Mid century shrubs - plant sheets

Bladderpod – Peritoma (Cleome/Isomeris) arborea (pair-ih-TOE-muh ar-bow-REE-uh)
Family: Capparaceae (Caper family)
Native to: Hills, bluffs, stabilized dunes from seacoast to the desert edges; Ca to Baja CA
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 2-10 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Moderate to large drought-deciduous shrub. Leaves are pale gray-green. Trunks of mature plants
have a gnarled, interesting shape – rather like a large bonsai. Root is a long taproot.
Blooms/fruits: Attractive yellow flowers in terminal bunches, primarily in spring. Flowers attract
hummingbirds. Seedpods are inflated “bladders” – hence the common name. Flowers, pods and
seeds are edible – can be used as a spicy flavoring.
Uses in the garden: On slopes or in backs of beds. As specimen plant (for mature shape which is
architectural). Has unusual scent which some find disagreeable – plant where people won’t brush
against it. Suitable for dry gardens, but loses leaves in dry season without occasional water. Can be
used for a natural/informal hedge or screen.
Sensible substitute for: large non-native shrubs, including hedge shrubs.
Attracts: Food and cover for birds, small wildlife. Attracts hummingbirds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun
Soil Needs well-drained soil; does best in sandy soils but tolerates clays
Water No supplemental water once established. Don’t overwater – very drought tolerant
Fertilizer None needed
Other Tolerates salt and alkali soils.
Management: light pruning if needed. Doesn’t require much care. Readily reseeds on bare soil.
Relatively disease and pest-free.
Propagation: from seed: relatively easy without any treatments. Collect mature seed spring-
summer. From cuttings: take hardwood cuttings in fall.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1-3, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 16, 19-21, 24, 26, 28 4/1/16
© Project SOUND

*Desert ceanothus – Ceanothus greggii (see-an-OH-thus GREG-ee-eye)
Family: Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Native to: Southwestern North America from CA to TX and south to Mexico. Locally Tehachapi
Mountains, the western transverse ranges, the White and Inyo ranges and the desert mountains in
Joshua Tree Woodland, Pinyon-Juniper Woodland, Sagebrush Scrub, Chaparral, Yellow Pine Forest.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-7 ft. mature width: 4-8 ft.
Evergreen woody shrub with many branches and mounded shape. Leaves small, leathery,
sclerophyllous and very drought-adapted. Plant grows mostly in spring but may grow and flower after
summer rains. Bark gray to red-gray. Moderate growth rate. Lives 30-90+ years.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in early spring – usually Jan-Mar. Fragrant flowers small, white or pale blue,
in dense clusters. Flowers are typical shape for Ceanothus, with spade-shaped petals. Plants are
covered with blossoms in a good year – very attractive and excellent pollinator plant.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a small-medium shrub in desert gardens. Probably one of the
better ceanothus for W. Los Angeles County water-wise gardens. Pretty as a small tree; good hedge
plant. Fine for slopes. Excellent butterfly/pollinator garden addition. Improves soil Nitrogen.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native medium-sized shrubs; N. CA Ceanothus species.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Many insect pollinators and
butterflies attracted by flowers.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Well-drained, rocky best; pH 5.5 to 7.5 (possibly slightly higher)
Water Summer water 1-2 times a month once established: Water Zone 2.
Fertilizer Not needed
Other Thin organic mulch (or none)
Management: Low maintenance–thrives on neglect. Nice natural shape. Plant on berm in clay soils.
Propagation: from seed: low yield by cuttings: yes
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 3, 8, 13, 14, 20, 24 1/9/15
* California native, but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

* Anderson’s Wolfberry – Lycium andersonii (LISS-ee-um an-der-SOW-nee-eye)
Family: Solanaceae (Nightshade Family)
Native to: Foothills and desert areas from S. CA to New Mexico and S. to Baja. Locally in the Mojave
desert; dry, stony hills, mesas & desert washes, usually below 4000 ft.
Growth characteristics: woody perennial shrub mature height:4-8+ ft. mature width:4-8+ ft.
Many-branched, rounded spiny shrub. Leaves are thick, fleshy, of variable size & shape depending on
moisture. Foliage very dense – provides good cover. In nature, grows singly or in clumps.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring, sometime between Mar & May. Flowers are tubular, white-lavender
in color, small but pretty up close. Hummingbirds like the nectar. Fruit is an edible orange fruit –
eaten raw, dried or cooked. Berries are very showy in Summer/Fall.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a hedge or large shrub in water-wise Southwestern gardens.
Good for hillsides & erosion control. Excellent habitat plant (see below). Nice addition for desert
palette gardens, particularly as it is a larger shrub. Can be pruned/shaped – even hedged.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent all-round habitat plant. Dense foliage provides cover, perches & nesting sites for
birds, small animals. Fruits and seeds eaten by birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade.
Soil Well-drained – sandy to gravelly is best;
Water Dry (Zone 1-2) to semi-dry (Zone 2 – probably best in garden setting)
Fertilizer None – low needs.
Other Tolerates maritime exposure, salty soils/water.
Management: Prune to shape, if desired. Remove dead branches. Long-lived and hardy.
Propagation: from seed: yes; fresh seed by cuttings: use growth hormone; difficult
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 10, 13, 16, 21 1/29/10
* CA native plant – probably not native to Western L.A. county © Project SOUND

