Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Grasses	Yes	Acorus	gramineus	'Variegatus'
Grasses	Yes	Briza	media
Grasses	Yes	Cortaderia	selloana		Fast, big, with dramatic white plumes. Way too big for typical yards. Leaves have razor sharp edges. Invasive. Don't plant this.
Grasses	Yes	Festuca		'Elijah Blue'
Grasses	Yes	Festuca	ovina	'glauca'
Grasses	Yes	Muhlenbergia	dumosa
Grasses	Yes	Muhlenbergia	filipis
Grasses	Yes	Muhlenbergia	rigens
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum		'Morning Dew'
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	alopecuroides	'Hameln'
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	alopecuroides	'Little Bunny'
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	alopecuroides	'Moudry'	SWG: an especially heavy self-seeder.
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	alopecuroides	var. viridescens
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	setaceum	'Bronze Dwarf'
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	setaceum	'Cupreum'/'Rubrum'
Grasses	Yes	Pennisetum	alopecuroides
Grasses	Yes	Sporobulus	airoides
Grasses	Yes	Stipa	gigantea
Grasses	Yes	Stipa	tenuissima		Invasive; don't plant this.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Comments
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Epilobium	species	Several species and varieties, ranging from 6" to 2'+. Bright orange-red flowers in late summer through fall attract hummingbirds. Tolerate drought or infrequent watering. Will grow in very light shade or full sun. Cut back when they look rough in the winter.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Erigeron	karvinskianus	'Moerheimii' has a low, mounding habit, narrower leaves, lavender-pink flowers. Seemingly always in bloom. Kind of rangy after awhile.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Lithodora	diffusa	Vivid, true blue flowers on a slow-growing mat. Fussy: needs excellent drainage; avoid overwatering.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Persicaria	species	Formerly Polygonum; some are weeds. P. capitata has pretty pink flowers, makes a great ground cover in sun or shade. Deciduous for a brief period in winter. Very drought tolerant.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Rosmarinus	officinalis	'Huntington Carpet', 'Ingrami' (= 'Collingwood Ingram'), 'Irene', 'Lockwood de Forest', are selected forms with spreading habits. They vary in height (1 - 2'+), depth of flower color.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Sedum	Species	Good ground cover form include S. anglicum, S. brevifolium, S. confusum, S. x rubrotinetum.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Sphaeralcea	munroana	Vigorous, tough plant with reddish-salmon blooms all summer and fall. Very tolerant of heat and drought.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Teucrium	majoricum	same as T. cossonii majoricum
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Verbena	peruviana	Many varieties available, in different colors. These are the old types, most commonly available in ground cover flats.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Verbena	tenuisecta	An old-fashioned type with divided leaves, similar to the 'Tapiens' varieties but taller, rangier.
Perennial ground covers	Yes	Zauschneria	species	See Epilobium.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Perennials	Yes	Achillea	clavenae
Perennials	Yes	Achillea	millefolium
Perennials	Yes	Achillea	tomentosa		'Maynard's Gold' is bright yellow, 'King George' is cream yellow.
Perennials	Yes	Achillea	x	'kellereri'	Grey foliage, pure white flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Agapanthus	africanus
Perennials	Yes	Agapanthus	africanus	'Elaine', 'EllaMae'	Varieties that have vivid blue flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Agapanthus	africanus	'Peter Pan'	True 'Peter Pan' is very dwarf. Blue and white forms.
Perennials	Yes	Agapanthus	africanus	'Queen Anne'	Often sold as 'Peter Pan'. Taller. Blue and white forms.
Perennials	Yes	Allium	taquetii		Very heat and drought tolerant. Multiplies freely. Red-violet flowers in early summer.
Perennials	Yes	Anacyclus	depressus		Tough little daisy with dissected leaves, white flowers. Drought-tolerant.
Perennials	Yes	Armeria	alliacea		Dwarf mound with wine-red flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Armeria	juniperifolia		Tiny cushion with bright pink flowers
Perennials	Yes	Armeria	maritima
Perennials	Yes	Asparagus	densiflorus	'Myers'	Very tough plant. Somewhat stiff appearance.
Perennials	Yes	Asparagus	setaceous		Very tough plant. Grows as a vine. Great in flower arrangements.
Perennials	Yes	Asparagus	sprengeri
Perennials	Yes	Asparagus	sprengeri	'Compacta'
Perennials	Yes	Aspidistra	elatior
Perennials	Yes	Aurinia	saxatilis
Perennials	Yes	Ballota	pseudodictamnus		Very heat and drought-tolerant.
Perennials	Yes	Brachycome	multifida		'Amethyst' is a variety with deep purple flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Catananche	caerulea		Lovely blue flowers. 'Alba' is white.
Perennials	Yes	Centaurea	cineraria
Perennials	Yes	Centranthus	ruber		Pink. White, red forms also available.
Perennials	Yes	Ceratostigma	plumbaginoides
Perennials	Yes	Ceratostigma	willmottianum
Perennials	Yes	Convolvulus	mauritanicus
Perennials	Yes	Coreopsis	auriculata	'Nana'
Perennials	Yes	Coreopsis	verticillata
Perennials	Yes	Dasylirion	wheeleri		Spiky accent plant--very drought tolerant and dramatic.
Perennials	Yes	Dianthus		'Tiny Rubies'	Mat forming to 3" tall. Little pink flowers in great profusion.
Perennials	Yes	Dianthus	caryophyllus	'Helen'	Sweet little pink carnations.
Perennials	Yes	Dietes		'Lemon Drop'	Small white flowers with yellow centers.
Perennials	Yes	Dietes	bicolor
Perennials	Yes	Dietes	iridioides
Perennials	Yes	Dudleya	pulverulenta
Perennials	Yes	Dyckia	platyphylla		Spiky accent succulent with striking flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Echeveria	species		Hen-and-chicks.
Perennials	Yes	Euphorbia	myrsinites		Blue-grey leaves, chartreuse flowers in late winter.
Perennials	Yes	Euphorbia	polychroma
Perennials	Yes	Gaillardia	species
Perennials	Yes	Gaura	lindheimeri
Perennials	Yes	Genista	pilosa	'Vancouver Gold'
Perennials	Yes	Habranthus	robustus
Perennials	Yes	Helianthemum	nummularium		'Buttercup' is yellow, 'Belgravia Rose' is pink, 'Dazzler' is dark red, 'Mesa Wine' is dark red, 'St. Mary's' is white, 'Stoplight' is brick red.
Perennials	Yes	Helianthemum	nummularium	'Wisley Primrose'	Bright yellow.
Perennials	Yes	Helichrysum		Varieties
Perennials	Yes	Helichrysum	baxteri		Prostrate with white foliage, yellow flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Iberis	sempervirens
Perennials	Yes	Iris	douglasiana		Numerous varieties in a range of colors. Best in light shade.
Perennials	Yes	Kniphofia	uvaria
Perennials	Yes	Limonium	perezii
Perennials	Yes	Linum	perenne lewisii		Sky blue flowers
Perennials	Yes	Mimulus	aurantiacus		Shrubby perennial with narrow, glossy dark green leaves, orange flowers from May - July.
Perennials	Yes	Nepeta	cataria
Perennials	Yes	Nepeta	reichenbanchiana		Large, blue-flowered form.
Perennials	Yes	Nepeta	siberica	'Souvenir de Andre Chaud.'	Upright grower with tall spikes.
Perennials	Yes	Nepeta	X	'Dropmore Hybrid'	Larger leaves and flowers.
Perennials	Yes	Nepeta	X	faassenii
Perennials	Yes	Odontospermum	X	'Gold Coin'
Perennials	Yes	Oenothera	berlandieri		Rampant! 'Siskiyou' is slightly less rampant, but not by much.
Perennials	Yes	Oenothera	missouriensis
Perennials	Yes	Pelargonium	hortorum		The common garden geranium.
Perennials	Yes	Penstemon	hybrids	'Firebird'	Bright red
Perennials	Yes	Penstemon	hybrids	'Garnet'	Deep red
Perennials	Yes	Penstemon	hybrids	'Holly's White'	White with pink blush
Perennials	Yes	Penstemon	hybrids	'Midnight'	Dark blue. One of the best garden perennials in our area.
Perennials	Yes	Penstemon	heterophyllus purdyi		'Blue Bedder' is the best known form.
Perennials	Yes	Phlomis	fruticosa
Perennials	Yes	Phlomis	lanata
Perennials	Yes	Phlox	subulata
Perennials	Yes	Phormium	tenax		Very tough perennials with sword shaped leaves, mostly 4' +.
Perennials	Yes	Phormium	tenax	'Amazing Red'	2' mini with narrow leaves.
Perennials	Yes	Phormium	tenax	'Atropurpureum', 'Tom Thumb'	Dwarf varieties
Perennials	Yes	Potentilla	fruticosa		'Miss Willmott', 'Katherine Dyk , 'Primrose Beauty', 'Tangerine', 'Goldfinger', 'Hollandia Gold'
Perennials	Yes	Puya	alpestris		Grey leaves, dramatic flowers
Perennials	Yes	Puya	coerulea		Grey leaves; nice accent plant
Perennials	Yes	Ruscus	aculeatus
Perennials	Yes	Salvia	species/varieties	Many species and varieties available.	See separate list
Perennials	Yes	Santolina	virens		Shiny green foliage is fragrant. Plant is very drought tolerant.
Perennials	Yes	Sedum	hybrid	'Matrona'	Large clusters pink flowers, purple foliage.
Perennials	Yes	Sedum	sieboldii		S. spectabile and S. telephium are similar species. Most have pink flowers in September. Purple-grey foliage. 'Vera Jameson' is a hybrid.
Perennials	Yes	Sempervivum	species		House leek, similar to hen-and-chicks.
Perennials	Yes	Sidalcea	malvaeflora
Perennials	Yes	Sphaeralcea	fendleri		Upright flower spikes, apricot flowers. Very drought tolerant.
Perennials	Yes	Sphaeralcea	munroana		Ground cover mallow with dark pink flowers. Very tough. Very drought tolerant.
Perennials	Yes	Stachys	byzantina		The species has grey fuzzy foliage. Very tough and easy to grow. 'Primrose Heron' has chartreuse foliage.
Perennials	Yes	Thymus	species		There are several different ground covering Thymes.
Perennials	Yes	Trichostema	lanatum
Perennials	Yes	Tulbaghia	violacea		Always in bloom! 'Alba' is a white form. 'Variegata' has striped leaves.
Perennials	Yes	Verbena	bonariensis		Vigorous spreader with upright flower spikes to 4', dark purple flowers
Perennials	Yes	Verbena	canadensis		'Homestead Purple' is the most common form. Very vigorous spreader.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Agapanthus	africanus	'Elaine', 'EllaMae', 'Mood Indigo'	Many new varieties: 'Elaine', 'EllaMae', 'Mood Indigo'. Dwarf and very tall forms. Most evergreen, some deciduous.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Amaryllis	belladonna		Naked lady bulbs.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Babiana	stricta		Cute little flowers. Naturalizes well here. Baboons eat the corms (really).
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Brodiaea	species		CA native. Tolerate poor soil.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Crocosmia	species and hybrids		Formerly Tritonia. Multiply freely, have naturalized in many areas. Great cut flowers. Two species, lots of hybrids.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Crocus	hybrids and species		Hybrics will rebloom, but species types will naturalize here.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Cyclamen	persicum		Usually sold as potted winter plants. Bloom into spring, then go dormant. Will return in fall if kept dry during summer.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Cyclamen	species		Cute little plants with delicate-looking flowers fall - spring. Grow in partial shade.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Dietes	vegeta		D. bicolor is yellow. Usually sold in pots. Tough, drought tolerant; overused.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Homeria	collina		= Moraea collina. Interesting orange flowers. Easy.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Hyacinthoides	hispanica	'Excelsior'	Spanish bluebell. H. non-scripta is english bluebell. Formerly Scilla, formerly Endymion (sigh). Easy, bloom year after year, will tolerate shade. 'Excelsior' is a selected form.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Hyacinthus	orientalis		Plant after soil cools (Nov. - Dec.). Will rebloom but flower spikes will be looser after first year. Bulbs irritate skin; wear gloves.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Ipheion	uniflorum		Spring star flower. Spreads vigorously; blooms Mar. - May. Easy! 'Wisley Blue' is a selected form with deeper blue flowers.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Iris	ensata		= I. kaemperi. Huge blossoms, very elegant on narrow, upright plants. Need lots of moisture, prefer acid soil. Can stand in water.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Iris	germanica		Bearded iris. Thousands of varieties in seven classes sorted by height. Easy to grow in sun, light shade. Drought tolerant, not fussy about soil.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Iris	orientalis		= I. ochroleuca. Like giant Dutch iris, but evergreen. Tough, tall, spreading plants. Drought tolerant.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Iris	Pacific Coast x		hybrids of Western US natives, including I. douglasiana. Need good drainage, rot easily. Light shade best.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Iris	species		Dutch, Spanish and dwarf irises planted from bulbs all multiply freely here.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Ixia	maculata hybrids		Should be grown more. Easy, multiplies, great cut flowers.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Leucojum	aestivum		Spreads freely. Actually blooms in early spring.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Narcissus	hybrids and species		Hybrid Narcissus, including daffodils, are sorted into 14 classes based on flower form and parentage.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Narcissus	cyclamineus		Excellent naturalizing varieties. 'February Gold' is a hybrid between N. cyclamineus and a trumpet daffodil, one of the best. 'Tête à Tête' is an even more miniature trumpet.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Narcissus	poeticus		'Actea' and 'Baby Moon' are two well known varieties. Most cold-hardy species. Large perianth, small cup.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Narcissus	tazetta		'Geranium'; 'Ziva' and other paperwhite types. Tender species, though hardy enough in California. Flowers in clusters. Popular for indoor bloom.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Narcissus	viridiflorus		Unusual autumn flowering species.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Nerine	bowdenii		Like Nerine, bloom in late summer long after foliage dies down. This is the most common species. Several others do very well here also.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Scilla	peruviana		Bulb with vivid blue flowers in April. Multiplies freely. Very tough, drought tolerant. A native of southwest Europe, not of Peru. The name results from when Carolus Linnaeus described the species in 1753: he was given specimens imported from Spain aboard a ship named the Peru, and thought the specimens had come from that country.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Sparaxis	tricolor		Showy tricolor flowers. Plants multiply readily. Easy.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Sternbergia	lutea		Fall blooming, looks like a giant yellow crocus.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Triteleia	species		Like Brodiaea, which they used to be called. Grassy foliage, trumpet-shaped meadow flowers. CA natives.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tritonia	crocata		Very similar to Crocosmia, equally easy.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulip	hybrids		Hybrid tulips are grouped into 16 classes, based on flower form and bloom season.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulip	species		The following species are commonly sold as 'botanical tulips'.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	acuminata
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	bakeri	'Lilac Wonder'	= T. saxatilis. 'Lilac Wonder' is most common.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	batalinii	'Red Gem'	'Red Gem' is common variety
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	clusiana		12". Great in the Valley; spreads rapidly by 'droopers' which are small bulbs that form at the end of the root.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	clusiana chrysantha		8". Naturalizes
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	dasystemon		Naturalizes well
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	fosterana	'Red Emperor'	May naturalize in areas with warm, dry summers. Emperor tulips derive from this species.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	greigii	'Oriental Splendor' 'Red Riding Hood'	Variegated foliage. Large flowers for a species tulip.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	humilis	T.h. violacea = The Red Crocus tulip	T.h. violacea = The Red Crocus tulip
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	kaufmanniana	'Berlioz' 'Johann Strauss' 'Mendelssohn'	Low grower with large flowers. Will multiply if drainage is good.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	kolpakowskiana		Great naturalizer.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	linifolia		Naturalizes.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	marjoletti
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	praestans	'Fusilier'	10". 4 - 6 flowers per bulb, opening slowly over several weeks. 'Fusilier' is the common variety.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	saxatilis		7". Broad leaves. Multiplies by stolons.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Tulipa	sprengeri		12". Tolerates shade.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Watsonia	species		Many hybrids in shades of white, red, pink, orange. W. aletroides has coral colored flowers in spring. Great cut flowers.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	x Amarcrinum	memoriacorsii		Big plants with tall fragrant pink flowers. Amaryllis belladonna x Crinum moorei.
Perennials (bulb)	Yes	Zephyranthes	candida		Bloom in late summer, or anytime they ve had a dry period and then get watered.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Arctostaphylos	species		Manzanitas are very fussy about overwatering, not happy about hard water. Suitable for dry landscapes only.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Arctostaphylos	uva-ursi		Varieties of this species are the most common used as ground covers. 'Emerald Carpet' has dense growth, shiny green leaves. 'Pt. Reyes' has dark green leaves. 'San Bruno Mtn.' has thick leaves, large berries.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Baccharis	pilularis	'Twin Peaks'	Very tough, drought-tolerant native. Great for attracting beneficial insects. Otherwise a dull, somewhat scruffy looking plant. Gets a borer that causes branches to die out. Cut back severely when infested.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Ceanothus	species	several varieties are used as ground covers	Attractive shiny leaves; pretty blue flowers in spring. Ground cover forms range from a few inches to a few feet tall, spreading several feet. Don't plant where they'll have to be pruned. Water deeply and very infrequently in summer.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Cistus	salvifolius	'Prostratus'	Most Cistus are medium-sized shrubs. This form has white flowers on a low-growing plant.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Cistus	skanbergi		Low, mounding rockrose with small pink flowers
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Coprosma	kirkii		Shiny green leaves, very tough plant, but not common in the trade.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Correa	harrisii		Correas are easy to overwater. This form has red flowers.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Correa	pulchella		Pink flowers.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Correa	reflexa	'Yanakie'	Red and green flowers
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Cotoneaster	buxifolius		Tiny silver fuzzy leaves on a spreading shrub. Occasional upright shoots can be pruned out. Small white flowers in spring, and little cranberry red berries in winter, are pretty. Tough, tolerates drought or regular watering, sun or light shade. Can be pruned as low hedge.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Cotoneaster	dammeri	'Coral Beauty'	Fast spreading shrub with shiny leaves and showy berries.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Cotoneaster	horizontalis		Very tight habit with small leaves. Branches take a formal, herringbone pattern. Effective trained flat against a wall. Nice fall color before brief deciduous period. 'Little Gem' is a miniature form. Very cute.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Euonymus	fortunei		Incredibly tough plants tolerate heat, drought, cold, sun, or shade.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Euonymus	fortunei	'Emerald Gaiety'	White portions turn pretty pink color in winter. Tough, reliable plant, but euonymus scale has become a big problem in recent years.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Euonymus	fortunei	'Emerald'n Gold'	Golden variegation is nice in shady areas.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Euonymus	fortunei	'Radicans Variegated'	More common in colder climates, but very reliable here.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Genista	lydia		Low mounding shrub with wiry stems and tiny leaves. Vivid yellow flowers in spring. Makes a low, dense mound. May reseed into lawn areas. Very tough.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'San Jose'	Dark green foliage on a tough plant.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Juniperus	horizontalis	'Bar Harbor', 'Blue Chip'	Flat-growing types.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Juniperus	horizontalis	'Prince of Wales'	Low-growing with nice, medium-green foliage.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Juniperus	horizontalis	'Wiltonii', 'Webberi'	The flattest of all junipers: hug the ground, sending out long branches. Nice vivid blue-green color. 'Blue Chip', 'Youngstown' are similar, taller.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Mahonia	repens		Shiny leaves, yellow flowers, shade tolerance are all selling points. Looks scraggly in containers, and kind of slow to get going.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Myoporum	parvifolium		Drought-tolerant, tough, fast-spreading. 'Putah Creek' is bigger, faster. 'Tucson' is faster, lower. Not for small yards.
Shrubby ground covers	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Harbour Dwarf'	Low form of Heavenly bamboo with fine leaves. Spreads slowly by rhizomes to make a small-scale ground cover.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Artemisia		'Beth Chatto'	Low ground cover with silvery leaves.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Artemisia	arborescens	'Powis Castle'
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Artemisia	ludoviciana albula	'Valerie Finnis'	Vigorous, broad leafed type with white foliage
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Artemisia	schmidtiana	'Silver Mound'
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Artemisia	schmidtiana	'Silver Mound'	Soft, silvery foliage. Compact grower
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Caryopteris	clandonensis		'Black Knight' is a darker blue version --vivid flowers!
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Convolvulus	cneorum		Prefers limited summer irrigation.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Erysimum	linifolium	'Variegatum'
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Erysimum	pulchellum		Orange flowers on a low, mat-forming plant.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Erysimum	X	'Bowles Mauve'
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lantana	camara
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	angustifolia		also sold as L. vera, L. officinalis. These have the strongest lavender fragrance, although L. x intermedia types produce greater quantities of oil (so they are grown commercially for that). Very seasonal bloom--May - June here. They often don't flower heavily until established.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	angustifolia	'Hidcote'	Compact, very tight growth to 1 - 2' tall and wide, with the darkest purple buds and flowers of any L. angustifolia variety. Foliage varies from green to very gray.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	angustifolia	'Lavender Lady'	1' + with spreading habit. Blooms the first year from seed. The only variety available from bedding plant growers in six-packs, so the most economical way to get a large planting of lavender.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	angustifolia	'Munstead'	1' + with spreading habit. Light purple flowers. Foliage usually green, but may be gray-green.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	dentata		4 x 6' shrub with green, toothed leaves. Showy purple flowers spring through fall. Foliage is fragrant but flowers aren't.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	dentata	'candicans'	4 x 6' shrub, erect but eventually sprawling. Gray to gray-green leaves. Spikes of tiny purple flowers with showy purple bracts at the top.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	multifida		2 x 3' with soft, ferny, green foliage. Blue-violet fllowers. Always in bloom. Tender; grown as annual here.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	pinnata buchii		3 x 3' or more. Frost-tender here, but worth growing for it's long season of bloom and soft, feathery blue-green foliage.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	stoechas	'Otto Quast'	2 - 3' x 3 - 4' across. Prolific bloom over a long period. The most common selection, with large, showy light purple bracts. Wings of Night is another showy variety.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	stoechas	pedunculata hybrids	New! Mostly very compact plants with showy flowers in shades of purple, pink, and white. Profuse bloomers, attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and bees. Grown for flowers, not fragrance. 'Barcelona', 'Chica' (very dwarf), 'Coco', 'Madrid' are some new strains, all in a range of colors.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x	'Goodwin Creek'	3 x 4' shrub with soft, densely woolly gray green leaves with coarsely serrated margins. Grown for the great, gray leaves and attractive habit, but also ...produces an unending display of small very dark purple flowers... in spring, summer, and fall. Reported hybrid of L. dentata and L. lanata. Medicinal scent.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia		Bloom later than English lavenders, with longer flower spikes and fatter flowers. These hybrids of L. angustifolia and L. latifolia were originally grown for oil. Later cultivars were selected for showy flowers. Bloom June - July here.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia	'du Provence'	3' tall, spreading wider. Lots of flowers over a long season. Very fragrant.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia	'Dutch Mill'	2 x 3' or so, with flower stalks 18 - 24' long. Rich deep purple flowers are extremely fragrant.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia	'Fred Boutin'	Fragrant violet flowers in late summer.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia	'Grosso'	Compact growth with thick spikes of dark purple buds and purple flowers. Commercially grown for oil. Very fragrant.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavandula	x intermedia	'Twickel Purple'	A little redder than 'Grosso'--more violet purple. Very fragrant. Sometimes listed as a form of English lavender.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Lavatera	assurgentiflora		Big, fast-growing shrub to 12' and sprawling equally wide. Gawky growth habit--shear it occasionally, or prune it back severely in the spring. Flowers are rosy-lavender, striped with white, nearly year-around.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Leonotus	leonurus
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Plumbago	capensis
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Rosmarinus	officinalis		Rosemary is tough--tolerates drought, some shade; blooms in winter and spring.
Shrubby perennials	Yes	Salvia	species/varieties		There are dozens of species and varieties becoming available. See separate list

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Shrubs	Yes	Alyogyne	huegelii		Vivid blue hibiscus flowers on an open shrub. Blooms almost year-around. Reliably hardy here, but drops a lot of leaves in a cold winter.
Shrubs	Yes	Anisodontea	hypomandrum		Pink flowers nearly all the time. Shrub grows up to 4 - 8', then sprawls. Definitely benefits from clipping. Tough, drought-tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Anisodontea	X	'Tara's Pink'	Longer-lived form with larger flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Arbutus	unedo	'Compacta'	Showy flowers and fruit, beautiful bark like madrone. Heat and drought tolerant. Grows 1 - 2' a year. Easily kept at 6' with one annual pruning.
Shrubs	Yes	Aucuba	japonica		Very shade tolerant shrub with shiny, large leaves. The variegated forms are most commonly available. Grows about 1' a year. Direct sun after mid-morning will scorch the leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Aucuba	japonica	'Salicifolia'	Narrow leaves; not common in the trade. Grows about 1' a year. Direct sun after mid-morning will scorch the leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Aucuba	japonica	'Variegata'	Leaves speckled with gold. The most common form. Grows about 1' a year. Direct sun after mid-morning will scorch the leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	alternifolia		Graceful, arching growth habit. Lavender flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidiii		Butterfly bushes love sun, attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and bloom all spring and summer.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidii	'Dark Knight'
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidiii	'Dubonnet'	This form is dwarfish. Very pretty wine red flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidii	'Harlequin'
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidii	'Nanho Purple'	The Nanho forms are dwarf.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidii	'Pink Delight'
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidiii	'Royal Red'	Purplish red, not really red at all.
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	davidii	'White Profusion'
Shrubs	Yes	Buddleia	weyeriana	'Sungold'
Shrubs	Yes	Buxus	microphylla japonica	'Harlandi'	A larger leafed version of boxwood, easily kept low but usually allowed to get a little bigger than the more common Japanese boxwood.
Shrubs	Yes	Buxus	microphylla japonica	'Richardii'	Larger-leaved form of boxwood. Sometimes called Korean box (but so is another Buxus).
Shrubs	Yes	Buxus	microphylla japonica	'Green Beauty'	Boxwoods can take almost anything. This form is especially useful because it stays deep green in winter; other forms turn yellowish.
