Ascot Hills Park Plant List

Alphabetical by Common Name, Plant Association and Life Form

Walnut Woodland

Coastal Sage Scrub

  • Trees and Shrub Trees

    Elderberry, Blue

    Laurel Sumac

    Toyon; Christmas Berry

    Learn More About Laurel Sumac

  • Small Shrubs

    Buckwheat, California

    Coyote Brush

    Current, Golden

    Goldenbush, Coast

    Mule Fat

    Sage, White

    Sagebrush, California

    Sunflower, Bush

    Learn More

  • Perrenials

    Aster, California

    Aster, Cliff

    Buckwheat, Long stemmed

    Cactus, Prickley Pear

    Deerweed

    Doveweed: TurkeyMullein

    Fuchsia, California;

    Jimson Weed; Datura

    Learn More

  • Vines

    Calabazilla

    Morning Glory, Wild

    Milkweed, Climbing

    Learn About Wild Morning Glory

  • Annuals, Herbs, and Grasses

    Blue eyed grass

    Blue Dicks; Wild Hyacinth

    Brome, California

    Everlasting, White

    Lotus, Coastal

    Lupine, Arroyo

    Pershing; Spanish Lotus; American Trefoil

    Poppy, California

    Purple Needle Grass

    Rye, Giant Wild

    Tarweed, Slender

    Telegraph Weed

    Vinegarweed

    Wand Chicory; Wire Lettuce

    Learn About California Poppy

Riparian

Valley Grassland

  • Blue Dicks; Wild Hyacinth

    Blue eyed Grass

    Brome, California

    Doveweed: TurkeyMullein

    Goldenstar, common

    Lupine, Arroyo

    Milkweed, Narrow Leaf

    Poppy, California

    Purple Needle Grass

    Rye, Giant Wild

    Sunflower, Common

    Telegraph Weed

    Wand Chicory; Wire Lettuce

Invasive Plants

California invasive plants are non-native species that have been introduced to the state, either intentionally or accidentally, and have the ability to spread rapidly and dominate local ecosystems. These plants outcompete native species for resources, disrupt habitats, and can lead to significant ecological and economic problems.

Part of our ongoing restoration work is managing these invasive plants by hand-pulling them. This is laborious but fulfilling work that our volunteers help us achieve.

Invasive Plants at Ascot Hills

  • Black Mustard (Brassica nigra)

    Black mustard is an annual herb that can grow up to 4-8 feet tall. It has bright yellow flowers with four petals arranged in a cross shape.

    Impact on the Environment:

    • Displacement of Native Plants: Outcompetes and displaces natives, reducing biodiversity.

    • Increased Fire Risk: Becomes highly flammable, fueling wildfires.

    • Habitat Alteration: Changes habitat, affecting wildlife.

    • Seed Bank Persistence: Seeds remain viable for years, complicating eradication.

  • Castor Bean (Ricinus communis)

    Castor bean is a fast-growing, perennial shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 6-15 feet or more. It has large, glossy, lobed leaves that are often reddish or purplish in color. The plant produces clusters of spiky seed capsules containing mottled, bean-like seeds.

    Impact on the Environment:

    • Displacement of Native Plants: Outcompetes and displaces natives, reducing biodiversity.

    • Toxicity: Highly toxic; seeds and plant parts contain lethal ricin.

    • Habitat Alteration: Shading out native plants and altering habitat.

  • Cheese Mallow (Malva parviflora)

    Cheese mallow, also known as small-flowered mallow or little mallow, is an annual or biennial herb that can grow up to 1-3 feet tall. It has round or kidney-shaped leaves with toothed edges and produces small, pale pink to white flowers. The plant gets its name from the shape of its seed pods, which resemble small cheese wheels.

    Impact on the Environment:

    Displacement of Native Plants: Forms dense mats that crowd out native species, reducing biodiversity.

    Soil and Water Competition: Depletes soil nutrients and water, harming native plants.

    Seed Bank Persistence: Seeds remain viable for years, causing persistent infestations.