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drought tolerant landscape
drought tolerant landscape
succulents
drought tolerant landscape
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Gallery of some popular drought tolerant plants
 Chinese Ground Orchid[Bletilla striata] Easiest orchid to grow in the Central Valley and plants spread to form small colonies over time; tough and hardy perennial that blooms dependably in shady gardens; vivid coloration and unusual shape give a tropical effect; attracts beneficial insects. |  Cascade Creek California Goldenrod[Solidago californica ‘Cascade Creek’] California native plant; bears bright yellow flowers in summer and fall that attract butterflies and beneficial insects; ideal for native grass meadow. |  Cape Balsam[Bulbine frutescens] Small, evergreen perennial is a wonderful addition to dry perennial borders with its long-blooming spikes of delicate, star-shaped yellow flowers; fleshy, bright green foliage adds a sculptural element to the garden; tolerates drought and poor soils. |
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 Blue Grama Grass[Bouteloua gracilis] California native plant; green flowers age to tan by the end of the summer; retains tidy, upright shape even when dormant. |  Aztec Lily[Sprekelia formosissima] Dramatic, deep-red flowers attract hummingbirds in spring and summer; encourage blooming several times a year by withholding and then applying water; low maintenance. |  ’Gilded Dragon’ Hummingbird Bush[Grevillea thelemanniana] A low-growing, evergreen shrub with silver-grey foliage and stunning dark red flowers winter into spring. Graceful branches form a rounded plant and is surprisingly tolerant of some shade. The flowers are nectar rich and will attract hummingbirds. |
 Snow-in-Summer[Cerastium tomentosum] Gives a cool look to hot Central Valley gardens; can thrive in low to medium amounts of irrigation; silver foliage good for contrast with green-leaved plants. |  Serpentine Columbine[Aquilegia eximia] California native plant; larger and showier than most columbines; attractive delicate foliage in basal mound; attracts hummingbirds. |  Santa Margarita Foothill Penstemon[Penstemon heterophyllus ‘Margarita B.O.P.’] California native plant; flowers are golden yellow as buds, bright blue as blooms, then change to purple-pink; unlike many California native penstemons, it thrives in garden conditions. |
 Santa Barbara Daisy[Erigeron karvinskianus] Good in containers or for trailing over a wall; spreads sparingly by seed in the garden; blooms profusely from spring through fall; attracts butterflies and beneficial insects. |  Red Argentine Amaryllis[Rhodophiala bifida] Showy, easy-to-grow bulb; dark red, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in late summer; heat and drought tolerant; attracts hummingbirds. |  Lillian’s Pink Coral Bells[Heuchera ‘Lillian’s Pink’] California native plant; bright pink flowers attract bees and hummingbirds; excellent groundcover for small shady areas or borders. |
 Purple Dome Michaelmas Daisy[Aster ‘Purple Dome’] This dwarf daisy has deep-violet flowers in late summer; attractive to butterflies and beneficial insects; resists mildew and tolerates wet soils. |  Pigsqueak[Bergenia crassifolia] Dense clusters of pink flowers bloom in winter and early spring; classic California garden plant for dry or moist shady border; broad, shiny leaves provide textural contrast to small-leaved plants; attracts beneficial insects. |  Karl Foerster Feather Reed Grass[Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’] Attractive, upright dark green foliage; fluffy blooms in spring turn into attractive buff spikes that last all summer and fall; a vertical plant that performs well in narrow spaces. |
 Lenten Rose[Helleborus x hybridus] Requires little maintenance and tolerates semi-dry shade; evergreen foliage looks good all year; nodding, rose-like flowers brighten winter gardens. |  Japanese Silver Grass[Miscanthus sinensis (dwarf varieties)] Leaves may turn red, orange, and yellow in the fall; many varieties are available, with different leaf patterns and a range of sizes; thrives in clay soil. |  Island Pink Yarrow[Achillea millefolium ‘Island Pink’] California native plant; colorful pink flowers in spring, summer, and fall make good cut flowers; ferny green foliage will spread; flowers attract butterflies and beneficial insects. |
