glistening vesicles that cover its leaves and stems. Crystalline […]

Geranium dissectum (cutleaf Geranium) is an annual or biennial forb/herb (family Geraniaceae) found throughout California along waste ground, grasslands, and hedge banks. It can compete with native vegetation for resources.

Genista monspessulana (French broom) is a perennial shrub (family Fabaceae) from the Mediterranean region and the Azores that was introduced as an ornamental along with Scotch and Spanish broom. In California, it now occurs across the state, including the Coast Ranges, Sierra Nevada foothills, Transverse Ranges, Channel Islands and San Francisco Bay area. French broom is […]