Shrubs	Yes	Callistemon	citrinus		Fast-growing, somewhat rangy shrubs with showy red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Prone to iron chlorosis when irrigated. Very drought-tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Callistemon	viminalis	'Little John'	Showy red flowers attract hummingbirds. Looks anemic in late summer if watered frequently. Somewhat frost-tender.
Shrubs	Yes	Carpenteria	californica	'Elizabeth'	Shiny leaves, compact growth habit. White anemone-like flowers in late spring.
Shrubs	Yes	Cassia	sturtii		Cassias grow readily here as long as they have reasonable drainage and aren't overwatered, but hardly any wholesalers grow them.
Shrubs	Yes	Ceanothus	species	several varieties	Attractive shiny leaves; pretty blue flowers in spring. Don't plant where they'll have to be pruned. Water deeply and very infrequently in summer.
Shrubs	Yes	Cedrus	atlantica	'Glauca Pendula'	Unique weeping form of a large evergreen tree; easily kept to 6 - 10'.
Shrubs	Yes	Chaenomeles	japonica		The first shrub to bloom in the late winter! Several varieties grow to 5 - 6'+ Fruit, if any develops, makes unique aromatic jelly. 'Cameo', 'Low n White', 'Minerva', 'Texas Scarlet', are common varieties.
Shrubs	Yes	Chamaerops	humilis		Multiple-trunked small palm.Very tolerant of heat, sun, drought. May get to 6' in 10 years.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	hybridus		Rockroses are tough shrubs for dry landscapes. They can tolerate some shade. All bloom in May. Good quick filler for drought-tolerant landscapes. Small white flowers on trailing shrub.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	incanus		Grey leaves, dark pink flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	ladaniferus maculatus		Flowers white with crimson spot.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	purpureus		Redish purple.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	skanbergi		Low, mounding, with small pink flowers
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	X	'Santa Cruz'	Magenta-pink flowers
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	X	'Sunset'	Bright pink flowers, large leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	X	'Victor Reitor'	Bright pink flowers, fuzzy grey leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Cistus	x palladin	'Blanche'	5' tall, large white flowers
Shrubs	Yes	Coleonema	album		Soft, ferny foliage on a spreading shrub. White flowers in spring. Prefer to be kept dry. Foliage is great in flower arrangements, and looks especially nice in winter.
Shrubs	Yes	Coleonema	pulchrum		Soft, ferny foliage on an upright shrub. Takes well to clipping or shearing. Pink flowers in spring. Prefer to be kept dry. Foliage is great in flower arrangements, and looks especially nice in winter.
Shrubs	Yes	Coleonema	pulchrum	'Sunset Gold'	Soft, feathery golden-green foliage is great in arrangements. Likes to be on the dry side. Pale pink flowers for several weeks in spring. Great evergreen shrub for the perennial border, as it looks outstanding in the winter.
Shrubs	Yes	Corokia	cotoneaster		Unique twisty habit, tiny leaves (people sometimes ask if it is alive...). Great bonsai plant! Grows slowly to as much as 10', but usually kept much lower. Star-shaped yellow flowers are a nice surprise.
Shrubs	Yes	Cotoneaster	congestus		Low spreading shrub with nice winter berries. Very tough.
Shrubs	Yes	Cotoneaster	divaricatus		Stiff spreading with bright red berries.
Shrubs	Yes	Cotoneaster	franchetti		Large shrub to 10' with an arching habit and scarlet fruit. .
Shrubs	Yes	Cotoneaster	lacteus		Very graceful shrub with arching growth habit, masses of white flowers in spring, and heavy crop of bright red fruit in winter.
Shrubs	Yes	Cytisus	praecox		'Allgold' is a yellow variety.
Shrubs	Yes	Cytisus	scoparius	many varieties	Selected forms include 'Lord Lambourne', 'Carla'. The species is a noxious weed in Ca; selected garden varieties apparently don't reseed. Very drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Dasylirion	wheeleri		Dramatic plant with spiky bluish gray leaves. Desert native. Don't overwater.
Shrubs	Yes	Dendromecon	harfordii		Showy bright yellow flowers contrast with blue-green foliage on a shrub with informal, open habit. Great at the back of a dry perennial border. Can be trimmed to keep below 6'. .
Shrubs	Yes	Dodonea	viscosa	'Purpurea'	Fast-growing quick screen. Bronze foliage turns dark purple, almost maroon, in winter. Fairly open habit, but can be sheared for greater density. Very drought-tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Echium	fastuosum		Big spikes of showy blue flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Very drought-tolerant. Usually dies after flowering (or looks so bad you decide to take it out), then some seedlings pop up. Not quite hardy here, but recovers. 'Renelde' is a pure white form. Has reseeded and become quite invasive on the coast near Bodega Bay and north. Seedlings are much less hardy here.
Shrubs	Yes	Elaeagnus	pungens	'Fruitlandi'	Big sprawling shrub with olive-colored foliage. Dense, twiggy, spiny. Great cover for birds, and berries attract them.
Shrubs	Yes	Eleagnus	x ebbingei		Upright growth habit, thornless. Silvery leaves. Flowers attract beneficial insects; edible fruit attracts songbirds. 'Gilt Edge' has silvery leaves with bright golden margins.
Shrubs	Yes	Eriogonum	giganteum		Buck wheats are very tough drought tolerant plants.
Shrubs	Yes	Eriogonum	grande rubescens
Shrubs	Yes	Eriogonum	umbellatum	'Shasta Sulfur'	Green leaves with white felt underneath. Bright yellow tiny flowers age to a distinctive rust color. Very drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Escallonia	x	'Frades'	Subject to iron chlorosis if irrigated.
Shrubs	Yes	Euonymus	japonica		Familiar old evergreen shrubs, very prone to mildew.
Shrubs	Yes	Euonymus	japonica	'Microphylla'	Tough, tidy evergreen for full or part sun. Very slow growing. Takes well to pruning. There is a variegated form.
Shrubs	Yes	Euryops	pectinatus		Yellow daisies that bloom in winter. Grey leaves. 'Viridis' is a green leaved form. 'Munchkin is a dwarf variety.
Shrubs	Yes	Fortunella	margarita		Very ornamental citrus with edible fruit. Skin is sweet, flesh is tart. 'Nagami' is oval; 'Meiwa' is round. Flowers off and on at any time, with fruit year-around. Very cold hardy.
Shrubs	Yes	Fremontodendron	X	'California Glory'	Needs perfect drainage. Don't irrigate once established. There are several selected varieties. Showy flowers and fuzzy leaves make this a very striking plant. Fuzz on leaves is very irritating to skin and eyes. Very nice plants along Hwy 113 near UCDavis.
Shrubs	Yes	Galvezia	speciosa		Uncommon. Prefers to be dry.
Shrubs	Yes	Garrya	elliptica	'James Roof'
Shrubs	Yes	Grevillea	juniperina	'Molonglo'	Prostrate plant 18" x 6' +, with gold flowers. Hardy to 20F.
Shrubs	Yes	Grevillea	varieties	many varieties available	A very diverse group of shrubs from Australia. Many are frost tender and most need good drainage. Ask about varieties you are interested in; we can special order many types but don't routinely stock them.
Shrubs	Yes	Grevillea	x	'Noelli'	Very prone to iron chlorosis; needs perfect drainage. One of the most commonly available varieties.
Shrubs	Yes	Halimiocistus	wintonensis		Low-growing shrub, very drought-tolerant. White flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Heteromeles	arbutifolia		One of our more reliable woody natives for planting in the interior. Grows 2 to 3 ft per year to 10 to 15 ft or more. Flowers are very attractive to beneficial insects. Beautiful shiny red fruit hangs on into winter, attracts birds. Putah Gold is a yellow-fruited type. Can get fireblight, lace bug.
Shrubs	Yes	Hypericum	androsaemum	'Albury Purple'	Foliage starts out deep purple.
Shrubs	Yes	Hypericum	androsaemum	'Glacier'	Golden flowers on a mounding shrub. Very drought tolerant. Cream-spotted leaves
Shrubs	Yes	Hypericum	beanii		Golden flowers on a mounding shrub. Very drought tolerant. To 4'
Shrubs	Yes	Hypericum	x moserianum		Golden flowers on a tight-growing shrub. Very drought tolerant. To 3'
Shrubs	Yes	Ilex	vomitoria	'Stokes'	Very tough evergreen, but otherwise pretty uninteresting. Uh, don't eat the berries!
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	some varieties are very upright	The juniperus listed are very tough and drought tolerant. 'Hetzi Columnaris', 'Hetzi Glauca' are two very upright varieties.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	most varieties are low spreading types	'Pfitzeriana', 'Pfitzeriana Aurea', Pfitzer.'Compacta', 'Pfitzer'. 'Fruitlandi' are good varieties.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'Armstrongi'
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'Old Gold'	3' x 4', with bright gold new growth in spring. One of the best junipers.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'Pfitzerana Glauca'	The most common big silvery-grey juniper. Gets to 15' x 15', but is often planted where doesn't have enough room. Looks bad when pruned.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'Sea Green'	3' x 4', bright green juniper.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	chinensis	'Torulosa'/'Kaizuka'	Striking, contorted upright growing juniper with dark green foliage. Excellent specimen plant.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	sabina		Low-growing junipers with drab green foliage. 'Tamariscifolia', 'Buffalo' are the best-known varieties. Probably the most widely planted junipers, and possibly the least interesting.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	scopulorum	'Gray Gleam'	'Cologreen', 'Pyramidalis', 'Blue Haven' have similar growth habits. These are all pyramidal-shaped, upright growers useful in formal plantings. 'Wichita Blue' is more cone-shaped.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	scopulorum	'Tolleson's Weeping' grey and green forms	Small tree with strongly weeping branches, in grey or green. Odd growth habit is not to everyone s taste....can be a striking specimen.
Shrubs	Yes	Juniperus	virginiana	'Skyrocket'	Upright column like an Italian cypress. Useful for a formal effect in smaller gardens.
Shrubs	Yes	Lavatera	assurgentiflora		Big, fast-growing shrub to 12' and sprawling equally wide. Gawky growth habit--shear it occasionally, or prune it back severely in the spring. Flowers are rosy-lavender, striped with white, nearly year-around.
Shrubs	Yes	Lavatera	maritima		Also sold as L. bicolor. Fast grower. Gawky growth habit--shear it occasionally, or prune it back severely in the spring or fall. Flowers are light pink with dark rose veins. Blooms all summer.
Shrubs	Yes	Lavatera	thuringiaca		Fast grower, relatively upright. Flowers are purplish-pink. Blooms nearly year-around. Prune as hard as you want, anytime you want. 'Barnsley' is lighter pink with a darker center; 'Rosea' is pink.
Shrubs	Yes	Leptospermum	scoparium	many varieties available	Don't like heavy soil, hard water. Prone to rot and chlorosis. I have not seen these succeed here in our hot, dry climate with heavy soils.
Shrubs	Yes	Leucophyllum	frutescens		Pretty pink flower, nice grey foliage, very attractive to bees, very drought tolerant. Not common in nurseries.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	aquifolium		Oregon Grape grows to 6'+. 'Compacta' is a denser, shorter variety; 'John Muir' is a selection with denser foliage, spinier leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	fortunei		Chinese Mahonia grows to 6' tall.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	lomariifolia		Blue-green foliage, yellow flowers. Striking, bold, dramatic, spiny.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	nevinii		Native species with gangly growth habit.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	pinnata		California holly grape. 'Ken Hartman' is a dense variety.
Shrubs	Yes	Mahonia	X	'Golden Abundance'	Selection with profuse winter bloom.
Shrubs	Yes	Maireana	sedifolia		Gray leaf shrub: "one of the most strikingly white plants in existence" [MBN]. Common name Pearl bush. Said to be tolerant of dry and alkaline conditions. The flowering shrub called Pearl bush is Exochorda.
Shrubs	Yes	Myrica	californica		Needs good drainage, infrequent watering. I have not seen this do well in Davis.
Shrubs	Yes	Myrsine	africana		Outstanding shrub for hedge, similar to Buxus japonica but with a redder coloration. Planted singly, grows in a column to 6 - 8'+.
Shrubs	Yes	Myrtus	communis		Outstanding old landscape shrub. Clean, shiny foliage; dense growth habit. Can be clipped, shaped, trained as a small tree. Sweet-smelling flowers; shiny black fruit. Excellent hedge, but even more attractive when allowed to grow naturally. Drought tolerant. Availability somewhat limited.
Shrubs	Yes	Myrtus	communis	'Compacta'	'Variegata' is also available. Clean, shiny foliage; dense growth habit. Can be clipped, shaped. Sweet-smelling flowers; shiny black fruit. Excellent hedge, but even more attractive when allowed to grow naturally. Drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica		Heavenly bamboo is a very versatile shrub with an upright habit. Tolerates shade; even grows in full sun if watered regularly. Nice lacy foliage; orange-red berries in winter (not poisonous). Grows to about 6' tall and 4' wide.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Compacta'	This form has a nice dense growth habit, and turns bright red in cold winter weather. Grows to about 4' tall and wide.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Filamentosa'	This form has thin leaves and is very dwarf, and is great for bonsai or accent. Grows to about 1 tall and wide.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Firepower'	This form is very dwarf with rich red winter color. Grows to about 1 - 2' tall and wide. .I haven't seen it fruit.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Harbour Dwarf'	This form grows to about 3 ft tall. New growth is attractive in spring, and it has nice winter color. No berries. One of the best.
