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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSustainability Commission Tree Ordinance Summary Sheet and Example Attachments (1) I NTENT AND PURPOSE To preserve and protect the health, longevity, and safety of trees as an important resource, to promote the health, safety and quality of life of residents and visitors, and to enhance the appearance of the City of Palm Springs, to clearly define responsibility for the maintenance of public and private trees and shrubs, and to adopt best management practices and industry standards for the planting and maintenance of public and private trees. TREE REMOVAL AUTHORIZATION REQUIRED Authorization is required for the removal of trees as defined below. For additional information, please contact the Planning Department at (000) 000-0000 TREE PRESERVATION GUIDELINES Protected Trees All other trees Recommended Species List See attached – Recommended Species List for the City of Palm Springs Applicability • Public Properties • Private Properties Subject to an Approved Landscape Plan & Minor Architectural Review Application • Exemption: Single Family not subject to an Approved Landscape Plan Exceptions • Emergency situations as determined by City Manager and/or designee • Visual barrier to traffic safety • Public Utilities • Routine trimming or pruning which does not cause damage or death of a tree Application Process Submittal of a landscape plan or a minor architectural review application to the planning department is required as part of the provisions of the Ordinance. Tree Designation • 12” in diameter or greater • California Fan Palms (Washingtonia filifera) locate on public property and /or within the public right of way. • Any tree designated for protection during review and approval of a development project. • Trees not covered under protected trees definition. Replacement Formula • 2:1, Two 24” box trees for every one tree removed • Must be from recommended species list • 1:1 Replacement Formula • Must be from recommended species list Penalties • If unauthorized removal in conjunction with a construction activity: o May be subject to a “Stop Work Order” o May be subject to administrative citation o Replacement formula shall apply • If unauthorized removal independent from a construction activity: o Minor architectural review application must be filed o May be subject to administrative citation o Replacement formula shall apply TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE Palm Springs Municipal Code Section ##.##.### Planning Department 3200 E. Tahquitz Way, Palm Springs CA 92262 000-000-0000 Attachment Examples Recommended / Approved Species List A. City of Fresno – Approved Tree List B. City of Phoenix – Approved Grant Species List C. City of Palm Desert – Plant Palette Technical / Maintenance Manuals D. Carmel by The Sea - Pruning Standards E. Palm Desert Maintenance Guide Genus Species Common Name (Click name for species fact sheet) Foliage Type (Evergreen, Deciduous, Conifer) Size Height (Ft) Crown Spread (Ft) Spacing between trees (Ft) Minimum Parkway Width (Ft) Overhead Utility Friendly Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) rating Regionally Native California Native Chionanthus retusus Chinese fringe tree (Male only)D Small 30 6-12 20-25 4 No Moderate No No x Chitalpa tashkentensis chitalpa D Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 4 Yes Low No No Lagerstroemia indica crape myrtle D Small 15 6-10 10-15 4 Yes Very Low No No Acer tataricum subsp. ginnala 'Flame'Flame Amur maple D Small 20 15-20 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Photinia x fraseri Fraser photinia E Small 30 8-12 10-15 4 No Moderate No No Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem'little gem magnolia E Small 20 10 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma'Oklahoma redbud D Small 15 15 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Prunus cerasifera 'Purple Pony Purple Pony flowering plum D Small 12 10 -12 20-25 4 Yes Moderate No No Laurus nobilis 'Saratoga'sweetbay E Medium 15-40 15-30 20-25 4 No Low No No Ebenopsis ebano Texas ebony E Medium 40 30-40 15-40 4 No Low No No Callistemon viminalis weeping bottlebrush E Small 20 15-20 15-20 4 Yes Low No No Cercis occidentalis western redbud D Small <20 <20 20-25 4 Yes Very Low Yes Yes Acer tataricum subsp. Ginnala Amur maple D Small 25 20-25 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Nyssa sylvatica black tupelo D Medium 35 20 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Lophostemon conferta Brisbane box E Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Prosopis chilensis Chilean mesquite D Small 30+30+20-25 4 to 6 No Low No No Zelkova serrata 'City Sprite'City Sprite zelkova D Small 25 15-18 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Ulmus davidiana var. japonica 'Emerald Sunshine'Emerald Sunshine elm D Medium 35 15-25 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Pyrus kawakamii evergreen pear E Small 30 15-30 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Koelreuteria paniculata goldenrain D Medium 40 25-40 30-35 4 to 6 Moderate No No Acer campestre hedge maple D Small 35 25-35 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Ginkgo biloba 'The President'Presidential Gold ginkgo D Medium 50 40 30-35 4 to 6 No Moderate No No Acacia stenophylla shoestring acacia E Small 30 10-20 15-20 4 to 6 Yes Low No No Arbutus unedo strawberry madrone E Small 35 20-35 20-25 4 to 6 Yes Low No No Prosopis glandulosa 'Maverick'thornless honey mesquite D Medium 35 25-35 15-25 4 to 6 No Low Yes Yes Prosopis glandulosa 'Phoenix'thornless honey mesquite 'Maverick'D Medium 35 25-35 15-25 4 to 6 No Low Yes Yes Tristaniopsos laurina water gum E Small 35 15-30 20-25 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Zelkova serrata ‘Schmidtlow’Wireless zelkova D Small 24 36 30-35 4 to 6 Yes Moderate No No Pinus eldarica Afghan pine C Medium 40+20-40 30-35 6 to 8 No Very low No No Afrocarpus falcatus African fern pine C Large 70 20-30 30-35 6 to 8 No Moderate No No Geijera parviflora Austrailian willow E Medium 35 20 15-20 6 to 8 No Moderate No No Prunus ilicifolia ssp. Lyonii Catalina cherry E Medium 35 20-30 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No Yes Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese flame D Medium 20-40 20-40 30-35 6 to 8 Yes Moderate No No Melaleuca linariifolia flaxleaf paperbark E Medium 30 20-25 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No No Olea europaea 'Swan Hill'fruitless olive E Medium 20-40 <20 30-35 6 to 8 No Very Low No No Elaeocarpus sylvestris Japanese blueberry tree E Large 60 20-30 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No 4 ft Parkways 4-6 ft Parkways 6 to 8 ft Parkways Genus Species Common Name (Click name for species fact sheet) Foliage Type (Evergreen, Deciduous, Conifer) Size Height (Ft) Crown Spread (Ft) Spacing between trees (Ft) Minimum Parkway Width (Ft) Overhead Utility Friendly Water Use Classification of Landscape Species (WUCOLS) rating Regionally Native California Native Pistacia chinensis 'Keith Davey'Keith Davey Chinese pistache D Medium 40+40+30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No Callistemon citrinus lemon bottle brush E Medium 25 25 15-25 6 to 8 No Low No No Arbutus marina'marina madrone E Medium 40-50 40 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No No Melaleuca styphelioides prickly melaleuca E Medium 40 10-20 15-20 6 to 8 No Low No No Ulmus wilsoniana Prospector elm D Large 40-50 25-30 20-25 4 to 6 No Low No No Vachellia farnesiana sweet acacia D Medium 25 15-25 15-25 6 to 8 Yes Very Low No No Acer rubrum 'Armstrong'Armstrong red maple D Large 60 15-25 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Acer x freemanii 'Jeffersred'Autumn Blaze red maple D Large 65 30-40 35-40 8+No High No No Cinnamomum camphora camphor D Large 70 50-60 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Quercus chrysolepis canyon live oak E Large 70+30+30-35 8+No Low No Yes Quercus canbyi chisos oak D/E Large 50+30-50 30-35 8+No low No No Quercus agrifolia coast live oak E Large 70 40+30-35 8+No Very Low Yes yes Quercus suber cork oak E Large 70 70 35-40 8+No Low No No Cedrus deodora deodar cedar C Large 40+40+35-40 8+No Low No No Quercus engelmannii engelmann oak D Large 65 80-120 30-35 8+No Low No Yes Fraxinus Fan-West'fan west ashn D Medium 50 30-40 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Quercus wislizeni interior live oak E Large 70+40-80 30-35 8+No Very Low Yes Yes Sophora japonica 'Regent'Japanese pagoda tree D Medium 50 30-40 25-30 8+No Low No No Ginkgo biloba maidenhair tree D Medium 70 25 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Acer rubrum 'October Glory'October Glory red maple D Large 50 25 -35 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Quercus rubra red oak D Large 80 50-70 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Acer rubrum 'Franksred'Red Sunset maple D Large 50 30- 40 35-40 8+No Moderate No No Casuarina cunninghamiana river she-oak E Large 70 30 20-30 8+No Low No No Magnolia grandiflora 'Russet'Russet southern magnolia E Large 50 15-25 25-30 8+No Moderate No No Quercus coccinea scarlet oak D Large 70 50 30-35 8+No Moderate No No Quercus robur 'Skymaster'Skymaster English oak D Large 50 25 30-35 8+No Moderate No No Quercus vriginiana southern live oak E Large 80+60-100 30-35 8+No Moderate No No Quercus lobata valley oak D Large 50-70 50 30-35 6 to 8 No Low No Yes Zelkova serrata 'Village Green'Village Green sawleaf zelkova D Large 60 45-50 30-35 8+No Moderate No No Platanus racemosa western sycamore D Large 80 20-50 35-40 8+No Moderate Yes Yes 8+ ft Parkways and Parks Native Common Name Botanical Name Water Use Tree Height - Full Grown Tree Canopy Width Diameter- Full Grown Powerline Friendly - SRP/APS recommdation Annual Growth Rate Root Damage Potential Allergenic Heaviest Bloom Season Flower Color Thorny Tree Type Special Consideration Cascalote Caesalpinia cacalaco Low 15'15' Tree can be planted under a powerline Slow Low Moderate Winter Yellow Thorny Evergreen Thorns are on trunk, similar to a rose bush Smoothie Cascalote Caesalpinia cacalaco 'Smoothie'Low 18'18' Tree can be planted under a powerline Slow Low Moderate Winter Yellow No Thorns Evergreen Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis Low 25'20' Tree can be planted under a powerline Fast Low Low Midsummer Pink No Thorns Deciduous yields 10" seed pods Ironwood Olneya tesota Low 25'25' Tree can be planted under a powerline Slow Low Low Spring Pale purple rose to lavender Thorny Briefy deciduous Blue Palo verde Parkinsonia florida Low 25'20' Tree can be planted under a powerline Fast Low High Spring Yellow Thorny Deciduous State Tree. Will need more pruning in the first 2-3 years. Palo Brea Parkinsonia praecox Low 20'20' Tree can be planted under a powerline Fast Low High Spring Yellow Thorny Deciduous Overwatering can lead to vigorous growth habit that is prone to failure Thornless Hybrid Palo Verde Parkinsonia thornless hybrid Low 25'25' Tree can be planted under a powerline Fast Low High Spring Yellow No Thorns Semi evergreen Overwatering can lead to vigorous growth habit that is prone to failure Hybrid native thornless mesquite Prosopis thornless Low 30'30' Tree should not be planted within 15' of a powerline Moderat e Low Moderate Summer N/A No Thorns Deciduous Will need more pruning in the first 2-3 years Velvet mesquite Prosopis velutina Low 25'25' Tree should not be planted within 15' of a powerline Moderat e Low Moderate Summer Cream Thorny Deciduous Will need more pruning in the first 2-3 years Desert Sweet Acacia Vachellia farnesiana Low 20'20' Tree can be planted under a powerline Fast Low Low Spring and Summer Small yellow powder puff Thorny Semi-deciduous Has a very sweet frangrance Trees for Neighborhoods ****The planting of native species is preferred Common Name Botanical Name Water Use Tree Height - Full Grown Tree Canopy Width Diameter- Full Grown Powerline Friendly - SRP/APS recommdation Annual Growth Rate Root Damage Potential Allergenic Heaviest Bloom Season Flower Color Thorny Tree