California and Mojave Native Plants

California natives per Calscape (CNPS).

4.8 Stars / 114 Reviews CSLB #957605 Since 2009

Reviewed by Freddie Ruiz, Owner and CSLB-licensed contractor License C-27 #957605 Building landscapes in the High Desert since 2009 Last updated September 29, 2026

These plants are California natives according to Calscape, the California Native Plant Society database. Several are native to the Mojave Desert itself.

11 California and Mojave Native Plants That Handle the High Desert

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

Shrub · Very low water · Hardy to -20°F (interior form)

California Fuchsia

Epilobium canum

Perennial · Moderate water · Hardy to 0°F

Cleveland Sage

Salvia clevelandii

Shrub · Low water · Hardy to 10 to 20°F (marginal)

Creosote Bush

Larrea tridentata

Shrub · Very low water · Hardy to 0 to 10°F

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

Ornamental grass · Moderate water · Hardy to -10°F

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

Tree · Moderate water · Hardy to -10 to 15°F by source

Dwarf Coyote Brush

Baccharis pilularis (prostrate forms)

Groundcover · Moderate water · Hardy to 0 to 10°F

Honey Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

Tree · Low water · Hardy to 0°F

Joshua Tree

Yucca brevifolia

Accent · Very low water · Hardy to -10 to -20°F

Ocotillo

Fouquieria splendens

Accent shrub · Very low water · Hardy to 0 to 20°F by source

Penstemon

Penstemon palmeri, P. eatonii and P. parryi

Perennial · Low water · Hardy to -30 to 15°F by species

Quick Comparison

Plant	Water (High Desert)	Cold hardy to	Size	Pets
California Buckwheat	Very low	-20°F (interior form)	2 to 3 ft	Not on ASPCA list
California Fuchsia	Moderate	0°F	3 to 18 in	Not on ASPCA list
Cleveland Sage	Low	10 to 20°F (marginal)	3 to 4 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Creosote Bush	Very low	0 to 10°F	3 to 12 ft	Non-toxic (ASPCA)
Deer Grass	Moderate	-10°F	4 to 5 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Desert Willow	Moderate	-10 to 15°F by source	20 to 25 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Dwarf Coyote Brush	Moderate	0 to 10°F	8 to 24 in tall	Not on ASPCA list
Honey Mesquite	Low	0°F	About 20 ft or more	Not on ASPCA list
Joshua Tree	Very low	-10 to -20°F	5 to 20 ft	Toxic (ASPCA)
Ocotillo	Very low	0 to 20°F by source	15 to 20 ft	Not on ASPCA list
Penstemon	Low	-30 to 15°F by species	Varies by species	Not on ASPCA list

Related Guides & Services

All High Desert Plants Low-Water Plants Hummingbird Plants Cold-Hardy Plants for Zone 8b Rockscape Design

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