Our new expedition at #PlantstoPixels, explores the rich botany of California’s central coast—a region known for its stunning natural beauty and remarkable biodiversity. From towering redwood forests and dramatic sea cliffs to coastal salt marshes, this landscape supports an impressive array of plant life. This area also serves as a transition zone for marine life, sitting at the confluence of major ocean currents.

Beyond its ecological significance, the region is steeped in California’s cultural history and landmarks. South of Monterey Bay, the Santa Lucia Mountains rise to form the dramatic coastline of Big Sur. Inland, you’ll find the Salinas Valley—one of the most fertile and productive agricultural regions in the United State. The Salinas Valley and Monterey Bay region inspired many of John Steinbeck’s classic novels. Continuing south on Highway 1, you’ll pass Hearst Castle, the opulent former estate of William Randolph Hearst, before arriving in Morro Bay and San Luis Obispo. Further along the coast, in Santa Barbara, nestled against the Santa Ynez Mountains, you can see Chumash cave paintings and remnants of Spanish colonization at Mission Santa Barbara. To this day, Catholic and Buddhist monasteries can be found dotted up the coast of Central California thanks to the region’s natural beauty and isolation.  

We hope you find inspiration in the incredible plant life of this region. Be sure to check out the Coastal California: Monterey to Santa Barbara expedition!

Here are just a few native plant species featured in our expedition:

Eriastrum densifolium:

Eriastrum densifolium, also commonly known as the Giant Woollystar, is a member of the Phlox genus. This flowering plant is native California and Baja California, and grows primarily in sand dunes or dry washes.

Extriplex Californica:

Exptriplex Californica is also known as California Saltbush and resides in coastal Salt marsh habitats of the California and Baja California coasts. Sometimes members of the Extriplex genus are called “Orach”,  a name given to them in Latin by roman polymath Pliny the Elder.

Zeltnera muehlenbergii:

Zeltnera muehlenbergii is also known as the “Monterey centaury” but can also be found in other regions along the coast. This plant can be found mostly in forests and moist environments. Unlike many plants that flower in the Spring, this species flowers in the Summer and early Fall.