Wild Cucumber or Chilicothe is a trailing vine from a large, fleshy root and has long, stalked leaves. The Native Californians made necklaces of the seeds, polishing them by rubbing the seeds along their oiled bodies. The Wild Cucumber is from the Gourd Family and blooms from January to June.
2. Sweet Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare)
Sweet Fennel is a 3 to 6 foot high perennial and blooms from May to September. Though not native to California, it has become common along roadsides and other disturbed areas. Sweet Fennel has a strong odor and taste similar to licorice or anise. It is from the Carrot Family and resembles Poison Hemlock which does not smell of licorice.
3. Bush Monkey Flower (Mimulus longiflorus)
Bush or Sticky Monkey Flower is very common in Coastal Sage and Chaparral areas. It blooms from January through May and is from the Figwort Family. The Monkey Flower can come in variety of colors, red, yellow, and salmon to name a few.
4. Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri)
From the Poppy Family this perennial is huge, anywhere from 3 to 8 feet tall. It blooms from May to July and is native to Southern California.
5. Poison Oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum)
This small shrub is 1 to 4 feet high and is closely related to Poison Ivy. Its leaves very from red to yellow to green and blooms in march and April. Poison Oak is not a true oak, and belongs to the Sumac Family. Blistering and itching can result from contact with the oil the plant secretes. This oil can spread to clothes, shoes and pets. Generally the effects are not immediate, occurring one to two days later.
6. Horehound (Marrubium vulgare)
This European species is from the Mint Family, a perennial herb blooming in spring and summer. Horehound is a common weed in old fields and disturbed areas. A candy made from the leaves has long been used as a remedy for sore throats.
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