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.
Toyon
Tree / Shrub
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Easy to Grow
White Flowers in the Summer followed by Fall and Winter Red Berries
Supports Bats, Birds, Bees, Caterpillars, and 8 species of Butterflies and Moths
An important nectar plant for the California Tortoiseshell butterfly.
The berries are eaten by many birds, including Mockingbirds, American Robins, and Cedar Waxwings. Mammals including coyotes also eat and disperse the berries.
Grows to 15 feet tall a good choice for erosion control, fire resistance, and as an informal hedge in the landscape.
A great native alternative to exotic Pyracantha and Cotoneaster.
Type: Tree
Size: To 15 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 2 x / Month
Uses: Deer Resistant
Red Flowering Currant
Shrub
Ribes sanguineum
Easy to Grow
Red and Pink Winter and Spring Flowers
Supports Hummingbirds, Bats, Bees, Birds, Catterpilars and 86 species of Butterflies and Moths !
Ecological History
Type: Annual Grass Perennial Herbaceous Shrub Tree
Size: 6 To 10 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 3 x / Month
uses: Deer Resistant
Sonoma Sage
Shrub / Perennial
Salvia sonomensis
Easy to Grow
Blue and Lavender Flowers in Spring and Summer
Supports Hummingbirds, Bats, Bees, Caterpillars, and 11 species of Butterflies and Moths
The plant’s mat-forming roots help retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation at the surface, which benefits surrounding plants in drought-prone environments.
In addition to soil stabilization, the shallow roots and aromatic foliage of Sonoma sage help suppress weed growth, making it a valuable ground cover in native gardens. Its fragrant leaves and pale lavender to blue flowers attract pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, while providing a resilient, low-maintenance habitat for native species in dryland landscapes.
Type: Perennial
Size To 2 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 3 x / Month
uses: Deer Resistant
Blue Elderberry
Tree / Shrub
Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea
White Spring Flowers and Summer Fruit
Supports Bats, Birds, Bees, Hummingbirds, Caterpillars and 23 species of Butterflies and Moths
Berries are a good for source for wildlife and are edible for humans only after cooking.
Type: Annual Grass Perennial Herbaceous Shrub Tree
Size: To ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
Uses: Deer Resistant
Evergreen Huckleberry
Shrub
Vaccinium ovatum
White Spring Flowers followed by Blue Edible Fruits for people and wildlife
Will produce more berries in full sun and will grow taller in shade
Supports Bats, Caterpillars, Hummingbirds,Bees, and 54 species of Butterflies and Moths!
Many species of birds and small mammals eat the berries Both birds and mammals use the thickets as habitat.
Type: Shrub
Size: 2 To 8 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 3 x / Month
uses: Will grow in Pots
Pacific Madrone
Tree
Arbutus menziesii
White to pink Spring flowers followed by orange Fall berries.
A broadleaf evergreen with rich orange-red bark that peels away on the mature smooth wood,.
Supports Bats, Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds, Caterpillars and 40 Species of Butterflies and Moths
Type: Tree
Size: To 20 ft
Watering: Maximum Summer Water 1 x / Month
Uses: