Boy, was I excited to finally go to the beach on May 24, 2020? Is anyone else happy to get out of their houses, too? I was so pleased to go to San Onofre State Beach twice a week. Because of the lockdown in California, I could not witness the beginning of the wildflower season. So my main objective on this first day back to the beach was to see as many plants as possible! The first time we headed to Trestles, and the following Friday, I explored the southern section, just under San Onofre Campground at Bluffs Beach (or Trails Beach). Below, I would love to share with you what I saw- all the plants at the beach I encountered.
Previous to this beach adventure, I had just finished a post on Southern California Native Plants. This post has documented all the plants and wildflowers I encountered in the scrub and Southern Oak Woodland behind my neighborhood during Lock-Down in 2020. After hours and hours of research, I sure learned a tremendous amount!
Table of Contents
Plant Names Given by San Diego Native InhabitantsÂ
I have recently been fascinated with Native American uses of the native plants in the area (Ethnobotany), so I thought I would continue with the same format I followed for my previous native plant post.
The Kumeyaay people were the first known original inhabitants of San Diego, with meyaay translating to ‘those who face the water from a cliff.” (Click on the link to hear the correct way to pronounce Kumeyaay)
In this post, all plants are separated at the Family level.  I will keep things simple by only providing alternative names and the native Kumeyaay name if available. If you would like a more in-depth look at each Family, please click on the link above.
If any Southern California tribe traditionally utilizes the plant (in the past or present), it will be included.
For fun, I will also be adding any plants that have been photographed here throughout the year 2020. (I came seven times in one year!)
Though there are many non-native plants at San Onofre State Beach, I have decided to showcase native plants.
#Click on any photo to see a larger version
San Onofre State Beach Native Plants
San Onofre State Beach is located in North County, San Diego, bordering Orange County to the north and Marine Base Camp Pendleton to the east and south. Noted above, I explored the northern section (Trestles) and the southern section of the park (San Onofre Bluffs Beach)- over three miles total.
I love San Onofre State Beach. Below, at the end of the post, I will include all of the articles I have written about this beach.
Family Adoxaceae
Blue Elderberry- Sambucus Mexicana
The Moschatel Family
Location- The Blue elderberry tree is seen off the Trestles Beach trail.
Other Names-tree of medicine, Canada elderberry, American black elderberry, common elderberry, blue elderberry, American elder, Mexican elder, tapiro, fever tree, blood elder
Kumeyaay-kepally
Traditional Uses-
- very versatile- every part of the tree was used
- berries are consumed via jams, jellies, wine, and syrups, where the fruit is cooked down with the seeds strained.
- boil and brew thin pieces of bark and stems and apply them to diabetic sores
- leaves and the inner bark is used as an insecticide and dye
- berries turned into wine
Interesting Facts-
- edible flowers and berries (if ripe and cooked), but other parts of the plant are toxic, so it is not advisable to eat raw berries.
- the Genus comes from the Greek word Sambuca, after the ancient wind instrument. Y u can create a whistle if you remove the pith from the twigs.
- flowering from March to September
Family Amaranthaceae
Big Salt Bush- Atriplex lentiformis
The Amaranth Family
The big saltbush is seen everywhere next to the water at San Onofre State Beach.