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Harbour Dwarf'	This form is very dwarf to 1 - 2', with nice compact foliage. Spreads steadily by rhizomes to make a ground cover, and has nice winter color. Has berries..
Shrubs	Yes	Nandina	domestica	'Nana Purpurea'	This form has oddly distorted leaves that have reddish color almost all the time. The plant grows to 1 - 2' tall and wide. I haven't seen it fruit.
Shrubs	Yes	Nerium	oleander	many varieties avail.	The incredibly tough shrub that grows all along California's freeways. 'Sister Agnes' is white, fast, and biggest of all. 'Sealy Pink' is medium pink, 'Crimson Red' is dark red. Bacterial gall, and a disease spread by glassy-winged sharpshooter have curtailed production by growers in coastal areas and Southern California, respectively.
Shrubs	Yes	Olea	europea	'Little Ollie'	Dwarf olive to 6 - 8'. Few fruit.
Shrubs	Yes	Olea	europea	'Skylark Dwarf'	Compact to 8' +. Few fruit.
Shrubs	Yes	Osmanthus	fragrans		Shiny olive-green leaves. Incredibly fragrant flowers in spring. Protect from hottest sun. Grows slowly; easily kept to 6' with one annual pruning.
Shrubs	Yes	Osmanthus	heterophyllus	'Gulftide', 'Purpureus', 'Variegatus'	holly-leaved forms of Osmanthus.
Shrubs	Yes	Osmarea	burkwoodi
Shrubs	Yes	Pinus	mugo mugo		'Pumilio' is another reliably dwarf selection. Grows 3 - 6' per year, forming a little pine shrub. Can be thinned or shaped. To keep small, pinch out the central candles as they emerge in Feb. - March. Prefers regular but infrequent watering.
Shrubs	Yes	Potentilla	fruticosa		Low shrubs with showy flowers in spring. Great addition to perennial border.
Shrubs	Yes	Prostranthera	rotundifolia		Tight growth habit, nice clean foliage, pretty magenta flowers. Good with lavenders, Santolina, Salvias, herbs.
Shrubs	Yes	Prunus	caroliniana		Subject to various pests and diseases. Shows salt-burn and chlorotic foliage due to our groundwater. Can be successful when irrigated deeply and infrequently.
Shrubs	Yes	Prunus	caroliniana	'Compacta'	Usually looks sickly here.
Shrubs	Yes	Prunus	ilicifolia	2 subspecies (ilicifolia, lyonii)	Used as a large shrub or moderate-sized tree. Shiny leaves, upright habit. Masses of white flowers in spring attract beneficial insects. Cherry-sized fruit are edible but bland; birds like them. Fruit litter can be substantial. Very drought-tolerant. Limited availability.
Shrubs	Yes	Prunus	lusitanica		Portuguese laurel. Slow growing shrub or small tree.
Shrubs	Yes	Punica	granatum	'Chico', 'Nana'	All pomegranates tolerate heat, wind, drought, poor soil. Great choices for west exposure. These varieties grow to 3 - 6' tall, set tiny inedible (but showy) fruit.
Shrubs	Yes	Rhamnus	alaternus		Fast-growing with dark green, dense foliage. Flowers attract beneficial insects; small berries attract songbirds. Great for a quick hedge for privacy. Don't overwater. Very drought-tolerant. The selected form 'John Edwards' is more resistant to crown rot. 'Variegata' is slower growing and smaller, but availability is limited.
Shrubs	Yes	Rhamnus	californica		Slow-growing native that looks very much like Toyon (Heteromeles). Doesn't want summer irrigation. 'Leatherleaf' has larger, darker leaves.
Shrubs	Yes	Rhamnus	crocea ilicifolia		Slow-growing native to 3 - 9'. Doesn't want summer irrigation. Small red berries are pretty in winter. Looks like a little oak tree.
Shrubs	Yes	Romneya	coulteri		Matilija poppy. Fried egg flower
Shrubs	Yes	Rosmarinus	officinalis		Rosemary is tough--tolerates drought, some shade. Blooms in winter and spring. Dark blue flowers, There are very upright forms: 'Blue Spires' has dark blue flowers, 'Tuscan blue' has vivid blue flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Salvia	species/varieties	Many forms available.	Too numerous to list here! See our separate list of Salvias. They vary from low, herbaceous perennials to large, woody shrubs.
Shrubs	Yes	Spartium	junceum		Very showy, fragrant yellow blooms. Plant is poisonous. Very tough, drought-tolerant. .
Shrubs	Yes	Symphoricarpos	albus		Informal, open shrub to 3 - 6'. grown for the large white berries in fall and winter. Easy, tough, attractive to birds.
Shrubs	Yes	Syringa	vulgaris	many varieties available	Lilacs are easy to grow here!
Shrubs	Yes	Teucrium	chamaedrys		Very tight growth, dark shiny green leaves, small magenta flowers. Very drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Teucrium	fruticans		'Compacta' stays low, has dark blue flowers; 'Azurea' has vivid blue flowers
Shrubs	Yes	Teucrium	marum		1' mound with grey leaves, pink flowers. Attracts cats.
Shrubs	Yes	Westringia		'Wynabbie Gem'	Lavender flowers, silvery leaves. Very heat and drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Westringia	longifolia		Pink flowers. Very heat and drought tolerant.
Shrubs	Yes	Westringia	rosmariniformis		Also sold as W. fruticosa.Very heat and drought tolerant. Silver foliage, white flowers.
Shrubs	Yes	Xylosma	congestum		One of the toughest landscape shrubs around. Tolerates heat, even reflected off a west wall; drought; shade. Can be trained into a beautiful small tree, clipped as a formal hedge, or trimmed for an informal screen. Hard to get in the spring because young nursery stock is vulnerable to frost. 'Compacta' is a more compact, slower-growing version. This one has thorns.
Shrubs	Yes	Yucca	filamentosa		Spiny looking accent plant for desert gardens.
Shrubs	Yes	Yucca	gloriosa		Big, dramatic plant with grey-green dagger-like leaves that, unlike most Yuccas, have soft tips. 3'+ flower spikes are creamy-white and visually striking. Great in Mediterranean landscapes and around pool. Don't plant where it will be crowded--needs to stand alone.
Shrubs	Yes	Yucca	whipplei		Striking accent plant with sharp spines, nice blue foliage, white flowers.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Trees	Yes	Acacia	baileyana	'Purpurea'	Yellow blooms in Jan.-Feb. Common in Bay Area. Brittle wood, so tends to break apart in high winds.
Trees	Yes	Acacia	longifolia		Fast-growing, quick screen. Tolerates bad soil. Yellow flowers in late winter. Short-lived.
Trees	Yes	Acacia	melanoxylon		Fast-growing, upright, evergreen. Recovered from hard freezes in 90 and 98, unlike most other Acacias. Suckers somewhat.
Trees	Yes	Aesculus	californica		California native. Suitable for dry, native landscapes. Drops leaves in late summer, which makes it kind of odd-looking.
Trees	Yes	Albizia	julibrissin		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with fern-like, finely divided leaves. Graceful, spreading growth habit. Very tough, drought- tolerant. Pink fluffy flowers are showy, then litter all over everything. Reseeds profusely.
Trees	Yes	Calocedrus	decurrens		Also sold as Libocedrus. Western native. Grows 2' a year, eventually very large. Tolerant of heat, sun, shade, poor soil. Grows as narrow column for first 10 years or so, then slowly spreads.
Trees	Yes	Catalpa	bignonioides		Fast growing with tropical looking leaves, showy flowers. Subject to limb-breakage in windy areas. Very drought tolerant. .
Trees	Yes	Cedrus	atlantica	'Glauca'	Bluish-green needles. Grows 2 - 3' a year with unusual angular growth habit. Striking skyline tree. Many nice specimens in Stonegate in West Davis. Deep-rooted and tolerant of heat, drought, wind.
Trees	Yes	Cedrus	deodara		Fast growing tree, up to 5' a year. Very upright when young, then spreading at the base. Soft, feathery texture with bright green needles. Eventually very large. Very tolerant of heat, drought, wind.
Trees	Yes	Celtis	australis		Grows 5 - 7' a year, both up and out. Nice fast-growing, spreading shade tree. More open than C. sinensis.
Trees	Yes	Celtis	sinensis		Grows 5 - 7' a year, both up and out. One of the best very fast-growing shade trees. Red berries are pretty, but do litter (though they are dry, not squishy), and seedlings will pop up here and there. Deep-rooted.
Trees	Yes	Ceratonia	siliqua		Pro: Very drought tolerant, with dark green shiny foliage and a very dense crown. Con: male trees smell odd; female trees produce copious amounts of pods. Somewhat surface-rooting.
Trees	Yes	Cercis	occidentalis		Grows to 8 - 10'+, as large shrub or small multitrunked tree. Beautiful magenta flowers in March, and distinctive grey-green foliage. Nice plantings in the UC Davis Arboretum. Very drought-tolerant and requires that summer irrigation be infrequent.
Trees	Yes	Chilopsis	linearis		Desert willows are little used but excellent choices for this area. Several varieties. 'Bubba' is new and has larger flowers and leaves than the species. Bicolor blossoms are lavender and dark purple. Blooms all summer. Attracts hummingbirds.
Trees	Yes	Chitalpa	tashkentensis		Catalpa/Chilopsis hybrid. Drought-tolerant trees with showy flowers that attract hummingbirds (and bees). Subject to a blight disease in spring, mildew in summer.
Trees	Yes	Cinnamomum	camphora		Slow-growing but eventually huge. New growth is bronze-colored, older leaves are light yellow-green. Bark looks black in winter. Foliage is fragrant (camphor!). Heat-tolerant. Mature trees are hard to garden under.
Trees	Yes	Cupressocyparis	leylandii		Grows fast for 8 - 10 years, gets bacterial canker disease, then borers, and then dies. We don't recommend this plant, period. 'Castlewellan' is a golden-foliaged variety that does the same thing.
Trees	Yes	Cupressus	arizonica glabra		Too big, messy for small yards. 'Taylor's Silver' and 'Blue Pyramid' are selected forms with nice color, more compact habit when young.
Trees	Yes	Cupressus	sempervirens	'Glauca'	The classic Mediterranean formal column. Tolerant of heat, wind, poor soil, drought. Grows 3' a year.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	camaldulensis		Eucalyptus are not planted any more in Northern California. Those listed here are among the more common ones planted in the past and still found (sometimes huge trees, very impressive and often posing risks. This one, like the others, is reliably cold-hardy. Medium-green leaves, mottled tan trunk. Huge, very widely planted species--way too big for most yards.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	globulus		Reliably cold hardy. Huge tree. Young leaves silver; older leaves dark green. Very messy. 'Compacta' is bushier when young.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	gunnii		Reliably cold-hardy. Green leaves, smooth green-and-tan bark. Tall and upright; not messy.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	nicholi		Not a typical Eucalyptus. Reliably cold-hardy. Very clean. Narrow blue-green leaves smell like mint. Form like a willow.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	polyanthemos		Grown for round, silver leaves used in flower arrangements. These are juvenile foliage; if it isn't pruned, it will become a 60' tree, and leaves change shape. Doesn't like soggy soil.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	saligna		Reliably cold-hardy. Medium green leaves. Relatively clean (bark sheds), very graceful. Fastest gum in the west. .
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	sideroxylon	'Rosea'	Reliably cold-hardy. Relatively clean. One of the best-mannered gums. Rough, red bark, slim blue-green leaves. Tolerant of heat, drought, wind.
Trees	Yes	Eucalyptus	viminalis		Reliably cold-hardy. Huge, very widely planted species--way too big for most yards. Messy.
Trees	Yes	Fraxinus	species		Most Ash species and varieties have problems. Raywood gets borers, 'Modesto and 'Moraine' get anthracnose blight, and all get mistletoe.
Trees	Yes	Geijera	parvifolia		Very graceful small evergreen tree with a willow-like habit. Grows 3 - 4' a year. Deep-rooted. Killed by freezing weather in 1990 and 1998, so wholesalers have stopped growing it in Northern California. Included here because people ask for it. Not available.
Trees	Yes	Ginkgo	biloba		Selected male clones only! 'Autumn Gold' one of the best, with a nice pyramidal form. Beautiful fall color. No pests or diseases. There are some other varieties available: 'Canopy', 'Saratoga', etc. Grow 18" a year.
Trees	Yes	Gleditsia	triacanthos inermis		Gall midge defoliates these trees from May through August, and then it drops its leaves in late September, so it s not very ornamental.
Trees	Yes	Koelreuteria	bipinnata		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with divided leaves. Very tough, drought-tolerant. Yellow flowers are showy, followed by pink pods in fall. Reseeds very little. Not common in the nursery trade.
Trees	Yes	Koelreuteria	elegans		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with divided leaves. Very tough, drought-tolerant. Yellow flowers are showy, followed by bright pink pods in fall. Reseeds very little. This is the showy tree at the corner of Eight and L Streets in Davis. Unfortunately, no wholesaler is presently growing this species. Sometimes available from UC Davis Arboretum at their plant sales.
