Common name: Oregon Grape
Botanical name: Mahonia aquifolium

Exhibiting erect growth, this evergreen shrub grows to a height of 6'. The leaves are 4"-10" long, with 5-9 very spiny-toothed, oval leaflets that are 1.5" in length.

Common name: Flannel Bush
Botanical name: Fremontodendron californicum

Flannel Bush is a fast growing, evergreen shrub that easily reaches 20' tall and wide. It has triangular-shaped lobed, dull, gray green, hairy leaves (fine hairs may irritate skin). 3" in diameter, saucer-shaped, yellow flowers bloom in spring. It needs good drainage and full sun. It is a California native plant that is drought tolerant and attracts butterflies. This shrub looks great if espaliered. Not as long lived as cultivars. Looks great when paired with ceanothus. No summer watering required after plant is established.

Common name: Torrey Pine
Botanical name: Pinus torreyana

This broad evergreen can reach a height of 80' if it grows straight. Better growth results from life on the coast, from which the sea winds promote a broad, open, irregular habit. While tolerant of both heat and drought, the tree reacts best with moisture and slight exposure to fog. Pines are highly combustible plants. The nutritious seeds were harvested, being an important food staple for indigenous people in California, notably the Kumeyaay tribe.

Common name: South Western Coral Bells
Botanical name: Heuchera sanguinea

Tufts of round leaves 2"-3" wide with scalloped edges accent this plant. It also produces wiry stems to 24" tall with open clusters of tiny, reddish pink, bell-shaped, fragrant flowers. Native to Desert Southwest so it tolerates desert heat, not humidity of deep South. It can also be grown in Colorado and Oregon in full sun with cool temperatures. This Heuchera typically spreads 12". Flowers can be used for vases. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming. This perennial has a mounding habit. In warmer and hot areas, plant in shade or part shade. This plant does best with well draining, fertile, moist soil. It does not tolerate clay soil well but will perform in rocky soil. Looks great in containers or along walkways.

Common name: Twin Peaks #2 Ground Cover Bacchari
Botanical name: Baccharis pilularis 'Twin Peaks #2'

Twin Peaks II is a compact low growing shrub reaching 12-18 in. high with a 5-6 ft spread. It has dark leaves that are deeply toothed.

Common name: Coastal Strawberry
Botanical name: Fragaria chiloensis

This perennial, used as a ground cover, grows 1' high and 3' wide. It has tooth-edged, reddish green, evergreen leaves. Tiny white flowers with yellow centers appear in spring through early fall, followed by edible red fruit. This perennial can be used as a lawn replacement, in coastal areas as it tolerates sand and hot inland areas as long as it has afternoon shade. It needs regular watering. Birds love this plant.

Common name: Skylark Mountain Lilac
Botanical name: Ceanothus thyrsiflorus 'Skylark'

Ceanothus Skylark™ is a good choice for small gardens. This lush green, compact Ceanothus thyrsiflorus cultivar flowers profusely and later than all other ceanothus extending your flower season into early summer. Dark blue flower spikes appear in spring lasting into summer, and some flowering will occur again in fall. It is slow growing to 3-6 ft tall with 5 foot spread making it ideal for smaller spaces. Plant in full sun on the coast or in part shade inland. Skylark performs best in heavier clay soils but will tolerate sandier soils if needed. Ceanothus are favorites of butterflies and pollinators, adding to their landscape value.

Common name: Blue Potato Bush
Botanical name: Lycianthes rantonnetii

This plant will grow 6 x 8' wide and produces beautiful purple flowers tha bloom all year. It does best in full sun and is very drought tolerant.