Bellardia trixago (Bellardia) is an annual herb (family Orobanchaceae) found in the San Francisco Bay region, southern Sacramento Valley, western North Coast Ranges and central coast of California. It is commonly found in disturbed grasslands, including rare serpentine grasslands, as well as along roadsides and in fields. Plants have an erect habit, grow to 50-70 […]

Bassia hyssopifolia (fivehook Bassia) is an annual herb (family Chenopodiaceae) found throughout California, except in high elevation areas in the northwestern region of the state and Sierra Nevada Mountains. It prefers wetland areas, alkaline habitats and disturbed places such as roadsides and fields. Fivehook Bassia is acceptable forage for sheep in small amounts, but the […]

Acacia dealbata (silver wattle) is a tree (family Fabaceae) found in the coastal ranges, San Francisco Bay area, and south coast of California. It favors disturbed places in coastal prairies, riparian areas and coniferous forests. It is native to Australia. Silver wattle is often confused with green wattle (Acacia decurrens), but is distinguishable by the […]

Avena barbata (slender wild oat) is a winter annual grass (family Poaceae) that grows in nearly every grassland area of the state. It does well in sandy/poor soils, often on the road verges. It is one of the annual grasses that was introduced as a forage species and has replaced the native perennial grasses. It […]

Atriplex semibaccata (Australian saltbush) is a low-statured, spreading, shrubby perennial (family Chenopodiaceae) that is native to Australia. It is distinguished by its small, grey-green leaves that are white on the underside and red, diamond-shaped fleshy fruits. Australian saltbush was introduced as a forage plant in the 1920’s. Since then, it has escaped cultivation and is […]

Asphodelus fistulosus (onion weed) is an annual/perennial herb (family Liliaceae) found in dry, sandy and rocky places, as well as pastures, roadsides and waste places. Livestock avoid eating it, allowing it to create dense stands that crowd out more desirable forage species in pastures. It is primarily found along coastal regions of Southern California. It […]

Asparagus asparagoides (bridal creeper or African Asparagus fern) is a rhizomatous perennial herb (family Liliaceae) found in riparian woodlands of California’s central and south coast. Asparagus asparagoides colonizes both disturbed areas and undisturbed native habitats, but its current distribution is very limited. Plant shoots can form dense mats that limit light levels and then die […]

Avena fatua (wild oat) is a winter annual grass (family Poaceae) that is a common agricultural weed. It grows in most grassland sites within the state, particularly in sandy/poor soils, often on the road verges. It is one of the annual grasses that was introduced as a forage species and has replaced the native perennial […]