Water Efficient Plants for the Sierra Foothills, Zone 7 - Nevada County, California

1. Resources Publications
Placer County Water Agency
http://www.pcwa.com
Water Wise Gardens of California
Drip Irrigation in the Home Landscape
UCANR Publication # 21579
Water-Efficient Landscaping: Prevent-
Water-wise
Landscaping
http://www.usbr.gov/mp/watershare/ ing Pollution/Using Resources Wisely
EPA Publication # EPA-832-F-02-002
Water Education Foundation http:/www.epa.gov/owm/water-efficiency
http://www.water-ed.org
More Landscape Water Use Pubs avail-
Water Saver Home able at the Dept. of Water Resources:
http://www.h2ouse.org http:/www.owue.water.ca.gov/landscape
For more info. call UCCE at 530-889-7385 or visit http://ceplacer.ucdavis.edu
WATER-WISE LANDSCAPING is a collaborative project of the University of California
Water Efficient
Cooperative Extension, UCCE Master Gardeners of Placer and Nevada Counties,
Placer County Water Agency, and the US Bureau of Reclamation. Plants
for the Sierra
Compiled and Edited by
Kevin Marini , UCCE Program Representative
UC Master Gardener Contributors:
Foothills
Ronnie Ingraham, Nancy Goumas, Sue Zulauf, Christy Haeuptle,
Connie Frank, JoAnn Moore, Liz Day, Judy Carroll, and Cooki Vonasek.
Layout and Design by
Frank Garrels, UCCE Placer County
Zone 7
(See page 3)
University of California Cooperative Extension Placer and Nevada Counties
in cooperation with
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veterans, recently separated veterans, Vietnam-era veterans or any other veterans who served on active duty during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized) in any of its
Placer County Water Agency and the US Bureau of Reclamation
programs or activities or with respect to any of its employment policies, practices, or procedures.
University Policy is intended to be consistent with the provisions of applicable State and Federal laws. Inquiries regarding the University’s nondiscrimination policies may be directed to the Affirmative Action/Staff
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
Personnel Services Director, University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, 1111 Franklin, 6th Floor, Oakland, CA 94607-5200; (510) 987-0096 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
University of California, United States Department of Agriculture, Placer and Nevada Counties Cooperating
16 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 1

2. GROUND COVER - CALIFORNIA NATIVES
About This Brochure Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
WATER-WISE LANDSCAPING is a collaborative project of the University
Arctostaphylos F to
of California Cooperative Extension, UCCE Master Gardeners of uva-ursi
Bearberry Ht to 15 ft. Y
PS
Many varieties
Placer and Nevada Counties, Placer County Water Agency, and the
H varies
US Bureau of Reclamation. We hope this brochure will provide Ceanothus spp. California Lilac
W varies
Y F Try ‘Julia Phelps’
appropriate information for creating responsible water efficient
landscapes. Included in the brochure are: Plant lists for Zone 7, tips
on using water efficiently, and additional resources for other
©J.S. Peterson
©St. Mary’s College of California
questions regarding watering wisely. Evening
primrose
Why should you use Water Efficient Plants
©St. Mary’s College
in your landscape and garden?
of California
Water is a precious resource to be used wisely. In our gardens and Dwarf coyote bush
landscapes, water is often applied in excess of what is actually
needed by the plant. In this way, we not only waste water and
money, but we also contribute to poor plant health and environmental Steps to a BEAUTIFUL and WATER EFFICIENT Garden
pollution. With our population continuing to increase, a clean and 1. Improve the soil. A soil that is amended with compost and high in organic
sustainable water supply may be the most important issue we face matter will absorb and hold water better than poor soils. This allows plant
today. We CAN have beautiful lush gardens and landscapes and roots to penetrate deeper into the soil where they can utilize additional water
use water efficiently at the same time! and nutrients.
2. Use Mulches. A 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch can provide many benefits:
erosion control, weed reduction, and moisture retention.
Plant List Guide ___ Page 3. Select water-wise plants. By using plants that have low water requirements, a
• Perennials……………………………………… 4-5 significant amount of water (and money) can be saved. REMEMBER, every
• Trees………………………………………….... 6-7 plant requires some supplemental water while they are becoming established
• Ornamental Grasses………………………….. 8 (one to two years).
