Common name:Mission or Tree Cactus, Indian Fig
Botanical name:Opuntia ficus-indica

This unusual looking cactus forms a trunk topped with pads (actually the leaves) that have few spines. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer, found at the edges of the pads. Green edible fruit follows the bloom period. Fruit turns purple when ripe. This cactus need full sun and well draining soil. It is frost sensitive. The newly formed pads, or nopales of this cactus are used to make a delicious salsa,. The major pest comes from a scale.

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. - Cornflower Farms

Common name:Ken Taylor Flannel Bush
Botanical name:Fremontodendron 'Ken Taylor'

This plant is a low mounding, evergreen shrub quickly growing to 4'- 6' high and 10' wide. Bright yellow flowers bloom from mid-spring through early summer. It does best with full to part sun with well draining, acidic soil. Bees love this shrub. Branches are arching. Can be espaliered. No summer water needed after established. Leaves are deep green and lobed. Great plant for dry, sunny slopes.

Common name:Deodar Cedar, Calif. Christmas Tree
Botanical name:Cedrus deodara

This fast-growing, coniferous evergreen is capable of reaching a size of 80' high by 40' wide. Its needles are a light, silvery green color.

Common name:Germander Sage
Botanical name:Salvia chamaedryoides

Low mounding perennial with long bloom spreads by underground runners. Produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have spicy fragrance. Native to eastern Mexico 7-9000' in desert habitat Grows to mature size of 2' tall and wide. Heaviest bloom in spring and early fall, intermittent throughout the rest of the season. Full sun, well drained site. No fertilizer. Drought tolerant.

Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia

The Coast Live Oak is an evergreen round headed tree. It can reach 40' high and 20' wide; it grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies.

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.