Aralia californica

Elk Clover, Aralia californica,  is our native relative to Ivy. Both are in the Ginseng family, But Aralia californica has medicinal uses as a tonic and is a whole lot cooler. Native from Palomar Mountain up into central Oregon, mostly along the coast, but also in the northern Sierras from 100-2500 feet in elevation. 

Associated plants are very diverse and include; Acer macrophyllum, Alnus rhombifolia, Aquilegia formosa, Calycanthus occidentalis, Cornus nuttallii, Lonicera hispidula, Prunus virginiana var. demissa, Rhododendron occidentale, Verbena lasiostachys, and  Woodwardia fimbriata.
In your yard it has a wonderful use, it grows in heavy shade as long as there is some moisture. That stupid 'large' entry that the Realtor sold you as a feature, with the heavy shade and the moss covered ground. Aralia can grow there! Rather exotic looking and woodsy. Mix with with Aquilegia formosa, Carpenteria, Calycanthus, Satureja douglasii and Rhododendron occidentale for that shady patio that needs some life.