Trees	Yes	Koelreuteria	paniculata		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with divided leaves. Very tough, drought-tolerant. Yellow flowers are showy, followed by orange-red pods, then zillions of little seedling trees all over your yard! Box-elder bugs love them and soon you have zillions of them, too! Not recommended. .
Trees	Yes	Maytenus	boaria	'Green Showers'	Clean shiny foliage, very graceful weeping habit, like a miniature weeping willow. Suckers and very slow growth are drawbacks. Branch dieback may occur on stressed or overwatered trees. Availability very limited.
Trees	Yes	Morus	alba		'Fruitless' is the male tree that is usually planted. Very fast, providing deep shade in just a few years. Aggressive roots, dense shade make it very difficult to grow anything underneath them. Often stubbed ("pollarded"), which ruins the shape. Can be very attractive when pruned correctly.
Trees	Yes	Morus	alba		Weeping mulberry. 'Chaparral' is fruitless, Dramatic weeping form with attractive, dark green leaves. Mounds up slowly to 8 - 10'. 'Teas' produces large quantities of mild-flavored, juicy fruit (stains clothing, Mom!). Birds love the fruit. Great focal point or accent. Available mainly in bareroot season (Jan. - Mar.).
Trees	Yes	Nyssa	sylvatica		Popular in Sacramento because of upright growth habit and beautiful fall color. Unfortunately, hard water causes severe leaf burn, iron chlorosis in Davis and Woodland, so they aren't recommended here.
Trees	Yes	Olea	europea		Many varieties. Olives take heat, wind, drought, and have unique structure. Fruiting types are messy. 'Wilsoni' variety has small crops of fruit, often none. 'Swan Hill' is sterile and thus entirely fruitless but has very limited availability. Supposedly fruitless varieties keep fruiting when I sell them, though the fruit is often small ("shot fruit") and the numbers are low. Fruiting olives for curing or oil are available; be sure to investigate cross-pollination requirements as well as olive fruit fly management. Common allergy plant.
Trees	Yes	Olea	europea	'Bonita'	This variety has very tiny fruit. Common allergy plant.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	canariensis		Fast, upright grower with soft, drooping needles. New growth powdery blue. Tolerates drought, heat, wind, lawn watering. Damaged in 1990 (needles froze) but recovered. Narrow habit makes it one of the most useful pines.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	halepensis		Fast-growing with soft needles, upright habit, brushy appearance. Tolerates heat, drought, wind. Unirrigated examples can be seen North of the Veterinary Hospital at U.C. Davis. Too big for most residential areas, but good windbreak for rural properties.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	nigra		Grows 2 - 3' per year, with a strong pyramidal shape. Stiff, dark green needles. Tolerates heat, wind, drought; also good in lawns. Excellent for living Christmas tree.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	pinea		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with unusual spreading habit. Eventually very broad, flat-topped. Tolerates heat, wind, drought. Way too big for most residential areas, and needs careful training to make sure limbs don't collapse. Good examples South of Vet Hospital at UC Davis.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	roxburghi		Beautiful tree, with some specimens in the UC Davis Arboretum, but not common in the trade. Long, drooping needles are bright light green. Tolerates heat, drought, wind; also good in lawns. Rare.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	sabiniana		Our native pine in the coast range and the lower foothills. Can grow 5 - 6' per year with an open, spreading habit. Very tolerant of heat, wind, drought. Not common in the nursery trade.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	sylvestris		Grows 3' a year, with a perfect pyramidal shape for many years. Dense, short needles are dark blue-green. Very attractive garden plant. Tolerant of heat, wind, drought, but also good in lawns. Excellent living Christmas tree.
Trees	Yes	Pinus	thunbergiana		Grows 3 - 5' per year. Starts as a pyramid, with almost equal spread to height. Eventually rather broad. Easily shaped or trained for asymmetric look used in Asian-style gardens. Classic for bonsai. Very tolerant of heat, wind, drought, but also good in lawns.
Trees	Yes	Pistacia	chinensis		Beautiful fall color! One of our best shade trees. Grows 3 - 4' a year, with lush green foliage. Drought-tolerant, but also takes lawn watering. Female trees have showy berries which attract birds. Selected male form 'Keith Davey' has reliable fall color.
Trees	Yes	Platanus	racemosa	'Roberts'	California Sycamore. Very fast growing shade tree. Resistant (not immune!) to anthracnose blight. Leaves are big and bold. California native. Limited availability.
Trees	Yes	Platanus	X acerifolia		London plane tree. Very fast growing shade tree. Nice dappled shade, usually deep rooted. One of the few very fast trees without significant drawbacks. 'Bloodgood' is resistant (not immune!) to anthracnose blight. 'Columbia' is resistant (not immune!) to anthracnose blight and mildew.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	agrifolia		One of our native live oaks. Grows 2 - 3' per year, with dense, hollylike foliage and a round habit. Attractive dark gray bark. Drawbacks include heavy leaf drop in spring and heavy network of fine surface roots, which make them hard to garden under. Very drought tolerant.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	chrysolepis		One of our native live oaks. Grows 2 - 3' per year with shiny oval leaves and a round habit. Smooth, white bark. Drought tolerant.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	dumosa		Grows 1 - 2' per year with a shrubby growth habit. Not really attractive enough for use except in a native landscape.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	durata		On the recommended list put out by Sac Municipal Utility District, but I haven't seen it in Davis or Woodland. I'd appreciate any feedback on this species.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	kelloggi		Grows 3 - 4' per year with large, shiny green, classic oak leaves and attractive dark bark. New growth soft pink.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	lobata		Also called California White oak. Our big native oak. Grows 3' per year, initially upright, then massively spreading. Very tolerant of drought, heat, wind. Young trees can be irrigated; don't water mature trees. Oak galls are a curiosity but harmless; some do litter.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	suber		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with equal spread. Small leaves are dark green, gray beneath. Corky bark is very attractive. Very drought tolerant and doesn't like lawn watering. Widely used on UC Davis campus, with good examples West of the Rec Hall.
Trees	Yes	Quercus	wislizenii		One of our native live oaks. Grows 3' per year, eventually broader than tall. Glossy leaves. Gawky when young, but ultimately dense and attractive.
Trees	Yes	Rhus	lancea		Pros: graceful habit if trained properly, attractive shiny leaves and mahogany-colored trunk. Heat, drought-tolerant, but also good in lawns. Cons: lots of leaf litter; suckers profusely. Needs thinning to take wind.
Trees	Yes	Robinia	pseudoacacia	'Purple Robe'	Beautiful clusters of purple flowers like Wisteria in April. Branches split in windy areas. Sends up suckers, often many feet from the main plant. OK in rural areas, not close to the house.
Trees	Yes	Sambucus	nigra		Multitrunk large shrub or small tree. Very fast-growing, rank; not for small gardens. Prune hard in winter to keep short. Fruit attracts birds. 'Laciniata' has divided leaves, 'Purpurea' has purple-tinged leaves. 'Aurea' has golden-green leaves.
Trees	Yes	Sapium	sebiferum		Aggressive surface roots when planted in lawns. Considered invasive. Short-lived. Not recommended any more.
Trees	Yes	Schinus	molle		Shiny fern-like green foliage is very pretty. Red berries useful in dried flower arrangements and wreaths. Incredibly drought-tolerant. Too messy for small yards. Tends to split in windy areas. Good in rural areas.
Trees	Yes	Trachycarpus	fortunei		Small fan palm that grows 2' a year, straight up, to about 20'. Very tolerant of sun, heat, drought, wind, poor soil. Some other palms are also suitable for patios.
Trees	Yes	Umbellularia	californica		Our native bay tree, grows slowly--1'/year--though eventually can get huge. Strongly aromatic leaves. Very tolerant of heat, drought. Can grow in shade. Very limited availability.
Trees	Yes	Washingtonia	spp.		Grow 2 - 3' a year to 40'+. The classic California palms. W. filifera, California fan palm is stout. W. robusta, Maxican fan palm is tall and slim. Very heat, sun, wind, and drought tolerant (grows faster with regular watering and feeding).

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Arbutus	unedo	'Compacta'	Showy flowers and fruit, beautiful bark like madrone. Heat and drought tolerant. Grows 1 - 2' a year. Easily kept at 6' with one annual pruning.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Arbutus	X	'Marina'	Showy flowers and fruit, beautiful bark like madrone. Heat and drought tolerant. Grows 2 - 3' a year.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Ceanothus		'Ray Hartman'	Grows to 10 - 15'+. Attractive, large shiny leaves. Pretty medium blue flowers in large clusters in spring. Water deeply and very infrequently in summer.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Cercis	occidentalis		Grows to 8 - 10'+, as large shrub or small multitrunked tree. Beautiful magenta flowers in March, and distinctive grey-green foliage. Nice plantings in the UC Davis Arboretum. Very drought-tolerant and requires that summer irrigation be infrequent. Hybrid 'Oklahoma' is more tolerant of garden watering than C. occidentalis, more tolerant of heat than C. canadensis.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Citrus	hybrids	many varieties	Citrus on semi-dwarf rootstock make excellent patio or container trees. 'Meyer' lemon, kumquats, and 'Owari Satsuma' mandarins are naturally dwarf. 'Minneola' tangelo is especially attractive. Oranges, grapefruits and other lemons make excellent large trees. 15' +. Water well during fruit set and expansion, then you can water deeply every couple of weeks in late summer and fall. Trees can recover from significant drought. Growing them drier may improve fruit quality in some varieties.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Cotinus	coggygria	'Royal Purple'	Purple leaves and purple flowers make a striking contrast with grey or glossy-leaved plants. Very tolerant of drought and heat. Gets iron chlorosis if irrigated heavily.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Feijoa	sellowiana		Plant named varieties if you want reliable fruit production. Edible flowers! Very drought tolerant. Fuzzy grey-green leaves make a nice contrast with red-leaved or shiny-leaved shrubs.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Hibiscus	syriacus	many varieties available	Small tree with showy hibiscus flowers all summer. Very tough, easy to grow. Can take light shade or full sun, drought, poor soil. Older varieties may reseed. New hyprids are sterale. Gets aphids, but also a common nesting site for green lacewings.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Lagerstroemia	indica and faueri hybrids		Shades of pink, rose, dark pink, almost red, lavender, purple, white! See separate list.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Laurus	nobilis		The bay leaf used in cooking. Very versatile garden plant. Large shrub, eventually growing to 30'+, but very upright habit and ease of pruning make it manageable. Will grow in total shade, or in full sun. Drought tolerant. Very easy to keep in a pot for years.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Laurus	X	'Saratoga'	Selected male form of bay that has wider leaves, larger flowers (almost showy), and is fruitless. Leaf smells more pungent than L. nobilis--more like our native bay (Umbellularia).
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Myoporum	laetum		Common in coastal areas and occasionally planted here, but they froze in 1990 and 1998, and are often damaged in moderately cold winters. .
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Prunus	ilicifolia lyonii		Used as a large shrub or moderate-sized tree. Shiny leaves, upright habit. Masses of white flowers in spring. Cherry-sized fruit are edible but bland; birds like them. Fruit litter can be substantial. Very drought-tolerant. Limited availability.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Punica	granatum		All pomegranates tolerate heat, wind, drought, poor soil. Great choice for west exposure. 'California Sunset','Nochi Shibari', 'Toyosho' are shrubby growers with large double flowers, no fruit.
Trees or Large Shrubs	Yes	Punica	granatum		Fruiting varieties. 'Wonderful' is the standard commercial variety. 'Granada' is a sport which ripens a month earlier. 'Sweet' has pink, sweet fruit that isn't tart. There are dozens of varieties of pomegranates.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Vine ground covers	Yes	Sollya	heterophylla (fusiformis)		Small, with dense, tiny, shiny leaves. Can be used as a ground cover. Grows slowly to about 6' tall when supported; 1 - 2' as a ground cover. Nodding blue flowers in summer; 'Alba' has white flowers. 'Boddy's Choice' is a very slow-growing type grown as a shrub or ground cover. Quite shade tolerant, will grow under Eucalyptus trees. Twines.
Vine ground covers	Yes	Trachelospermum	asiaticum		Nearly always grown as a ground cover. Hardly ever flowers; grown for shiny leaves and exceptional durability. Shade tolerant.
Vine ground covers	Yes	Trachelospermum	jasminoides		Can grow as a shrub or ground cover, but naturally a twining vine. Super fragrant flowers in May and June. Tolerates heat, cold, sun, shade, poor soil, drought, watering.
Vines	Yes	Bougainvillea	cultivars	many varieties avail.	'Barbara Karst' and 'San Diego Red' are two of the most vigorous, so they recover fastest from winter damage. 'Raspberry Ice' ('Hawaii' ) is a shrubby type, great for containers, which is relatively cold hardy. B. spectabilis is a purple variety which blooms reliably on the coast.
Vines	Yes	Campsis	radicans		Rampant vine with orange flowers, very attractive to hummingbirds. Suckers all over your yard.
Vines	Yes	Campsis	tagliabuana	'Mme Galen'	A little less rampant than C. radicans, with salmon flowers. Twines.
Vines	Yes	Distictis	buccinatoria		Fast grower with showy red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Damaged by frost, and usually spends a year recovering without blooms. Also sold as Phaedranthus.
