Common name:River Birch, Black or Red Birch
Botanical name:Betula nigra

The RIver Birch is a deciduous tree that reaches 40' tall by 30' wide. It has a less pendulous habit than the European White Birch. Its bark is closer to paper birch, peeling off in dark, translucent orange sheets from cherry-like trunks. It has a good, strong yellow fall color. It should be grown in sun to part shade, receiving at least average watering. It resists bronze birch borer, and will tolerate wetter soils than the pendula. -Monterey Bay Nursery

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:Montebretia
Botanical name:Crocosmia X crocosmiiflora

Montebretia is a bulb, closely resembling gladiolus. Vertical, strap like leaves grow to 3' tall. Brilliant red, coral/apricot, red, red-orange, or bright yellow flowers sit on top of arching stalks during the summer. Plants may wither in winter but come back in spring. It requires sun to part shade. Once this plant is established, it requires little or no summer watering. This plant performs well in containers as it is considered invasive in some areas.