Other Names- quail bush, quailbush, lenscale, len-scale saltbush, white thistle
Traditional Uses-
- dried leaves were smoked, and fresh leaves were chewed for a head cold
- crushed flowers, leaves, and stems were boiled, and the steam was inhaled for a head cold
- seeds were ground into flour and used to make small cakes or a mush
- crushed leaves and roots were used as a soap and applied to clothing
Interesting Information-
- grows in habitats with high salinity or alkaline habitats
- plants can change from monecious to dioecious and from male to female and vice versa
- a popular plant for restoration projects
- flowering from July to October
Family Anacardiaceae
Lemonade Berry- Rhus integrifolia
The Sumac Family
Location- On the bluffs at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names– lemonade sumac, lemonadeberry
Kumeyaay –huutat
Traditional Uses–
- used for colds and coughs and to ease childbirth
- fruit used as a sweetener, eaten cooked or raw
Interesting Information-
- plants have bisexual flowers
- closely related to poison oak
- touching the sap with sensitive skin may cause a rash
- leaves do not wilt
- the genus ‘Rhus’ ancient from the Greek word for sumac
- flowering time from February to May
Laurel Sumac- Malosma laurina
Location- Off of the Trestles Beach Trail, on Trestles Beach, on the bluffs of San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- taco plant, California sumac
Kumeyaay- ektii
Traditional Uses–
- dry out the fruit and ground into a flour
- used in bathing rituals after birth as well as the puberty ceremony for girls
- treats venereal diseases
Interesting Information-
- one of the first plants to sprout after a fire
- North facing
- used as a sentinel plant
- early settlers in California would use the laurel sumac plant as an indicator of where to plant their citrus crops- laurel sumac can not tolerate freezing weather
- leave veins, stems, and small twigs are reddish
- flowering time from June to July
Family Asteraceae
Silver Beachweed- Ambrosia chamissonis
The Aster, Sunflower, or Composite Family
Location-Seen on the beach at Trestles and on the edge of San Mateo Lagoon
Other Names- silver burr ragweed, (silver) beach bur(r)
Interesting Information-
- ragweed
- wooly, green silver leaves
- leaves to 3/4 inches long
- flowering from May to October
California Everlasting- Pseudognaphalium californicum
Location- Beginning of the Trestles Beach Trail and on the beach, next to the bluffs at San Onofre Bluffs Beach
Other names-Ladies tobacco, California cudweed, California pearly everlasting, California rabbit tobacco, green everlasting, Gnaphalium californicum
Traditional Uses-
- sleeping on a pillow filled with the flowers and leaves of the California everlasting helps relieve swollen mucus membranes (catarrh)
- used to treat colds and stomach pains
- modern medicine has found that Pseudognaphalium ssp. helps with sciatica and numbness
Interesting Information
- sticky and smells like maple syrup
- flowering from January to July
Dwarf Coastweed-Amblyopappus pusillus
Location-Â On the beach at San Onofre Bluffs Beach
Other Names- Pineapple weed, coast weed
Interesting Facts–
- only one species within this Genus
- native to Southern California and Baja California, but also found on the west coast of Peru and Chile in South America
- sticky, aromatic plant
- flowering from March to June
Coast Goldenbush- Isocoma menziesii
Other Names-Â Goldenbush, Menzie’s goldenbush
Interesting Information-
- though very common, it doesn’t seem as if the Natives utilized this plant
- stays green all summer long
- upper leaves are less toothed
- flowering from April to December
Bush Sunflower- Encelia californica
Other Names- California Encelia, California brittlebush
Kumeyaay-Â Nahekwi
Traditional Uses–
- boiled all parts of the plant and produced a thick paste that was used to relieve toothaches and pains
- chewed the stem as a breath freshener
Interesting Information–
- leaves have a smooth edge
- flowering time February to June
Salty Susan- Jaumea carnosa
Location– San Mateo wetlands at Trestles
Other Names-Â marsh jaumea, saltmarsh daisy, fleshy jaumea, salt marsh daisy
Traditional Uses-
- the plant was boiled and drank as tea to treat fevers
- prepared, cooked, and eaten as a vegetable