• Herbs …………… …………… …………….… 9 4. Consider reducing lawn areas or lawn alternatives. Because lawns require
• Vines………………………………………….… 10 large amounts of water, fertilizer, money, and time, try and only plant as much
• Shrubs……………………………….………… 11-13 as you need and make sure to plant the appropriate type of turfgrass for your
• Ground Cover……………………………….... 14-15 climate.
5. Use hydrozoning. Group plants together that have the same exposure and
Plant photographs in this booklet are used with permission of the water needs and then place them along the same irrigation lines.
U.S. Department of Agriculture from the USDA PLANTS National Data Base.
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
2 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 15

3. GROUND COVER
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Irrigating the Home Landscape
Baccharis pilularis Dwarf Coyote Bush
Ht 8-24 in.
Y F
Low maintenance Some Dos and Don’ts
W 6+ ft. ground cover
• Check your system regularly and carefully and repair broken
Ht 1 ft. F to Spreads by rhizomes; irrigation lines, sprinklers, or drip emitters.
Calyophus hartwegii Sierra Sundrop N
W 2+ ft. PS yellow flowers
Ht 1 ft.
• Avoid overspray from sprinklers onto sidewalks, patios, or
Shear or mow annually;
Ceratostigma F to other areas that don’t need to be irrigated
Dwarf Plumbago W spreads N may be invasive; some
plumbaginoides PS water in hottest areas
rapidly • If you use an automatic irrigation timer, reset it 3 or 4 times
Cistus spp. Rockrose
Ht varies
Y F
Pretty foliage and flowers; during the year to adjust for the seasons.
W varies good erosion control
• Do not leave sprinkler or drip systems on so long that water
Convolvulus Ht 1 ft. May be invasive; very begins to run off into the gutter or away from the landscape.
Ground Morning Glory Y F
sabaticus W spreads versatile
• Know your plant materials and their water needs: some
Ht varies F to
Juniperus spp. Juniper
W varies
Y
PS
Easy to grow plants need to be irrigated frequently, while others may not
need any irrigation water.
Ht 1 ft. F to Spreads by
Mahonia repens Creeping Mahonia Y • Use separate irrigation valves and programs for turf areas.
W 3 ft. PS underground stems
Typically, turf requires much more water than woody plants.
Evening Primrose; Ht varies F to
Oenothera spp. Y Can be invasive • Irrigating shortly before sunrise is best for most plants. Avoid
Sundrops W spreads PS
Ht 6 in. Spreads quickly; needs
irrigating during windy periods.
Potentilla verna Potentilla Y PS
W spreads some water • Check the soil moisture often. This will give a good indication
Ht 2-3 ft. Good under native when you need to water.
Ribes viburnifolium Evergreen Currant Y PS
W 8 ft. oaks • Monitor your plants regularly for signs of water deficit or
Ht 1-2 ft. Look for cold-hardy excess.
Rosmarinus spp. Rosemary Y F
W 8 ft. varieties Source: Costello, L.R. and K.S. Jones.2003 Irrigating
Ht 1 ft. Small pink flowers; can the Home Landscape, University of California
Saponaria ocymoides Rock soapwort N F spread; likes some water Cooperative Extension, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
W 3+ ft.
Ht varies F to S. spathulifolium is
Sedum spp. Stonecrop Y The following Water-Efficient Plants are only a portion of the many
W varies PS California native
Ht 8 in.
plants that have low water requirements.
Teucrium cossonii Germander Y F Stands poor soil The Sunset Western Garden Book is a great resource for more plants
W 1-2 ft.
Ht varies F to that fit into a water-wise landscape.
Verbena spp. Verbena Y Many species Zone 7 - Typical winter lows 23o to 9oF. Record lows 15o to –1oF.
W varies PS
Optimal growing season May through the first week of October.
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
14 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 3

4. PERENNIALS - CALIFORNIA NATIVES SHRUBS - CALIFORNIA NATIVES
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Eschscholzia Grown as summer Adenostoma Ht 5-12 ft. Very low water; highly
California Poppy Ht 8-24 in. Y F
californica annual; reseeds freely Chamise N F flammable - plant away
fasciculatum W to 10 ft. from structures
Ht 4-5 ft. PS to Deep taproot: little water
Dicentra chrysantha Golden Eardrops N Ht 8-10 ft. F to Many selections incl.
W 1-2 ft. Shade during flowering Arctostaphylos spp. Manzanita Y
W 10-12 ft. PS California native
Shrubby Monkey Ht to 4 ft. F to Woody-based Low growing; can
Mimulus aurantiacus Y Ht 3 ft.
