The site allows users to search for plants based on specific criteria tailored to California landscaping needs:
The platform emphasizes "keystone" species—plants that support the highest number of native moths and butterflies. By encouraging the planting of these species, Calscape helps homeowners create habitat corridors for pollinators and migratory birds, mitigating habitat fragmentation.
In recent updates, the database has begun highlighting fire-resistant native plants, providing crucial data for homeowners in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) looking to create defensible space without resorting to gravel or concrete.