A paradise of selection and thoughtful, helpful expertise for anyone interested in native plants, whether you are a beginner or master gardener. read more

Specialists in California native plants. The people at California Flora are always super helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommended.

Mostly natives and you get a discount if you tell them you are a CNPS member. Drive here from Sac to buy my plants. Different selection all year long. read more

Cal Flora are clearly a mission motivated business. The cause of planting local native flora is a virtuous loop: your outdoor environment resembles your native locale (not the Home Depot nursery) and native flowers, shrubs and trees provide habitat and sustenance for insects, birds and mammals. California Flora Nursery has overhauled the place, adding greenhouses and improving the organized layout. Their on-site plant propagation ensures consistent quality of their inventory (updated online regularly). As the owner states, they are a small operation whose inventory may fluctuate a lot. So, look at the updated inventory and do a little research about your plant goals before going. Informed questions for busy workers like Shillea and Josh are best. Buying in fall is best for mild winter temperature planting ! Join the native flora and fauna movement, start with a plant in your yard ! read more

We have been coming to California Flora Nursery for over 15 years. They are probably the last best CA native plant nursery in the Bay Area since Mostly Natives closed (for all intents and purposes), and it's worth the trip north to Fulton/northern Santa Rosa to patronize this independent business. California Flora has an EXCELLENT selection of healthy, thriving natives - mostly one gallon pots and smaller, with some items in fives, and up to 15 gallons now and then I'm pretty sure. They are a retail and wholesale nursery, with some of the best rates for retail customers, especially if you hit one of their annual sales. Over the years we have needed a large amount of coastal and dune specific plants for installations at our properties in Marin and San Francisco, and even though these guys are established well inland in dry oak savanna country in Sonoma, they had every coastal variety we needed. We have always had good customer service here as retail customers, and every time I ask professional landscaper friends in different counties for the inside scoop of where they like to buy natives, California Flora is always mentioned first. The last time we were at CA Flora was the opening of their annual fall sale in Fall of 2019. We got there before the gates opened and waited excitedly to make our selections. This also turned out to be the day that half of Sonoma County, including Fulton, would lose their power and be evacuated for the encroaching wildfire. They opened on time, and the whole staff was diligent and helpful, even with some knowing they might have to evacuate soon. We were happy to make our purchases, but were concerned as we heard later that day that the nursery lost power and had to close by that afternoon. They were able to reopen within a couple of weeks and resumed their sale, and we are so happy that they are still thriving after two brushes with wildfire in the last few years. We highly recommend patronizing this icon in Bay Area native plants, and the health and ecology of your garden and neighborhood will be enhanced when you plant local natives :) read more

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I love coming back here to find new native plants for our garden. Very peaceful location, enjoyable to simple walk around a learn about plants that grow locally! read more

Great selection of plants that seem to be healthy and very well-cared for; I shop here frequently. That said, I have to agree with some of the comments about the, shall we say, lack of customer service whenever I visit. I was there today. No hello, no can-I-help-you find-something, no thanks-for-coming-in, no can-I-help-you-load-this-hundred-dollars'-worth-of-plants-into-your-car. I'm guessing the bulk of their business is wholesale to landscapers and municipalities, so being indifferent to retail customers who aren't buying $10K worth of plants probably doesn't affect the bottom line and the workers may feel they have good job security even if they ignore the retail, walk-in shoppers. Shop here for the range of native & climate zone-friendly plants but don't expect to be treated like you're a welcome and valued customer because it's apparent that we are not. read more

When I read the review dated July 25th below, as both the customer who was in line when Rosie D. came up to the register as well as a long-term customer of Cal Flora, I felt the need to post my own review of my experience that day as Rosie D's review was a surprise to me. Before I discovered Cal Flora a few years ago, I had zero green thumb and I certainly didn't know much about native plants. In fact I probably could've looked at a manzanita and killed it. One of the many things I appreciate about Cal Flora is how much I learn about native plants each time I'm there, in addition to how respected I feel when I leave, particularly for someone like me who is pretty green (no pun intended) and asks some pretty naïve questions that the team patiently and supportively continues to answer. Rosie D's experience of the incident below varies quite a bit from mine. I too was at the nursery for about an hour on July 25th. While I was there I noticed a Cal Flora staff member with Rosie D. for most of her visit who was answering questions for her and a relative or friend. Seemed like the conversations were going fine. As I was paying, I was chatting with two members of the staff and noticed Rosie D. came up and pulled one of them aside. I couldn't hear them because the conversation was pretty quiet. I bought several carts worth of plants and it took me awhile to load my car. As I was loading my car, Rosie D. came out to her car and said very loudly "I have one word - YELP REVIEW!" No one was shouting. I didn't hear any name calling. And I certainly didn't see or hear a staff member shouting insults at her as she walked to her car. I only heard her loudly say the above. And it bothered me. But I elected not to say anything...until I read the review below. I went back and asked the staff about it. It sounds like Rosie had purchased narrow-leaf milkweed, which is naturally covered with aphids, who are part of the ecosystem hand-in-hand with milkweed. The milkweed grows, the aphids naturally come, and other insects like ladybugs and beetles eat the milkweed. There are symbiotic relationships at play there. I've gotten used to this with milkweed over the years and understand each spring the arrival of aphids is inevitable. What's very special about milkweed is it's the only plant that can sustain Monarch butterflies. It's their host plant. Monarchs are endangered. Their population has declined by 80% in California in the past 2 years. Why does that matter in this particular review? Well Cal Flora's current selection of milkweed is covered in Monarch butterfly eggs which is amazing. I've bought several in the past few weeks. Seeing the caterpillars start to hatch has really made me feel like I'm making a difference and for someone who is passionate about things like sustainable agriculture I hope Rosie D can appreciate that. Even if organic pest management strategies like dousing the milkweed with water were applied, it would destroy the monarch eggs. That my experience was so different than Rosie D's that day bothers me. Knowing the impact that COVID-19 is having on small businesses, it also bothers me that she felt the need to express herself in this way both at Cal Flora and now here on Yelp. Cal Flora is a very special place that can help all of us make a big difference to the environment by starting with small steps in our own backyards. I hope my review is helpful for anyone considering a trip to Cal Flora as I believe it's a trip you won't regret. read more

