Common name:Holly Oak or Holm Oak
Botanical name:Quercus ilex
This evergreen oak has a moderate growth rate to 30'-60' tall and as wide. The leaves are 1.5"-3" long, .5"-1" wide, and either toothed or smooth-edged. It has a rich, dark green leaf color.
Common name:California Coffeeberry
Botanical name:Rhamnus californica
The California Coffeeberry is an evergreen shrub that reaches 6'-8' high. It has red berries that turn black in late summer, which attracts birds. This shrub tolerates sun or partial shade in all soil types. This CA native is drought tolerant once it's established. It is a beneficial insect plant and attracts butterflies. In ocean areas, this plant looks more like a ground cover. Small flowers appear in spring but are considered insignificant.
Common name:Concha California Lilac
Botanical name:Ceanothus 'Concha'
Concha is a lilac that grows 6'-8' in height and width. It has small narrow leaves with intense dark blue flower clusters in spring. It is tolerant of coastal and inland conditions. -Cornflower Farms
Common name:Bearberry Cotoneaster
Botanical name:Cotoneaster dammeri
This prostrate, trailing evergreen shrub is primarily used as a ground cover. It is highlighted with bright green, ovate to rounded leaves with prominent veins. In the fall, Bearberry Cotoneasters are accented by small, bright red berries. This ground cover gets only 1' tall but will spread 5' wide. This is a great plant for banks or hillsides as long as it gets full sun. It becomes drought tolerant once it's established. Small white flowers appear in spring.
Designer: Sacramento Suburban Water Dist
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Mulching and adding compost to soil can minimize evaporation and help soil absorb and store water.
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.
