Welcome to the Plant Pages, where you will find an introduction to 25 common plants of Upper Newport Bay. This is a product of a dedicated and talented volunteer, Don Millar, who photographed plants for over three years to capture the blooms and seeds during their season. The pictures and descriptions should help you recognize the plants you will encounter during restoration projects and on outings in this habitat. You can find a larger index of Upper Newport Bay plants by visiting the Newport Bay Naturalists and Friends website.

Right Column

California Encelia
Bush Sunflower
(Encelia californica)

Plant: An abundant, many branched perennial shrub that has a woody base and grows in clumps that are between 2 and 5 feet high. Common.
Flowers: There is only one flower head on each stalk. The flowers are a bright yellow "sunflower" with a red brown center.
Stem and Leaf: Lance shaped, 1 to 2½ inches long. Smooth, wavy edge, green and somewhat woolly.