Flower W same PS perennial Baccharis pilularis Coyote Bush Y F withstand wind, heat and
W 4-5 ft. poor soil
Late spring and
Ht 1-2 ft.
Monardella villosa Coyote Mint N F summer bloomer; Carpenteria Ht 4-6 ft. Little water; resistant to
W 1-1½ ft. Bush Anemone Y PS
needs very little water californica W 4-6 ft. oak root fungus
Penstemon Ht 2 ft. F to Variable appearance; Ht varies Many selections for
Foothill Penstemon Y Ceanothus spp. Wild Lilac Y F
heterophyllus W 3 ft. PS free flowering W varies drought resistance
*spreads indef. by Ht 6-10 ft. Evergreen or deciduous
Ht 6-8 ft. rhizomes. Can be Cercocarpus spp. Mountain Mahogany N F
Romneya coulteri Matilija Poppy Y F W 6-12 ft. choices; little or no water
W* invasive; very large
blossoms. Ht varies F to
Dendromecon spp. Bush Poppy Y Little water
Attractive to W varies PS
Zauschneria Ht 1-2 ft.
California Fuchsia Y F hummingbirds; silvery Fremontodendron Ht 20 ft. Rust-colored hairs on
californica W 4+ ft. Flannel Bush Y F
foliage; scarlet flowers californicum W 12 ft. plant can irritate skin
Heteromeles Ht 10-25 ft. F to Bright red berries
Common Toyon Y
arbutifolia W 12-25 ft. PS November to January
©St. Mary’s College
Yarrow
©St. Mary’s College of California
Ht 3 ft. F to
of California
Mahonia repens Creeping Mahonia Y Good for winter color
W 3 ft. PS
©George F. Russell
Ht 10-25 ft. F to Red or blue edible fruit
California Prunus ilicifolia Hollyleaf Cherry N
W 10-25 ft. PS in June is messy
Poppy
Ht 3-15 ft. F to Berries, if not eaten by
Rhamnus californica Coffeeberry Y birds, ripen green to red
W 8 ft. PS
PERENNIALS Ribes viburnifolium Evergreen Currant
Ht 3-6 ft.
Y PS
Fragrant evergreen
W 12 ft. shrub
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Ht 3 ft. Many garden varieties Got questions? Call the UC Master Gardener HotLine
Achillea millefolium Common Yarrow W spreads by Y F with different flower
runners colors Placer County 530-889-7388 - Nevada County 530-273-0919
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
4 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 13

5. PERENNIALS
©J.S. Peterson
Creeping
©St. Mary’s College of California
mahonia Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Ht to 4 ft. F or May need afternoon
silktassel Agapanthus spp. Lily of the Nile Y
W 3 ft. PS shade in hottest areas
Ht 2½ ft. F or Fragrant leaves,
Agastache rupestris Licorice Mint N
W 1½ ft. PS orange flower spikes
SHRUBS
Wormwood, Angel’s Ht 2-3 ft. Many species; silvery
Artemisia spp. Y F
Hair, etc. W varies foliage; fragrant
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks Ht 1 ft. Soft, gray foliage;
Centaurea cineraria Dusty Miller Y F
W 1 ft. easy to grow
Ht 10-15 ft. F to Very tolerant, fast-
Dodonaea viscosa Hopseed Bush N Ht 2 ft. Other species suitable
W 10-15 ft. PS growing shrub; evergreen Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis Y F
W 1½ ft. to low water also
Ht 10-15 ft. F to Can be sheared as
Elaeagnus pungens Silverberry Y Ht varies Includes native
W 10-15 ft. PS hedge Eriogonum spp. Wild Buckwheat Y F
W varies E. fasciculatum
Ht 18 ft. Great flowers; can
Feijoa sellowiana Pineapple guava Y F Ht to 4 ft. Long bloomer on
W 18 ft. take training or pruning Gaura lindheimeri Gaura N F
W 2-3 ft. flower spikes
Ht 9 ft. F to Evergreen; takes heat
Garrya fermontii Silktassel Y Ht 2-4 ft. Long bloom period;
W 9 ft. PS and cold Gaillardia grandiflora Blanket flower Y F
W 2 ft. thrive in hot weather
Ht 3-4 ft.
Potentilla fruticosa Shrubby cinquefoil Y PS Very tough shrub Ht varies Water requirements
W 3-4 ft. Iris spp. Iris Y Varies
W varies vary.
