Spring brings a glorious transformation to the hills and gardens in Ventura County. Plants, trees and shrubs that lay dormant in the cooler winter months burst into life with vibrant colors and fragrant flowers. 

Many of the county’s native plants, trees and shrubs have been used for centuries as food, medicine and materials by the Chumash people, the area’s original inhabitants. For example, the berries of the manzanita tree can be harvested and prepared as food, and the bark can be woven into floor mats and artistic baskets. Toyon berries can be used to make jams or beverages, while a topical preparation of California Sagebrush can be used to quell joint pain and muscle aches. 

Integrating native species and drought-tolerant medicinal plants into your garden is much easier than you might imagine and the rewards are numerous. They require less water, fertilizer and maintenance compared to non-native species. They are naturally resistant to pests and diseases, which reduces the need for intervention. 

Here are some of the most beautiful and beneficial native plants that thrive in Ojai and other Ventura County inland areas: 

California Mugwort

Artemisia douglasiana is an abundant riverside native that can be used to help sleep issues and anxious conditions. It is sacred to the Chumash people, who use it in rituals and ceremonies and revere it for its protective qualities. 

Planting Tips: This fast-growing shrub prefers well-drained soil. Though it is drought-tolerant once established, it prefers wetter landscapes, which is why it is often found near seasonal creeks and rivers. Consider planting California mugwort in a low-lying area where it may have access to more water runoff.

Placement: Full sun or partial shade.

Black Sage 

Salvia mellifera is the most abundant sage found in Southern California. It contains a wide variety of essential oils that are calming and soothing to the nervous system. Its tiny light purple flowers burst into life in the early spring as an abundant food source for bees, hummingbirds and other pollinators. Its seeds are edible and its leaves can be used to make teas and poultices for arthritic conditions.

Planting Tips: Black sage is extremely drought-tolerant and will not survive overwatering. It will go dormant in the late summer and often lose many leaves. Prune in the early fall to encourage spring growth.

Placement: Full sun.

California Sagebrush

Artemisia californica is a fragrant shrub often used for its cleansing, calming and soothing properties. The leaves contain powerful essential oils with therapeutic properties. The leaves can be made into a poultice that will help to soothe muscle aches and strains. This plant also carries a nickname inspired by its wonderful fragrance: cowboy cologne.

Planting Tips: California sagebrush prefers well-draining, sandy soil. Amend the area before planting if necessary by adding compost or sand to improve drainage. 

Placement: Full sun, this plant needs at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day to thrive.

Yarrow 

Achillea millefolium is a hardy perennial that’s easy to grow in poor soil conditions and needs minimal watering once established. It produces small clusters of flowers that attract pollinators of all kinds. Yarrow has been used by many cultures over centuries to treat wounds, soothe inflammation and ease menstrual cramps. It can be made into a tincture or poultice. 

Planting Tips: To encourage a second flush of blooms, prune dried flower heads midsummer. Cut the stems about 8 inches down, just above a leaf node. 

Placement: Full sun but can handle partial shade. 

Lavender 

Lavandula spp. is known for its beautiful fragrance and overall calming properties. Its abundant essential oil can be extracted and used to reduce stress or soothe skin irritations and burns. The edible flowers can be made into teas or harvested and dried to make aromatic bundles or sleep pillows. 

Planting Tips: Lavender prefers well-drained soil and plenty of space to grow. Excellent companion to plant near the vegetable garden as it can help repel pests and attract beneficial pollinators. 

Placement: Full sun. Avoid overwatering as it is prone to root rot. 

Aloe Vera 

Aloe barbadensis thrives in Ojai’s climate. It’s known for its ability to soothe burns and skin irritations. The inner gel from the leaves is edible and can be consumed to help improve digestive health. 

Planting Tips: Requires well-drained, sandy soil and at least 3–4 hours of full sun daily. Excellent choice for planters as they drain well and can be moved as needed. Easy to propagate by dividing the new offsets that grow at the base of the plant. Once the offsets are about the size of a finger, gently remove and plant in another container. 

Placement: Full sun. It is highly drought-tolerant and should not be watered too frequently. 

The practice of gardening provides gifts far beyond food, medicine and crafting materials. Working with plants connects one to their surroundings, to the land and its history as well as a deep primal space within. One of the most profound ways to connect with the land is to plant native and medicinal species in your garden. The plants, trees and shrubs that grow on the hillsides protect its inhabitants and provide an abundance of resources. Over thousands of years, these native species have attuned their needs to what is available in their environment. They have adapted to the weather conditions, the soil composition and to the people who cohabitate with them. We can learn so much by observing the harmony in nature that surrounds us.