Oak Woodland

SoFA Urban Garden

Located at 420 South First Street

The oak woodland is an expansive ecosystem in California and here in the Bay Area. In fact, a large portion of open space around San Jose is made of oak woodland. Plant species here are very well adapted to dry climates and can survive California’s heat waves. Many animals live among oak trees, which provide shelter and nutrients for critters such as turkeys, coyotes, mountain lions, deer, and large birds of prey.

Oak Woodland

Marina Strawberry Tree

Scientific Name: Arbutus menziesii ‘Marina’

Native Habitat: Grows in western North America in warmer climates.

Marina Strawberry Trees are both a decorative and drought tolerant tree that is popular to use for landscaping in dryer climates. Its pink flowers bloom year round, and attract bird pollinators. The ‘Marina’ variety was selected in 1984 in a San Francisco garden, and has been a nursery staple since.

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Redwood Forest

Redwood forests are among the oldest in the world. The redwoods in the Bay Area were also used to construct many early buildings in its surrounding cities and played an integral part in the Bay Area’s development in the 1800’s. In Downtown San Jose, one coastal redwood can be found in Cesar Chavez Park.

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California Chaparral

California’s chaparral landscape is home to many of the state's drought tolerant plants that include woody shrubs, oak trees, and wild grasses. These species are often found in urban and residential landscapes too due to their low water usage and survivability during heat waves. The chaparral landscape is known for its distinctive Mediterranean-like appearance, and is a common site while driving through California’s rolling foothills. San Jose is also home to many chaparral open spaces due to the city’s warmer climate.

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Coastal Sage Scrub

The coastal sage scrub uniquely exists on California’s coasts, Baja California, and on neighboring islands. The plant community is dominated by shrubs, and is similar to chaparral habitats. The main differences are that coastal sage scrub plants are much shorter and less woody overall compared to chaparral plants.

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California Grassland

California’s hills are famous for their decorated wildflowers and grasses. During the spring, these beautiful grasslands emit a wonderful array of colors from orange to purple. California’s state flower, the California Poppy, is one of the most recognizable native plants and is adopted into the California Theater’s historic and iconic sign on First St.

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California Wetland

Wetlands are found where land and water meet. Common plants that make up riparian zones include grasses, shrubs, and trees that can tolerate a changing aquatic environment. Riparian habitats are found in many cities and are important for water storage, flood control, water quality protection, recreation, nutrient cycling, and habitat for fish and wildlife. This is a common ecosystem in San Jose, such as the Guadalupe River Park that runs through Downtown San Jose, providing lots of urban wildlife to the City’s center.

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Urban Garden Main Page

Experience SoFA District’s newly imagined landscape along First St. that offers the public a self guided botanical garden tour decorated with plants native to California. Each planter is installed with QR-code signs that connect visitors and the local community to a smartphone accessible online exhibit. Information in our online exhibit can also serve as a source of information about each plant community’s ecology, history, and cultural significance.

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Oak Woodland

SoFA Urban Garden

Located at 420 South First Street

Oak Woodland

Marina Strawberry Tree

explore Other exhibits

Redwood Forest

California Chaparral

Coastal Sage Scrub

California Grassland

California Wetland

Urban Garden Main Page

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