Mimulus

Rhamnus californica, or coffeeberry, is an evergreen shrub that can grow from three to fifteen feet, depending on the variety and the climate in which it is planted.  The common name comes from the berries that turn black once they have ripened.  It is not particular about soil and can take sun or partial shade. …

Ceanothus, ‘California wild lilac’, is known for its wonderful spring floral display.  Flower colors are either white or shades of purple-blue, while height can range from a foot or two to twenty feet.  ‘Ray Hartman’ and ‘Cliff Schmidt’ are among the tallest of the Ceanothus, attaining heights of twelve to twenty feet.   ‘Dark Star’ and ‘Concha’ are among the varieties…

There are many species of Ribes, both evergreen and deciduous.  A very nice evergreen species is Ribes viburnifolium with roundish, dark green leaves and dark red stems.  It needs no irrigation, making it ideal for planting under oaks.  It grows three to six feet tall and can spread to twelve feet. A lovely deciduous species is…

    Carpenteria californica (bush anemone) does best with afternoon shade.  Clusters of white, anemone shaped flowers cover this evergreen shrub in early summer.  

For the shade, try Heuchera maxima, a cream flowering coral bell that looks great under oak trees and needs very little water.

Another very showy native is Dendromecon harfordii (California bush poppy).  In late spring, it is covered in bright yellow flowers and flowers intermittently throughout the summer.