Rooted in Fallbrook: Four Generations at Silverthorn

Tucked into the town of Fallbrook, CA, Silverthorn Ranch has been quietly growing something special for decades. What began in 1967 as a small family nursery founded by Frank and Thelma Loomis has grown into one of the most recognized cactus and succulent growers in the country, while still remaining deeply rooted in the local community.

Shortly after its founding, the nursery found its home in Fallbrook, where it has continued to grow ever since. Over the years, the business has been passed down through four generations of the Loomis family, each building on the last with a shared commitment to quality, hard work, and adaptability.

Today, Silverthorn Ranch is known worldwide as the largest grower of the golden barrel cactus and the largest yucca grower in the United States. From their signature yucca rostrata ‘blue velvet’ to the dracaena draco, rare aloes, and iconic Arizona saguaros, their plants can be found in landscapes far beyond Fallbrook.

Innovation has always been part of the ranch’s story. Silverthorn was the first in California to implement reclaimed water for irrigation, helping conserve resources while naturally enriching the soil. Combined with ongoing efforts to improve soil health and reduce chemical inputs, sustainability remains a core part of how the ranch operates.

Despite its growth and reach, Silverthorn Ranch remains a family business. The same values that guided its founders continue to shape the nursery today.

In a town known for its agricultural roots, Silverthorn Ranch stands as a lasting example of what can grow when tradition, innovation, and community come together.