Type Special Consideration Mulga Tree Acacia aneura Low 15'15' Tree can be planted under a powerline Moderat e Low Moderate Spring and Summer Yellow No Thorns Evergreen Flowers are catepillar shaped blooms Shoestring Acacia Acacia stenophylla Low 30'20' Tree should not be planted within 15' of a powerline Fast Low Moderate Spring Pale yellow No Thorns Evergreen Maroon colored bark Texas Olive Cordia boissieri Low 10'10' Tree can be planted under a powerline Moderat e Low Low Spring White No Thorns Evergreen Does not produce fruit that people find palatable, but wildlife does love this tree Olive, all non fruiting varieties Olea sp.Low 25'25' Tree can be planted under a powerline Moderat e Moderat e Low Spring Cream No Thorns Evergreen Mastic Tree Pistacia lentiscus Low 12'8' Tree can be planted under a powerline Slow Low Low Spring Inconspic uous No Thorns Evergreen Female trees produce inedible red berries in the fall that turn black when ripe. Red Push Pistache Pistacia X 'Red Push'Low 40'35' Tree should not be planted within 15' of a powerline Slow Low Low N/A N/A No Thorns Deciduous Leaves turn bright red in the fall Texas Mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora Low 15'15' Tree can be planted under a powerline Slow Low Low Spring Purple No Thorns Semi-deciduous Flowers smell like grape kool- aide Chinese Elm Ulmus parvifolia Moderate 35'35' Tree should not be planted within 15' of a powerline Fast Moderat e Moderate N/A N/A No Thorns Semi-deciduous May or may not lose leaves in the winter depending on where it is planted. Non-Native Chaste Tree Vitex agnus- castus Low 15'15' Tree can be planted under a powerline Moderat e Low Low Summer White, to pink or violet blue flower plumes No Thorns Deciduous For information for each species, please click on the name of each tree ***This list and data is referencing the Tree Reference Guide for Maricopa County found below: https://extension.arizona.ed u/tree-reference-guide- maricopa-county city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 3 ACCENTS 4 GROUND COVERS 20 YUCCA 12 OTHER ORNAMENTALS 16 PERENNIALS 24 SHRUBS 30 TREES 48 VINES 66 DESCRIPTIONS + CARE GUIDE 70 The City of Palm Desert would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their assistance in the development of the Desert Flora Landscape Maintenance Series. Ron Gregory and Associates, Landscape Architects Ray Lopez, Landscape Architect Phil Furnari, California Desert Nursery Chuck Hendrix, California Nursery Al Hollinger, Steven Burt & Associates Mt. States Wholesale Nursery NOTES 1. Agave americana 2. Agave bovicornuta 3. Agave deserti 4. Agave desmettiana 5. Agave geminiflora 6. Agave parryi 7. Agave victoriae-reginae 8. Agave vilmoriniana 4 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 5 desert flora PALETTE :ACCENTS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 NOTES 1. Aloe barbadensis 2. Aloe variegata 3. Carnegiea gigantea 4. Cereus peruvianus 5. Echinocactus grusonii 6 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 7 desert flora PALETTE :ACCENTS 2 1 3 4 5 NOTES 1. Cereus hildmannianus 2. Ferocactus acanthodes 3. Ferocactus wislizenii 4. Opuntia basilaris 5. Opuntia bigelovii 6. Opuntia engelmanii 7. Opuntia ficus-indica 8 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 9 desert flora PALETTE :ACCENTS 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 NOTES 1. Opuntia microdasys 2. Opuntia violea “Santa-Rita” 3. Fouquieria splendens 10 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 11 desert flora PALETTE :ACCENTS 1 2 3 NOTES 1. Hesperaloe parviflora 2. Yucca baccata 3. Yucca elata 4. Yucca gloriosa 5. Yucca recurvifolia 6 Yucca rigida 12 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 13 desert flora PALETTE :YUCCA 1 2 3 4 5 6 NOTES 1. Yucca whipplei 14 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 15 desert flora PALETTE :YUCCA 1 NOTES 1. Asclepias subulata 2. Beaucarnia recurvata 3. Cycas revoluta 4. Dasylirion longissima 5. Dasylirion wheeleri 6. Euphorbia milli 16 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 17 desert flora PALETTE :OTHER ORNAMENTALS 1 2 3 4 5 6 NOTES 1. Nolina bigelovii 2. Nolina microcarpa 3. Portulacaria afra 4. Stipa tenuissima 18 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 19 desert flora PALETTE : 1 2 3 4 OTHER ORNAMENTALS NOTES 20 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 21 desert flora PALETTE :GROUND COVERS 1 2 3 4 5 1. Acacia redolens-’Desert Carpet’ ™ 2. Chrysactinia mexicana 3. Convolvulus cneorum 4. Dalea capitata Sierra Gold ™ 5. Dalea greggii 6. Lantana montevidensis 7. Lantana camara vars. ‘New Gold’ 6 7 NOTES 22 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 23 desert flora PALETTE : 1 3 2 4 5 1. Liriope spp. 2. Ruellia brittoniana ‘Katie’ 3. Salvia chamaedryoides 4. Verbena spp. 5. Wedelia trilobata GROUND COVERS NOTES 24 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 25 desert flora PALETTE : 1 2 3 4 5 6 1. Abronia villosa 2. Baileya multiradiata 3. Berlandiera lyrata 4. Calylophus hartwegii 5. Coreopsis lanceolata 6. Eriogonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium PERENNIALS NOTES 26 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 27 desert flora PALETTE : 1 2 3 4 6 7 5 1. Dyssodia pentachaeta 2. Eschscholzia californica 3. Hymenoxys acaulis 4. Lavandula angustifolia 5. Melampodium leucanthum 6. Oenothera berlandieri 7. Oenothera caespitosa PERENNIALS NOTES 28 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 29 desert flora PALETTE : 1 3 2 4 5 6 7 1. Penstemon eatonii 2. Penstemon superbus 3. Psilotrophe cooperi 4. Sphaeralcea ambigua 5. Tagetes lemonii 6. Zephyranthes grandiflora 7. Zinnia grandiflora PERENNIALS NOTES 30 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 31 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 2 4 3 5 6 7 1. Ambrosia deltoidea 2. Ambrosia dumosa 3. Atriplex canescens 4. Atriplex lentiformis 5. Baccharis x ‘Thompson’ ™ 6. Bougainvillea spp. 7. Buddleia mar rubifolia NOTES 32 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 33 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 2 3 5 4 6 7 1. Caelsalpinia gilliesii 2. Caesalpina pulcherrima 3. Calliandra californica 4. Calliandra eriophylla 5. Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ 6. Chrysothamnus nauseosus 7. Cistus purpurea NOTES 34 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 35 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 2 1 3 4 5 6 7 1. Cocculus laurifolius 2. Cordia boissieri 3. Cordia parviflora 4. Cuphea llavea 5. Dalea bicolor 6. Dalea frutescens ‘Sierra Negra’ 7. Dalea pulchra NOTES 36 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 37 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 2 1 3 4 5 1. Dodonaea viscosa 2. Encelia farinosa 3. Eremophilla maculata ‘Valentine’ 4. Ericarmeria laricifolia 5. Fallugia paradoxa NOTES 38 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 39 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 3 4 2 5 6 1. Gardenia jasminoides ‘Mystery’ 2. Gossypium harknessii 3. Hyptis emoryii 4. Ixora coccinea 5. Justicia californica 6. Justicia spicigera NOTES 40 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 41 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Larrea tridentata 2. Leucophyllum candidum ‘Thundercloud’ ™ 3. Leucophyllum frutescens 4. Leucophyllum langmaniae-Rio Bravo™ 5. Leucophyllum laevigatum 6. Leucophyllum pruinosum-’Sierra Bouquet’ 7. Leucophyllum zygophyllum ‘Cimarron’ ™ NOTES 42 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 43 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. Malpighia glabra 2. Maytenus phyllanthoides 3. Myrtus communis ‘Compacta’ 4. Perovskia atriplicifolia 5. Rhus ovata 6. Rosmarinus officinalis 7. Ruellia peninsularis 8. Salvia clevelandii NOTES 44 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 45 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 2 1 3 4 5 6 1. Russelia equisetiformis 2. Salvia greggii Sierra Linda ™ 3. Salvia leucantha 4. Senna ar temisioides 5. Senna nemophila 6. Simmondsia chinensis NOTES 46 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 47 desert flora PALETTE :SHRUBS 1 3 2 4 6 5 1. Tecoma stans 2. Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee’ ™ 3. Tecoma x ‘Sunrise’ 4. Thevetia peruviana 5. Vitex angus-castus 6. Xylosma congestum NOTES 48 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 49 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 2 4 3 5 1. Acacia anuera 2. Acacia craspedocarpa 3. Acacia salicina 4. Acacia saligna 5. Acacia smallii NOTES 50 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 51 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 2 1 3 5 4 6 1. Acacia stenophylla 2. Acacia willardiana 3. Albizia julibrissin 4. Bauhinia purpurea 5. Brahea armata 6. Butia capitata NOTES 52 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 53 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 3 2 4 5 6 7 1. Caesalpinea cacalaco 2. Callistemon viminalis 3. Cercidium floridum 4. Cercidium hybrid-Desert Museum 5. Cercidium praecox 6. Chamerops humillis 7. Chilopsis linearis NOTES 54 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 55 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 2 3 4 1.Chitalpa tashkentensis 2.Chorizia speciosa 3.Citrus spp. 4.Dalea spinosa NOTES 56 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 57 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 2 4 3 6 5 1. Eysenhardtia texana 2. Fraxinus uhdei 3. Fraxinus velutina 4. Koelreuteria bipinnata 5. Lagerstroemia indica 6. Lysiloma microphylla NOTES 58 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 59 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 2 1 3 4 5 1. Melaleuca quinquenervia 2. Olea europaea-Swan Hill 3. Olneya tesota 4. Phoenix dactylifera 5. Pinus canariensis NOTES 60 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 61 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 2 1 3 4 5 1. Pinus eldarica 2. Pinus pinea 3. Pistacia chinensis 4. Pithecellobium flexicaule 5. Pithecellobium mexicanum NOTES 62 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 63 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 2 3 5 4 1. Prosopis glandulosa 2. Quercus agrifolia 3. Quercus ilex 4. Quercus virginiana 5. Sophora secundiflora NOTES 64 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 65 desert flora PALETTE :TREES 1 2 3 1.Tipuana tipu 2.Ulmus parvifolia ‘Drake’ 3.Washingtonia filifera NOTES 66 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 67 desert flora PALETTE : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. Antigonon leptopus 2. Bignonia capreolata 3. Bougainvillea spp. 4. Campsis radicans 5. Distictis x ‘Rivers’ 6. Gelsemium sempervirens 7. Grewia occidentalis 8. Lonicera japonica VINES NOTES 68 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 69 desert flora PALETTE :VINES 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1. Macfadyena unguis-cati 2. Merremia aurea 3. Podranea ricasoliana 4. Pyrostegia venusta 5. Rosa banksiae 6. Tecomaria capensis 7. Trachelospermum jasminoides 8. Vigna caracalla NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS ACCENTS AGAVE Agave americana Century Plant Rapid 5’ - 6’ 5’ - 6’ — 30 F Low Good as background or accent plant. This agave is a familiar plant in desert landscapes. It has very stiff grey/green leaves that are wide with recurved teeth along the margins. It is a rapid growing plant. It prefers soil with good drainage. It is susceptible to the agave weevil which will devour the roots, and base of this plant. Water needs are low. Do not overwater!!! Agave bovicornuta Cowshorn Agave Rapid 3’ - 4’ 3’ - 4’ — 35 F Low As mentioned by various sources, this agave is one of the most ornamental and decorative of the agaves. It has dark green stiff leaves with brown teeth along the margins. It does well in pots as well as in soil. It produces a flower stalk towards the end of its life with offsets to take over when the main plant dies. It can be damaged by frost. Agave deserti Desert Agave Moderate 18” - 24” 18” - 24” — 15 F Low This agave is found growing in groups on dry, gravel