Common name:Silver Dollar, Giant Prickly Pear C
Botanical name:Opuntia robusta

Silver Dollar Prickly Pear is a large species, growing to about 20' tall by 12' wide. Blue green pads can reach 1' long by 8" across and are generally heavily thorned. Yellow flowers are produced in the spring. These plants do best in full sun and can survive on very little rainfall. It needs protection from any frost. Fleshy, barrel shaped, pink or purple fruit follow the flowers. Fruit is edible.

Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Common name:Nandina, Heavenly Bamboo
Botanical name:Nandina domestica

Nandina domestica is a graceful upright shrub that grows from 3'-6' in height. It gets its name from its bamboo-like growth habit. When thinned from the center it bears a remarkable resemblance to bamboo. It is best used in groups. It can be used in a shaded patio or out in a shrub border with full sun. An interesting feature of Heavenly Bamboo is the bronze color in the new growth when planted in full sun. It also bears clusters of white flowers in the spring.

Common name:Copper King Gazania
Botanical name:Gazania 'Copper King'

This perennial groundcover will grow 6"-10" tall and has soft, grayish green foliage with yellow orange flowers that bloom April through September.