 Ivy Leaf Cyclamen[Cyclamen hederifolium] Scented rose-pink or white flowers bloom in late summer and early fall before the leaves emerge; ornamental silver-marked foliage sparkles in dry shady gardens; tolerates a wide variety of soil types and can also grow well in containers. |  Giant Chain Fern[Woodwardia fimbriata] California native plant; plant needs little care once established; great for a shady oasis near a pond or fountain. |  Cooper’s Ice Plant[Delosperma cooperi] Linear succulent foliage creeps along the ground, making an attractive apple-green mat; bright pink-purple flowers bloom in spring, summer, and fall. |
 Christmas Cheer Poker Plant[Kniphofia ‘Christmas Cheer’] Dramatic plant brightens up the winter garden; at the top of its tall flowering stems, brilliant orange buds open to deep-gold tubular flowers; long, narrow leaves form an attractive, medium-large clump over time; attracts hummingbirds. |  Corsican Hellebore[Helleborus argutifolius] Long-lasting, pale-green flowers brighten the winter garden; needs little maintenance and tolerates dry shade; stiff, gray-green foliage adds sculptural interest to the garden year round. |  Coral Fountain[Russelia equisetiformis] Very adaptable plant with tubular, bright coral-red flowers from spring to autumn; show-stopping fountain of flowers attracts hummingbirds; low maintenance and drought tolerant. |
 Alum Root Hybrids[Heuchera maxima hybrids] This evergreen perennial plant displays foliage clumps 1–2’ across, with shiny dark-green, round, heart–shaped leaves. Flowers range from whitish to pinkish. Hundreds of blossoms form in each narrow 2–3’ long cluster that attracts hummingbirds. Blooms February to April, and makes a good ground cover or border. Looks very delicate but is quite drought tolerant and cold resistant. Plant about 2’ apart with bark or chip covering as a 2–4” mulch. 1’h x 2’w |  Apache Plume[Fallugia paradoxa] A semi-evergreen shrub with flowers resembling single white roses that are followed by large, feathery seedheads that change from green to red. Requires well-drained soil. 4-6’h x 5’w |  Ashyleaf Buckwheat[Eriogonum cinereum] This can be a nice shrub when kept trimmed. Silver gray foliage is covered with white flowers in the summer. Best planted in groups, this will tolerate salt spray and is good for erosion control. 4-6’h x 4-6’w |
 Beach Suncups[Camissonia cheiranthifolia] Naturally found growing in sand dunes, this is a good choice for areas with good drainage. Low growing silver foliage with lemon yellow flowers. 1’h x 3’w |  Bearberry or Kinnikinnick[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi] A slow growing evergreen ground cover that creates a mat, spreading and rooting as it creeps out. Delicate light pink flowers appear in winter through spring atop dense leathery green leaves. Leaves turn a reddish tint in winter. It is useful on slopes or along retaining walls. Prefers sunny to partially sunny locations. Requires regular water after planting. Once established, depending on soil conditions, will thrive with infrequent summer water. 1’h x 2-3’w |  Beavertail Cactus[Opuntia basilaris] A favorite for home gardens due to smaller size and large showy bright pink flowers. Prefers sun, little to no water, and soils that drain well. 2-4’h x 3-4’w |
 Bigberry Manzanita[Arctostaphylos glauca] An excellent slope stabilizer, this shrub has large light pink blossoms in late winter to early spring and is accented by deep red twisted bark. Attractive berries follow. 8-12’h x 8-12’w |  Bigleaf Lupine[Lupinus latifolius] A beautiful lupine with long, fragrant rose-purple flowering spikes. Foliage, arranged like spread fingers on a hand, is an attractive graygreen. It is an important food plant for butterfly larvae. It is tolerant of garden conditions, and prefers sun to partial sun. 4’h x 4’w |  Black Mustard[Brassica nigra] An extremely common annual found growing in meadows, disturbed areas, and along trails and roads. Bright yellow petals grow on top of erect branching stems, blooming February to July. 2-8’h |