Interesting Information-
- It looks similar to an ice plant
- found in wetlands and saltmarshes
- stems low and sprawling that spreads horizontally from an underground rhizome
- flowering time from April to December
- only two species in the Genus, Jaumea
Coyote Bush- Baccharis pilularis
Location-Â On the bluffs at San Onofre’s Bluffs Campground: on the beach at Trestles as well as right next to the water at Uppers (near the Orange County border)
Other Names- chaparral broom,  coyote bush, bush Baccharis
Kumeyaay- Samaall Kwsiyaay (for the desert variety– Baccharis sarothroides)
Traditional Uses-
- branches were made into brooms
- used to make toothbrushes
- boiled the leaves and applied them to relieve poison oak
Interesting Information
- the coyote bush is the only species in the Family Asteraceae that has separate male and female plants (dioecious)
- creme-colored flowers with male flowers are smaller and more yellowish; while the female flowers are more whitish with a fluffier appearance
- only the male plant is used in residential landscaping due to the dislike of the large amounts of white ‘fluff’ produced by the female flowers
- flowering time from February to December
California Sagebrush-Artemisia californica
Location- Beginning of the Trestles Beach Trail, on the beach at Trestles, on the bluffs at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- Old Man, coastal sagebrush, California sagewort, California mugwort
Kumeyaay– kwechash
Traditional Uses-
- ground up the leave to make a poultice to help relieve ant bites
- boil the leaves into a tea; inhale smoke for respiratory tract infections
- used in puberty rituals
- dried leaves were smoked like tobacco
- early California miners would make a spray to help keep fleas out of their beds
Interesting Information-
- highly aromatic
- found at altitudes less than 2000 feet
- flowering time from August to December
Saw Toothed Goldenbush- Hazardia squarrosa
Location- Off Trail #4 at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- saw-toothed bristleweed, common hazardia, Hazard’s golden bush, goldenbush
Traditional Uses–
- boiled the plant, and then bathed in the water to ease aches and pains within the body
Interesting Information-
- leaves are toothed and leathery
- flowering time from June to October
- the species name, squarrosa, is Latin which translates to ‘scaly’ or ‘rough’ and refers to the texture of herbage
Family Boraginaceae
Salt Heliotrope- Heliotropium curassavicum
The Forget-Me-Not Family
Location- San Mateo wetlands at Trestles
Other Names- wild heliotrope, alkali heliotrope, quail plant, seaside heliotrope, Chinese purslane, Chinese pusley, monkey tail
Traditional Uses-
- boil the entire plant to make tea to help menstruation
- create a purple dye
Interesting Information-
- found in alkaline areas near the coast and deserts
- flowers are in 2 to 4-1/2-inch spikes
- flowering time from March to October
- early Chinese immigrants in the 1800s would harvest the plant to supplement their diets; thus, the common name, Chinese purslane
Branching Phacelia- Phacelia ramosissima
Location- Off of the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names- wild heliotrope, scorpion weed, caterpillar phacelia
Traditional Uses-
- greens were eaten before flowering
Interesting Information-
- branched and hairy
- the thick hairs (trichomes) surrounding the plant prevent insects from chewing or sucking as well as deter grazers
- flowering time from April to October
Family Cactaceae
Coast Prickly Pear Cactus- Opuntia littoralis
The Cactus Family
Location-Â On the bluffs above, Trestles
Other Names- Western prickly pear, nopal
Kumeyaay– ehpaa
Traditional Uses–
- tea was made to help with diabetes
- used as a dressing for wounds
- long spines used to apply tattoos with charcoal
- young cactus leaves-scape off all of the thorns, boil, drain and then fry with eggs or add to a salad
- the fruit is edible
Interesting Information-
- often hybridizes with related species
- spines were knocked off the pads by using a coyote bush branch
- flowering time from May to June
Cholla Cactus- Cylindropuntia fulgida
Location- On the bluffs above Trestles
Other Names- choya, cholla costera, coast cholla cactus, jumping cactus
Kumeyaay- etat’kwilly
Traditional Uses-
