Common name: Coast Live Oak
Botanical name: Quercus agrifolia
The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen, round-headed tree with regal bearing. It can reach 25'-80' high and 25-40' wide and grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. Strong herculean branches adorn mature trees casting much appreciated summer shade. It attracts wildlife in droves.
Common name: Blue Oat Grass
Botanical name: Helictotrichon sempervirens
The Blue Oat Grass is an evergreen, blue clumping grass that grows 2' tall and 3' wide. Foliage is thin blue gray, wiry leaves that radiate from center of plant. Its showy tan flowers are on spikes 1'-2' above the foliage (flowers more common in cooler winter areas). This plant looks good alone as well as in mass plantings. It does well in full sun or light shade. Established plants need only occasional watering. It does best with well draining soil. The blue oat grass likes dry hill sides.
Common name: Yellow Moraea, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name: Dietes bicolor
This clumping perennial Iris relative stands 3'-4' high and 3' wide. It has light yellow, iris-like flowers with maroon blotches that are about 2" wide. It performs best in full sun in coastal areas and appreciates afternoon shade or complete light shade in warm, inland areas. It does best with regular watering and well draining soil. Flowers only bloom one day but another one will bloom the following day, blooming from spring through fall. Foliage is evergreen, long, thin and sword-like.
Common name: Common Juniper
Botanical name: Juniperus communis
A nice evergreen that has many forms and cultivars. Usually a low, shrub form. Blue gray, prickly foliage. Fruits about 1/4", bluish black. Drought resistant in deep, light soil.