 Black Sage[Salvia mellifera] An excellent choice for erosion control, this shrub displays light green foliage, and delicate sky blue blooms. Likes sun to partial sun and is also available as a ground cover called ‘Tera Seca’. 3-5’h x 6’w |  Blue-eyed Grass[Sisyrinchium bellum] Delicate flowers, abundant from February to May, with grass-like leaves. A perennial, found naturally in grass meadows and other open places, re-seeds easily. A lovely addition to a dry border and does well in containers with well-draining soil. Likes sun to partial sun exposure. Foliage will die back in summer heat. 1’h x 1’w |  Bush Anemone[Carpenteria californica] This evergreen shrub has shiny dark leaves and pleasantly fragrant white flowers with golden-yellow stamens, 1.5-3” in size, from May to August. Resistant to oak root fungus, this plant does well in dry, shady conditions. Prune after flowering to restrain growth or shape. 6’h x 5’w |
 Bush Sunflower[Encelia californica] A small deciduous shrub with loose clusters of yellow daisy-like flowers. Light summer water will extend blooming. Cut back every two years to maintain shape. 3’h x 5’w |  Butterfly Bush[Buddleja davidii] A semi-evergreen shrub with tall arching branches; blooms in midsummer with dense small, fragrant spike-like clusters. Needs good drainage and pruning to keep shape. 4-7’h x 3-5’w |  California Buckwheat[Eriogonum fasciculatum] A small evergreen shrub with summer and fall blooms of pinkish flower clusters that turn rusty red. Attractive to butterflies and hardy to around 15°F. 3-5’h x 6’w |
 California Evening-Primrose[Oenothera californica ssp. avita] This perennial tolerates rough places with a tendency to invade. Best if kept in contained area with little irrigation. Attractive white to pink blossoms in summer. 2’h x 3’w |  California Flannelbush[Fremontodendron californicum] Yellow flowers create an attractive display from May to June as flowers bloom all at once. Leathery leaves are dark green above, fuzzy beneath. This shrub needs good drainage, and hillside planting is the best with staking when young. Needs no dry-season watering. 10-20’h x 20-25’w |  California Fuschia[Zauschneria californica] Reference books may list this as Epilobium canum. A very hardy native that can take a lot of abuse, this is commonly found in dry areas, rocky slopes and cliffs. Abundant, scarlet tubular flowers from July to November, popular with hummingbirds. Likes sun to partial sun exposure, may be used as a ground cover. 2’h x 4’w |
 California Honeysuckle[Lonicera hispidula] A climbing shrub, this plant is native throughout most of California and up the coast to Washington. Deciduous foliage, with large pink flowers, the edible fruit is bitter but attracts birds. Able to handle cold temperatures and is not favored by deer. 4’h x 1’w |  California Poppy[Eschscholzia californica] A true perennial, this wildflower is often grown as an annual. Color varies from pale yellow to deep orange. Flowers spring to summer and reseeds easily. Blossoms close at night. Plant seeds in fall, broadcasting on well-drained soil. Little irrigation required. 8-24”h x 12”w |  California Redbud`[Cercis occidentalis] An interesting plant year round, with beautiful pea-shaped magenta flowers on leafless stems in the spring, followed by interesting seedpods and heart-shaped bluegreen leaves. Deciduous, with yellow or red fall foliage on multi-branching stems. Prefers sun exposure. Excellent for dry, seldom watered banks. 20’h x 15’w |
 Canyon Live-Forever[Dudleya cymosa] This evergreen succulent has rosette leaves with red-orange flowers in spring and early summer. Prefers full sun, good drainage and does well in containers or rock gardens. 1’h x 1’w |  Chaparral Honeysuckle[Lonicera subspicata johnstonii] A native evergreen perennial that generally looks good all the time. Clusters of creamy yellow flowers appear in spring, followed by yellowish berries that attract birds. 2-5’h x 8-10’w |  Cleveland Sage[Salvia clevelandii] One of the best-scented sages, this small evergreen shrub has stunning lavender blooms and gray-green leaves. Likes sun and perfect drainage. Intense fragrance will carry 20-50 feet on a warm night. 3’h x 4’w |
 Cleveland’s Beardtongue[Penstemon clevelandii] Rose pink flowers with gray foliage make this an attractive garden plant. Prefers hot summers and mild winters. 2-3’h x 2’w |  Cliff or Coast Buckwheat[Eriogonum parvifolium] This is a low growing, spreading variety that cascades. White to pinkish flowers appear in late spring to summer above reddish green leaves. An important butterfly plant. 1-2’h x 4-6’w |  Coast Silktassel[Garrya elliptica] An excellent foliage plant, this shrub is dense with elliptical, wavyedged leaves, dark green above, gray and woolly beneath. Clustered flower tassels bloom on both male and female plants from December to February. Both plants must be present to produce grapelike clusters of purple fruit from June to September. Does best with some summer watering. 20’h x 15’w |