Vines	Yes	Fallopia	baldschuanica		Very vigorous vine with profusion of white flowers all summer. Cut back severely every now and then. Covers a fence in one season. Not common in the trade, but occasionally available. Attracts hoverflies (beneficial). Formerly Polygonum aubertii.
Vines	Yes	Ficus	pumila		Creeping fig aka F. repens. Delicate looking vine that roots in whatever it's growing on and turns into a monster after a few years. Be forewarned.
Vines	Yes	Gelsemium	sempervirens		Golden yellow flowers in early spring. Attractive shiny green leaves look good all year. All parts are poisonous. Drought-tolerant. Well-mannered and not rampant. Can be kept on a small trellis. Twines.
Vines	Yes	Hardenbergia	violacea	'Happy Wanderer'	Vivid royal purple flowers in winter and early spring. Freeze may damage; usually recovers. Killed in 1990; recovered from roots in 1998. White, pink forms available. H. comptoniana is more tender and not recommended. Twines. Vines seem to live about 5 to 7 years. Susceptible to crown rot.
Vines	Yes	Ipomoea	acuminata		Beautiful sky blue flowers. Perennial vine: dies to the ground each winter, regrowing very rapidly in early April. (invasive in mild-winter areas). Twines. Insanely vigorous. Not really recommended as it can become a major problem.
Vines	Yes	Jasminum	mesnyi (primulinum)		Primrose-yellow popcorn-like flowers in late winter. Not fragrant. Vigorous, arching growth habit, like a large shrub. Tie up. J. nudiflorum (Winter jasmine) is very similar.
Vines	Yes	Macfadyena	unguis-cati		Grows fast, clings even to stucco or brick by tiny tendrils. Buttery-yellow flowers for a short period in spring. Incredibly heat and drought-tolerant (see the planting across the street from our nursery--never irrigated!). Not common, but occasionally available.
Vines	Yes	Rosa	banksia	'Lutea'	Very vigorous, nearly thornless rose that can grow to 30' or more. Masses of yellow flowers for a short period in spring. Sweet scent. Nearly evergreen. Tie up or let it scramble into a tree.
Vines	Yes	Rosa	banksia	'Alba Plena'	This variety has masses of white flowers for a short period in spring.
Vines	Yes	Sollya	heterophylla		Small, with dense, tiny, shiny leaves. Can be used as a ground cover. Grows slowly to about 6'. Nodding blue flowers in summer; 'Alba' has white flowers. Quite shade-tolerant. Twines. Susceptible to crown rot.
Vines	Yes	Tecoma	capensis		Formerly Tecomaria. Shrubby vine with bright orange-red flowers (a yellow form is available) in fall and early winter, until frost kills it back. Hummingbirds love flowers. Recovers even from hard freezes. Tie up or grow as a shrub.
Vines	Yes	Trachelospermum	asiaticum		Nearly always grown as a ground cover. Hardly ever flowers; grown for shiny leaves and exceptional durability. Can be tied up as a vine, but doesn't twine.
Vines	Yes	Trachelospermum	jasminoides		Can grow as a shrub or ground cover, but naturally a twining vine. Super fragrant flowers in May and June. Tolerates heat, cold, sun, shade, poor soil, drought, watering.
Vines	Yes	Wisteria	floribunda		Very fast-growing, large vines with elegant purple or white flowers in early spring. Very fragrant. Blooms best when irrigated infrequently. Prune hard just after bloom. Japanese Wisteria needs full sun.
Vines	Yes	Wisteria	sinensis		Very fast-growing, large vines with elegant purple or white flowers in early spring. Very fragrant. Blooms best when irrigated infrequently. Prune hard just after bloom. Chinese Wisteria will bloom in part shade.
Vines	Yes	Wisteria	venusta		Silky Wisteria will bloom in part sun. 'Alba' is a pure white form.
Vines	Yes	Vitis	vinifera		Fast-growing cover for fence or arbor. Many varieties available. Fruit is messy if not harvested, but some can be pruned to reduce fruit production.

Plants with moderate drought tolerance

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Comments
Aquatics	Moderate	Canna	hybrids	Spread freely. Very dramatic colors. Will grow in regular soil, or partially submerged.
Aquatics	Moderate	Nasturtium	officinale	Small dark green pungent leaves, tiny white flowers. Doesn't like murky water.
Aquatics	Moderate	Physostegia	virginiana	Spikes of white, pink, or lavender flowers. Dramatic. Great in flower arrangements. Excellent garden perennial; doesn't require wet soil.
Aquatics	Moderate	Sisyrinchium	californicum	Grass-like leaves with small yellow iris-like blooms in late spring.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Grasses	Moderate	Arrhenatherum	bulbosum	'Variegatum'
Grasses	Moderate	Arundo	donax		Monstrous grass introduced by the Spaniards. Don't plant this!
Grasses	Moderate	Carex		'Bronze Form'
Grasses	Moderate	Carex	buchanani
Grasses	Moderate	Carex	comans	'Frosted Curls'	1' curly pigtails.
Grasses	Moderate	Carex	flagellifera		1-2' narrow leaves, bronze-tinted.
Grasses	Moderate	Deschampsia	caespitosa	'Vivipara'	'Goldgehaenge' has 3' golden flower stems; ssp. holciformis has 2' tufted leaves, airy sprays.
Grasses	Moderate	Festuca		'Select'
Grasses	Moderate	Festuca	amethystina	'Superba'
Grasses	Moderate	Festuca	cinerea		'Azurit' has vivid blue-grey foliage to about 16".
Grasses	Moderate	Festuca	rubra	'Jughandle'	Short, stiff, with chalky blue-green leaves.
Grasses	Moderate	Helichtotrichon	sempervirens		Fairly invasive.
Grasses	Moderate	Imperata	cylindrica	'Rubra'	Spreads; can become invasive in wet situations
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus		'Sarabande'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Adagio'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Gracillimus'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Variegatus'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Yaku Jima Dwarf'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Yaku Jima'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	sinensis	'Zebrinus'
Grasses	Moderate	Miscanthus	transmorrisonensis
Grasses	Moderate	Schizachyrium	scoparium	'The Blues'	SWG: formerly known as Andropogon scoparius.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Ajuga	reptans		Bronze, green, and giant bronze are available. Prefers dry-ish shade. Rots readily if watered more than about once a week, and can tolerate it less often.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Diascia	hybrids		Trailing plants with little spikes of flowers in spring, early summer, sometimes longer. Plant in partial shade. Not a large scale ground cover; cute around other perennials. Rot in wet cold soil. Mostly shades of pink.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Diascia	integerrima		Narrower leaves than the hybrid Diascias; purplish pink flowers. 'Ruby Field' is darker pink and a little shorter than the species.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Dichondra	repens		Mix with grass for shady lawn. Damaged in hard freezes, but recovers. Flea beetles and fungus can be problems. Drought-tolerant.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Erodium	chamaedryoides		Cute little pink flowers on a mat-forming plant. Not reliable enough for large areas, as it tends to die out. Should go a little dry between waterings.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Herniaria	repens		Flat, green carpet of foliage. Flowers are barely visible. Slow, but great between step stones. H. glabra is taller, more open, a little faster.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Ophiopogon	japonicus		Very shade tolerant, slow-growing grass-like plant with dark green leaves. Even successful as a houseplant or in terrariums (I had some for months in a fishtank!). Tough roots compete with trees. 'Nana' is a very dwarf, slow-growing form.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Pachysandra	terminalis		Common ground cover for shade, but prone to iron deficiency which causes it to get chronically anemic in Davis and Woodland. 'Variegata' has creamy white stripes.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Pelargonium	peltatum		The easiest of the geraniums . Blooms from spring through fall on trailing plants. Too frost tender to grow as a permanent ground cover here. More shade-tolerant than other geraniums, and resistant to geranium budworm. Great hanging basket.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Sagina	subulata		Not really a moss--prefers sun! Needs good drainage. Dark green shiny foliage on S. subulata, golden foliage on S. subulata 'Aurea'. Arenaria verna is similar. Good for small areas between stepstones.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Stenotaphrum	secundatum		St. Augustine grass. Coarse-bladed grass which spreads by rhizomes, used in Southern California as a lawn substitute. Grows here but invasiveness and brown winter appearance are drawbacks.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Veronica	repens		Very low mat-forming ground cover to use between step stones in sun or light shade. Can take some drought. Little clusters of flowers are cute but not showy.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Vinca	major		Shiny leaves, plants get 1 - 3' tall, with pretty periwinkle flowers. Can become rampant. Variegated form is more restrained. Survives total drought but looks best if you water occasionally.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Vinca	minor		Purple, white, and variegated forms available. They are all less vigorous than the 'Bowles' variety more commonly sold in flats. Prefer shade or part sun, not afternoon sun. Overwatering leads to crown rot.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Vinca	minor	'Bowles' Variety'	The most common and most vigorous dwarf periwinkle, with bright blue flowers. Grows to 6 - 12" tall, spreads steadily.
Perennial ground covers	Moderate	Viola	odorata		This is the sweet violet of Shakespeare, with wonderfully fragrant flowers. Spreads slowly by runners, but also reseeds profusely. You will never be rid of this once you plant it. Not available in flats, sometimes in 4" pots. Very prone to spider mites in wholesale production. Violet gall midge deforms foliage. 'Rosina' is pink, 'Royal Robe' has larger purple flowers, and there is a white form as well.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Perennials	Moderate	Agastache	rupestris
Perennials	Moderate	Arenaria	montana
Perennials	Moderate	Aster	pilosus
Perennials	Moderate	Aster	frikarti
Perennials	Moderate	Asteriscus	maritimus		Bright gold daisy flowers for sunny, dry areas.
Perennials	Moderate	Bergenia	cordifolia
Perennials	Moderate	Billbergia	nutans
Perennials	Moderate	Clivia	miniata		Frost-tender; plant in sheltered locations. Orange flowers. 'Solomone' is a bright yellow version. Very slow to propagate; expensive!
Perennials	Moderate	Dierama	pulcherrimum
Perennials	Moderate	Echinacea	purpurea
Perennials	Moderate	Erodium	chrysanthum		Silvery divided leaves, yellow flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Gypsophila	cerastioides		Low mat-forming ground cover with bright green leaves, white flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Gypsophila	paniculata
Perennials	Moderate	Helianthus	angustifolius		Like a perennial sunflower.
Perennials	Moderate	Helleborus	argutifolius		Corsican hellebore has pale green flowers from winter to spring.
Perennials	Moderate	Helleborus	foetidus		Bear's - foot hellebore has pale green flowers from winter to spring.
Perennials	Moderate	Helleborus	lividus
Perennials	Moderate	Helleborus	niger		Christmas rose has white flowers in winter.
Perennials	Moderate	Helleborus	orientalis		Lenten rose blooms in the wide range of color from winter to spring. Many new hybrids, very easy to grow.
Perennials	Moderate	Hemerocallis	hyprids		There are over 34,000 varieties of daylilies! Most are deciduous; a few are evergreen.
Perennials	Moderate	Liriope	gigantea		Lily turf are tough grassy looking plants for shade. This one gets to 3' +.
Perennials	Moderate	Liriope	muscari	'Majestic'	18" with showy purple flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Liriope	muscari	'Royal Purple'	Deeper purple.
Perennials	Moderate	Liriope	muscari	'Silvery Sunproof'	Golden striped leaves.
Perennials	Moderate	Liriope	spicata	'Silver Dragon'	Shorter, spreading, with white striped leaves.
Perennials	Moderate	Nierembergia	linariifolia
Perennials	Moderate	Oxalis	species
Perennials	Moderate	Pelargonium	peltatum		Ivy geranium. The easiest Pelargonium.
Perennials	Moderate	Pelargonium	X domesticum		Martha Washington geranium.
Perennials	Moderate	Phormium	species and hybrids		Flax. Many varieties. P. cookianum hybrids are less tolerant of hot sun. P. tenax hybrids are very tough.
Perennials	Moderate	Prunella
Perennials	Moderate	Ratibida	columnifera
Perennials	Moderate	Rubus	calycinoides
Perennials	Moderate	Rudbeckia	hirta		'Indian Summer' has huge flowers on 3' stems. 'Goldilocks' is dwarf to 1'. Many other forms.
Perennials	Moderate	Salvia	superba	'East Friesland'	16" spikes of purple flowers for many months. Plant spreads steadily. One of the best.
Perennials	Moderate	Saponaria	ocymoides
Perennials	Moderate	Scabiosa	species		Pincushion flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Sidalcea	hybrida	'Rosanna'	2' stems of bright pink flowers
Perennials	Moderate	Silene	maritima
Perennials	Moderate	Sisyrinchium	bellum		White, blue, and yellow forms available.
Perennials	Moderate	Tradescantia	x andersoniana		Also sold as T. virginiana. Many forms, ranging from mauve to red to blue to white.
Perennials	Moderate	Trifolium	repens	'Atropurpureum'	Creeping clover with purple foliage, white flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Tulbaghia	simmleri (fragrans)		Frost damages foliage. Bring in during winter to force bloom. Fragrant like a paperwhite narcissus.
Perennials	Moderate	Veronica	spicata	'Red Fox'	'Heidelkind' has pink flowers.
