Common name:Western Redbud
Botanical name:Cercis occidentalis

This deciduous shrub or small tree reaches 15' tall and 10' wide. Beautiful magenta flowers appear in spring, before the leaves appear. Foliage is apple green , turning yellow to red in the fall. Seed pods dangle on this tree in winter. Western Redbud prefers full sun but will appreciate afternoon shade in desert areas. It needs well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. It attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. A tree of varying interest all year round!

Common name:California or 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 CA native perennial will grow 1.5'-2' tall and 2'-3' wide. It has glossy, blue-green foliage with violet colored, tubular flowers that bloom from spring through summer. Flowers are spectacular. This plant prefers full sun, well draining soil, and has low to moderate watering needs once it's established. Prune spent flowers to encourage more blooming. Do not overwater or fertilize often, as it is hardy. This plant does well in coastal, desert and mountain areas.

Common name:Island Alum Root
Botanical name:Heuchera maxima

Heuchera maxima will reach about 2' tall when in bloom and has deep green, lobed, evergreen leaves. Small white flowers with a touch of pink bloom in spring, rising above the foliage. This perennial can tolerate full sun in coastal areas but prefers part sun to shade in inland valleys. It looks great under oak trees, planted in masses. It likes well draining soil and moderate amount of water.

Common name:Spangles Coral Bells
Botanical name:Heuchera 'Spangles'

The lobed, ruffled, green foliage mounds to less than 1' tall. Coral red flowers bloom in spring and summer, making the overall height 2' tall. It prefers part or full shade in warm inland areas, with well draining, rich soil. Spectacular for color flower borders.

Common name:Cast Iron Plant
Botanical name:Aspidistra elatior

As an evergreen perennial, Cast Iron Plant is often used as a house plant. It slowly grows to 2' tall and 2'-3' wide. Foliage resembles long, wide swords, around 6" wide. Bell shaped, cream colored flowers with maroon interiors appear in summer. Cast Iron Plant grows in dark, shaded areas. This is a beautiful plant for foliage and flowers, creating a great woodland setting.