Common name:California Pepper, Peruvian Pepper
Botanical name:Schinus molle

The California Pepper is a fast-growing evegreen tree that will mature to a height of 25-40' and as wide. Its bright green leaves are divided into many narrow, 1 1/2-2" long leaflets. If your property is adjacent to a channel, please consider NOT planting Schinus as it can end up clogging the channel. Eventually, it will overtake a small front or back yard because of its size.

Common name:Chartreuse Euphorbia
Botanical name:Euphorbia characias

This perennial will reach about 4' tall and wide with a rounded shape. It has blue green leaves with lime green flowers (actually bracts) that bloom from late winter to early spring. When bracts turn yellow, it's time to prune them. Make sure you wear gloves when pruning as plant exudes sap that could cause allergic reaction. This plant does well in full sun and is drought tolerant once it's established. It does spread through saplings but it can easily be controlled.

Common name:Santa Barbara Daisy, Mexican Daisy
Botanical name:Erigeron karvinskianus

This low mounding perennial is used as a ground cover since it reaches 2' tall and spreads 5'. It has fine textured, green leaves and white to pinkish, daisy-like flowers with gold centers that bloom spring through fall in coastal areas. In warmer, inland areas, the plant appears to be semi-dormant but will perk up as soon as the weather starts to cool. Control its growth with watering as it can be invasive in some areas. It looks best in full sun in coastal areas but prefers afternoon shade in warm, inland areas. It attracts bees. This is a great plant for rock gardens, planters, containers, or spilling over walls.