Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa

The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.

Common name:Centennial Coyote Brush
Botanical name:Baccharis 'Centennial'

This plant is a hybrid that combines a prostrate habit with tolerance for desert conditions. It grows 3' tall and 6' wide. It tolerates heat, sun and frost, maintaining its green appearance.

Common name:Julia Phelps California Lilac
Botanical name:Ceanothus 'Julia Phelps'

Fast-growing and densely branched with small dark green leaves, this is a great bloomer showing a marvelous display of delicate, dark indigo blue flowers found in round clusters of 1". It is extremely drought tolerant, and must not be overwatered. It does best in well-drained soil with little to no summer water. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Common name:Cedros Island Verbena
Botanical name:Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina'

Verbena lilacina 'De La Mina' is a selection introduced by the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden. It is a fast-growing shrub that reaches 3' tall and 3' wide. Flowers are purple and fragrant and bloom all year long in coastal areas. These star-shaped flowers are held high above the mound shaped foliage. It does well in sun and part sun and is considered drought tolerant. It is a beautiful shrub that attracts butterflies.

Common name:Deer Grass
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia rigens

The Deer Grass is a warm season perennial that forms dense clumps from the base. The spike-like flower stalks grow 2'-3' tall and this grass has striking foundation form. The Deer Grass is native to California, is drought tolerant, and is a beneficial insect plant.

Common name:Mexican Gold Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Gold Poppy is similar to the California Poppy, but smaller. It has upward-facing, four petaled orange blooms. It grows to 8" high. It is considered drought tolerant but extra summer water will extend the flowering season.

Common name:Coast Sunflower, Coast Encelia
Botanical name:Encelia californica

Encelia californica is a fast growing woody subshrub with bright green foliage and yellow daisy-type flowers. It can be used effectively in the natural landscape with regular pruning to maintain form. It is more commonly used in native restoration work. In inland situations, it requires more regular water. It grows to 3'-5' tall and 3'-5' wide.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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