Perennials	Moderate	Viola	odorata		'Rosina' is pink, 'Royal Robe' is purple, and there is a white form as well.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Comments
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Belamcanda	chinensis	Sprays of spotted flowers. Seeds look like blackberries, used in arrangements.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Bletilla	striata	Very easy, very hardy.Great shade perennial.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Crinum	species	Big, dramatic plants with tall fragrant flowers. Poisonous.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Gladiolus	communis byzantinus	Summer-blooming, wilder looking than garden glads. Multiply.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Gladiolus	hybrids	Plant March - June. Bloom 12 - 16 weeks after planting.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Gladiolus	tristis	Little flowers, more delicate-looking than other glads. Fragrant at night.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Hymenocallis	x festalis, narcissiflora	Large, fragrant, interesting flowers. May be damaged in winter.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Pardancanda	norrisii	Usually grown from seed. Belamcanda X Pardanthopsis
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Rhodohyopoxis	baurii	Vivid flowers in spring and summer, on a low plant. Best dry in winter (under overhang, or in pots). Root structure is botanically unusual.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Tigridia	pavonia	Blotched, spotted flowers in hot colors. Blooms open morning to mid-afternoon.
Perennials (bulb)	Moderate	Zantedeschia	aethiopica	Very tough perennials for shade. Can take wet, even soggy soil. 'Green Goddess' has green tips.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Shrubby ground covers	Moderate	Pyracantha	koidzumii	'Santa Cruz'	A form of Pyracantha which hugs the ground. Same nice winter berries as the bigger forms. Resistant to fireblight.
Shrubby ground covers	Moderate	Rosa	X	many varieties available	There are many ground cover roses: spreading or sprawling plants which don't require blooming, resist disease, and produce clusters of flowers over a long season. The 'Drift' and 'Flower Carpet' series have been marketed extensively, now available in pink, red, white, pale pink, and yellow.
Shrubs	Moderate	Abelia	X	'Edward Goucher'	Medium shrub with light pink flowers, attracts hummingbirds. Very adaptable. Please don't shear them...they look best if allowed to grow naturally with only light trimming. Cut back hard every couple of years for size control if necessary.
Shrubs	Moderate	Abelia	x grandiflora		Upright growing shrub with attractive, shiny foliage and a profusion of white flowers. Attractive to hummingbirds. Often pruned as a hedge, but looks great when left to grow naturally. Semi-deciduous in cold winters here.
Shrubs	Moderate	Abutilon	hybrids		Flowering maple; actually a hibiscus relative. Many varieties available, with some large enough to qualify as large shrubs, but most aren't dense. Very shade tolerant.
Shrubs	Moderate	Abutilon		'Moonglow'	This form has bright yellow flowers on a nice, short plant. One of the best.
Shrubs	Moderate	Abutilon	pictum	'Thompsoni'	This form has yellow speckles on the leaves and stays nice and short. Lights up shady areas.
Shrubs	Moderate	Berberis	gladwynensis	'William Penn'	All the barberries grow readily here. Small yellow flowers are profuse enough to be pretty. Fruit attracts songbirds. This form is evergreen and stays pretty compact.
Shrubs	Moderate	Berberis	mentorensis		Very heat tolerant barberry.
Shrubs	Moderate	Berberis	thunbergii	'Atropurpurea'	Vivid purple-red foliage. Interesting growth habit. Very, very thorny--great barrier plant. Nice fall color. 'Rose Glow' has white splotches on leaves.
Shrubs	Moderate	Berberis	thunbergii	'Crimson Pygmy'	Vivid red-purple foliage on a tight, spiny shrub to about 2'.
Shrubs	Moderate	Berberis	wilsoniae		Not common in the trade, but has especially showy berries.
Shrubs	Moderate	Boronia	heterophylla		Needs fast drainage. Fragrant flowers are sort of excessively fruity and pungent.
Shrubs	Moderate	Brunfelsia	pauciflora	'Floribunda'	White and lavender and purple flowers, all at the same time, for several weeks in late spring. Acid-preferring plant, but not hard to grow. Fertilize regularly.
Shrubs	Moderate	Callicarpa	dichotoma		To 8', but easily kept lower. Informal growth habit, with pretty purple berries in winter. Variety albafructas has white berries
Shrubs	Moderate	Cestrum	nocturnum		Vigorous willowy shrub with flowers which are powerfully fragrant at night. Frost damages the tops, but they resprout. Cestrum elegans has showy red blossoms but is not fragrant.
Shrubs	Moderate	Chamelaucium	floriferum		Used in flower arrangements, so people ask about it. Needs perfect drainage. Doesn't like hot, dry climate.
Shrubs	Moderate	Daphne	odora	'Marginata'	Very fussy about drainage!
Shrubs	Moderate	Escallonia	rubra		Big shrub with dark, glossy green leaves and dark red flowers. Leaves have a resinous odor. Flowers attract hummingbirds.
Shrubs	Moderate	Euonymus	alata	'Compacta'
Shrubs	Moderate	Fatsia	japonica		Will grow to more than 6', but can be cut back periodically to control height.
Shrubs	Moderate	Forsythia	intermedia		'Beatrix Farrand', 'Lynwood Gold', 'Spring Glory' are selected varieties.
Shrubs	Moderate	Hebe	buxifolia		All Hebes are very prone to a fungus which attacks through the roots. This variety has very small leaves and a tight grow habit.
Shrubs	Moderate	Hebe	X	'Coed'	Red stams profuse purple - pink flowers.
Shrubs	Moderate	Hebe	X	'Patty's Purple'	Compact with rose-lavender flowers.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	altaclarensis	'Wilsoni'	Big holly with large, shiny, dark green leaves. Sets large lacquer-red berries without a pollenizer.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	aquifolium	'Variegata' is most common	The classic holly. Nice pyramidal growth habit with foliage that looks clean and shiny year-around. Great cover for songbirds. Male and female plants needed to get berries, and most growers don't label them.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	cornuta		'Burfordi Nana' and 'Rotunda' are most common forms. 'Rotunda' has rounder leaves.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	crenata	'Rotundifolia'	Berries aren't showy.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	hybrids		'Nellie Stevens' and 'San Jose' are two that are common in the trade. These both set fruit without cross-pollination.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ilex	x meservae		'Blue Boy' and 'Blue Girl' are varieties. Need both sexes to get berries.
Shrubs	Moderate	Isopogon	species		I. buxifolius, formosus are two species available. Marginally frost-hardy. Hummingbirds love them
Shrubs	Moderate	Ligustrum	japonica	'Suwanee River'
Shrubs	Moderate	Ligustrum	japonica	'Texanum'	This is a very common allergy plant in the olive family. Reseeds prolifically. Nevertheless, it is very tough, and makes a dense hedge to about 6 '- 8'.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ligustrum	japonicum		Common allergy plant. Reseeds prolifically. Ungainly growth habit. There really is no reason to plant this!
Shrubs	Moderate	Ligustrum	x	'Vicaryi'
Shrubs	Moderate	Lonicera	korolkowii	'Zabelii'	Arching growth to 12', bluish foliage, deep rose flowers in late spring, bright red fruit in fall. Attract hummingbirds and songbirds.
Shrubs	Moderate	Luma	apiculata		Tough myrtle-like shrub with rugged character.
Shrubs	Moderate	Philodendron	selloum		Hardy outdoor tropical plant. 'Hope' and 'Xanadu' are dwarf varieties
Shrubs	Moderate	Photinia	X fraseri		Very popular, fast-growing shrub that makes a great screen or hedge. Can even be trained as a small tree. But it is being used so much that fireblight and lace bug are becoming serious pests. Avoid pruning in spring to prevent fireblight. Light oil sprays can help control lace bugs.
Shrubs	Moderate	Photinia	serratifolia		Formerly sold as P. serrulata. Once the most commonly sold Photinia, there are many excellent old specimens in the older parts of Davis. Mildew in the growing grounds caused most growers to switch to P. Fraseri when it was introduced. Still an excellent, very large shrub, but .
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	crassifolium		Fuzzy grey-green leaves. 'Nana' is a miniature shrub to 3'. Subject to dieback in heavy wet soils. I have not seen this do well in Davis.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	eugenioides		Subject to dieback in heavy wet soils. Gets a leaf-spot disease that makes it unattractive.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	tenuifolium		Can get scale, spider mites in this area. Leaf-spot disease can be a problem. Dwarf variety is becoming available, and it seems to be more resistant to the leaf-spot, but dieback is a problem. I have not seen this species do well consistently in Davis.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	tobira		One of the toughest landscape shrubs. Grows in full sun or considerable shade. Can be pruned as a hedge, trained as a tree, or left to grow naturally. Dark, shiny leaves look good all the time. Flowers smell like orange blossoms. All parts of the plant are poisonous; shiny orange seeds are the main concern.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	tobira	'Variegatum'	Creamy-colored leaves; somewhat slower-growing than P. tobira.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	tobira	'Wheeler's Dwarf'	Grows in full sun or considerable shade. Dark, shiny leaves look good all the time. Flowers smell like orange blossoms, but this variety is a shy bloomer.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pittosporum	undulatum		Frost-tender in the Sacramento Valley. Subject to dieback in heavy wet soils.
Shrubs	Moderate	Platycladus	orientalis		Also called Thuja and Arborvitae. Several varieties; range from 6' to 15' +. 'Aurea Nana' has gold foliage, grows slowly to 6'.
Shrubs	Moderate	Podocarpus	gracilior		Very graceful, useful evergreen tree that we usually use as a large shrub or espalier. Shiny, dark green leaves. Will take all but the hottest sun, as well as considerable shade.
Shrubs	Moderate	Podocarpus	henkeli		Broader-leaved, denser-growing species. Great for a solid, dark-green hedge in moderate sun or shade.
Shrubs	Moderate	Podocarpus	macrophyllus		Strange looking species that can be used effectively. Leaves are coarser than P. gracilior, and the growth habit is more open. Can be a unique specimen when staked and trained carefully. 'Maki' is a dwarf version that grows as a narrow, shaggy column and is just plain weird-looking--a Dr. Seuss plant.
Shrubs	Moderate	Prunus	cistena		Leaves come out bright red in spring, turning to burgundy in summer. Nice white flowers in March. Naturally grows as large shrub, but some growers train it up as a single-trunked tree.
Shrubs	Moderate	Prunus	glandulosa	'Rosea Plena'	Dwarf flowering almond.
Shrubs	Moderate	Prunus	laurocerasus		Very large shrub with large, shiny leaves. Fragrant, small flowers in spring attract beneficial insects. Widely planted in older parts of Davis. Fireblight can be a problem, and borers may attack stressed or older plants. 'Otto Luyken' and 'Zabeliana' a dwarf varieties.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pyracantha	coccinea	'Kasan', 'Lalandei'	Upright growers with orange-red berries. Fireblight can be a problem.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pyracantha	crenatoserrata	'Graberi'	Formerly P. fortuneana. Probably the most common large Pyracantha variety. Profuse dark-red berries. Fireblight can be a problem.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pyracantha	koidzumii	'Santa Cruz'	Red berries. Spreading habit, but very trainable as espalier. Resistant to fireblight.
Shrubs	Moderate	Pyracantha	X	'Leprechaun'	Miniature form of the familiar winter-berried shrub. This one grows to 3' x 4'.
Shrubs	Moderate	Rhaphiolepis	indica	several varieties available	Inian hawthorn. White form is 'Clara'. Low pink forms are 'Ballerina', 'Pinkie', 'Pink Dancer' (all the same plant with different names). Medium pink forms are 'Pink Lady' , 'Rosea', 'Jack Evans' (upright growth).
Shrubs	Moderate	Rhaphiolepis	umbellata minor		Yedda hawthorn. Pure white relative of Indian hawthorn, with nice tight growth habit.
Shrubs	Moderate	Rhaphiolepis	x	'Majestic Beauty'	Very large Indian hawthorn, with very showy flowers in spring. .
Shrubs	Moderate	Ribes	aureum		'Golden currant'. Yellow flowers, yellow fruit, nice informal habit with light green leaves. 4 - 6'.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ribes	sanguineum glutinosum	'	Pink winter currant'. The showiest flowered species of Ribes. 5 - 10'+, easily pruned for size control. Pink blossoms in spring, blue-black fruit. Deciduous. Great for birds.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ribes	speciosum		'Fuchsia flowering gooseberry'. Spiny, interesting-looking shrub with attractive flowers. Nearly evergreen.
Shrubs	Moderate	Rosa	hybrids		Roses range in size and growth habit. Although roses thrive when given plenty of water they can tolerat drought. Many species, heirloom, climbing, and shrub roses can take considerable drought once established and can be grown just as informally as other landscape shrubs.
Shrubs	Moderate	Sarcococca	ruscifolia		Tolerates total shade. Ve-e-ery slow growing. Tiny white flowers smell like Gardenias, bloom in winter.
Shrubs	Moderate	Serissa	foetida		Little pink or white flowers, pretty much all the time. Great for containers or bonsai.
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	albiflora		3' mound with pale green leaves, white flowers.
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	japonica		Summer blooming with pink flowers. Dwarf varieties include: 'Alpina', 'Anthony Waterer', 'Little Princess', 'Shirobana'. There are golden variegated varieties.
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	prunifolia		Shoe button spiraea. 'plena' has double flowers.
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	reevesiana
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	thunbergii	'Fujino Pink'	3' mound with light pink flowers.