slopes, and near washes. It has stiff blue grey leaves with toothed margins. It sends up a flower stalk after several years producing a yelllow flower at the end of this stalk. Once it blooms and sets fruit the plant dies. Use this agave in native landscapes. Do not overwater; drier is better. Use in full sun to part shade. Agave desmettiana Agave Moderate 3’-4’ 3’-6’ — 25 F Low Agave desmettiana is a large agave somewhat resembling the Ocotpus agave. It has wide leaves blue/grey, or blue/green in color with no teeth along the margin. It prefers filtered sun. Plant in well-drained soil keep moist not wet. It produces a number of off spring so that once the plant has flowered and died the next generation is already established. Agave geminiflora Twin Flower Agave Moderate 3’ 3’ - 4’ — 20 F Low/Mod A narrow leafed agave with leaves up to 2’ long. Plant in full sun to partial sun. It can be damaged in areas with cold winters (20 F). It sends up a narrow stalk with two flowers at each bract along the spike. Once it has flowered the plant dies and will need to be replaced. This agave does not produce offsets. Agave parryi Parr y’s Agave Slow 2’ 2’ — (-)20 F Low Dark brown thorny edge on blue green leaves. Grows in a rosette form it may or may not produce offsets. A very large flower spike with yellow flowers appears in the summer. Grow in full sun or light shade. Prefers good drainage. Avoid overwatering. Drought tolerant. Agave victoriae-reginae Queen Victoria Agave Slow 18-24” 18” - 24” — 10 F Low This agave forms a tight rosette with dark green leaves about 6” - 8” long. Very stiff leaves with white margins and a small sharp spine. Great for use in rock gardens, pots. Produces a flower stalk with green flowers about 2” in size. The plant dies after it flowers. Agave vilmoriniana Octopus Agave Moderate 4’ - 5’ 4-5’ — 20 F Low Easily recognized by its form; that of an octopus’ arms. This agave is large so its use is that of an accent or specimen plant. The leaves are slender with inconspicuous teeth along the margin. It produces a large stalk 18’ to 25’ just before the plant dies. Use in full sun. As with most agaves, this one is susceptible to the agave weevil. ALOE Aloe barbadensis Aloe Vera Slow/Mod 3’ - 4’ 3’ - 4’ — 25 F Low Upright, fleshy leaves with soft spines this plant spreads to 3 feet or more. It produces its flower stalk in the late winter through summer. When cut, the leaves secrete a liquid that is used on burns or abrasions. Use this plant in pots, in rock gardens, under trees. It prefers part shade to full sun. Aloe variegata Partidge Breast Aloe Slow 12” 10” — 25 F Low This aloe forms a tight rosette with stiff green leaves. The leaves are mottled with a darker green to brown band. The flower stalk is short, just above the leaves. It can appear any time during the year. The flower is red or pink in color. CACTUS & CHOLLA Carnegiea gigantea Saguaro Very Slow 25’ - 50’ 10’ - 15’ — 14 F Ver y Low The saguaro cactus is the most recognizable cactus in the desert landscape. Its dramatic height of up to 50’ and its massive arms epitomize the desert. They are very slow to grow. The flowers are white, nocturnal and pollenated by bats. The fruit is a bright red color and is an important food source for desert birds. They are protected by law and may not be removed from the desert. It is a native to the Sonoran desert from Mexico to Arizona and a small area in Southern California. Cereus hildmannianus Hildmann’s Cereus Mod/Rapid 10’ - 15’ 8’ - 10’ — 25 F Low Readily available in most nurseries, this is a common landscape cactus. Used as an accent or specimen due to its treelike branching form. It has large green branches with deep vertical grooves. It flowers in the spring through summer with large white flowers that open during the night. Cuttings make this an easy cactus to grow. Cereus peruvianus Peruvian Torch Mod/Rapid 15’ - 18’ 10’ - 15’ — 25 F Low Cereus is another large tree like cactus. The branches are dark green, ribbed, with 2” long needle like spines. The flowers are large about 8” long, and white in color. They open in the night and die as the sun hits the flower. The variety Monstrosus is a clumping, knobby form of the Peruvian Torch, which provides and interest in the garden. Similar tree like growth habit but much slower growing. Echinocactus grusonii Golden Barrel Cactus Very Slow 2’ - 4’ 2’ - 3’ — 25 F Ver y Low A favorite cactus for most desert landscapes. This barrel cactus is green with golden spines. Flowers appear on the top of the cactus forming a circle. This cactus is susceptible to rot so avoid overwatering. Looks good when combined with other cacti or in a grouping of similar Golden Barrel cactus. Ferocactus acanthodes Compass Barrel Cactus Very Slow 2’ - 8’ 2’ - 3’ — 25 F Ver y Low The compass barrel is native to the Southwest (Arizona, Nevada, So.California, Utah as well as Baja California and Sonora in Mexico). The form is barrel shaped when young becoming more columnar with age. Its habit of leaning towards the south gave this cactus its name. However, this is not always the case as it does lean in other directions. Very drought tolerant. It has between 20 to 30 ribs covered with very heavy spines in clusters of four with additional lateral spines of 15 to 20 spines. Do not come in contact with this well armed plant! Ferocactus wislizenii Fish-Hook Barrel Cactus Slow 2’ - 10’ 2’ - 3’ — 25 F Low Similar to the compass barrel in shape and growth habit. The ribs are armed with central spines red to grey in color and up to 4” long and hooked. The flowers appear at the top in a circular pattern usually orange to yellow and apricot in color. This cactus is drought tolerant and overwatering it can cause rot. Native to Arizona and Texas and parts of Mexico. Opuntia basilaris Beaver Tail Cactus Slow 12”-18” 3’ - 4’ — 5 F Low Grey/green pads about 6” in length and 3” to 4” wide. These pads resemble a beaver’s tail. Attractive rose colored flowers in the spring and summer. The small spines or bristles are barbed, so once embedded in the skin it is difficult to remove. Native to Arizona, California, Nevada, Utah, Sonora and Baja, Mexico. Stand up well to cold temperatures. Opuntia bigelovii Teddy Bear Cholla Slow 4-5’ 2’ - 3’ — 5 F Low A tree like form, branches with golden spines that appear ”soft” but aren’t. The trunk of this cholla is covered with the old spines still attached and black in color. Tread lightly near this plant; the jointed terminals seem to ”jump” at the unsuspecting passerby. The spine is hooked and difficult to remove from skin. It makes a dangerous but effective barrier. Use with caution. 70 71 desert flora PALETTE Page 4 Photo 1 Page 4 Photo 2 Page 4 Photo 3 Page 4 Photo 4 Page 4 Photo 5 Page 4 Photo 6 Page 4 Photo 7 Page 4 Photo 8 Page 6 Photo 1 Page 6 Photo 2 Page 6 Photo 3 Page 8 Photo 1 Page 6 Photo 4 Page 6 Photo 5 Page 8 Photo 2 Page 8 Photo 3 Page 8 Photo 4 Page 8 Photo 5 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS ACCENTS CACTUS & CHOLLA Opuntia engelmannii Engelmann’s Prickly Pear Moderate 4’ - 8’ to 15’ — 5 F Low A large pad cactus with 12” long pads that easily propagate from cuttings. This makes it an invasive cactus. It does have spines and tufts of little spines called glocids which can penetrate clothing including leather gloves. Flowers bloom in spring to summer. Opuntia ficus-indica Tuna Cactus Slow 15’ 10’ — 20F Low A large tree like cactus with no spines but with bundles of bristles called glochids. The pads on this cactus are 12” to 20” long, light green and rather smooth. The flower blooms in late spring/early summer. It is orange in color and is approximately 4” in size. The fruit that is produced is edible. It is susceptible to the cochineal scale. Opuntia microdasys Bunny Ears Cactus Rapid 2’ - 3’ 4’ - 5’ — 20 F Low Covered with fuzzy looking dots known as glochids, these bristles can attach themselves easily to skin and are difficult to remove. The small pad which grows along the top flat edge of the older pads gives the appearance of rabbit ears in profile. The flowers appear in summer. They are yellow in color and are followed by red fruit. Good background plant where foot traffic is minimal. Opuntia violaceae ’Santa Rita’ Purple Prickly Pear Slow 2’ - 5’ 2’ - 5’ — 25 F Low The pads on this cactus are 8” long, rounded, are green with tinges of red to purple color. The flower is yellow which provides a nice contrast to the purple color. Susceptible to the cochineal scale. OCOTILLO Fouquieria splendens Ocotillo Moderate 6-30’ 15’ — 25 F Low The ocotillo is not a cactus but a shrub. It is a member of the Fouquieriaceae family. It is native to So. California, New Mexico, and Texas. This plant is comprised of may slender stems growing from a single base. The stems are grey in color and have spines in bundles along the ridges. Soon after the spring or summer rain, 1” long bright green leaves emerge near the spines. These quickly turn yellow as the soil dries. The flowers are bright orange red and tubular shaped which grown at the end of the stem. YUCCA Hesperaloe parviflora Red Yucca Moderate 2-3’ 3-4’ — 15F Low Forms broad, grass-like clumps with pink or yellow blooms on 4’ tall stalks. Leaves are narrow, somewhat stiff, about 1/2” wide, with marginal threads. This low water using plant does well when planted with other desert plants, in rock gardens or as a stand alone plant. Yucca baccata Banana Yucca Slow 3’ 5’ — -20F Low This agave can be found growing on rocky slopes from California desert to Texas, Colorado as well as in Mexico. The plant is extremely frost tolerant, heat tolerant and drought tolerant. The leaves are rather coarse and stiff with a very sharp pointed tip. The flowers are a creamy white color and grow on a stalk about 3 feet tall. Yucca elata Soap-Tree Yucca Slow 20’ 8-10’ — 15 F Low An elegant desert plant. The soaptree yucca has graceful, narrow leaves about 1/2” wide and up to 4 feet long. The leaves are flexible but have a sharp tip. The flowers appear on a stalk in spring, blooms are creamy white. The dead leaves remain on the trunk for an interesting appearance. Do not remove this thatch as it protects the trunk from heat, cold and pests. Use in a variety of landscape design. Keep away from foot traffic areas. Yucca gloriosa Spanish Dagger Slow/Mod 12’ 8’ — 10F Low A dramatic looking yucca that can produce multiple stems which appear woody as they age. The leaves are bright green 2’ long and 2” wide. Plant in full sun; avoid reflected sun as the plant can burn. Yucca recurvifolia Pendulous Yucca Moderate 5’ - 6’ 5’ - 6’ — 10F Low/Mod More tropical looking than other yuccas. This plant has sword-like leaves; long, curving and broad with a soft pointed tip. The flower stalk is 3 feet to 5 feet in height. Use in full sun to shade. Yucca rigida Blue Yucca Slow 7’ - 8’ 3’ - 4’ — 10F Low Stiff blue-gray leaves about 18” long and 1” wide characterize this yucca. The leaves do end in a sharp point. The old leaves stay on the trunk forming a thatch. This thatch is thought to protect the plant from insects and the weather. The flower stalk is 2 feet long with white blooms appearing in the spring. Give this yucca good drainage. Do not overwater. Yucca whipplei Our Lord’s Candle Slow 3’ - 4’ 3’ - 4’ — 10F Low This is a compact yucca, forming a tight rosette of leaves that are especially attractive in desert gardens. The leaves are narrow about 3/4” wide and 18” long and are a grey/green color. The flower stalk can be up to 8 feet tall with white bell shaped blooms. Once the plant has flowered this yucca will die. Use this yucca in partial shade to full sun. It does have sharp tips! Keep away from foot traffic areas. OTHER ORNAMENTALS Asclepias subulata Desert Milkweed Moderate 5’ 4’ — 25F Low This little used desert plant is unique in its appearance and growth habit. The plant has many stems that arise from a woody base. They are slender, flexible and long; about 4 feet in length and are grey in color. When broken the stems exude a milky sap. The plant blooms from March to October. The flower is 2” in size and pale yellow to creamy white in color. The flowers attract butterflies which make this plant a wonderful addition in the desert garden. Beaucarnea recurvata Bottle Palm Slow 15-20’ 8-10’ — 20F Low The bulbous base and long, drooping leaves of this ”palm” make this plant an unusual accent in any desert garden. It can be grown outdoors or in a pot. Several trunks can grow from the base which, can get quite large. The leaves are bright green in color, long and narrow, growing from the branch tips. Cycas revoluta Sago Palm Slow 8’ - 10’ 5-6’ — 15-20 F Low/Mod The Sago palm is not a palm but a cycad; a primitive, cone-bearing relative to the conifer. The leaves are stiff, dark green and arise from the center of the trunk. The leaves are divided into many segments similar to palm fronds. The plant can be multiple trunked. The Sago can grow in full sun or partial shade. Dasylirion longissima Mexican Grass Tree Slow 10’ 8’ — 15 F Low The grass like leaves are long and narrow; about 4’ in length, arranged in a whorl on a woody base. The leaves lack teeth along the margins. The graceful flowing appearance of the leaves gives a tropical look to the landscape. The trunk develops slowly but can eventually reach a height of 10 feet. Flowers appear only on older plants. Use this plant as an accent, in rock gardens, or for a tropical look. Dasylirion wheeleri Desert Spoon Slow 4’ - 5’ 5’ - 6’ — 10 F Low A familiar desert plant used in many desert style landscape designs. The leaves are narrow, stiff, with sharp thorns along the edges. The plant grows in a rosette form. Drought tolerant once established. It does form a flower stalk that can reach up to 10 feet in height. 