Common name:Sticky Monkey Flower
Botanical name:Mimulus aurantiacus

Sticky Monkey Flower is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub 4' tall with numerous, orangish yellow flowers in spring and summer. It is a California native that attracts hummingbirds. This shrub can be found on the dry hills and canyon slopes in the Sierra Nevada foothills and the central Coast Ranges.

Common name:Point Sal Spreader Sage
Botanical name:Salvia leucophylla 'Point Sal Spreader'

The Point Sal Spreader Sage is an evergreen shrub that grows 3'-4' tall and 4'-6' wide. It has gray green to white leaves. Flowers are pinkish purple. This shrub tolerates heat and droughts. This Salvia is a California native. This variety has a more prostrate form than other varieties.

Common name:Coyote Bush
Botanical name:Baccharis pilularis 'Pigeon Point'

'Pigeon Point' is a compact, evergreen ground cover that grows 18"- 24" tall and 10'-12' wide. It is the preferred form of the Coyote Bush. Its leaves are green; it has white flowers that bloom in the fall. It is important to plant this groundcover that are at least 6' -10' apart. Otherwise they will overgrow each other and create a high groundcover. 'Pigeon Point' is tolerant of ocean spray and is deer resistant.

Common name:California Buckwheat
Botanical name:Eriogonum fasciculatum

Eriogonum fasciculatum is a fast growing, woody perennial with tiny narrow leaves and pink-white flower heads that dry to a rust color. This is a highly combustible plant.

Common name:Indian Fig Prickly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia ficus-indica

This Opuntia is more tree-like than other types; it grows to15' tall. It usually has no spines but some glochids can be found. Flowers are yellow to orange in late spring and early summer. Fruit is edible. It does best in full sun and is frost sensitive. It needs well drained soil. The major pest and source of the red dye cochineal comes from a scale.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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