Ht Varies Orange-red berries; easy
Pyracantha spp. Firethorn Y F Mexican Evening H 1 ft. F to Spreads by rhizomes;
W Varies to grow Oenothera speciosa Y
Primrose W 3 ft.+ PS aggressive
Needs good drainage;
Ht Varies *PS in hottest areas
Rhus spp. Sumac Y F fall color (deciduous) or Ht varies
W Varies evergreen Penstemon spp. Beard Tongue Y F* Numerous species,
W varies some Calif. natives
Ht Varies Try Salvia apiana, an
Salvia spp. Sage Y Varies Ht 3-4 ft. Very resistant to heat
W Varies evergreen Perovskia spp. Russian Sage N F
W same and drought
Ht 2-3 ft. Attractive foliage;
Santolina spp. Lavender Cotton Y F
©J.S. Peterson
Bush W 3 ft. aromatic
©St. Mary’s College of California
©St. Mary’s College of California
Anemone Ht varies Succulent, many
Sedum spp. Stone crop Y Varies
W varies shapes & sizes
©St. Mary’s College
Hollyleaf
cherry Ht varies Tough plants that can
of California
Teucrium spp. Germander Y F
W varies stand poor soils
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
12 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 5

6. TREES
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
©J.S. Peterson
©J.S. Peterson
Ht 8-35 ft. F or Good in a wide range
Arbutus unedo Strawberry Tree Y
W same PS of climates/soils
Ht. 20-25 ft. F or Deciduous, nice fall acacia
Acer buergeranum Trident Maple N
W same PS color
Ht 50 ft., F or Resistant to oak root
Celtis occidentalis Common Hackberry Y
almost as wide PS fungus
Butterfly
Bush
Ht 20 ft. Resistant to oak root
Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree Y F
W same fungus; train as tree ©J.S. Peterson ©J.S. Peterson
Cupressus arizonica Arizona Cypress
Ht. 40 ft.
W 20 ft.
Y F
Mass for windbreak or
screen SHRUBS
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Ht. 25 ft. Excellent decorative
Lagerstroemia indica Grape Myrtle Y F
Spread varies tree; many varieties Ht varies Choose hardy varieties;
Acacia spp. Acacia Y F
W varies attractive to birds
Ht. 12-40 ft. F or Traditional bay leaves
Laurus nobilis Sweet Bay Y Evergreen or
W same PS for cooking Ht varies F to deciduous; some
Berberis spp. Barberry Y varieties more drought
Diverse heights/ W varies PS
Many choices for low tolerant than others
Pinus spp. Various Pine species widths with Y F
pruning water
May die to ground in
Ht 4-10 ft. F to
Ht 40-60 ft. Resistant to oak root Buddleia davidii Butterfly Bush Y freeze, but will re-grow
Pistacia chinensis Chinese Pistache N F W to 10 ft. PS in spring
W 20-30 ft. fungus; good fall color
Attractive to
Ht 6-8 ft.
Ht 10-30 ft. Evergreen; white Calliandra tweedii Brazilian Flame Bush Y F hummingbirds; showy
Prunus lusitanica Portugal Laurel N F W 6-8 ft. flower clusters
W same flowers; shrub or tree
Ht 10-15 ft. Very tolerant of heat,
Callistemon citrinus Lemon Bottlebrush Y F
Quercus spp. Oak (see natives) —- — — —— W 10-15 ft. cold, or poor soils
Ht varies Evergreen; white or
Cistus spp. Rockrose Y F
Ht 40 ft. Tolerates poor soil; W varies pink-tinted flowers
Robina x ambigua Purple Robe N F
W 20 ft. spreads by suckers Ht 12-15 ft.
Cotinus coggygria Smoke Tree Y F Likes poor, rocky soil
W to 6 ft.
Ht 60 ft. Big tree; fairly tolerant
Zelkova serrata Saw Leaf Zelkova N F
W same of wind and drought
Shrubs continued on page 12
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
6 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 11

7. VINES TREES - CALIFORNIA NATIVES
1 2
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR Sun Remarks Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Plant in
sun, More tolerant of Ht 10-20 ft.
