🌿 Out with the Invasives, In with the Natives!
A DIY Guide to Beautiful, Eco-Friendly Landscaping in Southern California
Southern California is a paradise for gardeners — sunny days, Mediterranean vibes, and plants that thrive year-round. But not all plants are a good idea in our local ecosystems. Some common choices are actually invasive, meaning they spread aggressively, outcompete native species, and suck up valuable resources like water.
Don’t worry — you can still create a stunning, colorful, low-maintenance garden! This guide will walk you through the worst invasive offenders in SoCal landscaping, and give you fun, affordable native alternatives that look beautiful, smell amazing, and even attract pollinators or repel pests.
Invasive Plants to Avoid (And Why)
1. 🚫 Ice Plant (Carpobrotus edulis)
Why it’s invasive: Spreads fast, chokes out native dune plants.
Commonly used for: Ground cover, erosion control.
Issue: It's a water hog and creates a fire hazard when dried.
✅ Native Alternative: Dune Buckwheat (Eriogonum parvifolium)
Why it’s great: Supports native butterflies, has soft pink/white flowers, and is drought-tolerant.
Bonus: Attracts native pollinators and stays compact.
Cost: $6–$10 per 1-gallon container at native plant nurseries.
2. 🚫 Fountain Grass (Pennisetum setaceum)
Why it’s invasive: Easily spreads via seeds, fuels wildfires.
Looks nice but: Grows aggressively, especially in dry hillsides.
✅ Native Alternative: Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens)
Why it’s great: Has a similar flowing shape, but doesn't invade.
Color & vibe: Graceful green to golden hues in summer.
Low maintenance: Just cut back once a year.
Cost: $8–$15 per plant depending on size.
3. 🚫 Tree of Heaven (Ailanthus altissima)
Why it’s invasive: Extremely fast-growing, releases toxins in the soil that kill other plants.
Smell: Honestly? Like cat pee. No thanks.
✅ Native Alternative: Western Redbud (Cercis occidentalis)
Why it’s great: Beautiful pink blossoms in spring, heart-shaped leaves, and thrives in SoCal heat.
Added bonus: Fixes nitrogen in the soil and supports native wildlife.
Cost: $30–$50 for a 5-gallon tree.
4. 🚫 Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus)
Why it’s invasive: Not only invasive, but also drops heavy limbs and is highly flammable.
Originally from: Australia, not California.
✅ Native Alternative: Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia)
Nicknamed: “California Holly” — it's where “Hollywood” got its name!
Looks: Evergreen shrub with bright red berries in winter.
Benefits: Berries feed birds, flowers feed bees, and it's drought-tolerant.
Cost: $12–$20 per plant.
5. 🚫 Pampas Grass (Cortaderia selloana)
Why it’s invasive: Seeds spread everywhere and crowd out native species.
Also: Razor-sharp blades — not kid- or pet-friendly.
✅ Native Alternative: Giant Wild Rye (Elymus condensatus)
Benefits: Dramatic height like pampas, but non-invasive.
Looks: Silvery-blue blades, great for modern or natural landscapes.
Cost: $10–$15 per 1-gallon pot.
🍊 Native Fruit-Bearing Plants
Want to go edible and eco-friendly?
✨ California Coffeeberry (Frangula californica)
Edible berries (not super sweet, but good for birds).
Evergreen shrub with dark glossy leaves.
Bonus: Naturally resists pests.
Cost: $12–$18 per plant.
✨ Catalina Cherry (Prunus ilicifolia)
Tasty fruit loved by birds and pollinators.
Dense, glossy foliage perfect for privacy screens.
Smells like: Subtle cherry blossoms in spring.
Cost: $25–$60 depending on size.
🐝 Bug-Repelling Native Plants
🌼 California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica)
Smell: Earthy, sagey, classic California.
Natural mosquito repellent and requires almost no water.
Price: $6–$10 per 1-gallon pot.
🌿 Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii)
Fragrance: Strong, sweet and herbal — like a spa!
Bonus: Blooms purple in summer and bees love it.
Drought-tolerant & long-lasting.
Cost: $8–$12 per pot.
🛠️ Materials & Tips for Planting
You don’t need to overhaul your entire garden to go native. Start small!
✏️ Basic DIY Tools & Supplies:
Mulch (to suppress weeds & retain moisture): $5–$8 per bag.
Compost (to enrich your soil): $4–$10 per bag.
Drip irrigation starter kit: $25–$45 (conserves water).
Native plants (1-gallon pots): $6–$15 each on average.
🌟 Pro Tip:
Start in fall or winter — that’s SoCal’s native planting season. Rain helps establish roots and reduces watering needs!
👩🌾 Final Thoughts: Go Local, Grow Happy
Swapping out invasive plants for natives isn’t just good for the environment — it’s also easier on your wallet and water bill. Native plants:
Need less maintenance
Use less water
Support birds, bees, and butterflies
Keep SoCal’s ecosystem in balance
So next time you're thinking about what to plant — choose California first. 🌼
Need help designing your native dream garden? 🌱
EcoDesignSD offers expert landscape design and build services with a focus on sustainability, local beauty, and long-term value. Let’s grow something great — together!