 Common Manzanita[Arctostaphylos manzanita] An interesting plant, this has crooked branching limbs, with smooth purplish-red bark and small green oval leaves. Generous clusters of white flowers are followed by white fruit that turns red. 6-20’h x 4-10’w |  Common Sage[Salvia officinalis] This shrubby plant with wrinkled oval leaves displays clusters of bluish flowers on spikes in the spring. Less than excellent drainage may cause root rot. 1-3’h x 1-2’w |  Common Yarrow[Achillea millefolium] A perennial/groundcover that spreads by its roots, this specimen presents 3-4” clusters of small white flowers above evergreen foliage that is delicate and finely textured. Adult butterflies enjoy this plant. Medium drought tolerant, it likes sun to partial sun. Excellent when used in a garden border or as a lawn substitute as it can be mowed. Widely adapted to variety of soil conditions. 4-6”h x 3’w |
 Cotoneaster[Cotoneaster sp.] Plants range from ground covers to shrubs and require little to moderate water. Attractive arching branches, fall color; red or orange berries in winter add appeal. Thrives with little to no maintenance and does well on dry slopes and in poor soil. 4”–15’h x 10”–18’w |  Coyote Mint[Monardella villosa] A California native, this bushy grower has gray-green leaves, purplish flowers, and mint fragrance. Requires good drainage and regular trimming back to maintain shape. 1-2’h x 2’w |  Creeping Mahonia[Mahonia repens] An ideal groundcover for partial sun to full shade areas with colorful winter foliage. Does well under oak trees, requiring little to no irrigation once established. Yellow spring flowers are followed by berries that attract birds. 1’h x 3+’w |
 Creeping Wire Vine[Muehlenbeckia nana] This plant spreads by rhizomes to create dense mounds with tiny leaves. It can be mowed yearly and tolerates poor soil and wind. 2”-1’h x 1’w |  Deergrass[Muhlenbergia rigens] Provides interesting texture contrast, with many erect narrow blades that fan out in vase-shaped foliage, in dense clumps. Stays evergreen without summer water. 1-3’h x 2-3’w |  Desert Beauty or Indigo Bush[Dalea species] A perennial with springtime purple pea flowers clustered at the ends of silvery green leaf branches. Trim to promote fullness. Infrequent summer watering will prevent partial deciduous leaf drop. 3-5’h x 3-5’w |
 Desert Marigold[Baileya multiradiata] This perennial has bright yellow flowers above graygreen foliage spring through fall. Extend blooming with periodic moisture. Attracts butterflies. Requires good drainage. 1-2’h x 1-1½’w |  Desert Willow[Chilopsis linearis] This deciduous tree or shrub develops shaggy bark and a twisting trunk with age. Spring brings fragrant trumpetshaped blossoms in a variety of colors, that attract hummingbirds. Drops seed pods in the winter. Trim to keep shapely. 15-30’h x 10-20’w |  Desert or Apricot Mallow[Sphaeralcea ambigua] A very hardy evergreen perennial, this plant has coral flowers clustered on stems spring to fall. Prefers dry winters and benefits from pruning after it blooms. 3’h x 3’w |
 Douglas Iris[Iris douglasiana] Planted as a rhizome, this species grows linear, vase-shaped evergreen foliage and produces many beautiful light-purple, blue, white, or cream flowers in the spring. Tolerant of heavy soils and garden conditions, prefers sun to partial sun. 1’h x 2’w |  Dymondia Silver Carpet[Dymondia margareta] A ground cover with light gray foliage, yellow summer blooms and deeply rooted. Tolerates light foot traffic. Good for use between stepping stones. 2-3”h x 20”w |  English Lavender[Lavandula angustifolia] Sweetly fragrant, this is the variety used for perfume and sachets, and it’s also the hardiest. The silvery-grey-green foliage is semi-evergreen and most varieties form low growing mounds. Blooms range from white, pink, lavender blue to shades of purple and appear in late summer or fall. 2-4’h x 4’w |
 English Thyme[Thymus vulgaris] An attractive plant with small, gray-green pungent leaves and white-lilac flowers in late spring. Useful as a border edging or in a container with good drainage. 1’h x 1’w |  Evergreen Currant[Ribes viburnifolium] Evergreen shrub; fragrant dark green leaves; light pink to purplish flowers in winter and spring; suitable for under oaks; hardy to 15 – 20°F. 3-4’h x 6’w |  Fairy Duster[Calliandra eriophylla] This deciduous shrub is native to Baja California. Once established, it does not require water and produces beautiful clusters of pinkish fluffy flowers in the spring. 3’h x 4-5’w |