- the roots were used as a water source
- seed used for food
- the meat (called Tuna) was roasted and then applied to wounds
- Tuna of the stem is very high in protein
Interesting Information-
- shrub-like cactus with stems
- flowering time from April to July
Family Cleomaceae
Bladderpod-Peritoma arborea
The Spider Flower or Bee Plant Family
Location- On the beach at the end of Trestles Beach Trail, on the bluffs of San Onofre Bluffs Beach
Other Names- stinkweed, burro fat, bladderpod, California cleome, Isomeris arborea
Kumeyaay-Â ‘epshash
Traditional Uses–
- flowers were used as a vegetable
- boiled several times to remove the bitterness
Interesting Information–
- a smelly plant (strong resin with a pungent odor) that attracts a wide variety of bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds
- the oddest and weirdest-looking insects are attracted to this plant
- flowers in a dense raceme
- flowering time from April to May and throughout the year
Family Crassulaceae
Lady Fingers- Dudleya edulis
The Stonecrop or Orpine Family
Location- On the bluffs above Trestles Beach
Other Names- San Diego Dudleya, coast live-forever, live-forever, Nuttal’s live-forever, fingertips, tapertip live-forever, string bean plant, Ladies’-fingers, dead man fingers, mission lettuce, chalk lettuce
Traditional Uses-
- eat the leaves, and young flower shoots raw
- chew on the stems to relieve thirst
- used internally as well as externally
- mashed leaves applied to burns
- cut leaves applied to corns, calluses, insect bites, and cuts
- crushed leaves were added to wine to help get rid of intestinal parasites
- known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic properties
Interesting Information-
- grows in bluffs and rocky soils
- leaf tips are pointed and sometimes are red
- flowering time from May to July
- found widely in Mexico but extremely rare in Southern California
- a massive problem with the poaching of these plants
Family Cucurbitaceae
Wild Cucumber- Echinocystis lobata
The Gourd Family
Location- Found in the middle of the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names- prickly cucumber, bur cucumber, Manroot, Cucamonga manroot, chilicothe (Spanish), cucumber gourds
Traditional Uses-
- boil leaves to treat hemorrhoids
- ground seeds and mix with water to create black face paint
- applied leaves topically to relieve pain and inflammation
- roots were pulverized and thrown into a small pond which would stun the fish, making fishing much easier
- the seeds contain the chemical megharrhin
Interesting Information-
- relative to the cucumber, squash, and watermelon
- the nickname Manroot is due to the fact the vast tuberous root looks like a man in the fetal position and weighs up to 200 pounds
- spreads over other plants
- flowering time from January to April
Family Fabaceae
Nuttall’s Lotus- Acmispon prostratus
The Pea Family
Location-Â Found on the beach in between Trails 5 and Trail 6 underneath the San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- beach lotus, wire bird’s-foot trefoil, Lotus nuttallianus
Interesting Information-
- rare and threatened species found near the beach
- annual species, which is unusual for dune plants
- leaves are somewhat fleshy
- flowering time from March to June
Bicolor Lupine- Lupinus bicolor
Location-Â On the bluffs over at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- dove lupine, pigmy-leaved lupine, miniature lupine, annual lupine, Lindley’s annual lupine,
Traditional Uses-
- eaten as a green
Interesting Information-
- colonize burned and disturbed areas
- very small being less than 12 inches tall
- all parts of the plant are covered with stiff and soft hairs
- flowering time from March to June
Family Gentianaceae
California Centaury- Zeltnera venusta
The Gentian Family
Location-Â Found on a secret trail in between Trail 1 and Trail 2 over at the San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names-Â charming centaury, canchalagua, beautiful centaury
Traditional Uses-
- was used to treat fevers by making tea from the leaves
Interesting Information–
- anthers become spiralled
- flowering time from April to August
- the name canchalagua comes from two Spanish words, “chancal’ which means rocky place, and ‘agua’ or water- ‘which prefers rocks and wet soil.’
