Common name: California Poppy
Botanical name: Eschscholzia californica

The California State Flower. 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. It is an aggressive grower and can get away from you in a residential garden space. Plant it in spaces where it is alright for it to roam.

Common name: Red Pencil Tree
Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire'

This plant is probably one of the most popular and well known of the Euphorbias, because of its beautiful, freely branching, vertical lines of deep green, mottled in the center with a zig-zaggy pattern of cream colors. Generally grows to 6' tall x 2' wide, but can get to be much larger. It does well in full sun in cool coastal areas, or part shade elsewhere in hotter climates. There is a red color morph with its leaves and stems blushed with deep reds and burgundies in color.

Common name: Pencil Tree
Botanical name: Euphorbia tirucalli

In frost free areas, Euphorbia can become a 30' tree but in colder areas, it is often knocked back by frost. It can be single or multiple trunked. It has green cylindrical branches that are about the diameter of a pencil. Leaves are not usually present. Some people are allergic to the sap. It is tolerant of salt, full sun, part shade and quite drought resistant. It is a great accent plant for a container. This form has light green branches if in full sun. Also known as: Pencil Bush, Milkbush

Common name: Golden Toothed Aloe
Botanical name: Aloe x nobilis

This succulent perennial will only grow 1' tall and 1' wide. It has large, sharp, dark green leaves and clusters of red-orange flowers that bloom in summer. Gold Tooth Aloe drought tolerant when established, native to Africa, forms rosettes heavily offsetting to form wide clusters. Has beautiful golden orange tubular flowers seasonally. Hummingbirds are attracted to this plant. Porous soil with adequate drainage and protection from frost is needed to keep this plant healthy.

Common name: Compass Barrel Cactus
Botanical name: Ferocactus cylindraceus

Globe-shaped cactus grows slowly to 2' x 1-1/2'. Stem is medium green and spines are red/yellow. Flowers are yellow to orange and appear late spring to early summer. Good for naturalistic landscapes. Accepts reflected sun. Native to Sonoran and Mojave deserts.

Common name: Red Yucca
Botanical name: Hesperaloe parviflora

This spectacular succulent grows to 3'-4' tall and wide. Blue green leaves are strap-like, leathery, long, with white fraying fibers on the edges. During the summer, dark pink flowers are seen on red flower arching stalks. Hummingbirds love these flowers. This evergreen plant is drought tolerant once it's established but will appreciate extra water during the summer to promote blooms. Plant in full sun or light shade, with well draining soil. Deer like the foliage. This plant looks great in pots.

Common name: Silver Dollar Plant
Botanical name: Crassula arborescens

This succulent perennial will grow 4'-5' tall and wide. It has thick, silver gray leaves with a tint of pink around the edges. It will do best in partial shade to full sun with well draining soil. It is drought tolerant once it's established. Be careful not to overwater. It does not tolerate humidity and hot evenings. White flowers appear in spring but this is rare in cultivation. This plant can be used indoors but needs bright light. Looks great in containers.