* Pink Fairyduster – Calliandra eriophylla (cal-lee-ANN-druh ear-ee-AW-fil-luh )
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Sonoran Desert of Baja CA, north to CA and east to TX. San Diego, Imperial & Riverside
Counties; dry, gravelly slopes & mesas, sandy washes at 2000-5000 feet elevation (600-1500 m).
Growth characteristics: perennial shrub mature height: 2-5 ft. mature width: 3-6 ft.
Woody perennial shrub that is drought deciduous in nature, may be evergreen in garden setting.
Upright to sprawling habit. Densely branched. Leaves bright to blue-green, compound with small
leaflets. Moderate growth rate; spreads via rhizomes. More vigorous with added water.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – often as early as Feb/Mar but may be Apr/May. Flower clusters
with light pink to reddish-purple stamens look like a miniature duster. Very showy – can literally cover
the plant in fluffy pink puffballs that attract hummingbirds & large butterflies. Flowers have a strong
musky scent at twilight. Fruits are dehiscent pods - open explosively, dispersing the seeds.
Uses in the garden: Good choice for informal hedge. Does well on slopes for erosion control. Nice
sized shrub for water-wise and desert-themed gardens. Good, low-maintenance plant for hot
parkways. Excellent habitat potential. Good accent plant – very exotic-looking when in bloom.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native small shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides cover, nectar and seeds. Attracts butterflies,
hummingbirds, ground foraging birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part shade.
Soil Well-drained soils best; any local pH.
Water None needed (very drought tolerant) but looks better with occasional water (Zone
1-2 or even 2 is fine)
Fertilizer None needed.
Other Inorganic mulch best
Management: Tip-prune to increase fullness if desired. Light pruning to shape in late spring after
flowering. Other than that, minimal management needed. Very pest-free.
Propagation: from seed: hot water treatment; easy by cuttings: ?
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. © Project SOUND

* Apache Plume – Fallugia paradoxa (fah-LEW-gee-uh par-uh-DOX-uh)
Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
Native to: Sonoran Desert mountains and foothills from eastern S. California to western TX and south
to N. Mexico; on dry, rocky slopes, open Pinyon-Juniper woodlands and dry washes from 3000 to 8000
ft.
Growth characteristics: woody shrub mature height: 4-8 ft. mature width: 5-10 ft. Large,
semi-evergreen, many-branched woody shrub. Shape and size depend on available water – generally
mounded shape with older branches more upright. Bark shreddy, light colored. Leaves deeply lobed,
dark green on top, more white below. Foliage appears lacy, open. Spreads slowly via rhizomes,
particularly with plenty of water.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring-summer – April to June/July. Flowers look like small (2 inch) white
rose blossoms – pretty like a wild rose. Seeds have a pink, feathery ‘plume’ that aids in seed
dispersal. Plants in seed are extremely showy – you’ll get lots of comments from this species!
Uses in the garden: Often used as a shrub in dry gardens or desert-themed gardens. Makes a lovely,
lacy hedge or screen. Excellent for erosion control on dry slopes. Fine in areas with hot, reflected
heat (along roads, driveways, etc.). Excellent choice for habitat gardens.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent all-round habitat plant: flowers attract butterflies and native bees and plant
provides cover, nesting material and seeds for birds. Deer will browse,
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade. Can take hot, reflected heat.
Soil Most local soils (don’t over-water clays); local pH including mildly alkali.
Water Best with occasional water – Water Zone 1-2 to 2
Other Inorganic mulch (gravel/rock) if any.
Management: Easy to grow but does require pruning (like a rose). Prune back old stems to almost
the ground in late fall/winter. Shorten younger branches by about 1/3 to shape.
Propagation: from seed: easy by cuttings: dig up offsets in late winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 6, 8, 11, 13, 14, 24, 28, 38 7/30/12
© Project SOUND

