Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis
This deciduous shrub ranges from 6'-20' tall and 10'-15' wide. It is desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. The Western Redbud can be found statewide in CA in the foothills below 4500' elevations in chaparral and woodland communities.
Common name:Island Alum Root
Botanical name:Heuchera maxima
This large leaf native Heuchera from which many hybrids have been derived will reach about 3' tall in bloom and has deep green leaves with white flowers with a touch of pink.
Common name:Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera sanguinea
Tufts of round leaves 2"-3" wide with scalloped edges accent this plant. It also produces wiry stems to 24" tall with open clusters of reddish pink, bell-shaped flowers.
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:Foothill Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon heterophyllus
This perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has glossy, blue green foliage with flowers that vary in color and bloom from spring through early summer.
Designer: Armstrong & Walker Land. Arch.
Photographer: GardenSoft
Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.
Attract, or buy beneficial insects such as ladybugs and lacewings to control pest outbreaks in your garden.