Family Grossulariaceae
Fuchsia-Flowered Gooseberry- Ribes speciosum
The Gooseberry Family
Location-Â Found off of the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names- California fuchsia, fuchsia-flowered gooseberry
Traditional Uses-
- fruits were eaten, but due to high levels of tannins, it isn’t very pleasant
Interesting Information-
- pollinated only by hummingbirds-their migration is synchronistic to the plants’ bloom period
- the leaves are semi-deciduous and turn red
- the red color is invisible to bees, and there is no smell that insects rely on
- flowers open only during the day
- flowering time from January to May
Family Lamiaceae
Black Sage-Salvia mellifera
The Mint Family
Other Names are honey sage, Jade carpet
Kumeyaay- ha’anya yul
Traditional Uses-
- would eat the seed raw as well as grind up the seeds into a mush
- boil the leaves and stems to create bathing water to alieve the flu, arthritis, and rheumatism
- used as a spice
Interesting Information-
- most common sage in California
- the Latin species name- mellifera means honey-bearing -honey from black sage is believed to be the finest and has many medicinal properties.
- lavender flowers and square stems
- flowering time from April to July
- co-dominant species in the coastal sage scrub community
White Sage- Salvia apiana
Other Names- sacred sage, bee sage
Kumeyaay- pellytaay, pestaay
Traditional Uses-
- the toasted seed was ground into a type of porridge (pinole)
- young stalks may be eaten raw
- burning of leaves is used as a type of fumigation
- used within a sweathouse when sick to purify out the toxins
- smudge sticks
- leaves were smoked or chewed as a decongestant
Interesting Information-
- sacred plant
- a bit of white sage was carried within the mouth or under the arm when hunting to mask the human scent
- Eucalyptol is the main component that gives white sage its smell
- research suggests that Eucalypol helps with skin diseases
- flowers are white with a hint of lavender in spike-like clusters
- the species name ‘apiana’ means bee
- bumblebees and carpenter bees are the primary pollinators
- flowering time from April to June
Family Montiaceae
Miner’s Lettuce- Claytonia perfoliata
Location- Found off of the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names-Â winter purslane, spring beauty, Indian lettuce
Traditional Uses-
- leaves, seeds, and flowers were eaten raw as food
Interesting Information-
- early California miners would eat to prevent scurvy
- annual succulent
- flowers in raceme above the leaf
- flowering time from March to May
Family Nyctaginaceae
Wishbone Bush- Mirabilis laevis
Location- Found on a secret trail in between Trail 1 and Trail 2 over at the San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- Coastal wishbone plant, coast four-o’clock, desert four o’clock
Traditional Uses-
- a tea was made from the roots, and the whole plant to ease stomach aches
Interesting Information-
- flowers open up mid-afternoon
- one study found that the seeds and roots are toxic
- stem trailing or ascending: perennial low bush
- flowering time from December to June
Beach Sand Verbena- Abronia umbellata
Location-Â On the beach at the end of Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names- Pink sand verbena, Beach sand verbena, Purple sand verbena
Interesting Information-
- green leaves may be present year-round
- fleshy prostate, perennial
- flowering time year round
Family Onagraceae
Beach Evening Primrose- Camissionopsis cheiranthifolia
The Willowherb of Evening Primrose Family
Location- Found all up and down the beach at San Onofre State Beach
Other Names- Beach suncup, beach primrose, shrubby beach primrose
Interesting Information-
- prostrate perennial
- hairs silvery and dense
- thrive in the coastal strand environment
- dormant during summer
- used in restoration projects
- flowering time from February to August
Family Phrymaceae
Orange Bush Monkey Flower- Diplacus aurantiacus