 Firecracker Penstemon[Penstemon eatonii] This is a desert species with bright red flowers that bloom from spring to summer, on long evergreen stalks. Prefers full sun, good drainage, and will attract hummingbirds. Does better with some water in the summer. 3-4’h x 3-4’w |  French Lavender[Lavandula dentate] Narrow grey foliage with serrated edges give this variety its other name of “Toothed Lavender”. Purple flowers on short spikes are topped with bracts like rabbit ears and appear from late spring into summer and almost year-round in mild winter areas. 3-4’h x 4-5’w |  Giant Wild Rye[Elymus condensatus] A tall, erect clumping perennial useful in the back of a border garden. Distinct silver blue-gray foliage complements bluish flower plumes in summer. Native to San Miguel Island (Channel Islands), found locally in the zone between plant communities. 4-8’h x 3-6’w |
 Globe Gilia[Gilia capitata] Related to phlox, this annual has 1-2” clusters of spring blue flowers that look like pincushions. Used by many butterflies. Plant seed in fall or early spring in well-drained soil. Likes rocky areas with lots of sun. Little to moderate irrigation required. 8-30”h x 8”w |  Golden Currant[Ribes aureum] A semi-deciduous shrub that produces bright yellow flowers winter through spring, followed by yellow, orange, and red currants. 4-8’h x 7’w |  Golden Yarrow[Eriophyllum confertiflorum] An abundant perennial small shrub found naturally at the base of cliffs in rock crevasses, preferring sun exposure. Finely leafed foliage, green above and woolly below. Blossoms are clusters of yellow flowers, displayed from March to August, attractive to butterflies. 2-4’h x 1-4’w |
 Greek Oregano[Origanum vulgare hirtum] A shrubby plant with slightly fuzzy gray-green leaves and tiny clusters of small flowers. Needs good drainage. 2-3’h x 1’w |  Hen and Chicks[Sempervivum tectorum] Clusters spread to form clumps up to 2’ wide. Red or reddish brown blossoms on erect stems. A variety of colored leafed plants are available. 2-5”h x 2-5”w |  Hollyleaf Cherry[Prunus ilicifolia] The mature foliage of this shrub is a deep, rich green that resembles holly leaves and contrasts with new leaves that are a light green. Creamy white flower spikes appear in March and bear colorful edible fruits that attract birds and wildlife. Does best in coarse, well-drained soils and requires no summer irrigation in normal rainfall years once it is established. 3-20’h x 10’w |
 Hummingbird Sage[Salvia spathacea] This evergreen perennial has 2-3’whorls of red-magenta flowers on upright stems attractive to hummingbirds. Blooms appear spring to summer. It has large arrow-shaped fragrant leaves and will spread to form a nice mat via rhizomes. Likes at least 15” of rainfall per year, and will grow in a variety of soil types. 3½’h x 3’w |  Island Bush Poppy[Dendromecon harfordii] A bushy shrub with oval gray foliage and bright yellow flowers spring to summer. Prune to shape after bloom. 6-15’h x 12’w |  Island Bush Snapdragon[Galvezia speciosa] Bright red tubular flowers bloom from spring to summer on this plant that tolerates more shade. Attractive to hummingbirds. 3’h x 6’w |
 Island Manzanita[Arctostaphylos insularis] Often treelike, with cinnamon brown bark and broad bright green leaves, this plant has white flowers in loose clusters. Prefers well drained soil. 3-8’h x 5-8’w |  Matilija Poppy[Romneya coulteri] This perennial shrub may be a bit tricky to get established, but is worth the effort. It requires excellent drainage and lots of sun. Large 4-6” crinkled, fried egg-looking flowers appear from spring to summer. Spreads by underground rhizomes. 3-5’h x 8’+w |  Mesa Bushmallow[Malacothamnus fasciculatus] This medium shrub bears many small pink flowers on foot long stems covering the gray-green foliage in the spring and summer. This is a good slope stabilizer or hedge plant. 3-12’h x 6’w |