*Giant sacaton – Sporobolus wrightii (spor-OB-oh-lus RITE-ee-eye)
Family: Poaceae (Grass Family)
Native to: Southwestern California, Sonoran Desert to TX and Mexico; dry prairies, seasonally moist
areas and rocky slopes to 7,000 feet, mainly in semidesert grassland and shrubland communities.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial grass mature height: 3-6+ ft. mature width: 4-6 ft.
Warm season bunching grass that greens up with warm spring weather. Leaves are typical for grass;
narrow, fibrous and very attractive. Large but graceful shape, becoming more fountain-like with the
season. This is a much prettier grass than Pampas Grass.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in summer/fall – May to Nov. Flower stalks at very showy, rising above the
leaves. Flower stalks are open, slightly purple tinged and seem to glisten in the sunlight. Truly one the
more attractive native grasses. Seeds are small, oblong, edible.
Uses in the garden: Most often used as a water-wise substitute for the invasive Pampas Grass. Lovely
as an accent plant, or as backdrop for smaller flowering shrubs & perennials. Good for tall
groundcover on slopes. Can be grown as a unique container plant. Excellent choice for hot, dry
gardens. Good habitat plant. Sometimes used as an informal hedge. Easy to grow; tough!
Sensible substitute for: Non-native, invasive grasses like Pampas Grass, Misacanthus grasses.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Soil Very adaptable; sandy/rocky to clay. Any local pH including alkali soils.
Water Needs good winter rains. Fine with occasional to nearly regular summer water.
Water Zones 1-2 to 2-3 (prettiest with 2). Does well in most garden settings.
Fertilizer Not needed but ½ strength yearly dose would be fine.
Other
Management: Prune back to 6-8 inches in late winter/early spring. That’s about it. Very adaptable
and easy to grow.
Propagation: from seed: easy – no pre-treatment by divisions: easy in winter/spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 9, 28, 61 (many others on-line) 4/1/16

*Mojave yucca – Yucca schidigera (YUK-kuh shi-DIJ-er-uh)
Family: Agavaceae (Agave Family)
Native to: Mojave and Sonoran Deserts of CA, AZ, NV abd Baja California, Mexico; rocky or gravelly
slopes and washes, in Chaparral, Creosote Bush Scrub plant communities.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial mature height: 2-6+ ft. mature width: 2-3+ ft.
Perennial yucca that spreads by offsets (pups). Leaves are the typical, dagger-like leaves of the
yuccas. This species is slow-growing and long-lived (200-500 years in the wild). Leaves start as an
evergreen basal rosette – semi-woody stem becomes more prominent with age. Dramatic plant!
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late winter to early spring, usually Mar-Apr., but may be later in colder areas.
Flowers are large (to 1 ½ inches), pendant, bell-shaped flowers along a flowering stalk that rises above
the foliage. Flowers are cream-white, waxy-appearing and may be tinged with purple or pink. Very
dramatic and showy plant in bloom. The fleshy fruit (a capsule) is edible.
Uses in the garden: Often used as accent plant in desert gardens, but can be incorporated into many
water-wise gardens. Dramatic in a planter or large container. Fine on dry slopes. Showy against a
dark wall. Plant away from high-traffic areas – spines are sharp! Important medicinal.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native yuccas, agaves and similar plants.
Attracts: Pollinated by the yucca moth (Tegeticula yuccasella). Fruits & seeds eaten by birds and
other small creatures.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun best.
Soil Most soils, although does best in well-drained sandy or rocky soils.
Water Drought tolerant once established – Water Zone 1 or 1-2.
Fertilizer Not really needed.
Other No mulch – or inorganic mulch – most appropriate. Light organic mulch OK.
Management: Pretty mulch takes care of itself. Prune off flower stalks after fruits are gone. If
desired, prune off dead leaves. Wear gloves and eye protection when working with yucca.
Propagation: from seed: easy – be patient by offsets: yes

* Banana Yucca – Yucca baccata (YUK-uh bah-KAY(or CAH)-tuh)
Family: Agavaceae (Agave Family)
Native to: Widespread in Southwestern U.S. from California’s eastern desert mountains to CO, TX and
Mexico. Occurs in Mojave, Sonoran and Great Basin Deserts; uncommon on dry slopes and in dry
Joshua tree woodlands up to ~ 7000 ft (lower in CA).
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial mature height: 3-6+ ft. mature width: 3-10+ ft.
Part-woody sub-shrub that looks like a typical Yucca. Long (1-2 ½ ft), strap-like leaves in a basal
rosette. Leaves have sharp spines on their tips and curling fibers along their sides. Plant is rather stiff
in appearance. Size and other characteristics depend greatly on available water. Produces offshoots
(pups) on spreading rhizomes – slowly spreading.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in spring – as early as April and as late as June. Flowers are on a stout stalk
that rises slightly above the leaves. Large (1-3 inches), white-purple Yucca flowers cluster along the
flowering stalk for several weeks. Very dramatic! Pollinated by the nocturnal pronuba moth. Fruit is
fleshy, resembling a small banana (hence the common name) and edible (usually roasted or baked).
Important food plant for people and small creatures, birds.
Uses in the garden: Most often used in rock gardens or desert-themed gardens. Nice accent plant in
Mediterranean or Central American style gardens. Would also complement modern architecture. Can
be grown in large containers. Make good barrier plants, rustic hedges. Sometimes grown as a food
plant, source of fibers for basketry or source of soap (saponins from roots).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Agaves.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: provides cover for lizards, habitat for a wide range of insects and
fruits/seeds which are eaten by many animals and birds.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Soil Well-drained (rocky/sandy are best); any local pH.
Water Very drought tolerant but looks better with monthly summer water – Zone 1-2.
Other Little to no mulch; inorganic mulch fine.
Management: Carefully (wear protection) remove spent flower stalks. Easy. Don’t overwater.
Propagation: from seed: best with 2 month cold treatment by offsets: ?winter
*CA native but not from Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

