Spring has finally arrived. The sun is shining, and here in Southern California that means gorgeous wildflower blooms. Our state is home to an amazing array of plant diversity, ranging from redwoods to palms, pines to succulents. California is one of the most botanically rich regions in the world.
With this amazing diversity comes threats to our native plants, especially through urbanization. As more homes are built, more lawns need to be cared for. More boxwoods, camellias, petunias and geraniums mean less poppies, sages, lupines and oaks.
Our state's native plants ultimately give way to their cultivated cousins. Of course, that means more water, a resource that is already limited in the West.
In a much-celebrated move, the California state legislature last year declared the third week in April to forever be California Native Plant Week. Throughout the state, at gardens, nurseries, nature preserves and schools, the week ahead will celebrate California's diverse and wonderful native flora.