I have been coming to this nursery for about 14 years. It is my favorite nursery for native plants in Northern Ca. I am a professional and love how knowledgable and present the staff is- every time. They make excellent suggestions and are always very helpful, but customers have to keep in mind that there are many factors involved in creating a successful garden and it takes many years to learn and even educate people about those elements. All the plants are healthy and cared for better than any nursery I know and I've learned a lot through the years. Support this little nursery whenever possible and you will be supporting all the beneficial creatures and helping to restore balance as well. I always walk away feeling my money was well spent! Cal Flora rocks Megan Greenlovedesign.com read more

California Flora Nursery - Nurseries & Gardening Near Me - Fulton, California

Went here for the first time the other day. Very impressed with the selection and quality of the plants. Even the recently potted plants are full containers. Love how they are labelled as recently potted in the spirit of full disclosure. We filled up a cart with a selection of items. We also were appreciative of the advice that we received. Lots of valuable information in a helpful manner. It was a bit of a drive for us, but definitely worth the drive. We live in the East Bay and there just aren't any nurseries that have the depth of native material that Cal Flora has. If only there was a food truck version of Cal Flora that could come down here and sell their plants. read more

This is the best native plant nursery I've ever been to. The staff is incredibly helpful! Highly, highly recommended.

I was referred to them by the Master Gardeners program because I had a question about hollies. I am fine with them not being able to answer my questions b/c the hollies were not natives, but I could do without the sanctimonious PC garbage. I was informed that hollies are NOT natives and that they are INVASIVE. People, I have never had a native or non-native plant escape from my well-tended gardens and head for the hills. There is room in this world for native and non-natives and I am allergic to these pious plant people. I would not contact or visit this nursery again. read more

As I transition my yard from ornamentals and non-natives to native plants, CalFlora Nursery has become my go-to nursery. They have a phenomenal selection of California natives, the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful, the plants are robust, and the prices are excellent. I have not lost a single plant purchased at this nursery, and I don't exactly have the greenest of thumbs. Highly highly recommend this nursery. read more

I love Cal Flora but agree that, depending on who is working, the 'service' can be less than overwhelming. These folks are dedicated native plant lovers and propagate a lot of things that are very hard to find elsewhere. They can sometimes seem off-putting or even rude when customers ask for plants that don't play a helpful role in the local ecosystems. If you go with an understanding that these guys are the real deal when it comes to repairing our degraded plantscape, I think you'll really admire and learn a lot from them. I am in love with so many of the plants they've steered me to and don't consider their views 'pc crap' at all. read more

I learned about Cal Flora from my mother who taught me about plants and gardening starting when I was a wee child. For 10+ years, I have always looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed visiting the lovely oasis that is CalFlora! The trees are filled with many birds, butterflies, bees, and other insects & creatures. It's like a mini vacation! . Also, whenever I have asked a question, the response and the people there have always been pleasant, informative, and very helpful. We are so fortunate to have this highly valuable and necessary resource here in Sonoma county! Please understand they are focusing on native plants because most nurseries don't. If you are interested in native plants and local nature, this is an ideal place to help to rejuvenate yourself, your yard, and the local fields, forests, meadows, canyons, and all of the richness of wildlife and beauty that surrounds us. read more

Wow, so much great advice that I couldn't get from Sloat or the contractor that put in our garden. Sherry called me back within 30 min of leaving my message. I had requested confirmation that a CA native I was looking for was in stock. She confirmed and put the plants on hold for me for two weeks so that we could drive up from SF at our convenience. And then she gave me priceless advice over the phone in answer to my many questions I've accumulated in the nine months of maintaining our wonderful drought-tolerant garden full of flowering CA native bushes. I'm so grateful. She was warm and generous. I never would have known that the cercis occidentalis Sloat design put into the plans is a CA native, but from the CA interior. My worry about its suffering was over. It just doesn't like our SF coast! I've found it a new home with relatives that have the perfect weather for it. A week later we went up, and I met Amber. She, too, gave me great recommendations for care of my garden. I'm terrible with names. I would describe what a plant looked like to her, and she knew what I was talking about and took me over to it right away. Thanks so much, ladies! The website is excellent. I discovered California Flora by doing a Google search for chamise. read more