 Mexican Bush Sage[Salvia leucantha] This plant displays long purple spikes in summer and fall that gracefully arch above grayish green foliage. Will take some light shade. Keep tidy and attractive by cutting old stems off at the ground. 3’h x 4’w |  Mexican Elderberry[Sambucus mexicana] This plant can grow into a large deciduous tree. White clusters of flowers in the summer turn into purple berries. Attractive to many bird species. 8-25’h x 10’w |  Mexican Whorled Milkweed[Asclepias fascicularis] Spreading semi-deciduous perennial, commonly found in dry grassy meadows, with linear foliage. Flowers are greenish white or purple, blooming from June to September. Interesting seed pods open and spill out hundreds of fine white hairs. Provides an important food source plant for Monarch butterflies. Prefers sun to partial sun exposure. 3’h x 3’w |
 Mojave Mound or Claret Cup Cactus[Echinocereus triglochidiatus] Popular in gardens because of its small size and long-lasting, generous orange-red blooms. Creates a dense clump that can spread to a 3’ circle. Little to no water required. 8”h x 18”w |  Mountain Mahogany[Cercocarpus betuloides] Extremely drought tolerant, this evergreen shrub is a good erosion controller. White flowers bloom in the spring and produce attractive seed plume. 6-20’h x 12’w |  Our Lord’s Candle[Yucca whipplei] Flower stalks can reach 12’+ in height, covered with creamy white blossoms. Plant dies after blooming; new plants come from seeds or offsets. 2-3’h x 2-4’w |
 Pacific Sedum Stonecrop[Sedum spathulefolium] This is a succulent with bright yellow flowers in the spring that are carried above attractive rosette evergreen leaves. An attractive small plant, it prefers sun to partial shade and is highly drought tolerant. 4”h x 1’w |  Palmer’s Penstemon[Penstemon palmeri] Very large and fragrant pale pink blossoms with gray foliage make this a beautiful plant. Grows with a very erect form, is attractive to hummingbirds, and is appropriate for areas with cold winters. 3’h x 3’w |  Panamint Beard Penstemon[Penstemon floridus] A large showy perennial, this plant combines coarsely serrated to smooth leaves with hot pink flowers atop tall spikes. Prefers hot, dry summers and cold winters. 3-4’h x 3’w |
 Parry’s Nolina[Nolina parryi] This plant is native to Southern California deserts and similar to Yucca whipplei. Long grass-like leaves form a nice mound and spring flowers are creamy white. Very drought tolerant. 4-5’h x 3-5’w |  Pink-flowering Currant[Ribes sanguineum var. glutinosum] A deciduous shrub, this plant has long, graceful pink flowers, 15–40 in a cluster. Blooms from January to March and produces blue black berries. This is one of the most attractive native species in our area. Will tolerate a range of soil conditions, and is moderately drought tolerant. 3-8’h x 5’w |  Purple Needle Grass[Nassella pulchra] This native bunch grass is a good addition to wild garden settings. Purplish flowers bloom before it matures in summer to golden yellow. Remains dormant until winter rains. 2’h x 2’w |
 Purple Sage[Salvia leucophylla] Foliage looks silver, with white woolly leaves. A very erect or spreading shrub, its summer blossoms are pinkish to purple. Very drought tolerant, annual trimming of branches will control its spreading pattern. 2-6’h x 3-4’w |  Red Buckwheat[Eriogonum grande rubescens] Native to the Channel Islands, this plant is compact and low growing, with gray-green leaves and dark pink blossoms that attract butterflies. 2’h x 2’w |  Red Creeping Thyme[Thymus serpyllum] A small member of the mint family, this plant has soft and fragrant foliage underfoot and dark green leaves with reddish flowers in summer. Likes well-drained soil. Can be cut back. 3”h x 3’w |
 Red Yucca[Hesperaloe parviflora] A native of Texas and New Mexico which produces tall stalks with rose red to bright red flowers from late spring through summer. Heat tolerant and excellent in a container. 3-4’h x 3-4’w |  Red-Hot Poker[Kniphofia uvaria] A plant with a shrub-size clump of grass-like foliage that requires moderate water to bloom and good drainage in winter. Leaves 2’ long with dramatic red-orange to yellow blossoms. 3’h x 3-4’w |  Rockrose[Cistus sp.] A very hardy plant, with showy spring flowers. Accepts poor, dry soil and will tolerate cold ocean winds, salt spray or desert heat. Needs well-drained soil if irrigated. Little to no water is required once established. An occasional trimming of old stems will induce new growth. Height will vary depending on kind. Shorter varieties are useful as ground cover, in rock gardens, and in rough areas along roads or driveways. 1’h x 2-3’w |
