Hedera canariensis (Algerian ivy) is a perennial woody vine (family Araliaceae) that is native to the Canary Islands and the Mediterranean coast of North Africa. It is found throughout California along the coast, and is less widespread than its close relative English ivy. Algerian ivy grows vigorously in forests where nothing else seems able to […]

Hordeum murinum (hare barley or foxtail) is an annual grass (family Poaceae) that is native to the Mediterranean, northern Africa, and temperate Asia. It is characterized by having a low stature (<=10 cm), inflorescences with long awns, and spikelets (each containing three florets) that disarticulate when they mature. Hare barely is common throughout California in […]

Lepidium chalepense (lens-podded whitetop) is a perennial (family Brassicaceae) that is relatively infrequent in California. Lepidium draba (hoary cress) and L. chalepense grow in the many habitats and areas of the state, except in the Mojave and Colorado deserts. However, L. draba occurs in wet and dry grasslands, scrubs, and arid areas with alkali soils and […]

Linaria dalmatica ssp. dalmatica (Dalmatian toadflax) is an herbaceous perennial that was introduced as an ornamental (Plantaginaceae Family). It can be found in disturbed open sites, fields, pastures, degraded rangelands, roadsides, agronomic and perennial crops. This weed is most commonly found in northern California, but can sporadically occur in other areas. Infestations often form large colonies, displacing […]

Pyracantha crenulata (Nepalese firethorn) is an evergreen shrub with bright red berries (family Rosaceae). It is commonly found in disturbed sites, along roadsides, and in coastal scrub, prairie, and riparian areas. Pyracantha species, which have bright red berries and green foliage, are a common ornamental plant that have escaped cultivation. The fruits of Pyracantha are […]

Pyracantha coccinea (Scarlet firethorn) is an evergreen shrub with bright red berries (family Rosaceae). It is commonly found in disturbed sites, along roadsides, and in coastal scrub, prairie, and riparian areas. Pyracantha species, which have bright red berries and green foliage, are a common ornamental plant that have escaped cultivation. The fruits of Pyracantha are widely […]

Pyracantha angustifolia (Pyracantha, firethorn) is an evergreen shrub with bright red berries and spiny branches (family Rosaceae). It is native to China. They are commonly found in disturbed sites, along roadsides, and in coastal scrub, prairie, and riparian areas. Pyracantha species, which have bright red berries and green foliage, are a common ornamental plant that […]

Schismus barbatus (common Mediterranean grass) is an annual grass (family Poaceae) found mostly in disturbed areas and deserts. It is difficult to distinguish from its close relative Schismus arabicus.  Both species contribute to the conversion of desert shrubland into annual grassland by carrying fire across open areas, where they ignite and kill native shrubs.

Senecio glomeratus (cutleaf burnweed) is an annual or short-lived perennial in the Asteraceae family. It is among the most serious plant pests on the Channel Islands and also occurs along the mainland California coast. Cutleaf burnweed moves quickly into disturbed areas and is widespread in disturbed sites within North Coast redwood forests. It can also […]

Spartina alterniflora (and S. alterniflora x foliosa hybrids) (smooth cordgrass) is a rhizomatous perennial grass (family Poaceae) found in salt marshes and mudflats in the San Francisco Estuary and associated waterways. Smooth cordgrass spreads more rapidly, grows more densely, and tolerates higher water levels than native California cordgrass (Spartina foliosa). Spartina alterniflora is native to the Atlantic and Gulf coasts […]