One of the most prevalent are called Ice plants, also known as Carpobrotus Edulis or “Hottentot fig,” and are succulent ground cover plants that are well- suited to coastal environments and found all along the Sonoma coast. Ice plants are succulents, meaning they store water in their fleshy leaves and stems. This adaptation allows them to thrive in arid and coastal conditions. One of the distinctive features of ice plants is their vibrant, daisy-like flowers. These flowers can be various shades of pink, purple, or yellow, and they bloom during the spring and summer months. Ice plants also make excellent ground cover plants, forming dense mats that help prevent soil erosion. The plants are well-adapted to coastal environments and can tolerate salty air and sandy soils. Being succulents, ice plants are drought-tolerant once established.
The Seaside daisy, or Erigeron Glaucus, is a native perennial plant also commonly found along Sonoma Coast. Seaside Daisies typically grows in low mounds, reaching about 1-2 feet in height. They have slender stems with narrow, lobed leaves that are often gray-green in color. The plant produces numerous daisy-like flowers with yellow centers and white to pink or lavender petals. These blooms add a splash of color and attract pollinators like bees and butterflies. Especially well adapted to coastal environments, seaside daisy is tolerant of salt spray and can withstand windy conditions. It’s often seen growing on cliffs, bluffs, and in sandy soils near the ocean.It too helps with erosion control and contributes to the overall biodiversity of the coastal ecosystem.
Beach strawberry, scientifically known as Fragaria Chiloensis, is another low- growing perennial plant native to coastal regions, including the Sonoma coast. Beach strawberry plants have small, dark green, serrated leaves and produce runners that spread along the ground, creating a low, trailing mat. The leaves are often shiny, and the plant forms small, white flowers. One of the highlights of beach strawberries is their edible fruit. The berries are typically small, sweet, and red, resembling traditional strawberries but often smaller in size. They are enjoyed by both humans and wildlife Beach strawberries are well- adapted to coastal conditions, including sandy soils. They thrive in full sun or partial shade and are often found growing on sandy dunes along the coast.
Due to their spreading habit, beach strawberries are often used as a ground cover in gardens and landscaping. Beach strawberries prefer well-drained soil and are relatively low-maintenance. They can tolerate salt spray and are considered drought-tolerant once established. The berries produced by beach strawberry plants are not only enjoyed by humans but also attract various wildlife, including birds. This makes them a valuable addition to coastal ecosystems.
Always make sure to identify a plant carefully before eating the berries! And if you want to use these plants in your own garden make sure the environment is similar to the ones at the coast.