 Rosemary[Rosmarinus officinalis] A tough evergreen shrub with short, narrow green leaves on woody stems with delicate blue flowers. Requires good drainage; pruning encourages new growth. 4’h x 4’w |  Santa Barbara Ceanothus[Ceanothus impressus] A large shrub with a dense mass of dark wrinkled green leaves, covered with deep blue flower clusters in early spring, mostly March to April. Requires good drainage and infrequent to no summer watering, can be temperamental, preferring sun to partial sun exposure. 6-10’h x 6-10’w |  Scarlet Bugler[Penstemon centranthifolius] This penstemon has scarlet red blossoms with blue-gray foliage, a long bloom season, and is very drought tolerant. This plant prefers hot, dry summers and mild winters to perform well. 1-3’h x 3’w |
 Scarlet Larkspur[Delphinium cardinale] Native to coastal mountains, this perennial rootstock has wide lobed leaves, erect stems and large deep red blossoms that attract butterflies. 3-5’h x 1-2’w |  Scarlet or Western Columbine[Aquilegia formosa] Interestingly shaped scarlet and yellow flowers on tall stems above delicate foliage, prefers moist soils (not water logged or submerged). Reseeds readily. 2½’h x 2’w |  Sea Lavender[Limonium perezii] A perennial with large leaves and clusters of tiny purplish flowers that is good for cutting and can be dried. Prefers temperatures above 25˚F and tolerates heat; needs good drainage. 3’h x 2’w |
 Seaside Daisy[Erigeron glaucus] Native to California, this groundcover forms clumps of stout stems topped by lavender flowers. Some summer irrigation is best. Tolerant of hot inland conditions. 1’h x 3’w |  Sheep Fescue[Festuca ovina “Glauca”] This is a clumping grass with soft, tough leaves that form bluegray tufts. Useful as a ground cover in sunny to partially shaded areas and on slopes. Needs little water. Clip to enhance appearance; replant as small divisions. 4-10”h x 1’w |  Showy Penstemon[Penstemon spectabilis] Found naturally in chaparral and coastal sage scrub zones, this perennial is a perfect choice for drought tolerant gardens. Truly spectacular lavender-pink-purple flowers, April to June, are found on two-foot spikes above coarse textured leaves. May naturalize and prefers sun to partial sun exposure. Attractive to hummingbirds. 2-3’h x 3’w |
 Sky Lupine[Lupinus nanus] An annual that covers many local hillsides and fields, likes full sun and loam to clay soil. Pea-shaped spring-time flowers are a rich blue, tipped with white in dense spikes at the end of stems. Plant seeds in fall or winter. Self-seeds readily if there is little competition. Good for barren banks. Little irrigation required. 8-24”h x 9-12”w |  Society Garlic[Tulbaghia violacea] A popular perennial with bluish-green 1-2’ long leaves, this plant produces clusters of many lavender flowers mostly in spring and summer. Prefers well drained soils. Divide clumps to increase plantings. 1-2’h x 2’w |  Spanish Lavender[Lavandula stoechas] This is a stocky plant with dark grey-green, narrow leaved foliage. Ranging from purple to pink, the early spring blossoms are small with the top bracts resembling rabbit ears. 1½-2’h x 3-4’w |
 Spring Cinquefoil[Potentilla tabernaemontanii] This tough and persistent plant has a dainty appearance. A tufted creeper, this plant bears clusters of butter-yellow flowers in spring and summer. Does well in most gardens and will smother out weeds effectively once established. Makes a good lawn substitute in areas of no-traffic. A fast grower, it is well used as a cover for bulbs. Little to moderate water is required. 2-6”h x 1-2’w |  Sticky Monkeyflower[Mimulus aurantiacus] This showy perennial has abundant apricot colored blossoms that will attract hummingbirds. Occasional summer watering will extend the blooming season. Drought tolerant. 1-4’h x 3’w |  Sulphur Buckwheat[Eriogonum umbellatum] Brilliant yellow flowers bloom in the spring on stems above mounds of pretty oval foliage. Very drought tolerant, it prefers full sun and will attract hummingbirds. 1’h x 3’w |
