California’s diverse climate and geography result in a variety of native plants that bloom in January. The specific plants you’ll find can vary depending on the region of California, as the state encompasses coastal areas, mountain ranges, deserts, and more.

Please note that many/most of these plants have average bloom times later in spring. With changing weather patterns, however, many of these California native plants may be growing and blooming ahead of “normal” as regional temperatures change.

Here are some examples of native plants that may bloom in California in January.

Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.): Some species of manzanita, a drought-tolerant shrub, may produce flowers in January.

California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum): This perennial shrub is found in many parts of California and may have blooms in January.

Pacific madrone (Arbutus menziesii): Known as the Bearberry, or Strawberry Tree, the madrone with the shifting seasons seem to be producing flowers in early November, December and January in some zones.

Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia): Also known as California holly or Christmas berry, Toyon may display clusters of small white flowers in winter. Many plants in January will still be covered bright red berries that are a favorite of robins, thrushes and waxwings, coyotes and bears.

Read: Starting a Native Plant Garden in Southern California Hardiness Zone 10

Ceanothus (Ceanothus spp.): Some species of Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, may bloom in January with blue or white flowers.

Coast Live Oak (Quercus agrifolia): While not known for conspicuous flowers, some oaks, including the Coast Live Oak, may produce small flowers in winter.

California brittlebush (Encelia californica): While winter closes in around the brittlebush, in the warmer zones, has begun to push out blooms with some standing out as hot yellow sunbursts under a grey drab sky.

Milkweed (Asclepias spp.): Certain species of milkweed, such as the narrow-leaved milkweed (Asclepias fascicularis), may have blooms in January.

Read: Native Plant Nurseries Around the San Fernando Valley

California Sagebrush (Artemisia californica): This aromatic shrub may have small, inconspicuous flowers in winter.

Wild Cucumber (Marah macrocarpus): This vining plant may produce white or greenish flowers in January.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica): While the peak blooming season is in spring, you may still find some California poppies flowering in January, especially in milder climates.

Blue Palo Verde (Parkinsonia florida): Native to the desert regions of California, the Blue Palo Verde may have yellow flowers in winter.

Read: California Native Plants Unattractive to Bees

January is the ideal time to start throwing wildflower seeds if you haven’t already. With the winter rains and cold temps, they will have plenty of time to germinate and start their journey to spring blooms.

It’s important to note that bloom times can vary based on factors like local climate conditions, elevation, and specific plant species. If you’re interested in native plants in a specific area of California, you might want to consult local plant guides or contact a native plant society for more detailed information.