San Francisco Native Plant Restoration: A Neighborhood Transformation

From Weedy Slope to Native Plant Showcase

When a Corona Heights neighborhood group asked landscape architects Richard Wogisch and Bassam Salameh to revive a neglected public parcel, they saw an opportunity to showcase garden-worthy California natives.

Planting Strategy

• Upper slope (irrigated): Blue-eyed grass, bush anemone, California fescue, Catalina ironwood, checkerbloom, coast live oak, Pacific Coast iris, purple needle grass, tufted hair grass.
• Lower slope (rainfall only): Arctostaphylos, Cleveland sage, Ceanothus 'Dark Star', flannel bush, California fuchsia, California poppy.

Maintenance

Cut back seed heads in early summer; trim in winter. An irrigation system supports the upper slope.

The once-barren area is now a colorful native tapestry and neighborhood pride.