Common name:California Sycamore
Botanical name:Platanus racemosa

The California Sycamore is a fast growing deciduous tree that reaches up to 40'-50' high. It tolerates heat, smog, and drought conditions as well as moist conditions; it is native to riparian areas. It has interesting mottled bark when the tree is bare in winter.

Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica

This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' tall and has light, small blue green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer.

Common name:Bearded Iris
Botanical name:Iris Bearded Hybrids

This perennial will grow 1'-3' tall and has medium size, blue green leaves with wonderful flowers that come in a variety of colors.

Common name:Hybrid Tea Rose (selections)
Botanical name:Rosa Hybrid Tea varieties

These shrubs and vines are the most loved in the Western USA and are very resilient. They come in a wide variety of sizes and colors and are easy to maintain with proper care. They can be used in a water-conserving garden with careful attention to irrigation practices.

Common name:Peruvian-Apple Cactus, Pitaya
Botanical name:Cereus peruvianus

This cactus can grow 25' high and produces large, white blooms. It does best in full sun and dry soil.

Common name:Laurel Sumac
Botanical name:Malosma laurina

This evergreen shrub has dark green foliage that is red when it is young. This is a good plant for dry slopes.

Common name:Shrimp Pink Aloe
Botanical name:Aloe maculata

This succulent plant will grow about 2' high and has large, greenish/white leaves with orange, pink, and red flowers that bloom in spring and fall.

Common name:Jupiter's Beard, Red Valerian
Botanical name:Centranthus ruber

This perennial ground cover will grow 1'-3' high and has medium-size blue/green leaves with red, pink, or white flowers that bloom in the summer.

Solving Runoff Problems

Importance of Watershed

A watershed is a land area that drains rain and other water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, or groundwater aquifer. Water from your neighborhood also enters the watershed through the storm drain system and flows directly to local creeks without any treatment. It often is contaminated by pollutants that can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

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