72 73 desert flora PALETTE Page 8 Photo 7 Page 8 Photo 6 Page 10 Photo 1 Page 10 Photo 2 Page 10 Photo 3 Page 12 Photo 1 Page 12 Photo 2 Page 12 Photo 3 Page 12 Photo 4 Page 12 Photo 5 Page 12 Photo 6 Page 14 Photo 1 Page 16 Photo 1 Page 16 Photo 2 Page 16 Photo 3 Page 16 Photo 4 Page 16 Photo 5 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS ACCENTS OTHER ORNAMENTALS Euphorbia milli Crown of Thorn Low/Mod 18” - 24” 18”- 24” — 25F Low Thorny stems with leaves near the tips. Clusters of red bracts appear nearly all year round. It is cold sensitive. This is a good accent plant. It tolerates full sun but needs some shade in the afternoon. Nolina bigelovii Nolina Moderate 3’ - 4’ 4’ — 15F Low This Nolina has a yucca - like appearance with a woody trunk that can be one foot thick. The leaves are grey/green in color, 3 feet long and 1” wide. The flower appears on a stalk approximately 3’ to 4’ in height, with creamy white flowers. An accent plant for any dry or desert landscape. Nolina microcarpa Bear Grass Moderate 3’ - 4’ 4’ - 5’ — -15F Low A grasslike shrub growing on a woody stem. It has coarse leaves about 3feet in length, narrow; 1/4” wide and finely toothed along the margin. It has a scraggly look. The tips of the leaves fray which then curls. Giving this Southwest native an unusual characteristic. Use in any desert related landscape. Portulacaria afra Elephants Food Mod/Rapid 10’ 8’ — 25F Low A succulent plant with arching branches and very small fleshy leaves about 1/2” in size. Stems are fleshy. Very easy to grow, requires little maintenance. Use in full sun or part shade. Do not overwater. Stipa tenuissima Mexican Feather Grass Moderate 2’ 3’ — -10F Low A fine textured grass that billows with the slightest breeze. Very attractive green blades with a flower stem that produces silvery colored awns. Cut the clump before the seed dries as it can be somewhat invasive. Use in rock gardens, near stream beds, as an accent plant. GROUNDCOVERS Acacia redolens ’Desert Carpet’™ Desert Carpet Rapid 18”-24” 10’-12’ 12’o.c. 15F Low Evergreen groundcover with yellow flowers in spring that are fragrant. Good groundcover for slope planting. This particular variety differs from other prostrate Acacia redolens in that it does retain its low growth habit. It has leathery leaves, deep green in color smooth to the touch. Minimal pruning is needed as long as the plant has the area in which to grow. Chrysactinia mexicana Damianita Slow/Mod 18”-24” 18”-24” 24”o.c. 0F Low Damianita is a wonderful addition to any garden especially a sensory garden. The foliage is needle like with spikes of bright yellow flowers in spring and fall. Flowering is somewhat sparse during the summer heat. This plant requires good drainage and is drought tolerant once established. More a shrub than a ground cover, this is one plant that needs to be used en masse. Convolvulus cneorum Bush Morning Glory Rapid 1’-2’ 3’ 4’o.c 15F Low This mounding groundcover has silver/grey foliage, soft to the touch. The flowers are white about 2” in size. Pruning is minimal on this plant. It does well in full sun and partial shade. Do not overwater this plant as it is susceptible to damping off disease. This is a good accent plant, border plant, and good in raised planters. Dalea capitata Sierra Gold™ Moderate 12” 3’ 3’o.c 0F Low This groundcover is rather delicate in appearance but extremely hardy. Its low profile makes this an ideal groundcover for borders, accents, and rock gardens. Does well in shade as well as full sun. It blooms in spring to fall producing a yellow flower on a small stalk. Dalea greggii Trailing Indigo Bush Rapid 12” 5-6’ 6’o.c. 10F Low The attraction of this ground cover is its easy to maintain growth habit. The leaves of this plant are a grey green in color, small in size. This plant is rabbit resistant, and drought tolerant once established. The flowers are purple but not overly showy. Do not overwater. Do not use where foot traffic is high as it does not tolerate this type of abuse. Use in rock gardens, as an understory planting. Lantana montevidensis Purple Trailing Lantana Rapid 18-24” 4-6’ 8’o.c 20F Moderate Prostrate groundcover with purple flowers. Blooms spring through summer and into the fall. Tolerates the desert heat. Leaves are aromatic, about 1” in size, dark green although it can get a bronze cast to the leaf in colder temperatures. The flowers are purple in color and about 1” to 2” in size. Use this plant for accent color, in rock gardens, as a border plant, or as an understory plant. Lantana camara vars. ’New Gold’ New Gold Lantana Mod/Rapid 2’-5’ 3’-5’ 6’o.c. 10F Moderate A mounding shrub that can spread to 5’ plus in size. Dark green leaves. Golden yellow flowers cover this recognizable shrub. Use in full sun. Makes a good informal border, ads color to any landscape. Do not plant in shade areas. It is frost sensitive. Cut back any frost damage after danger of frost has passed. It grows faster with more water. Not drought tolerant. Somewhat susceptible to white fly. Liriope spp. Turf Lily Moderate 12-18” 1’-11/2’ 1 1/2’o.c. 25F Moderate Forms grasslike clumps. Turf Lily blooms in the spring on spikes with lavender blue flowers. Turf lily is a tropical looking plant that tolerates the desert heat but not the desert sun. Therefore, plant in partial sun. The Turf Lily does require well drained soil. Remove old flower spikes, and dead leaves. To control the size of the plant divide the plant rather than pruning it. Use in rock gardens, as accents or for a tropical feel in pool or pond planters. Ruellia brittoniana ’Katie’ Moderate 1’ 2’ 3’o.c 15F Low/Mod Similar to the Ruellia shrub, ’Katie’ is a much more sophisticated and smaller version of this plant. The leaves are a deep green narrow about 3” long. The flower is blue and approximately 2” is size that can cover the entire plant. This plant will reseed if moisture is available. It is frost tender. Use in rock gardens, borders, as an accent plant. Salvia chamaedryoides Mexican Bush Sage Moderate 1’-2’ 2’ 3’oc 15F Low An unusual groundcover/perennial for small landscape areas. Grey green leaves and blue/lavender flowers that bloom in the summer into the fall. It is short-lived. Do not overwater especially in the summer. Use this in rock gardens, as a small groundcover, understory planting, or for a spot of blue in the summer garden. Verbena spp. Verbena Mod/Rapid 8” 4’ varies 0 - 20F Moderate The choices in this groundcover are many! If you are looking for a different groundcover with attractive pink to purple flowers verbena is an excellent choice. Depending upon the variety you use, they stay short and bloom profusely. Anticipate a dying back after 2-3 years. Do not overwater! Remove the old blooms to keep the plant looking clean. Use as an accent plant, a border, in rock gardens, in planters where they can drape, on slopes, and anywhere else color is needed. Wedelia trilobata Yellow Dot Rapid 1’-2’ 6’-8’ 8’oc 0F Moderate This is a versatile groundcover that does well in the desert. It performs well on drip systems, it grows in shade areas, in full sun, it takes the heat, and it takes cold temperatures. It can be reduced in height with mowing. It has an ivy type leaf and does get a flower similar to a dandelion. It is a relative newcomer to the desert plant palette so its performance is still under evaluation. Use this for a multitude of landscapes from borders to understory planting to rock gardens. It will establish itself so it is advisable to keep it in check. 74 75 desert flora PALETTE Page 16 Photo 6 Page 18 Photo 1 Page 18 Photo 2 Page 18 Photo 3 Page 18 Photo 4 Page 20 Photo 1 Page 20 Photo 2 Page 20 Photo 3 Page 20 Photo 4 Page 20 Photo 5 Page 20 Photo 6 Page 20 Photo 7 Page 22 Photo 1 Page 22 Photo 2 Page 22 Photo 3 Page 22 Photo 4 Page 22 Photo 5 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS PERENNIALS Abronia villosa Sand Verbena Moderate 12” 2’ — 15F Low Desert native. Blooms in the early spring mostly in sandy areas of the desert. It blankets the desert in a vibrant shade of purple flower clusters. A ”show-stopper”! Very difficult to germinate but worth the effort to perpetuate this desert flower. Baileya multiradiata Desert Marigold Rapid 18”-24” 12-18” — -10F Low Native to the Mojave and Sonoran Desert, this perennial is becoming more widely used in desert landscapes. It has grey/green foliage from which flower stems grow. It produces a daisy like flower about 1” to 2” in diameter. It does reseed. Flowers for most of the summer. Do not overwater. Use in rock gardens, desert landscapes and for accents. Berlandiera lyrata Chocolate Flower Moderate 18” 18” — -30F Low Chocolate scented flowers! This plant has coarse leaves about 6” long. The flower is yellow with a reddish/brown center. The flowers open in the morning and droop with the summer heat towards evening. Be sure to remove dead blooms to stimulate new growth. Calyophus hartwegii Sierra Sun Drop Moderate 2’ 2’ — 0F Low/Mod. A profuse bloomer of 2” yellow flowers mostly in the spring with occasional flowers in the fall. Flowers open in the morning close at sunset. Leaves are small about 1 1/2” long and form a dense clump which highlights the yellow flowers. Use in rock gardens, pots and for accents. Does best in filtered light. Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis Rapid 1’-2’ 2’-3’ — 0F Moderate An easy to grow perennial with a profusion of yellow blooms all summer long. The leaves are a bright green, 3” to 6” long. The flowers are up to 2” in diameter. The plants can spread. It is a good summer accent in rock gardens, pots, as a border or in a cottage garden. Dyssodia pentachaeta Golden Dyssodia Moderate 7” 12” — 0F Low A small clumping perennial that is short lived. The leaves are aromatic somewhat needle like and lacy. The flowers are yellow daisy like in shape. It does attract butterflies. It re-seeds and appears to bloom most of the year. Good in rock gardens, accents, cottage gardens Erigonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium Flat top Buckwheat Moderate 1 1/2’ 3’ — 10F Low A low growing, mounding type shrub. This is a spring to fall bloomer. The flowers are a creamy white with tinges of pink. Leaves are small about 3/4” in size and 1/8” wide grey green in color, woolly underneath. This is a low maintenance plant that requires no pruning and very little water once established. Good in most desert planting schemes. Eschscholzia californica California Poppy Rapid 12” - 18” 12” — 0F Low The California State Flower is easily recognized by its bright orange flower. This native is easily propagated from seed. The leaves are lacy, blue/green in color. The growth habit is mounding. Use as an accent, in meadows, native gardens or where ever you choose. Hymenoxys acaulis Angelita Daisy Moderate 12”-18” 15”-18” — -20F Moderate Similar to the desert marigold but with greener leaves and a darker yellow flower. It blooms almost year round in milder climates and its biggest show of color is in spring. It does naturalize. Use in borders, cottage gardens, any desert landscape. Lavandula angustifolia Lavender Moderate 3’-5’ 3’ — Low Gray-green leaves accented by tall lavander spikes. Plant in full sun. Melampodium leucanthum Blackfoot Daisy Moderate 1’-2’ 1’-2’ — -20F Low Blackfoot daisy is a seldom used desert accent but worth planting. It is low growing with grey green leaves and a white daisy like flower. Once established it requires little water. Use in borders, accents, mixed with other desert wildflowers. Oenothera berlandieri Chihuahuan Primrose Moderate 6” 4’ — 10F Low More a ground cover than a perennial, this plant forms a dense mat of fine green leaves and 2” pink buttercup shaped flowers. It is drought tolerant once established. This plant does attract hummingbirds. Use in rock areas, as an accent or an understory planting. Oenothera caespitosa White-tufted Evening Primrose Moderate 12” 2’ — -20F Low The spring and fall are the bloom periods for this Southwest native perennial. It has a clumping growth habit, lance shaped leaves that are grey/green in color with a large buttercup shaped flower. The flower color can vary from white to pale pink. It opens in the evening hours and closes as the sun rises. Do not overwater. Penstemon eatonii Firecracker Penstemon Slow 2’-4’ 2’ — -10F Low A favorite of hummingbirds. This particular penstemon has red tubular flowers on 2’ tall stalks. Bloom time is spring to early summer. The leaves are dark green and 3” long. They form a basal rosette from which the flower stalk emerges. Use in most desert landscapes. It is drought tolerant but does appreciate a drink of water in the hot summer months. Cut off spent stalks or leave to dry. The dried pods contain hundreds of seeds which can be scattered. Penstemon parryi Parr y’s Penstemon Slow 2’-4’ 2’ — 15F Low This penstemon has pink or rose colored funnel shaped flowers. They are about 3/4” long and are borne on stalks that can be 4’ in length. Penstemon superbus Superb Penstemon Slow 2’-4’ 3’ — 5F Low Deep red flowers about 1” long are found on this penstemon. Psilotrophe cooperi Paperflower Moderate 1’ 2’ — 10F Low A delicate looking shrub that is quite hardy. The flowers are yellow about 1” in size. They turn rather papery as they age and remain on the plant for weeks. The flowers are the focal point of this Southwest native. Leaves are long and very narrow, light green in color due to a woolly coating on the leaf. Use in full sun as an accent plant, in rock gardens or as a border perennial. Sphaeralcea ambigua Globe Mallow Moderate 3’ 3’ — 0F Low Grey green leaves, lobed, with fine hairs on the surface. Flowers grow on stems from base to the top of the stem. Usually orange in color but can be pink or lavender. It does its best in full sun. This southwest native is drought tolerant once established. Supplemental watering during the hottest time is suggested. Prune off dead stems or you may cut the plant back to stimulate new growth. Tagetes lemmonii Mt. Lemmon Marigold Mod/Rapid 3’-6’ 3’-6’ — 5F Low For fall color this is indeed a good choice. A shrubby plant with bright yellow flowers covering the plant. Leaves are compound 3” long and fragrant. Prefers filtered light in the summer and does tolerate desert heat. Use as an accent, border plant, in pots, and most desert landscape uses. Zephyranthes grandiflora Rain Lily Mod 12” 12” — 0F Low This delicate looking plant is actually quite hardy. It can tolerate full sun, low water and most soils. It has a clumping growth habit with bright green leaves. The flowers are funnel shaped and appear in summer and early fall. Zinnia grandiflora Prairie Zinnia Moderate 8” - 10” 12”-15” — -30F Low This low growing perennial produces masses of yelllow zinnina looking flowers in spring. The plant has been cultivated and does offer an orange variety as well. Does well in desert heat and dies back in the winter to the ground. Excellent plant for borders, accents or in cottage type gardens. 76 77 desert flora PALETTE Page 24 Photo 1 Page 24 Photo 2 Page 24 Photo 3 Page 24 Photo 4 Page 24 Photo 5 Page 26 Photo 1 Page 24 Photo 6 Page 26 Photo 2 Page 26 Photo 3 Page 26 Photo 4 Page 26 Photo 5 Page 26 Photo 6 Page 26 Photo 7 Page 28 Photo 1 No Photo Available Page 28 Photo 2 Page 28 Photo 3 Page 28 Photo 4 Page 28 Photo 5 Page 28 Photo 6 Page 28 Photo 7 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS SHRUBS Ambrosia deltoidea Triangleleaf Bur Sage Moderate 1 1/2’ - 2’ 2’ 6’o.c. 20F Low A compact shrub. Leaves are grey-green, triangle or lance shaped, small in size 1” long to 1/2” wide. Produces a small pea size flower in spring yellow-green in color. Not much pruning needed for this desert plant. Use in full sun. Works well as an accent or in cactus gardens to soften the look. Ambrosia dumosa White Bur Sage Moderate 2’ 3’ 6’o.c. 10F Low This sage is so named due to the color of the stems which are light grey to white when young. The leaves are 1/2” long and 1/4” wide. The flower of this sage is green, small and not spectacular. The shrub has an open lacy appearance. It blooms twice a year in the spring and fall. Use in full sun. It is drought tolerant. Allergy sufferers may not appreciate this plant too near their home. Good for desert plantings Atriplex canescens Four Wing Salt Bush Slow 3’-6’ 4’-8’ 8’o.c. -30F Low Used for erosion control. Dense, round shrub with grey green leaves 2” long. From spring to fall this shrub may produce yellow-green flowers. The fruit that develops on the female plant is tan in color and has four papery wings. Plant in full sun. It is drought tolerant once it is established. Use as informal hedge or as an accent. Atriplex lentiformis Quail Bush Slow/Mod 8’-10’ 12’-15’ 8’o.c. 15F Low High tolerance to high alkali soils. Leaves are a silver grey color about 1 1/2” long and 1” wide. Use this shrub in backgrounds, hedge, screen or mass planting. Due to its size it is not recommended for small gardens. Use in full sun. Supplemental water in the summer will encourage faster growth. Prune only if you want to control its growth. Baccharis x ’Thompson’ Baccharis Rapid 2’-3’ 6’ 8’o.c. 0F Low Baccharis has been used in desert landscapes for many years. Maintenance seems to be the main problem with this ground cover. The variety ’Thompson’ is a more consistent variety than ’Centennial’. It is a male plant therefore the white fluffy seed head is not a problem nor are the unwanted seedlings that develop from other varieties. It has the same dark green leaves and mounding growth habit Bougainvillea spp. Bougainvillea Rapid 5’-6’ 10’-15’ 8’oc 20F Moderate A popular desert vine, shrub, ground cover. Its versatility makes this plant a favorite for most gardens. As a vine, it is great on those west and south walls. It does exceptionally well in full sun but will not produce the bracts in shadier settings. Use the shrub variety for additional color in the garden. It can freeze if the winters are cold. Keep this plant protected from the wind. Buddleia marrubifolia Woolly Butterfly Bush Moderate 5’ 5’ 6’oc 15F Low Evergreen shrub with silvery grey leaves approximately 1” long. It produces an orange flower that butterflies are attracted to. Use this plant in full sun as an informal hedge or an accent plant. Requires little pruning. Caesalpinia gilliesii Yellow Bird of Paradise Rapid 8’-10’ 8’-10’ 8’oc -20F Moderate Deciduous. Because of height, best used in background. It has an open form, no spines and yellow flowers. Prune this plant to control size, and to remove any spent flowers. It does naturalize easily. There is some leaf and seed pod debris. Caesalpinia pulcherrima Red Bird of Paradise Rapid 5’-8’ 5’-8’ 8’o.c. 15F Moderate Deciduous, best used as accent or in the background. Same form as the Yellow Bird of Paradise. The flowers are orange red in color and there are spines along the stems. Mass planting of this shrub is not recommended as it is deciduous in the winter. Prune to remove spent flowers or head back to control size. Calliandra californica Baja Red Fairy Duster Moderate 3’-5’ 3’-5’ 6’oc. 20F Low/Mod An upright growing shrub with feathery, red flowers. Blooms from spring and through the summer months. Use this shrub as an accent, background plant. Prune to reduce width by removing stems from the base of the plant. It is frost sensitive, so use this shrub where it can be protected. Calliandra eriophylla Fairy Duster Moderate 3’-4’ 3’-4’ 6’o.c. 5F Low Evergreen, pink flowering shrub that is a more compact form than the Baja Red Fairy Duster. The leaves of this shrub are less than 1” long, bipinnately compound and rather lacy in appearance. Use this shrub in most landscape designs as an accent plant, an informal hedge or a shrubby ground cover. It is drought tolerant and does well in full sun. Callistemon viminalis ’Little John’ Dwarf Bottle Brush Mod/Rapid 3’ 3’ 6’o.c. 20F Moderate A compact shrub. Leaves are stiff approximately 4” long and narrow. The leaves are a grey green in color. The flowers on this shrub are similar to its much larger parent, the Bottle Brush tree. A deep bottlebrush red flower in the spring, summer and fall makes this shrub a good plant for many landscape uses. Chrysothamnus nauseosus Rabbitbush, Chamisa Slow/Mod 4’ 4’ 6’o.c. -30F Low The Rabbitbush is a mounding shrub with bright green leaves. The flowers are borne on the ends of grey colored stems. Theses flowers are yellow in color about 1/4” in size but produce a spectacular show of color in September to November. This shrub prefers afternoon shade. Use in gardens as a colorful accent or an informal hedge. Cistus purpureus Orchid rockrose Rapid 3’ 4’ 5’o.c. 15F Moderate A native to more moderate temperatures, the rock rose can tolerate the desert heat if planted in a protected area. The plant has small green leaves which are coated with a resin. The flowers are short lived but showy. The orchid colored flower is 3” in size with a deep burgundy dot at the base of each petal. Use as an accent, in an informal landscape setting. Cocculus laurifolius Laurel Leaf Snail Seed Slow/Mod 6’-25’ 8’-25’ 10’-20’o.c. 25F Moderate A small tree or shrub that can be used as a background or accent plant. Control its size by pruning. It has glossy, green oblong shaped leaves about 6” long with very defined ribs. It can also be trained as an espalliered vine. Leaves resemble citrus tree leaves. Cordia boissieri Texas Olive Moderate 10’-25’ 10’-25’ 20’o.c. 20F Low A small tree or shrub. Use in most landscape designs where a large shrub or small tree is needed. Leaves are grey green in color and somewhat coarse in texture. The flowers are white with yellow centers. This plant blooms in spring and fall. Frost sensitive leaves but the plant can recover if damaged by frost. Cordia parvifolia Little Leaf Cordia Moderate 5’-6’ 7’-8’ 10’o.c. 15F Low/Mod A large spreading shrub with graceful arching branches. It blooms in the spring and fall producing white, bell shaped flowers about 1 1/2” in size. The leaves are small grey green in color. This shrub has an open form making it a good plant for use as a background shrub, an informal hedge or screen. The plant is drought tolerant once it has become established. Cuphea llavea Bat-faced Cuphea Moderate 2’-3’ 3’ 6’o.c. 20F Moderate A small shrub for desert gardens. The flower of this shrub is said to resemble a bat’s face hence the name. The flower color is red and purple. It blooms in the spring and fall. It is not a drought tolerant plant and does require supplemental irrigation during the summer heat. Dalea bicolor v.bicolor Monterrey Blue™ Monterrey Blue Moderate 6’-8’ 5’-6’ 6’o.c. 10F Moderate Cut this shrub back in the spring or winter to promote new spring growth. This shrubs blooms in the fall. The flowers are a deep blue color. Cold hardy This shrub is deciduous. 