Your City, Your Flower
Join us in advocating to change the City of San Diego’s official flower to a flower native to San Diego - chosen by you!
Amending San Diego’s official city flower from a non-native carnation to a native flowering species supports local ecosystems and safeguards our biodiversity.
San Diego Bird Alliance and partners are undertaking this effort in the next three months with the following steps:
February: Select candidate flowers
We will form a stakeholder working group to determine criteria and nomination of potential flowers. The team of stakeholders consists of indigenous partners, biologists, community group members, and staff from environmental organizations, educational institutions, and businesses.
March: Public Votes
Then it's the public's turn! We'll ask the public to vote to select a final species who best represents the City of `San Diego’s unique habitats, rich cultural history and amazing biodiversity.
April: Take our New Flower to City Council
We have shared this advocacy project with Councilmembers and in April, in time for Earth Day, we will push to have the City Council officially adopt the public’s native species as the new Official City Flower.
Stay up to date with this project by following us on Instagram and signing up to be notified when the public survey goes live.
Our Mission
Promoting San Diego’s Native Biodiversity Through Legislative Action
Amending San Diego’s official city flower from a non-native carnation to a native flowering species supports local ecosystems and safeguards our biodiversity. By advocating for the adoption of a native flower, we aim to enhance the natural environment and promote preservation of the indigenous flora and fauna of San Diego. And we’ve got plenty of options: San Diego County is the most biodiverse county in the nation and the City of San Diego has the second largest urban park system in the nation. The City of San Diego has promoted native habitat through its designation as a Bee City, the Mayor’s Monarch pledge, and work plan goals that create biodiversity policies to protect native species–now it's time to turn on the flower power!
What are Native Plants?
Native plants are those that have evolved to live in a particular ecosystem, promoting biodiversity and providing food and habitat for local pollinators and wildlife. Native plants typically require less water, pesticides, and fertilizer since they have evolved to the Mediterranean climate here in Southern California.
How do they support birds?
Birds rely on plants that have co-evolved to support them, providing shelter, seeds, nectar, fruit, and insect food for local species. By promoting a native City Flower, we’ll have increased native habitats, which means more choices of food and shelter for birds and other pollinators such as bees and butterflies. Additionally, planting natives can help birds adapt and survive as climate change threatens our local habitats.
How can I do more?
There are lots of ways to support native habitat: check out our Native Seed Library program, join us at a restoration event, or get inspired at one of our two preserves. To learn more and explore native plants suited to your area, check out Calscape for customized knowledge, or go to a local Native Plant Nursery. Finally, this campaign was started by a group of Earth Advocates, during our annual advocacy training program.