Shrubs	Moderate	Spiraea	X	'Vanhouttei'	The classic birdal wreath shrub.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ugni	molinae		Chilean guava. Little shrub with tasty fruit.
Shrubs	Moderate	Ulmus	parvifolia	'Hokkaido'	Very dwarf elm used for bonsai; can also be used as a landscape specimen.
Shrubs	Moderate	Viburnum	suspensum		Big shiny leaves on a plant with an open growth habit. Can be clipped for greater density. Flowers are fragrant--odd, musky/fruity scent.
Shrubs	Moderate	Viburnum	tinus		One of the few Viburnums that can take direct sun and grows very well here. Attractive flower buds in fall, flowers in winter, shiny blue berries in spring and summer. Great for beneficial insects and songbirds. Can be pruned, but looks especially good if allowed to grow naturally with only light clipping. 'Robustum' grows fast to 10'+. 'Spring Bouquet' grows 2 - 3' a year to 6' +.
Shrubs	Moderate	Weigela	floribunda		Prone to iron chlorosis in Davis and Woodland. Usually look pretty ugly here, except when in bloom.

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Trees	Moderate	Acer	buergeranum		Trident maple. Maples prefer irrigation but many can tolerate periods of drought. Bushy small tree to about 25', usually lower. Soft green foliage; bright red or orange fall color. Nice for small courtyards or patios. Prefers regular watering.
Trees	Moderate	Acer	macrophyllum		California native maple; grows near streams and in moist canyons. Huge tree.
Trees	Moderate	Acer	saccharinum		Very fast-growing, huge tree. Aggressive roots, brittle branches, and tendency to get aphids in summer (leads to sticky drip all over everything) make it unsuitable for most residential situations.
Trees	Moderate	Acer	truncatum		Good substitute for Japanese maple! Small tree with attractive, shiny leaved, spreading planar growth habit. Tolerant of heat, sun, wind. 'Norwegian Sunset' is a larger leaved hybrid.
Trees	Moderate	Acer	X	several varieties available	A number of new hybrid maples have been introduced in recent years that are performing well in this area. Most grow moderately fast to 30' or more, and have vibrant fall color. Prefer regular irrigation; good in lawns. 'October Glory', 'Autumn Blaze', 'Red Sunset' are proving popular.
Trees	Moderate	Chionanthus	retusus		Like a giant white lilac! Blooms with masses of small white flowers in June and July.
Trees	Moderate	Crataegus	laevigatum		'Paul's Scarlet' has very showy rose pink flowers, very little fruit. 'Crimson Cloud' has bright red flowers, showy red fruit. These are very pretty trees, but unfortunately prone to fireblight.
Trees	Moderate	Crataegus	phaenopyrum		Masses of white flowers in spring. Shiny red fruit hangs on through fall and winter. Good in lawns. Fireblight resistant. Availability very limited.
Trees	Moderate	Ligustrum	japonicum		Common allergy plant. Reseeds prolifically. Ungainly growth habit. There really is no reason to plant this!
Trees	Moderate	Ligustrum	lucidum		Common allergy plant. Heavy fruit crop. Reseeds prolifically.
Trees	Moderate	Liquidambar	styraciflua		Very subject to iron chlorosis and salt burn when irrigated regularly. Established trees with limited summer irrigation sometimes look acceptable in better-drained soils in South and East Davis and parts of Woodland. Otherwise, not recommended. Great fall color, though!
Trees	Moderate	Liriodendron	tulipifera		Grows 3 - 4' a year, with an upright habit. Foliage is yellow-green. Flowers are odd greenish yellow with orange base, look sort of like tulips. Good in lawns. Yellow fall color. Leaves may show some salt-burn, but not unsightly. Good substitute for Liquidambar in Davis, Woodland.
Trees	Moderate	Lyonothamnus	floribundus asplenifolius		Beautiful shiny divided green foliage, mahogany bark. Now considered frost-hardy here. Nice group in the UCD Arboretum. Slow to moderate, upright grower.
Trees	Moderate	Malus	X		Many varieties of crabapples are available: some are upright, some spreading, some very weeping. All can take heavy soil, lawn watering, or some drought. Flowers are red, pink, white. Look for fireblight resistant varieties.
Trees	Moderate	Pinus	contorta		Doesn't like extreme heat; give afternoon shade here. Pyramidal shape when young, then spreading and asymmetric. This is the windswept-looking pine on Northern California's coast.
Trees	Moderate	Pinus	densiflora	'Tanyosho'	Doesn't like extreme heat; give afternoon shade here. Makes a unique, flat-topped tree. Bears cones early. Good for bonsai or as specimen plant in Asian-style gardens.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	blireiana		Flowering plum with red leaves in spring, turning dark green in summer. Very little or no fruit. Earliest tree to bloom in spring, with pale pink flowers in February. Grows 3 - 4' a year to about 25', easily kept at 15'. Upright when young, eventually spreading.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	cerasifera	'Krauter Vesuvius'	Flowering plum with red leaves that stay burgundy through the summer. Usually very light fruit production. Grows 2'- 3' a year to about 15' with equal spread.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	cistena		Dwarf red leaved plum. Leaves come out bright red in spring, turning to burgundy in summer. Nice white flowers in March. Naturally grows as large shrub, but some growers train it up as a single-trunked tree.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	serrulata		There are many varieties of flowering cherries. 'Kwanzan' is especially showy, with large double pink flowers and a vase-shaped habit. 'Mt. Fuji' is white. Paint the trunk with interior white latex paint when young to prevent sunburn. All need excellent drainage.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	subhirtella	'Pendula'	Very graceful weeping flowering cherry with pale pink flowers in great profusion. Paint the trunk with interior white latex paint when young to prevent sunburn. There is a double-flowered form. Needs excellent drainage.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	subhirtella	'Snow Fountains'	Dwarf Weeping cherry. Beautiful dwarf flowering cherry: a fountain of single white flowers. Orange & gold fall color. 8 - 10' tall, 6' spread.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	x (campanulata hybrid)	'Okame'	Flowering cherry. Upright oval habit. Very early bloom, single carmine-pink flowers over a long period. Attractive foliage and nice fall color.
Trees	Moderate	Prunus	x yedoensis	'Akebono'	Beautiful flowering cherry with a spreading and slightly weeping habit. Billows of soft pink, double flowers. Give it room to spread--about 15' across. Paint the trunk with interior white latex paint when young to prevent sunburn. Needs excellent drainage.
Trees	Moderate	Pyrus	calleryana		Flowering pears. 'Bradford' was the original upright variety. Other varieties include Aristocrat, Capitol, Cleveland Select, etc. None of the Calleryana pears are recommended any more due to disease problems, mistletoe, bad branch structure; they're also invasive in the eastern US. Drought has been decimating them locally.
Trees	Moderate	Pyrus	kawakami		Grows 2 - 3' a year, with equal spread to height. White flowers in late winter; one of the first trees to bloom in Northern California. Very prone to fireblight and leaf-spot fungus! Not recommended, but there are many of them in the Davis area. Other than the diseases, which are quite unsightly, they are surprisingly tough trees. Nearly evergreen here.
Trees	Moderate	Quercus	ilex		Grows 3 - 4' per year, with very attractive, rich green, holly-like leaves; round-headed tree. Heavy leaf drop in spring can be annoying.
Trees	Moderate	Quercus	palustris		Grows 3 - 4' a year. Very upright at first, then round-headed and somewhat open. Sharply lobed leaves are attractive, dark green and glossy. May have nice fall color, but unfortunately leaves then turn brown and hang on well into the winter.
Trees	Moderate	Tilia	cordata	'Greenspire'	Grows 3 - 4' a year, with a formal pyramidal growth habit, rich green foliage. Very tidy. Pretty yellow flowers in July (bees like the flowers); nice yellow fall color.
Trees	Moderate	Ulmus	japonica x wilsoniana	'Morton' (Accolade)	Elm. Grows 3 - 5' a year with arching limbs, vase shape. Looks like the classic American elm. Resistant to elm leaf beetle, Dutch Elm disease, etc. Really a very nice tree that should be planted more. Has proven quite drought tolerant once established.
Trees	Moderate	Ulmus	parvifolia	'Drake'	Chinese elm grows 4 - 5' a year, with rapid spread, becoming a beautiful semi-weeping tree. Shiny green leaves, beautiful mottled bark. Leaf litter begins in June and continues all summer, so they are very, very messy. Leaf drop is much heavier when drought stressed. Needs careful training and pruning to select good branch structure.
Trees	Moderate	Zelkova	serrata	'Village Green'	Moderately fast grower with smooth trunk, arching habit, nice fall color (rusty red).

Type_Class	Drought tolerant	Genus	Species	Variety	Comments
Vine ground covers	Moderate	Lonicera	japonica	'Halliana'	Rampant vine with fragrant flowers throughout the summer. Can be pruned severely or mowed occasionally. Shade tolerant. Twines. Can take over your yard, so not really recommended.
Vines	Moderate	Akebia	quinata		Very striking foliage makes a pretty pattern Interesting vanilla-scented flowers may be followed by unusual purple, sausage-shaped, edible fruit. Uncommon. Tendrils.
Vines	Moderate	Clematis	armandi		Salt-sensitive; leaves burn in Davis and Woodland. Very vigorous grower with fragrant white flowers in February. Grows fine, but leaves look bad.
Vines	Moderate	Clianthus	puniceus		Feathery leaves, bright rose flowers. 'White Heron' is white (obviously!). Not common in the trade.
Vines	Moderate	Clytostoma	callistegioides		Beautiful soft-lavender flowers in late spring. Attract hummingbirds. Well-mannered vine. Subject to iron chlorosis in heavy soils and where irrigated too frequently. Tendrils.
Vines	Moderate	Humulus	lupulus		Hops. Extremely fast-growing to 30'+. Once grown commercially in the Sacramento area, the female flowers are used to flavor beer. Dies to the ground in winter; resprouts from roots.
Vines	Moderate	Jasminum	nudiflorum		Primrose-yellow flowers in late winter. Vigorous, arching growth habit, like a large shrub. Tie up. J. mesnyi is similar.
Vines	Moderate	Jasminum	polyanthum		Pink jasmine. Rampant, but worth it for incredibly fragrant white flowers (name comes from pink buds) in March through April, early May in cool springs. Cut back severely after bloom if it has gotten overgrown. Can be forced into bloom in winter in pots by bringing them indoors. Twines.
Vines	Moderate	Lonicera	heckrotii	'Gold Flame'	Moderate grower to 10' with gold and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Easily confined to a trellis by pruning. Twines.
Vines	Moderate	Lonicera	hildebrandiana		Vigorous vine to 15', with very large fragrant white blossoms which age to gold. Rare in the trade because it is difficult to propagate (sometimes grafted onto L. japonica, so watch for suckers!).
Vines	Moderate	Lonicera	japonica	'Halliana'	Rampant vine with fragrant white flowers (darkening yellow as they age) throughout the summer. Attracts hummingbirds. Can be pruned severely. Twines.
Vines	Moderate	Lonicera	sempervirens	'John Clayton'	Orange-yellow to scarlet flowers, scarlet fruit. Attracts hummingbirds and songbirds. Not rampant.
Vines	Moderate	Lonicera	x brownii	'Dropmore Scarlet'	Moderate grower to 10' with red and yellow flowers that attract hummingbirds. Twines. Not rampant.
Vines	Moderate	Mandevilla	laxa		Pretty heart-shaped leaves; white flowers smell like gardenia. Blooms all summer on new growth. Will grow and bloom in shade. Unlike other Mandevillas, it is cold hardy.
Vines	Moderate	Mandevilla	species and hybrids		Formerly classed as Dipladenia. Most are not hardy here; M. laxa is an exception. Showy red, pink, or white flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Parthenocissus	quinquefolia		Shiny, heavily veined leaves (with five leaflets) turn nice color in fall. Roots into structures. Protect from hot afternoon sun.
Vines	Moderate	Parthenocissus	tricuspidata		Shiny, large lobed or divided leaves (three lobes or leaflets) turn nice color in fall. Roots into structures. Protect from hot afternoon sun. 'Veitchii' is a preferred form with smaller leaves on a less rampant vine.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	hybrid	'Eynesford's Gem'	Most passion flowers are very vigorous but frost may limit plant size. See our separate list. This variety has small white flowers. Small white flowers. Tendrils.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	hybrid	'Lavender Lady'	Large showy lavender flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	hybrid	'Susan Brigham'	Huge deep pink flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	mollissima		Dark pink flowers, orange edible fruit.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	sanguinolenta		Flared coral flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	X	jamesonii	Coral pink flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Passiflora	X alato-coerulea		Large white and purple flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Rosa	hybrids		Many varieties to choose from. Most need full sun; 'Cecille Brunner Climber' is ok in partial shade.
Vines	Moderate	Solanum	jasminoides		Vigorous but not rampant vine that's nearly always in bloom. Open habit. Tie up. New variety 'Maricela' has violet-tinged flowers.
Vines	Moderate	Solanum	rantonnetii		Also sold as Lycianthes rantonettii. Purple flowers in summer and fall. Freeze limits size. Can grow as shrub. Tie up.

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© 2008 Don Shor, Redwood Barn Nursery, Inc., 1607 Fifth Street, Davis, Ca 95616
www.redwoodbarn.com
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