The Lopseed Family
Location-Â San Onofre Bluffs Campground bluffs and on the trails within the bluffs
Other Names- Southern monkey flower, sticky monkey flower, bush monkey flower
Traditional Uses-
- create poultices for treatment of colds, coughs, and flu; burns and wounds, as well as for heart ailments
- a hot infusion of the roots was used to help with stomach ailments
- boiling the whole plant and drinking the tea helped to regulate menstruation
- flowers were used as decorative
Interesting Information-
- thrives in many different types of soil, as well as serpentine
- flowering time March to August
Family Plantaginaceae
Nuttall’s Snapdragon-Antirrhinum nuttallianum ssp. nuttallianum
The Plantain Family
Location- The trails within the bluffs over at the San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- violet snapdragon
Kumeyaay- pullaay
Traditional Uses-
- a tea was made for colds by boiling the flowers and adding a bit of oil
Interesting Information-
- primarily pollinated by bumblebees; a white spot and the stripes on the center of the lower lip of the flower are a visual guide as to where to land
- hairy and upper leaves are smaller
- erect or vining
- flowering from April to July
Family Platanaceae
California Sycamore- Platanus racemosa
The Plane-Tree or Sycamore Family
Location- Off of the Trestles Beach Trail and all along the San Mateo River below the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names- Western sycamore, California plane tree, aliso (Spanish)
Traditional Uses-
- the wood used in the construction of houses
- made a coffee-like drink by boiling pieces of the bark and roots
Interesting Information-
- beautiful white mottled trunk
- found in very diverse habitats-anywhere that there is a freshwater source
- flowering time from February to April
Family Polygonaceae
California Buckwheat- Eriogonum fasciculatum
The Knotweed or Ssummered-Buckwheat Family
Location- Found on the Trestles Beach Trail, at the end of the Trestles Beach Trail, up on the bluffs above Trestles, and on the bluffs over at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names-Â flat-top buckwheat, wild buckwheat, Antelope sage, skeleton weed, eastern Mojave buckwheat, sulfur flower, Colita de Raton
Kumeyaay- hamill
Traditional Uses-
- flowers were boiled to help relieve stomach issues and bladder infections; as an eyewash and mouthwash
- a decoction of flowers was given to infants as a remedy for diarrhea; to adults to help with cardiovascular disease
- buckwheat has a high amount of the bioflavinoid rutin, which has been shown to help to strengthen capillaries
- used to treat varicose veins, water retention, and tissue swelling
Interesting Information-
- dominant species in the coastal sage scrub community
- clusters of white and pink flowers, which turn a rust color when dried
- an extensive shallow root system
- leaves clustered at nodes
- flowering time from March to November
Family Rosaceae
Wild Rose- Rosa californica
The Rose Family
Location- Found at the beginning of the Trestles Beach Trail
Kumeyaay- kwa”ak
Traditional Uses-
- flower petals and rose hips were made into a tea
- an infusion of petals was given to infants to relieve fevers
Interesting Information-
- native to Oregon, California, and Baja California
- may go dormant in the Summer if there is not enough water available
- pollinated by bumblebees, butterflies, and birds
- flattened prickles
- found in moist areas of several different communities
- flowering time from May to August
Toyon- Heteromeles arbutifolia
Location-Â Found on the Trestles Beach Trail and the bluffs of San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Other Names- California holly, Christmas berry, holly berry
Kumeyaay-Â hosiill
Traditional Uses-
- would pound the leaves to produce a pulp used to clean sores
- the fruit is eaten
Interesting Information-
- a large amount of Toyon grows in the Hollywood Hills in Los Angeles; thus, the name ‘Hollywood.’