* Bigelow Beargrass – Nolina bigelovii (no-LIE-nuh big-el-OH-vee-eye )
Family: Ruscaceae (Ruscus Family) – formerly in Lilliaceae (Lily family)
Native to: Southeastern S. CA deserts to AZ, NV and Baja ; desert mountains, Mojave and Sonoran
Desert, slopes and canyons especially along the Colorado River in Creosote Bush Scrub from ~ 1000-
5000 ft elevation.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial mature height: 6-10 ft. mature width: 3-5 ft.
Herbaceous to half-woody perennial that resembles a yucca or very large bunch grass. Leaves are long
(to several feet) and strap-like, in a basal rosette of up to 150 leaves around the thick stem. Leaves do
not have barbs or sharp tips – an advantage over the Yuccas & Agaves. A large, dramatic plant that
remains grass-like for many years before flowering.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms in late spring/early summer – usually May or June. Mature plants produce a
stout flowering stalk rising 3-5 ft above the leaves. Clusters of pure- to creamy-white flowers are
sweetly scented. Clusters superficially look like Yucca – but more open and with smaller flowers.
Uses in the garden: Usually used in desert-themed gardens – appropriate for both Mojave and Sonoran
Desert collections. Extremely showy and dramatic – would look nice with modern architecture. Very
drought tolerant, so could be used in any water-wise garden. Could probably feature it in a large
container – slow-growing. Native Californians baked and ate young flowering stalks; leaves can be
used for basketry (green or bleached).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Agaves, large grasses (like Pampas Grass).
Attracts: Excellent pollinator habitat plant: provides nectar & pollen.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun.
Soil Any well-drained – sandy is excellent; pH 6.0-8.0.
Water Drought tolerant once established (Water Zone 1-2). Give one watering in August,
then none until the fall/winter rains.
Fertilizer None.
Other Inorganic mulch, if any.
Management: Best if ignored and left to grow as it wishes. Remove spent flowering stalks.
Propagation: from seed: store cool; no pre-treatment for fresh in winter by offsets: in winter
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 8, 13 4/30/13
* CA native plant but not native to Western Los Angeles County © Project SOUND

* Indian Mallow – Abutilon palmeri (ab-YOO-ti-lon PALM-er-eye)
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Native to: S. CA low desert of Orange & San Diego counties, extending into AZ and Mexico; uncommon
on dry, east-facing lower slopes of desert mountain ranges.
Growth characteristics: woody sub-shrub mature height: 4-8 ft. mature width: 3-5 ft.
Mostly herbaceous with woody base, giving appearance of a medium-sized shrub. Leaves & stems are
light gray-green, covered with soft, wooly hairs. Rounded leaves have 3 shallow lobes, scalloped
edges. Stems will die back in very cold weather, but will grow back.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms sequentially for about two months from late spring to fall. Flowers are showy,
yellow, shape typical for Mallow family. The many flowers, and their contrast with the silvery foliage,
make this a very showy plant. Seed pods are unique, wheel-like, also very showy.
Uses in the garden: Excellent medium shrub for water-wise garden. Good for hot, dry places (along a
hot wall). Nice combined with other native shrubs and grasses. Can be pruned to shape. Also does
very well in large containers. Plant where you can enjoy flowers, foliage, insect/bird visitors.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native mallows; other yellow-flowering shrubs.
Attracts: Excellent bird habitat: provides nectar (hummingbirds) and seeds for food. Attracts a wide
range of insects including bees & butterflies.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade; morning sun is best in very hot gardens. Will become
leggy/sprawling under lower light conditions.
Soil Well-drained, but OK in many clays; any local pH
Water Zone 1-2 to 2. Best with occasional summer water, but let soil dry out between
waterings.
Fertilizer Light fertilizer for container-grown plants only.
Other
Management: Quite easy to grow. Better shape if shaped by light pruning/pinching. Cut back hard
to remove frost damage (if any) in spring. Will re-seed well if happy.
Propagation: from seed: easy by cuttings: yes
* Native to CA but not to Western L.A. Co. Project SOUND

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Mid century shrubs - plant sheets