Baja california birdbush
Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia
Last reviewed: October 2026
Baja california birdbush (Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in January, February, and March. The flowers draw native bees and hummingbirds.
Toxicity unknown
Baja california birdbush (Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
36"–72" H × 48"–96" W
Bloom
Jan, Feb, Mar
Native to
CA
Pollinators
native bees, hummingbirds
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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Browse plants for this ecoregion
A low, mounding evergreen shrub related to manzanita, with paired oval leaves and small white urn-shaped flowers in winter. It grows on dry, rocky chaparral slopes near the coast.
Growing Baja california birdbush
Grow Baja california birdbush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 48 to 96 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Winter flowers provide early-season nectar for native bees, similar to its manzanita relatives.
Common questions
- How much sun does Baja california birdbush need?
- Baja california birdbush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Baja california birdbush bloom?
- Baja california birdbush blooms in January, February, and March.
- Where is Baja california birdbush native?
- Baja california birdbush (Ornithostaphylos oppositifolia) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Baja california birdbush attract?
- Baja california birdbush draws native bees and hummingbirds.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Baja california birdbush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.