Native Plant Program

California is home to over 6,500 species, subspecies, and varieties of native plants. Of these, 220 are designated as rare, threatened, or endangered pursuant to California law. These species may be at risk of extinction or have a very limited distribution. The Native Plant Program coordinates DFG’s conservation activities for listed plants, including proposals to protect additional plant species under state law. The Native Plant Program also issues permits to “take”, possess, or otherwise benefit these species for scientific, educational, or management purposes, and works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to administer federal Section 6 grants for plant research. Please select a link below for more information.

• Rare, Threatened, and Endangered Plant Species Information
• Obtaining a Plant Permit for Scientific, Educational, Management, or Other Purposes, Including Research and Collection of Voucher Specimens
  • Collection Permit Application (PDF)
  • Research Proposal Format and Guidelines (PDF)
• California Laws Protecting Native Plants
• Protocols for Surveying and Evaluating Impacts to Special Status Native Plant Populations and Natural Communities (PDF)
• Plant Research Reports Prepared for Section 6 Grants