- the berries are usually red in December
- flowering time from June to July
Family Saururuceae
Yerba Mansa- Anemopsis californica
The Lizard’s Tail Family
Location- San Mateo wetlands on the beach at Trestles
Other Names-Â swamp root, lizard’s tail, bear root
Traditional Uses-
- historically one of the most utilized plants in the world
- applied externally to sores, cuts, and rheumatism
- taken internally for kidney issues, asthma, and coughs
- used as a blood purifier
Interesting Information-
- found in wet, often alkaline places
- the stem is hollow and hairy
- perennial with think woody rhizome
- flowering time March to September
- throughout history, many cultures would move this plant around to have as a convenience
Family Solanaceae
Black Nightshade- Solanum nigrum
The Nightshade, Potato, and Tobacco Family
Location- Off of the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names-Â European nightshade, blackberry nightshade
Traditional Uses-
- a long history of worldwide use of medicinally
- antitumorigenic (counteracts tumors), antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic (fever reducer), diuretic, hepatoprotective (protects the liver)
- infusions were made for stomach ailments, fever, and dysentery
- the juice of the plant was used for ulcers and other skin diseases
- ripe berries and boiled leaves are edible (avoid eating unless a known edible strain)
Interesting Information-
- known to poison livestock
- unripe berries toxic
- toxins are variable in growing conditions
- flowering time from March to November
Sacred Datura- Datura wrightii
Location-Â On the bluffs over at San Onofre Bluffs Beach Campground
Other Names-Â angel trumpet, western jimsonweed, thorn apple, devil’s trumpet, toloache, moonflower, toluaca
Traditional Uses-
- used medicinally and ceremonially
- shamans would use hallucinations for puberty rite ceremonies
- antispasmodic and anesthetic properties
- smoked and inhaled to relieve rheumatism and earaches
- topically applied over wounds
Interesting Information-
- prefers open and disturbed areas
- native from Central California down to Mexico
- all parts of the plant are highly toxic
- flowering time from April to October
- Datura is derived from the Hindu word ‘Dhatura,’ which translates to thorn apple.
Family Typhaceae
Southern Cattail- Typha domingensis
The Cattail Family
Location- On the edge of the San Mateo River/Lagoon
Kumeyaay-
Traditional Uses-
- stalks and leaves were used as building materials for homes
- leaves made into mats
- baskets
- the roots are edible
- pollen used in flour
- turn the roots into a paste, then apply to soothe poison ivy and burns
Interesting Information-
- found on the edge of ponds and streams
- pistillate and staminate flowers in tandem on the spike
- flowering from June to July
Family Utitaceae
Stinging Nettle- Urtica dioica
The Nettle Family
Location-Â On the edge of the San Mateo River, underneath the Trestles Beach Trail
Other Names-Â common nettle
Traditional Uses-
- would be used as a source of food in Spring if food plants were scarce
- young plants were harvested and soaked or cooked in water which removes the stinging nettles
- leaves and flowers were made into a tea
- provides silica
- helps with bladder infections
- treats colds and flu, diabetes, joint pains, and cancer
Family Verbenaceae
Western Vervain- Verbena lasiostachys var. lasiostachys
The Verbena or Vervain Family
Location- Within the bluffs over at the San Onofre Bluffs Campground
Traditional Uses-
- an infusion of the plant was used to treat fevers and gastrointestinal problems
Interesting Information-
- perennial, branching
- likes to grow in disturbed areas, similar to a weed
- hairy leaves
- flowering from April to September
San Onofre Coastal HabitÂ
Before I leave you, I wanted to share a few more photos to get a better idea of what the coastal habitat looks like over at San Onofre State Beach.
As I have noted previously, the beach here is very wild and natural and has had little human disturbance over the last few decades. This is the main draw for coming here for me! I love being alone with nature, and San Onofre State Beach is the best beach for solitude in San Diego County!
If your interest is piqued, please check out the previous posts below!
Also, make sure to check out all of the fabulous resources that I used. There is some excellent information down there!
Until next time!
Other Posts Showcasing San Onofre State Beach-
- Getting to Know San Onofre State Beach
- Exploring Trestles Beach Trail
- Best San Diego Hikes on the Coast
- Best Surfing Beaches in San Diego
- Hiking South San Onofre Bluffs Campground
- Five More San Diego Hidden Gems
References–
- CalFlora.org- What Grows Here? (San Onofre State Beach-San Diego)
- Kumeyaay.com- Local Edible and Medicinal Plants
- Naeb.brit.org- Native American Ethnobotany DB
- Sandiego.edu- University of San Diego-The Kumeyaay Garden
- TheNatureCollective.org- Plant Guide
I have always had a deep-seated passion for the Ocean Environment which ultimately led me to receive a degree in Marine Biology. Living in the San Diego area for over 30 years, I have extensively explored the 70 miles of San Diego’s coastline, and I am here to share! Please use my website to your advantage and have a look around at all the wonders that the beaches of San Diego can offer you!