6-10 ft fast Aesculus californica California Buckeye Y F Shrub or tree
Clematis texensis Scarlet Celmatis N roots warm summers and W 20-30 ft.
growing like cool low water
shade
Ht 75-90 ft. F or Can withstand heat
Calocedrus decurrens Incense Cedar N
40 ft. can W 15 ft. PS and poor soils
Fallopia Very vigorous, white
Lace Vine cover large N F
baldschuanica flowers All year interest;
area Ht 75-90 ft. F or
Cercis occidentalis Western Redbud N resistant to oak root
Common White F to Very fragrant flowers; W 10-18 ft. PS
Jasminum officinale To 30 ft. Y fungus
Jasmine PS blooms all summer
Q. kelloggii
Native to Quercus spp. (many) Q. llobata
Lonicera F to Mediterranean Q. doudlasii
Woodbine 10-20 ft. N
periclymenum PS region; fragrant
flowers Umbellularia Ht 25+ ft. Mass for windbreak or
California Bay N F
californica W 25+ ft. screen
Parthenocissus vigorous F to Nice crimson fall
Virginia Creeper N
quinquefolia grower PS color
Passiflora spp. Passion Vine N Moderate water
F to Vigorous grower and
Rosa banksiae Lady Banks Rose To 20 ft. + N
PS aphid resistant
Native to California;
F to
Vitis californica California Wild Grape To 30 ft. N Nice red and yellow
PS
fall color
Wisteria ssp. Wisteria Y F Very adaptable
COMMON WHITE
Beard tongue jASMINE Scarlet Clematis Incense cedar Western Redbud
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
10 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 7

8. ORNAMENTAL GRASSES HERBS
Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks Botanical Name Common Name Mature Size DR1 Sun2 Remarks
Not fussy as to soil and Ht 2-3 ft. F to Tolerates poor soil;
Big Bluestem; Ht 3-5 ft. F to moisture; effective Borago officinalis Borage N
Andropogon gerardii N W 2 ft. PS edible flowers
Turkey Foot W 3 ft. PS screen; good accent
plant Many uses in the
Ht 2-3 ft.
Origanum spp. Oregano; Marjoram N F kitchen; may need
Ht 2 ft. Tough, heat and W 2-3 ft. some afternoon shade
Bouteloua spp. Bouteloua Y F
W 2 ft. drought tolerant
Ht varies Not all are low water
Rattlesnake Grass; Salvia spp. Sage N F
Briza media Ht 1-2 in. Y F
Clusters of nodding W varies plants or used as herbs
Quaking Grass seed-bearing spikelets
Ht varies T. vulgaris (common
Deschampsia Ht 2 ft. Excellent in dry, Thymus spp. Thyme N PS
Crinkled Hair Grass Y PS W varies thyme) a good choice
flexuosa W 1 ft. woodland shade
Choose hardiest types;
Ht varies
Ht 2-3 ft. F to Low, vigorous clumps of Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary N F very versatile indoors
Leymus arenarius Blue Lyme Grass N blue-green leaves; good W varies and out
W 2 ft. PS soil binder
Perennial type used for
Ht to 6 ft. F to Silvery green foliage Ht 3-5 ft. seeds and leaves;
Miscanthus sinensis Maiden Grass Y Foeniculum vulgare Fennel N F annual type for edible
W to 6 ft. PS turns bronze in fall W 2 ft.
leaf bases
Dark green mounded
Muhlenbergia Ht 3 ft. F to
Pink Muhly N form with feathery
capillaris W 6 ft. PS reddish flowers
Dense clumps of foliage
Ht 4 ft. F to
Muhlenbergia rigens Deer Grass N with yellow or purple
W 4 ft. PS flower spikes
Nodding Needle Ht 3 ft. Deep green leaves;
Nassella cernua N F
Grass W 2 ft. purple awns to 4½ ft.
Ht 4-7 ft. F to Foliage turns yellow in
Panicum virgatum Switch Grass Y
W 2-4 ft. PS fall, then beige
Ht 3 ft. F to “Little Bunny” dwarf
Pennisetum spp. Fountain Grass Y
W 3 ft. PS 1½ ft. wide and high Blue lyme grass
Giant Feather grass
Ht 3 ft. Tough, deep rooted; can
Sporobolus airoides Alkali Sacaton N F
W 3 ft. take alkaline conditions
Remember: All plants need some water to help get established
Ht 2-3 ft. Open, airy flowers can in their new homes. The terms “drought tolerant,”
Stipa gigantea Giant Feather Grass Y F
W 2-3 ft. rise to 6 ft.
“low water,” and “water-wise” usually refer to the
water requirements of an established plant.
1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade 1. DR = Deer Resistant 2. Sun: F = full sun, PS = partial shade
8 Water-wise Landscaping University of California Cooperative Extension - Placer & Nevada Counties 9