 Sweet Lavender[Lavandula heterophylla] This plant has green foliage with smooth upper leaves and toothed lower leaves that remain evergreen. Bright purple flower spikes add height to overall shape and appear from spring to mid-summer. 2’h x 2-3’w |  Tidy Tips[Layia platyglossa] A showy yellow-white annual, this wildflower prefers clay to loam soil. Plant seeds in fall or early spring in areas of full sun. A rapid grower, blooms appear spring through early summer. Self-seeds and will naturalize on banks if grass is minimal. Very drought tolerant. 6”h x 12”w |  Toyon[Heteromeles arbutifolia] This shrub benefits from trimming to keep its form. Thick, leathery leaves are a glossy green. Small clusters of white flowers bloom from June to July. Birds are attracted to the clusters of bright red berries from November to January. Drought tolerant, but looks better with periodic watering. 8-20’h x 20’w |
 Tree Poppy[Dendromecon rigida] Large shrub with linear gray foliage and showy bright yellow, poppy-like flowers that bloom from February to June. Thrives in dry, well-drained soil, can adapt to various soil conditions. Good for banks, roadsides, preferring sun to partial sun exposure. Prune back after flowering to control untidy wild growth pattern. 3-10’h x 4-8’w |  Twinberry Honeysuckle[Lonicera involucrata] Prefers moist areas and pruning will keep size under control. Dense foliage with unique orange-red flowers that produce berries, attractive to birds. Blooms in the spring, drops leaves in winter. Sun to partial shade exposure. 6’h x 6’w |  Western Azalea[Rhododendron occidentale] This deciduous shrub prefers shade and an acidic soil. Blooms from May to June with very fragrant showy funnel-shaped flowers in clusters, with colors varying from white to pinkish white to carmine rose markings. 6-10’h x 4-8’w |
 Western Blue Flax[Linum lewisii] This is a splendid small perennial with an interesting texture. Many 1” blue to white flowers cover the plant in early spring. Keeps its shape better if trimmed back after blooming. Prefers full sun. 1-2’h x 1-2’w |  Western Pennyroyal[Monardella odoratissima] Bearing beautiful white to purple pincushion flowers and evergreen slender leaves that have a strong mint-like fragrance, this plant is often visited by bees and butterflies. Does best in the shade, with fairly rich soil and garden watering. Should be cut back regularly to maintain shape. 2-3’h x 2-3’w |  Western Spice Bush[Calycanthus occidentalis] A deciduous shrub that produces red/brown blossoms in the spring. Prefers sun to partial shade and moderate water. Can be trained into a multi-stemmed tree but best used as a background shrub or screen. Blossoms and bruised leaves have an “old wine barrel” fragrance. 6-12’h x 8-12’w |
 Wild Strawberry[Fragaria chiloensis] Native to Pacific beaches and bluffs, this plant forms lush, compact mats of dark green, glossy leaves that turn reddish in winter. Tolerates sun along the coast to partial shade inland. Large 1”wide white flowers appear in spring. Fruit will seldom set in gardens but in natural setting will produce a seedy fruit in the fall that attracts birds. Annual mowing or cutting back in the early spring will stimulate new growth. Requires some water once established. 6-12”h x 1-2 |  Woolly Blue Curls[Trichostoma lanatum] Many branched, tidy plant with linear leaves, pungently aromatic when bruised. Blossoms are striking purple spikes, attractive to hummingbirds, showing from March to August, and longer if old flower stems are cut back. Flowers have a wooly appearance, with blue, purple, or whitish hairs. Requires excellent drainage and sunny hillside exposures. Does not like summer irrigation. 4’h x 4’w |  Woolly Thyme[Thymus lanuginosus] Wooly gray foliage develops flat mats with pink flowers. Prefers infrequent sun to partial shade. 2-3”h x 3’w |
 Woolly Yarrow[Achillea tomentosa] This is a groundcover with flat golden flower heads atop a spreading flat mat of fern-like gray-green, hairy leaves. 6-10”h x 1’w |
WUCOLS IV
Water Use Classification of Landscape Species
The 2012 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is the standard by which gardeners and growers can determine which plants are most likely to thrive at a certain location. The zone serviced by Eco-Active Systems is '9b.' (Sacramento and surrounding areas) We've taken the time to research which California native species do well in this zone using "WUCOLS." (there are more than 800!) In the table below, you'll see that each plant falls into one or more plant types, indicated by a WUCOLS symbol. If a plant is considered to have more than one vegetation type, (e.g., it has both tree and shrub forms) it is identified as such. If you want to sort the list, just click the appropriate column header.
(* Perennials that are principally herbaceous)
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