We categorized the age structure, survival, and resident natural enemies of glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS), Homalodisca coagulata, on different ornamental host plants, which are common in the California’s San Joaquin Valley. Our methodologies included a controlled experiment using potted host plants to test GWSS host preference, and field surveys for GWSS in untreated urban regions in Kern County. Results show GWSS seasonal-long densities were influenced by host plant species, with significant differences among host tested plants in the numbers of GWSS adults, egg masses, nymphs and natural enemies. We show that GWSS adults have oviposition host preferences that may be different from the nymph feeding preference, and that nymphs will readily move between host plants throughout their development period. For example, oleander had few GWSS egg masses, but was a preferred host for nymphs. Within our test arena, parasitism levels were not influenced by host plant species. The results suggest that the kinds of ornamental plants used can greatly impact the GWSS density in urban areas.