Citrus species
Citrus
Citrus comprise an extremely wide range of fruiting trees and shrubs. Each species has its own unique size, fruiting periods, cold hardiness and climate adaptations. There is not enough space here to provide complete information. Generally cold hardy from 25F to 32F, with limes being the most cold sensitive to frost. Oranges, mandarins and kumquats are among the most cold hardy. When irrigating Citrus, water away from the trunk and apply near the tree's dripline. See photo. Maintain regular irrigations for fruit production. Average canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Cleome isomeris
Bladderpod
Bladderpod is a tough, small shrub that can be grown from seed to revegetate disturbed areas. Interesting inflated green capsules follow the snapdragonlike flowers. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Condea emoryi
Desert Lavender
All parts of this shrub emit a lavender scent that is more noticeable when brushed. Plant form is open and upright, the silvery gray foliage blending well with other desert-adapted plants. Flowers most profuse in spring and may bloom sporadically during summer and fall. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
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Cordia boissieri
Texas Olive
Large leaves and showy flowers provide a subtropical appearance. Semievergreen in cold climates. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Cordia parvifolia
Little Leaf Cordia
The small white flowers of Little Leaf Cordia are borne in clusters. Semievergreen in cold climates. Makes an effective casual screen. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Cotoneaster dammeri
Bearberry Cotoneaster
Bearberry Cotoneaster is a reliable groundcover, remaining low to the ground while spreading wide. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Orange-red berries adorn plants in late summer. Reddish bronze fall color. Popular selections are 'Coral Beauty' and 'Lowfast'. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Crassula ovata
Jade Plant
Jade Plant is a popular and easy to grow succulent that can reach medium-sized shrub proportions. Also grown as a easy-care houseplant in regions with freezing temperatures. A fine candidate for container culture outdoors, then move to shelter before winter cold comes on. Easy to propagate from leaf cuttings. Supply with well-draining soil and do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Cuphea hyssopifolia
False Heather, Mexican Heather
The needlelike leaves of this subshrub create a compact plant that is similar in appearance to true Heather. Flowers bloom through the warm season. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Dalea frutescens
Black Dalea
Rounded form. Flowers bloom in winter when they are more appreciated. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Dalea pulchra
Pink Indigo Bush
Admired for its appealing, upright, open form. Small purple flowers bloom at tips of stems. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Dodonaea viscosa
Hop Bush
Hopbush makes an excellent dense screen in a short time. It can also be trained to become a small tree. Plants can be shortlived. Also consider Purple Hopseed Bush, which has striking bronze-colored leaves. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Duranta erecta
Skyflower
Form is sprawling, allowing plant stems to mingle easily with other nearby plants. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Fruit that look like golden beads follow the late spring, wisterialike flowers are poisonous to people but loved by birds. 'Sweet Memory' is an improved selection that is thornless. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Encelia farinosa
Brittlebush
Excellent for natural landscapes, but can be short-lived. Accepts the toughest conditions. Silvery gray leaves provide contrast to green-foliaged plants. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Epilobium canum garrettii
Hummingbird Trumpet
Hummingbird Trumpet is a colorful, low-growing subshrub (small shrub) that can also serve as a groundcover. Ideal for a naturalistic garden. Strong blooming period comes on late in the season when color is not as common so it is more appreciated. It may be sold as Zauschneria. 'Orange Carpet' is an improved selection. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Epilobium latifolia johnstonii
Bush California Fuchsia
Bush California Fuchsia is one of those plants who's name (genus and species) has been in a constant state of change. May be sold as Zauschneria. Extremely profuse flowering produces a red-orange carpet of color. Strong blooming period comes on late in the season when color is not as common. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Eremophila maculata var. brevifolia
Red Eremophila
The rounded form of Red Eremophila works well as a small shrub or tall groundcover. Red, tubular-shaped flowers are loved by hummingbirds and provide welcome winter color. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Ericameria laricifolia
Turpentine Bush
Mounding, low-growing form allows use as small shrub or groundcover. Small daisylike flowers borne in clusters are profuse late summer into winter. Foliage emits distinctive scent when brushed. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Eriogonum fasciculatum
California Buckwheat
This is common Buckwheat, which is highly drought tolerant. Grows larger than Arizona Buckwheat, also described here. Form is variable, from open when grown inland to more dense and compact along the coast. White, pink or cream flowers age to an attractive rusty red. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium
Arizona Buckwheat
Uniform, rounded growth habit of Arizona Buckwheat is excellent for small spaces. Could also work as a mounding groundcover. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
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Euryops pectinatus 'Viridis'
Green Gold
This easy-to-grow flowering perennial can do double duty as a small shrub. Best with afternoon shade in hot-summer regions. 'Viridis' is an improved selection with yellow daisylike flowers to 2 inches across. Leaves are a darker green color compared to the species. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Eysenhardtia orthocarpa
Kidneywood
Kidneywood can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Works well as a screen in a naturalistic setting. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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