Shrubs by Genus - A
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Winter / Fall
Arctostaphylos sp Common Name: John Dourley Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae
Type: Small plant 1'h x 4'w
Flowers: February/March
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full/Part Sun
A smaller, low growing/spreading Manzanita with interesting foliage turning from dark golden to green as it matures. Likes regular water inland. Good for a low hedge or mounding plant.
Good next to a lawn where it can get some extra water. Coastal plant - part sun is best.
Arctostaphylos sp Common Name: Ian Bush Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae
Type: Small plant 5'h x 5'w
Flowers: January/February
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full Sun
A selection of A. densiflora. Early bloomer, January and February, in the valley. Very drought tolerant. Grows fast to 5'. Very nice foliage. Hybrid of Arctostaphylos densiflora and Arctostaphylos pungens. Slightly larger than A. densiflora. Good for a small hedge. Attracts hummingbirds. Lots of pink -white flowers. Can be pruned into a small tree. Smooth dark red-brown bark.
Arctostaphylos sp Common Name: Howard McMinn Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae (Images)
Type: Small plant 5'h x 5'w
Flowers: January/February
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full Sun
A selection of A. densiflora. Similar in size and look to "Ian Bush". Early bloomer, January and February, in the valley. Popular, easy to grow Manzanita. Slightly larger that "Sentinel". Profuse flowers in late winter. Can take some additional water. Can be pruned to a small tree.
Arctostaphylos densiflora Common Name: Sentinel Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae
Type: Small plant 4'h x 5'w
Flowers: January/February
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full Sun
Early bloomer. Medium size Manzanita - slightly smaller than Ian Bush/Howard McMinn Manzanitas. Used as an accent plant or lower hedge. Very drought tolerant. Lots of pink -white flowers. Can be pruned into a taller shrub. Smooth dark red-brown bark.
Arctostaphylos pechoensis Common Name: Margarita's Joy Manzanita
Family: Ericaceae (Images)
Type: Small plant 2'h x 2'w
Flowers: January/February
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full Sun
Small, dainty Manzanita that fits about anywhere. Although from the central coast is seems to be extremely adaptable to the Central Valley climate. No supplemental water at all, although it should do well with some additional water. Late winter bloomer. After 5 years remains about 2' high - may grow taller with additional water.
Arctostaphylos uva-ursi Common Name: Point Reyes Bearberry
Family: Ericaceae (Images)
Type: Small plant 1'h x 6'w
Flowers: February/March
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Full Sun
Somewhat drought tolerant. Needs supplemental water inland.
Nice spreading Manzanita groundcover. Coastal plant, and will need summer irrigation. Green/gray with some red foliage. Give plenty of room.
Ascelpias fascicularis Common Name: Narrowleaf Milkweed
Family: Asclepiadaceae
Type: 3'tall x 2' wide
Flowers: Spring into Summer
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Part Sun
Milkweed family. Widely distributed in the Western US. Perennial small shrub that is popular with birds. Monarch butterflies use during migration as a nectar source. Fragrant blossoms and long blooming period. Likes full sun.
Ascelpias speciosa Common Name: Showy Milkweed
Family: Asclepiadaceae (Images)
Type: 2'tall x 2' wide
Flowers: Spring into Summer
Flower Color: Pink
Likes: Part Sun
Milkweed family. Perennial small shrub that is popular with birds. Monarch butterflies use during migration as a nectar source. Fragrant blossoms and long blooming period. Widely distributed throughout the Western US. Likes full sun.
Aster chilensis Common Name: White California Aster
(Symphyotrichum chilense)
Family: Asteraceae
Type: Small shrub 2'h x 3'w
Flowers: Summer into Fall
Flower Color: White
Likes: Full Sun
A less distinct small shrub with very attractive white flowers. Long bloom period with minimal moisture. Seems to be very drought tolerant. One of the "Pacific" Asters. Needs to be pruned back as it can get rangy - pruning will promote new attractive growth. Likes full sum.
Aster chilensis Common Name: Purple Haze
(Symphyotrichum chilense)
Family: Asteraceae (Images)
Type: Small shrub 2'h x 3'w
Flowers: April to Summer into Fall
Flower Color: Purple
Likes: Full Sun
Variable species. Purple color although may vary. Smaller shrub that likes full sun. Nice summer color and with some moisture long bloom period. Prune annually to desired shape.
Aster occidentalis Common Name: Western Aster - Lavender
Family: Asteraceae (Images)
Type: Small shrub 2'h x 2'w
Flowers: April to Summer
Flower Color: Lavender
Likes: Full Sun
Normally light purple with yellow centers. This one likes wet places and some shade - not a good companion to other sun loving Asters. Good landscape plant easily incorporated into a non-native garden. aka Symphyotrichum spathulatum