78 79 desert flora PALETTE Page 30 Photo 1 Page 30 Photo 2 Page 30 Photo 3 Page 30 Photo 4 Page 30 Photo 5 Page 30 Photo 6 Page 30 Photo 7 Page 32 Photo 1 Page 32 Photo 2 Page 32 Photo 3 Page 32 Photo 4 Page 32 Photo 5 Page 32 Photo 6 Page 32 Photo 7 Page 34 Photo 1 Page 34 Photo 2 Page 34 Photo 3 Page 34 Photo 4 Page 34 Photo 5 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS SHRUBS Dalea frutescens ’Sierra Negra’ Black Dalea Moderate 3’-5’ 5’-6’ 6’o.c. 0F Moderate Rose-purple blooms add a splash of fall color. This is a semi-deciduous shrub that can reach 3’-5’ in height and a spread of about 6’. Cut this plant back in the winter if needed. Use this shrub as a background plant, an informal hedge. Dalea pulchra Indigo Bush Low 3’-4’ 5’-6’ 6’o.c. 15F Moderate Silvery grey foliage approximately 1/2” long and 1/2” wide. This shrub is evergreen with a rounded form. This Dalea blooms in the spring. Flowers are 3/4” in size and are purple in color. Use this shrub where you have the space to allow it to grow. Use as a background plant, informal hedge. Dodonaea viscosa Hop Seed Bush Moderate 10’-12’ 8’-10’ 8’o.c. 15F Moderate Moderate to fast growing habit depends upon the amount of water it receives. This can be trained into a small tree. Use as a background plant, it can be formally pruned, use as a hedge. There are green leafed or bronze leafed versions of this shrub. It does have problems in the landscape; it is short lived, it can develop root problems and it can be susceptible to chlorosis. Encelia farinosa Brittle Bush Fast 3’-4’ 2’-3’ 6’o.c. 15F Low Silvery compact shrub with lance shaped leaves. Leaves have fine white hairs which gives this plant its silvery appearance. The flowers resemble a daisy in appearance and bloom from spring through fall. This desert native is common on rocky slopes, near washes. It is a sun loving plant. Use this for an accent, background shrub, informal hedge or in desert inspired landscapes. It is evergreen and drought tolerant. Eremophilla maculata ‘Valentine’ Valentine Moderate 4’ 4’-5’ 6’o.c. 15F Low/Mod This shrub is an evergreeen, winter to spring flowering shrub. The flowers are red in color about 1” in length. Great accent plant, border planting. One of the few shrubs that produces color in winter. Prune this plant after it completes its bloom cycle. Ericameria laricifolia Turpentine Bush Slow 2’-3’ 2’-3’ 4’o.c. 15F Low Bright green strongly aromatic foliage. Primarily an understory plant mixing well with desert native plants. A fall flowering shrub. It produces clusters of small yellow flowers. This plant is ”maintenance free” meaning not a lot of pruning is needed. Fallugia paradoxa Apache Plume Fast 3’-8’ 3’-8’ 10’o.c. -30F Low This shrub produces white flowers about 1 1/2” in size. Its bloom time ranges from spring to early fall. The seed tail becomes a feathery plume about 2” - 2 1/2” large. The shrub is evergreen to semi-deciduous. It is an upright growing shrub. The leaves are small usually 1/4” to 1/2” big, dark green above and reddish beneath. Use this shrub where space is not limited. A good background plant, accent plant, or an informal hedge. Not much maintenance needed. Water needs are low. Gardenia jasminoides ’Mystery’ Gardenia Moderate 4’-5’ 4’-5’ 5’o.c. 20F Moderate Compact form with glossy leaves. Application of acidic fertilizers are needed. This is a more tropical plant but has been used in the desert. Due to its fertilizer requirements, shade needs, soil requirements maintenance on this shrub is time consuming but worth the trouble. White flowers adorn this tropical with a recognizable fragrance. Gossypium harknessii San Marcos Hibiscus Moderate 3’ 3’ 4’o.c. 0F Low/Mod This shrub is a native of Baja California. It can tolerate light frosts. It prefers well drained soils and full sun. The flower blooms from October to May. The flower is similar to the hibiscus flower, it is bright yellow with a dark red spot. Use this shrub as an accent, or specimen plant in the landscape. It is drought tolerant but does better with water during the warmer weather. Hyptis emoryi Desert Lavender Moderate 8’-10’ 6’-8’ 8’o.c. 15F Low Once established, this desert native does not require frequent irrigation. Some summer water is recommended. This shrub is found throughout the desert. It has silver-grey leaves and produces a lavender flowers. This aromatic shrub can be used as an informal hedge, in the background or a native garden. Ixora coccinea Flame of the Woods Slow/Mod 6’ 6’ 8’o.c. 30F Mod/High A tropical looking shrub for the desert. This plant grows surprisingly well in the hot summers of the desert. It has a glossy green leaf somewhat leathery. The flower is the real attraction to this plant, it is either a coral color or yellow. Rather large cluster of flowers that can bloom through most of the year. Use in full sun to partial shade. Great accent plant, border, informal hedge. It does grow large in the humid zones but its performance in the desert is not known. Justicia californica Chuparosa Moderate 6’ 3’-12’ 10’o.c. 20F Low/Mod This desert native (Sonoran desert) adds an interest to any desert inspired landscape. Virtually leafless, this shrub spreads up to 12’. The green stems are covered with small red flowers several times per year. Very low maintenance, however, you may want to prune to contain this plant. Drought tolerant, but appreciates a drink of water during the summer months. Use where it can spread; on a hillside, as a background plants, accent. It does attract hummingbirds! Justicia spicigera Mexican Honeysuckle Moderate 3’-4’ 4’-6’ 6’o.c. 15F Low/Mod Red-orange tubular flowers 1 1/2” in size. Blooms spring through winter. Good for partial shade. Leaves are a light green in color about 3” in size. Little pruning is needed on this shrub but you may want to head this back in fall to promote new growth. Not frost tolerant. Larrea tridentata Creosote Slow 6’-8’ 6’-8’ 8’o.c. 5F Low This is a desert native found in a wide range of areas in the desert southwest. Often overlooked as a landscape plant. This shrub is extremely drought tolerant. Not particular in the soil in which it is planted. The leaves are a small glossy green on grey to brown stems. It produces a yellow flower throughout the year. This shrub is the producer of the ”smell” most associated with the desert after a rain. This shrub is available in nurseries and is a must for any desert landscape. Use this shrub as an accent or background shrub. Leucophyllum candidum Sage Moderate 3’ 3’ 5’o.c. 10F Low/Mod Variety ’Silver Cloud’ has fine silver white foliage with purple flowers. ’Thunder Cloud’ is smaller with dark purple flowers. Both of these varieties are small shrubs that require little maintenance. Use as an informal hedge, as an accent plant, great for splashes of color in the landscape. Beware the water! This is one plant that does not appreciate being overwatered. Leucohyllum frutescens Texas Ranger Slow/Mod 4’-8’ 4’-8’ 8’o.c. 10F Low/Mod A dense shrub with soft grey leaves about 1 inch long. It produces a rosy colored flowers in the summer particularly after a summer shower. Blooms cover the plant. Very popular in desert landscapes. This shrub can be used for most landscape designs but its mature size needs to be considered when planting. It does not need a lot of maintenance. Do not hedge this shrub! Leucophyllum langmaniae ’Rio Bravo’™ Rio Brave Sage Moderate 4’-5’ 4’-5’ 6’o.c. 10F Low/Mod Similar to Chihuahuan sage but a more rounded appearance without the aid of pruning. It has the same lavender colored flowers but does not bloom as frequently. The foliage is slightly darker than the Chihuahuan sage. Use this shrub as an accent, background, desert, or informal hedge. Leucophyllum laevigatum Chihuahuan Sage Moderate 4’-5’ 5’ 6’o.c. 10F Low/Mod This sage is a more free form shrub with small olive-green leaves on stems that are more vertical and loose rather than rounded in shape. It has lavender colored flowers that are fragrant. Use this in most landscape designs; accent, background, desert, informal hedge. Little maintenance is required, you may want to head back any long branches. 80 81 desert flora PALETTE Page 34 Photo 6 Page 34 Photo 7 Page 36 Photo 1 Page 36 Photo 2 Page 36 Photo 3 Page 36 Photo 4 Page 36 Photo 5 Page 38 Photo 1 Page 38 Photo 2 Page 38 Photo 3 Page 38 Photo 4 Page 38 Photo 5 Page 38 Photo 6 Page 40 Photo 1 Page 40 Photo 2 Page 40 Photo 3 Page 40 Photo 4 Page 40 Photo 5 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS SHRUBS Leucophyllum pruinosum Sierra Bouquet Sage Moderate 5’-6’ 5’-6’ 8’o.c. 10F Low/Mod Curled gray green foliage, with fragrant flowers that fills the air with the scent of grape bubble gum! This is sage is best used as a background shrub or for those desert landscapes. This is a low maintenance shrub with minimal pruning required. Drought tolerant but does appreciate a good soaking every few weeks. Leucophyllum zygophyllum ’Cimarron’™ Blue Ranger Slow/Mod 3’ 3’ 4’o.c. 10F Low/Mod Less susceptible to over watering than some of the other sages. This small leucophyllum has blue-violet flowers that bloom several times in the warm season with a dramatic showing in mid-summer. It has small gray-green leaves with a definite cup shape to it. Use this shrub for most landscape areas. Malpighia glabra Barbados Cherry Moderate 3-4’ 3-4’ 5’o.c. 25F Low/Mod This is an attractive shrub native to Texas. It has small, wavy, green leaves. The flower resembles the Crape Myrtle flower, it is pink in color about 1/2” in size. This is followed by the fruit; a small red ”cherry” like fruit. The fruit is edible and is good for preserves. Pruning is not needed as this shrub stays short. Use in most landscape designs. It grows in part shade to full sun. Maytenus phyllanthoides Mangle Dulce Slow 10’-12’ 10’-12’ 14’o.c. 20F Moderate A large evergreen shrub that can tolerate heavy or saline soil conditions. It has small leathery leaves, green and somewhat round about 1 1/2” long. The bark is smooth and grey in color with stems a reddish brown. It does produce a small red fruit. Use this evergreen shrub in the background or for screening. It can be pruned somewhat formally, but would look good if left alone. Myrtus communis ’Compacta’ True myrtle Slow 3’ 3’ 4’o.c. 20F Moderate A dwarf shrub with small glossy leaves. It has a white flower in spring through summer. Somewhat fragrant. This shrub can be used in formal landscapes as it can be sheared. Perovskia atriplicifolia Russian Sage Moderate 3’ 3’ 6’o.c. -20F Low/Mod The Russian Sage is a little used shrub. It has attractive grey green foliage that is fragrant. The flower spikes are a light blue in color and grow on stalks giving a hazy appearance. It can get rangey looking so cut back old blooms. It is winter deciduous. Do not overwater this plant. Use as an accent or a background shrub. Rhus ovata Sugar Bush Moderate 10’-12’ 10’-12’ 14’o.c. 10F Moderate A large shrub or small tree this desert native has large, leathery, green leaves approximately 3” long, folded along the midrib coming to a point at the tip. It produces clusters of pink/red buds that open to white flowers in the spring. It does produce a small berry like fruit but it is not a common occurrence in the landscape. Use this shrub as a screen, or a background shrub. It is susceptible to damping off. Do not overwater this shrub especially during the heat of the summer. It requires very little pruning. Do not hedge this plant. Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary Moderate 2’-4’ 3’-4’ 6’o.c. 10F Moderate This is a good plant for our dry conditions. It has been used throughout the desert landscape as a ground cover, hedge, border plant. It produces a blue flower in summer and into the fall. The leaves are needle like dark green and very aromatic. It can get woody so prune heavily or remove the plant. Rosemary flowers do attract bees so choose the planting location with this in mind. Ruellia peninsularis Baja Ruellia Slow/Mod 3’-4’ 3’-4’ 6’o.c. 25F Moderate Medium sized, evergreen shrub with light green leaves on grayish colored stems. Flowers are light blue to lavender in color about 2” in size and funnel shaped. Blooms throughout the year in warm winter areas. This shrub is frost sensitive. It takes full sun but performs better in partial shade. Use for a border, screen, or as an informal hedge. Looks best when not severely pruned. Russelia equisetiformis Coral Fountain Rapid 4’ 4’-6’ 8’o.c. 32F Moderate An attractive addition to any landscape, Coral Fountain has a beautiful flowing growth habit. The stems of this shrub are arching hence the fountain appearance. The leaves are very small to non-existent. The lush green stems and the tubular coral/orange colored flowers are the focal point of this shrub. The shrub seems to do well in the low desert heat. The flowers bloom in the warm months. Use this shrub for an accent plant, informal border, or use it just because it’s an interesting plant. Salvia clevelandii Cleveland Sage Mod/Rapid 4’ 6’ 8’o.c. 10F Low Cleveland Sage is native to San Diego and Baja California. This aromatic shrub has grey/green leaves somewhat toothed approximately 1 1/2” long, pubescent on the underside. Blooms in the spring a light blue or lavender colored flower on spikes about 1’ to 1 1/2’ long. Remove spent blooms to encourage a re-bloom. Can look scraggly during the winter. It takes a deep watering during the summer but do not overwater. Pruning is minimal. Use as a slope plant, accent, background shrub. Salvia greggii ’Sierra Linda’™ Red Salvia Moderate 2’-3’ 2’-3’ 6’o.c. 0F Moderate An evergreen shrub that does not grow overly large. It is shade tolerant and appears to perform better when protected from direct sun. As with most sages, the foliage is aromatic. The bloom on this shrub is red (or a variation of red) which will attract hummingbirds. Use in mass plantings, in desert-scapes, accent planting. Salvia leucantha Mexican Sage Moderate 3’-6’ 3’-6’ varies 20F Low/Mod More a perennial than a shrub since it is used for color in the landscape. This sage has lance shaped leaves about 1” to 2” long. It is rather scraggely during the winter months. The blooms on this plant are a pale purple in color and soft to the touch. They appear on long spikes in the spring and summer. Cut this plant after the flowers have completed their bloom cycle. Use this as an accent in the landscape, for informal flower gardens that utilize desert plants. Plant among other shrubs to hide its poor appearance in the winter months. Senna artemisoides Feathery Cassia Moderate 3’-5’ 3’-5’ 6’o.c. 15F Low Feathery fine grey leaves about an 1” long. It produces yellow flowers in spring and fall. It is drought tolerant. Use this shrub for most landscape uses. Do not use as a formal hedge. Plant in full sun. Senna nemophylla Bushy Senna Moderate 4’-5’ 4’-5’ 6’o.c. 10F Low Green feather like foliage similar to the Feathery Cassia. This shrub is more cold tolerant. Plant in full sun. It produces yellow flowers in the spring and fall. Prune lightly to control size. Simmondsia chinensis Jojoba Slow/Mod 5’-6’ 5’-6’ 6’o.c. 20F Low The Jojoba shrub is a little used evergreen. It can anchor a landscape with its attractive green leaves and slow growth habit. The leaves are leathery and 1” to 2” long. The flowers are non descript. This shrub looks good left alone, use as a hedge, use in the background. Its drought tolerance makes this a good choice for desert landscapes. Tecoma stans ’Gold Star’ Gold Star tm Rapid 8’-10’ 8’-10’ 12’o.c. 20F Low/Mod Cold sensitive shrub that prefers being planted in the full sun. The bright yellow flowers of this shrub brighten up any garden! Remove any foliage damaged by winter cold. Major pruning should be done in early spring. This shrub flowers from spring to fall. The clusters of bright yellow flowers are trumpet shaped with bright green foliage. Tecoma X ’Orange Jubilee’ Orange Jubilee Rapid 12’ 8’ 14’o.c. 5F Low/Mod Another of the Tecoma species shrubs that can rapidly fill that void in the landscape as it gets rather large. Give this shrub room to grow and show off its orange-red trumpet shaped blooms. The leaves are a bright green about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. This shrub is frost sensitive so remove any winter burned foliage in the early spring. Use as an accent shrub, in the background or as an informal hedge. 82 83 desert flora PALETTE Page 40 Photo 6 Page 40 Photo 7 Page 42 Photo 1 Page 42 Photo 2 Page 42 Photo 3 Page 42 Photo 4 Page 42 Photo 5 Page 42 Photo 6 Page 42 Photo 7 Page 44 Photo 1 Page 42 Photo 8 Page 44 Photo 2 Page 44 Photo 3 Page 44 Photo 4 Page 44 Photo 5 Page 44 Photo 6 Page 46 Photo 2 Page 46 Photo 1 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS SHRUBS Tecoma X ’Sunrise’ Sunrise Rapid 8’ 8’ 10’o.c. 20F Low/Mod As the name implies, this Tecoma combines the colors of the sunrise. The blooms are yellow/orange in color and stand out against a backdrop of dark green leaves. The overall height of this shrub may achieve 4feet in one growing season if pruned back in the spring. Use in informal settings, as an accent plant or for a splash of color in the landscape. Thevetia peruviana Yellow Oleander Rapid 8’-10’ 10’-12’ 14’o.c. 30F Moderate This oleander shrub is fast growing and produces a yellow or peach colored flower. The leaves are a glossy green in color about 6” long and narrow. Thevetia can be trained into a small tree. It cannot take frost, so some protection in the colder areas is needed. If they are frost damaged, prune to the ground and it may re-grow. Use this as a screen, a small tree for a courtyard, patio; accent plant or informal hedge. The plant and its parts are toxic especially the milky sap that flows when the plant is cut. Vitex agnus-castus Chaste Tree Moderate 15’-20’ 15’-20’ 25’o.c. 0F Low/Mod A small tree or shrub with fragrant leaves and flowers. This deciduous plant has attractive lavender flowers on 12 inch long spikes. The leaves are palmately compound about 4” to 6” in size. This shrub takes full sun and heat. The Vitex makes a good background shrub or tree. Use for an accent plant and for some unique summer color. It will require pruning if it is to be used as a tree. Xylosma congestum Glossy Xylosma Moderate 6’-10’ 8’-10’ 12’o.c. 10F Moderate Xylosma is a familiar landscape shrub in the desert. It is used as an informal hedge, formal hedge, screen or border plant. It is a deciduous shrub and/or small tree. It has shiny green leaves about an 1 1/2” long. Sometimes the new leaves are a reddish brown color eventually greening up. Spines are not uncommon on xylosma but not every plant will have them. Prune to control its height. 84 85 desert flora PALETTE Page 46 Photo 3 Page 46 Photo 4 Page 46 Photo 5 Page 46 Photo 6 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS TREES Acacia aneura Mulga Slow 20’-25’ 12’-15’ — 15F Low Excellent small scale tree. Foliage is grey. Produces beautiful yellow flowers. Acacia craspedocarpa Leather Leaf Acacia Slow/Mod 10’-15’ equal — 20F Low Use as a windbreak or for screening. Little maintenance required. Soak tree once per month after the tree has established. Foliage is round and thick. Makes a good small tree. Acacia salicina Coba, Weeping Wattle Rapid 25’-30’ 10’-15’ — 20F Low Use where branches can droop naturally. Leaves on this Acacia are long, narrow, and willowy in form. Very graceful tree. Acacia saligna Golden Wreath Wattle Rapid 20’-30’ 15’-20’ — 20F Low/Mod Do not overwater this tree! Too rapid a growth will cause it to become top heavy and susceptible to failure in the wind. It has the same graceful look as the A. salicina but with stiffer branches and wider, darker leaves. Eradic growth pattern. Acacia smallii Desert Sweet Acacia Moderate 15’-20’ 15’-20’ — 10F Low Thorny horizontal branching. Use as background tree. Accent tree. Sweet Acacia has fragrant gold puff ball flowers. Acacia stenophylla Shoestring Acacia Rapid 25’-30’ 15’-20’ — 18F Low/Mod An upright vertical tree with willowy branches of long thread like leaves up to 16” long. Very little maintenance is required and is not messy like some of the other Acacias. Acacia willardiana Palo Blanco Moderate 15’-20’ 10’-15’ — 25F Low/Mod White, papery peeling bark make this small tree an interesting addition to the landscape. This tree takes little maintenance. As with all Acacia species watch the water. May need to be stalked as a young tree. Albizia julibrissin Silk or Mimosa Tree Slow/Mod 20’-30’ 25’-30’ — 15F Moderate Pink flowering in summer. Allow for development of spreading canopy. A graceful/tropical looking tree. Somewhat messy, do not plant near pools.Brittle branches – it is deciduous. Bauhinia purpurea Purple Orchid Tree Very Slow 15’-25’ equal — 10F Low/Mod Semi-evergreen, hardy to 25F.Produces an orchid type flower. Messy, do not plant near pools. Beautiful specimen tree. Brahea armata Mexican Blue Palm Very Slow 30’-40’ 10’-15’ — 15F Low/Mod Slow growing palm. Beautiful grey-blue fronds. Great accent palm. Drought tolerant. Butia capitata Pindo Palm Slow 15’ 8’-10’ — 15F Low/Mod A moderate size palm with arching fronds grey green in color. Trunk somewhat stubby looking with old leaf bases. Looks better if the stubs are cut to the same length when removing old fronds. Caesalpinia cacalaco Cascalote Slow/Mod 15’ 10’-15’ — 20F Low An attractive small to medium size tree. Branches have stubby thorns use as an accent, as a buffer. The tree flowers in spring/summer yellow 5 petaled flowers approximately 1 inch long in spikes at the tips of the branches. Callistemon viminalis Bottlebrush Tree Rapid 20’-30’ 15’ — 30F Mod A medium size vertical tree. Pendulous branching. Blooms profusely with red bottlebrush flower clusters. Use as an accent tree. Cercidium floridum Blue Palo Verde Slow/Mod 15’-30’ 30’-35’ — 20F Low Thorny widespread canopy. The trunk, branches and leaves have a ”blue-green” color. The trunk is very smooth. The tree is semi-deciduous. It has attractive yellow flowers in spring. A desert native. Do not overwater this tree! Cercidium hybrid ’Desert Museum’ Hybrid Palo Verde Moderate 20’-25’ 30’-35’ — 15F Low Thornless. Semi-evergreen to deciduous with tiny lime green foliage. Slender weeping branches. Blooms April - June. Cercidium praecox Sonora Palo Verde Moderate 20’-25’ 25’-30’ — 25F Low A popular tree due to its high branching form. It has smooth lime green trunk. The branches have small compound leaves and it does have small 1/2” size thorns. It produces bright yellow flowers March through May. Pruning requirements are minimal. No fertilizing is needed. Chamaerops humilis Mediterranean Fan Palm Moderate 8’-12’ 6’-10’ — 10F Moderate Tropical looking palm. Good for small areas, around patios, pools. Use as an accent palm. Chilopsis linearis Desert Willow Rapid 20’-25’ 15’-20’ — 0F Low/Mod Native deciduous tree found growing in washes. Use as a background tree. It flowers April - September. This shrubby tree can be messy but the flowers are a welcome splash of color in the landscape. Chitalpa tashkentenis Chitalpa Mod/Rapid 20’-30’ 20’-25’ — 10F Moderate A relatively fast growing flowering tree with trumpet shaped flowers; lavender in color. The leaves are broader than its parent the Desert Willow. Giving this tree a decidedly lush appearance. Chorisia speciosa Floss Silk Tree Moderate 50’-60’ 25’-30’ — 25F Moderate A spectacular flowering tree with a range of color from pink to deep pink to violet-red. Large deciduous tree. Give this specimen plenty of room to grow. The trunk of this tree is green with thorns which disappear as the tree ages.