Common name:Orange Sedge
Botanical name:Carex testacea

The testacea variety is an evergreen perennial that reaches 2' tall bearing very narrow, coppery brown leaves splitting to hair-like threads at their tips, and continuing to grow to 4-8' in length. This plant should be grown in sun with little or no summer watering. During winter, foliage turns orange. If this grass is planted in shade, foliage stays green. Flowers are insignificant. Orange Sedge looks great in containers or spilling over near walkways or into water features. Fire prone.

Common name:White Rockrose
Botanical name:Cistus X hybridus

This is a small evergreen shrub with 2" long gray green, crinkly leaves. It has pure white flowers with prominent yellow stamens. It flowers throughout the spring to early summer. Avoid heavy mulches. .

Common name:Purple Smoke Tree
Botanical name:Cotinus coggygria 'Purpureus'

A deciduous shrub or small tree that grows up to 10' tall, the "Purpureus" is grown for its wispy, thread-like flower clusters in summer. Its green foliage turns a brilliant purple and then yellow to red in the fall. This shrub is a show stopper! It prefers full sun but will do better with afternoon shade in hot inland areas. This attractive shrub is drought tolerant once it's established.

Common name:Mugo Pine
Botanical name:Pinus mugo

Pinus mugo is an evergreen shrub that grows slowly, reaching 3-6' tall and wide. This conifer has a round dense habit but is the low growing form. Foliage is dark green needles; small brown cones appear on shrub and may remain on plant for long time. Tip-shear the candles of new growth of the needles to keep the plant smaller and promote density. This plant does best in full sun with well-draining soil. Many cultivars now available.

Common name:Blue Oak
Botanical name:Quercus douglasii

Blue Oak is a deciduous tree that has a slow growth rate and reaches 50 ft. high. It develops 2" long, lobed blue-green leaves. Blue Oak is very drought tolerant, is native to California and attracts butterflies. Because of its slow growth, it can be used for bonsai. Flowers are insignificant. Acorns were used by California Natives for food.