Common name:California Meadow Sedge
Botanical name:Carex pansa

This native Carex can be successfully used as a lawn substitute but requires significant water to obtain good coverage. Once coverage is reached, water can be reduced and maintenance is close to zero. Unmowed, the plant can be used effectively in a variety of conditions and will reach a height of 6" or under and spreads up to 2' by rhizomes.

Common name:Yankee Point California Lilac
Botanical name:Ceanothus griseus hor. 'Yankee Point'

Yankee Point is a fast growing shrub that stays near 3' in height with a spread of 6'. It has large, bright green leaves and light blue flowers. It is great for banks and mass plantings. It does well on the coast and in hot inland areas. It attracts hummingbirds, butterflies and beneficial insects.

Common name:Butterfly-Iris, Fortnight Lily
Botanical name:Dietes iridioides

This clumping evergreen Iris bears tall, narrow leaves to 30" tall and white flowers marked purple in the center on stalks up to 3' tall. This variety has stiffer, darker foliage than the bicolor form. It requires sun to part shade with little or no summer watering when established.

Common name:Tobira
Botanical name:Pittosporum tobira

This large, dense, evergreen shrub or small tree has shiny dark green leaves. In the spring, clusters of small, cream-colored flowers appear with the fragrance of orange blossoms. Tobira can be grown in full sun or partial shade. It is considered one of the most durable shrubs in California landscapes.

Solving Runoff Problems

Importance of Water Shed

A watershed is a land area that drains rain and other water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, bay or groundwater aquifer. Water from your neighborhood also enters the watershed through the storm drain system and flows directly to local creeks and the Bay without any treatment. It often is contaminated by pollutants that can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

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