PLANT NATIVES! This nursery is fighting the good fight! Incorporate as many natives as you can when you go to plant! Planting natives restores habitat, and creates a sympathy with your garden and the wild landscape beyond. This nursery has a pretty wide selection. Just expect the plants to be small as they are gone from cutting and intended to find their new homes early in life so they establish themselves early on where they will ultimately grow. Go have a look! read more

I like that it is apparent that they have people running the business that are masters amongst their field, but I agree that the customer service came up a bit cold. We know nothing about local, CA plants having recently move from WNY, this could have been a wonderful teaching/learning moment for us and them. We were looking for something particular but also some insight on trying something completely new. It would have been fun and much appreciated if instead of saying we needed to focus on what attributes we were looking for, they could have showed us some possible easy starters or just plainly given us some recommendations to look at. Some inspiration to get us excited to work with plants, not to discourage us because we didn't know what we were talking about. I understand that it is a specialty place but we would love to have the opportunity to start learning! read more

Nice place to get plants, and if you are not to knowledgeable about plants their website it's full of great information. Also very friendly staff. read more

On the way home from the bay area to shasta county where I live I went the long route through Santa Rosa. There is a strong spirit of organic gardening in the area so like to visit garden centers. I needed about 8 trees that can withstand the extreme heat we get in shasta county. The staff at Cal Flora were so welcoming and helpful. We all had masks on. They spent over an hour with me showing me trees they recommended for my area. I greatly appreciated their knowledge and expertise. I got my trees! Stuffed them into my car. I will definitely return to this place. The nicest and most helpful staff around read more

This is a wonderful nursery. The plants are great, the staff is always helpful and friendly. I like supporting a small local business where the owners have their hearts and souls in what they are doing. read more

I have never been treated worse at a business than I was treated today at Cal Flora. I am a supporter of sustainable agriculture. That's why my family and I decided to visit this establishment today. We did not go to pick a fight. To be belittled. To be called a Karen. We we went to support a local business. After wandering the poorly organized plant yard for an hour and a half and navigating the various "not for sale" and "employee only" areas with zero offer of assistance we succeeded in purchasing over a hundred dollars in plants. While loading them into the car I noticed two of the 4" plants were covered in what I thought was scale. I brought the plants up to the register to return or exchange and that is when all hell broke loose. There was a customer checking out and after they had left I explained to the employee that these plants were covered in scale and I wanted to return or exchange them. I was informed that I incorrectly ID'd the pest that was covering my newly purchased plant. I was then told that the plant I purchased was going to get these pests any way and I may as well just shut up and take them. I expressed my hesitation in introducing pests into my home garden only to be berated for not already growing this plant and knowing all about it. I was also scolded for announcing to all of the nursery's customers that they were selling bug infested plants. I even tried asking her about various types of organic pest management strategies for this plant and it's pest, no luck. I was clearly the enemy. The employee had no intention of resolving the situation, and seemed to only want to continue a fight. After finally receiving a refund after asking multiple times, and receiving several more insults about my intelligence, I walked to the car in disbelief. When I returned a moment later and asked the employee for her name I was told it was "Manager". When I asked again I told her it would be included in my Yelp review and needed an actual name to identify her by. That is when Amber became super irrational and began calling me "Karen". She shouted insults at me my entire walk to the car. WOW. That sucked and was completely unnecessary. Amber, maybe try educating your customers on the pest covered plants you are selling BEFORE they purchase them. I would also spend some time rearranging my "employee only " and "not for sake" areas into one specific area as opposed to spread out throughout the sales floor. It's frustrating for the customer. Signs with pictures would also be a helpful touch. But what do I know , right...at Cal Flora the customer is apparently always WRONG. Good luck Amber. read more

Love love love this place. They have natives, and lots of them. I have bought & planted pipe vine (for the pipe vine swallowtail), milk weed and a variety of other natives. I have several thriving california lilacs from here, CA coffee berry, monkey flower, buckwheats. Not all survive- but most do. Which is about right for my gardening ability. They have a better variety of natives than anyplace else within easy driving distance of me. Their parking lot is small and gets full quickly, and they do not have an over-abundance of staff so avoid Saturday if possible. Not open Sundays. The staff is happy to give advice if asked, but don't go out of their way to seek out customers and ask if they have any questions- which is how I like it when I am shopping. Good selection of plants, some what seasonal- they do sell out of popular items- so call before going if you are looking for something specific. They are not perfect- but very much what I expect for a smallish local nursery that does most of their own propagation. I shop here often, and will be back in the spring. read more