California Native Plants for Small Shady Corners

Story and photos by Ellen Uhler.

My husband and I rub elbows while gardening on our Oakland city lot, constantly looking for somewhere to put just one more plant. The small dark corners get planted simply because we have run out of other available spaces. Fortunately the plant palette is diverse, offering a never-ending exploration of our California native flora.

Grey rush (Juncus patens) is the most shade and drought tolerant of the rushes and a workhorse in the native plant garden. Nettles (Urtica dioica) offer food, medicine and a security system all in one — plus they're a host plant for Red Admiral caterpillars.

From the dense shade of redwood forests to the dappled edges of oak woodlands, there are many different combinations of light, moisture and substrate. By weaving these species into your landscape you increase biodiversity and add resilience to the web of life.