Native Plants for Quail Food

Lupine

• Plants of the genus Lupinus comprise the largest and most significant portion of the diet of the California quail, according to A. Starker Leopold, author of "The California Quail." Commonly called lupines, species of the genus Lupinus present a wide variety of growth habits, from small, perennial wildflowers to large, woody shrubs. Species such as silver bush lupine (L. albifrons), arroyo lupine (L. succulentus) and sky lupine (L. nanus) all provide abundant seeds for quail while presenting a highly ornamental appearance, making them a good addition to native plant gardens.

California Broom

• California broom (Lotus scoparius) occurs throughout much of the western United States, providing abundant seed in late summer for California quail. It is a woody, erect shrub growing to 4 feet in height with an abundance of small, dull-green foliage and bright yellow flowers throughout the summer. Although quail prefer the seeds of California broom, young leaves and shoots will also be eaten if other vegetation is unavailable, according to Leopold.

Scarlet Bugler

• Found throughout the western United States, scarlet bugler (Penstemon centranthifolius) is a perennial wildflower found along dry, well-draining slopes below 7,000 feet in altitude, according to Carol Bornstein, author of "California Native Plants for the Garden." The tall flowering stalks reach 4 feet in height under ideal conditions, each bearing a profusion of tubular red flowers in early and mid-summer. Once the flowers fade, scarlet bugler produces masses of small, dark-brown seeds which draw coveys of California quail.

Blue Elderberry

• Unlike many other plant-based food sources consumed by quail, blue elderberry (Sambucus mexicana) attracts the small, terrestrial birds with its tiny, bluish-black fruit and not its seeds. It occurs in moist conditions, such as near creeks and ditches or within sheltered canyons, where it will grow to between 2 and 20 feet in height. Known for its large umbels of creamy-white flowers, blue elderberry hosts coveys of quail in late summer when its fruit is ripe.

California Lilac

• Commonly referred to as California lilac, nearly 60 species of shrub occur within the genus Ceanothus, many of which provide a source of food for California quail. A popular addition to native plant gardens, California lilac is grown for its handsome evergreen foliage and lilac-like flower clusters, which occur in shades of blue, purple and white. Numerous species and cultivars exist, including Sierra blue ceanothus (C. cyaneus), deer brush (C. integerrimus) and Ceanothus "Concha," a cultivar noted for its brilliant violet-blue flowers. All produce abundant seeds, which are a favored food source for quail, according to Mark Francis, author of "The California Landscape Garden: Ecology, Culture and Design."