Introduction to Xeriscape
by Shilo Neilsen
What is xeriscape? Pronounced
“Zeera – scape,” it is NOT a landscape of
Nothing! Rocks, sand possibly? Maybe, but
in reality it can be much more interesting.
First, a definition: xeriscape - A style of
landscape design requiring little or no irrigation or other
maintenance, used in arid regions. While we are not a truly
arid region in El Dorado County this type of landscape is
appealing as it helps us to save water (money, natural
resources) and maintenance (time, money, chemicals).
The obvious first choice in a landscape of this type
is to use natives. And not just California natives, but Foothill
natives. Because California has such a diverse variety of
climates, from beach to desert to snowy mountains, just
being a California native does not mean the plant will do well
here in the foothills. Foothill native plants will ultimately
survive with no additional water after a couple of seasons.
Maintenance will be reduced as pest damage is generally
light, and pruning will be little if the plant is placed in the right
location. Be sure to pay attention to the mature size. For
instance, Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) is a lovely hedge
plant, but if you are looking to keep it at 3’ tall and
wide, you will be doing a lot of pruning. Oak
trees have deep roots so they can be planted
near walks and driveways, but keep them at
least 20’ away from a structure. Here is a list of good
Natives for our area to create a xeriscape landscape which
can eventually live on little to no extra water (after
establishing them for a few seasons):
Trees
Shrubs
Black Oak
Blue Oak
Live Oak
California Buckeye
Ponderosa Pine
Cottonwood
California Sycamore
Black Walnut
Toyon
Elderberry
Cleveland Sage
Flannel Bush
Common Snowberry
Coffeeberry
Holly Grape
Myrtle
Manzanita
Coyote Bush
Bush Anemone
California Bay
Wild Lilac
Western Redbud
Quercus kelloggii
Quercus douglasii
Quercus wislizenii
Aesculus californica
Pinus ponderosa
Populus fremontii
Platanus racemosa
Juglans californica
Heteromoles arbutifolia
Sambucus Mexicana
Salvia clevelandii
Fremontodendron californ.
Symphoricarpos albus
Rhamnus californica
Mahonia aquifolium
Myrica californica
Archtostaphylos sp.
Baccharis pilularis
Carpenteria californica
Umbellularia californica
Ceanothus
Cercis occidentalis
As you can see from this starting list, there are lots of
choices! And this is by no means everything, but in the
interest of time and space, it is a good place to start.
There are other plants that are non-native and will do
well on low to no water. California in general has a
“Mediterranean”- type climate, that is, wet mild winters, and
hot dry summers. Plants from similar regions can be used.
Non-Native trees: Chinese Pistache, Eucalyptus, Oaks
(many), Junipers, Hawthorn, Pines (many), Pomegranate,
Jujube, Fig, Silk Tree (Albizzi), Acacia, Loquat, Chaste Tree
(Vitex agnus-castus), Olive
Shrubs: Strawberry Tree, Junipers, Privet, Pyracantha,
Germander (Teucrium), Bear’s Breech (Acanthus mollis),
Lavender Cotton (Santolina) , Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina),
Rosemary, Rockrose (Cistus), Pineapple guava
(Feijoa sellowiana).
Perennials: Gaura, Red hot poker, Yarrow,
many Yuccas, Euphorbias, Hellebores, Daffodils,
many Penstemons
There may be others available from time
to time, ask us at the Nursery for more
information. The most important thing to
remember when attempting this “almost zero”
water and maintenance type of gardening,
“Right Plant, Right Place!”.
Perennials
Monkey Flower
Matilija Poppy
Mimulus aurantiacus
Romneya coulterii
California Fuschia
Zauschneria californica or
epilobium
Eriogonum arborescens
Heuchera maxima
Delphinium cardinale
Monardella villosa
Lupinus nanus,densiflorus
Aquilegia formosa
Buckwheat
Alum Root
Scarlet Larkspur
Coyote Mint
Lupine
Columbine
Grasses
Western sword fern
California poppy
Deer Grass
Lyme Grass
California Fescues
Purple Needle
Grass
Polystichum munitum
Eschscholzia californica
Muhlenbergia rigens
Leymus condensatus
Festuca californica ,
cultivars
Nassella pulchra
___________________________________________________________________________________
March – April – May 2015
www.frontyardnursery.com
The Front Yard Nursery (530) 626-3494
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