(some times the thorns do persist). Citrus sp. (standard) Citrus Moderate 20’-30’ equal — 25F Mod/High Protect trunk from sunscald, do not prune during the hot summer months. Water the tree consistently avoid over watering or drying out of the soil. Citrus trees need nitrogen so fer tilizing is necessary. Keep grass away from the trunk, add mulch under the canopy. Dalbergia sissoo Sissoo Tree Rapid 30’-50’ 30’ — 30F Moderate Semi-deciduous tree with a rounded canopy. Good shade tree. Hosts nitrogen fixing bacteria on its roots which stimulates its rapid growth. Flower blossoms are cream colored but not showy. Dalea spinosa Smoke Tree Slow 10’-15’ 10’ — 15F Low Native tree found growing in washes in the desert of California and Arizona, Baja California, Sonora. This striking shrubby tree has spiny branches of a silver grey color. It flowers in April-June a deep purple color that is extremely fragrant. This is a sensitive plant as it does not survive most attempts to dig it up. It makes a striking specimen tree. Eysenhardtia texana Texas Kidneywood Moderate 10’-20’ 10’-15’ — 0F Low/Mod This small tree can be used near a patio or pool to create a somewhat tropical appearance. It produces vanilla scented white flowers in spring and sporadically during the fall. Attracts butterflies (and bees).Prune to shape the tree when young. Fraxinus uhdei Majestic Beauty Ash Mod/Rapid 30’-45’ 30’-45’ — 25F High Evergreen to semi-evergreen tree. Upright form spreading to 15 feet but may spread to 60 feet as it matures. Good shade tree. This tree can tolerate the desert climate but not suggested for those areas in the windier portions of the valley. Can have invasive root structure. Fraxinus velutina Arizona Ash Mod/Rapid 25’-40’ 20’-30’ — -10F Mod/High Deciduous tree. This ash can withstand the hot, dry conditions of the desert. A moderate size tree that is as broad as it is tall. Koelreuteria bipinnata Chinese Lantern Tree Moderate 20’-35’ 30’-40’ — 0F Moderate Deciduous tree with colorful fall foliage. It flowers late in the summer with bright yellow clusters of blooms and capsules that turn orange, red or salmon. These capsules persist on the tree well into fall. Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle Moderate 15’-20’ 10’-15’ — 20F Low/Mod A small tree known for its spectacular summer flowers. This native to China grows well in the desert easily adapting to the hot, dry conditions. Prune this tree in the fall or spring to increase the next summer bloom. Powdery mildew is a problem on some varieties. Do not overwater. Lysiloma microphylla Feather Tree Slow/Mod 12’-15’ 15’-20’ — 25F Moderate A small tree with a distinctive fern like appearance. It produces small cream colored flowers similar to the Acacia sp.. Irregular shaped tree. Good for use on a patio, or as an accent tree. Once established this tree will not require regular watering. Rather, it prefers a deep soaking every few months. Melaleuca quinquenervia Cajeput Tree Moderate 30’-40’ 20’-25’ — 25F Moderate An evergreen, upright tree. Grows well in the desert. Not much pruning required. A spongy, peeling bark makes this tree focal point to any landscape. 86 87 desert flora PALETTE Page 48 Photo 1 Page 48 Photo 2 Page 48 Photo 3 Page 48 Photo 4 Page 48 Photo 5 Page 50 Photo 1 Page 50 Photo 2 Page 50 Photo 3 Page 50 Photo 4 Page 50 Photo 5 Page 50 Photo 6 Page 52 Photo 1 Page 52 Photo 2 Page 52 Photo 3 Page 52 Photo 4 Page 52 Photo 5 Page 52 Photo 6 Page 52 Photo 7 Page 54 Photo 1 Page 54 Photo 2 Page 54 Photo 3 Page 54 Photo 4 Page 54 Photo 5 Page 56 Photo 1 Page 56 Photo 2 Page 56 Photo 3 Page 56 Photo 4 Page 56 Photo 5 Page 56 Photo 6 Page 58 Photo 1 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS TREES Olea europaea ’Swan Hill’ Swan Hill Olive Moderate 20’-30’ 25’-35’ — 15F Moderate Versatile tree for use in most landscape situations. This fruitless variety does not produce pollen or the fruit drop the olive tree is known for. As the tree matures the trunk becomes darker and gnarled. Do not top this tree rather, selectively prune for structure and shape. Olneya tesota Desert Ironwood Very Slow 25’-30’ 25’-30’ — 20F Low A desert native found in rocky foothills, near washes. This thorny tree has dense hard wood giving this tree its common name. It produces a sweet smelling pea-shaped flower in spring, lavender in color. There is leaf drop just before the tree blooms. There are small thorns at the base of each leaf. Give this tree plenty of room to grow. Phoenix dactylifera Date Palm Slow/Mod 80’ 25’ — 20F High A recognized symbol of the desert. A striking palm for some landscapes. Maintenance becomes an issue as the tree matures. The trees requires deep watering during the growing season. Pinus canariensis Canary Island Pine Rapid 40’-60’ 20’-30’ — 25F Moderate Good tree for windscreen or a vertical accent. This is not the pine for a small landscape. It can tolerate desert heat as long as it has moisture. This pine has 9”to12” long needles. It is somewhat messy as needles do drop. Remove bushy twigs along the interior may be done but overall this pine does not require pruning. Pinus eldarica Afgan (Mondale) Pine Rapid 30’-60’ 25’-40’ — 20F Moderate This dense, cone shaped pine has dark green soft needles, 5-6” long in bundles of 2. Planted successfully in the desert as it is heat tolerant and drought resistant. This pine has a recognizable growth habit of sweeping upward branches. Pinus halepensis Allepo Pine Mod/Rapid 40’-60’ 35’-40’ — 15F Moderate A striking pine, columnar shaped, open and rather billowy as it matures. The needles are a light green color 2” to 4” with 2 per bundle. This is a large tree so space is critical. Not suggested for small patios, courtyards. Pruning as with most pines is limited to some structural pruning when young. Pinus pinea Italian Stone Pine Moderate 40’-60’ 30’-50’ — 20F Moderate Distinctly rounded, broad spreading form as it reaches maturity. Use in open areas such as a park as it does need a lot of space to grow. Needles are 3” to 7” long with 2 needles per fascicle. Pistacia chinensis Chinese Pistache Slow/Mod 40’-60’ 40’-50’ — 10F Moderate Deciduous tree whose leaves turn orange to red even in the milder climates. Good tree for large planting areas. Leaves are 12” long with 12 to 14 leaflets approximately 4” in size. Pithecellobium flexicaule Texas Ebony Slow 20’-25’ 15’-20’ — 10F Low Small to moderate size tree. Easily recognized by its glossy green foliage and cream colored flowers. Branches on this tree are thorny with the canopy becoming dense and spreading. Due to its thorny branches keep this tree out of pedestrian traffic areas. Very attractive landscape tree. Pithecellobium mexicanum Mexican Ebony Moderate 30’ 25’-30’ — 10F Low An upright tree with small compound grey green leaves. The tree has an open somewhat delicate appearance. This tree is deciduous. It has puff balls of flowers in spring that are fragrant. A good tree for most landscapes. Prosopis glandulosa Texas Honey Mesquite Rapid 20’-25’ 30’-35’ — 15F Low/Mod Resembles the California Pepper tree. Bright green foliage and cream colored tassel-like flowers in spring. It is deciduous. Use in most landscape designs. Quercus agrifolia Coast Live Oak Slow 30’-60’ 40’-70’ — 10F Moderate While not a desert native, this oak does grow in the desert with supplemental watering during the hot summer months. A slow growing oak, this tree develops a wide spreading crown. The leaves are dark green and slightly curved with edges. Do not overwater! Quercus ilex Holly Oak Slow/Mod 30’-50’ 30’-50’ — 25F Moderate An upright evergreen tree with a round or dome shaped crown at maturity. The leaves are grey green, oval with smooth or serrated edges. Use as a shade tree, street tree. Do not overwater! Quercus virginiana Southern Live Oak Moderate 40’-50’ 40’-100’ — 10F Moderate This oak, especially the variety ’Heritage’, does well in the desert. It is somewhat drought tolerant and heat tolerant. The leaves of this oak are dark green, shiny with smooth margins. Use this tree in most landscape designs. Sophora secundiflora Texas Mountain Laurel Slow 10’-15’ 8’-10’ — 10F Low/Mod This evergreen shrub can be trained into a small tree. It has attractive flowers lavender blue in color that are aromatic. The flower resembles the wisteria flower in its form and color. It blooms in the spring. The seed pods that develop are tan to grey in color. They are approximately 8” long and produce a seed that is bright red in color. The seeds are poisonous! Use this shrub/tree in the background, as an accent, as a small tree in a courtyard. Minimal pruning is required unless it is being trained to become a tree. Then the lower branches need to be pruned up. The pods can be cut off if the seed is a concern. Tipuana tipu Tipu Tree Moderate 25’-40’ 40’-60’ — 25F Moderate This subtropical tree adapts well to the desert conditions. It has a broad, open canopy. The leaves are pinnately compound with up to eleven pair of oval shaped leaflets approximately 2” long and 3/4” wide. The tree produces yellow flowers in the summer. Use this shade tree where leaf and flower debris is not a problem. Ulmus parvifolia ’Drake’ Drake Elm Rapid 40’-60’ 50’-70’ — 25F Moderate Evergreen tree with a rounded form. This variety has a more weeping habit. The bark on the trunk sheds. The leaves are small, evenly toothed, dark green and leathery. Use this tree in most landscape designs keeping in mind its rapid growth and spread. Root system can be invasive. Washingtonia filifera California Fan Palm Mod/Rapid 40’-60’ 15’ — 20F High A desert native usually found near springs. This palm tree has a much thicker trunk than the Mexican fan palm and has a broader canopy. Flower stalks tend to reach out beyond the fronds. Remove these seed stalks. The old petioles may also be removed, or left on to form the skirt or beard. Use this palm where it has plenty of room to grow. Washingtonia robusta Mexican Fan Palm Mod/Rapid 40’-100’ 15’ — 25F High The Mexican fan palm is another familiar palm used in the desert. It can grow beyond most landscapes. Therefore, use this palm where height is needed. The old petioles can slough off causing a hazard. These become difficult to remove as the palm gets older and taller. The trunk on this palm is much narrower than W.filifera 88 89 desert flora PALETTE Page 58 Photo 2 Page 58 Photo 3 Page 58 Photo 4 Page 58 Photo 5 Page 60 Photo 1 No Photo Available Page 60 Photo 2 Page 60 Photo 3 Page 60 Photo 4 Page 60 Photo 5 Page 62 Photo 1 Page 62 Photo 2 Page 62 Photo 3 Page 62 Photo 4 Page 62 Photo 5 Page 64 Photo 1 Page 64 Photo 2 Page 64 Photo 3 Page 64 Photo 4 NAME COMMON NAME GROWTH RATE HEIGHT WIDTH SPA CING FROST TOLERANCE WATER NEEDS COMMENTS OR REMARKS VINES Antigonon leptopus Queens Wreath or Coral Vine Rapid 20’-30’ 30’ — 20F Low Semi-deciduous vine ideal for hot west and south walls. The leaves are a light green in color, coarse in texture and heart shaped. The flower is the real attraction with this vine. The flowers appear on and off during the summer and explode in full force in the fall. The flower is coral to red in color and looks like a string of hearts. The vine grows rapidly and can overwhelm a landscape. Use this vine on a trellis, fence or a support where the tendrils can attach themselves. This vine is frost sensitive but has very hardy roots. Cut back frost damaged plants in spring. Bignonia capreolata Crossvine Rapid up to 60’ 30’ — 25F Low/Mod This spectacular vine has trumpet shaped 2” flowers that are clustered in varying shades from reddish bronze to brilliant orange red. Crossvine blooms in spring and on and off during the summer. It is drought tolerant once established but will require water during the hottest summer months. It is cold sensitive. Prune any damaged parts in spring before the new growth. It does not require support as it can grow on most surfaces without support thanks to its tendrils and ”holdfast disks”. Bougainvillea sp. Bougainvillea Rapid 20-40’ 20-30’ — 20F Low/Mod Bougainvillea vines have been used in desert landscapes for a long time. Their attraction is with the variety of colors available. The plant blooms profusely with yellow flowers that are surrounded by bracts of various colors depending on the variety chosen. Bougainvillea is frost sensitive. Some support is required until the vine has established itself. It does have thorns and the messy leaf and bract litter does not make it a vine for areas near pools. Plant on hot west or south walls. Prune frost damaged plant parts. Campsis radicans Trumpet Creeper Moderate 30’ 30’ — 20F Moderate Deciduous vine similar in appearance to the Crossvine (same family). The flower is similar in appearance; trumpet shaped, orange/red in color, and is about 3” long. The leaves are compound leaves about 2” long. It is deciduous so its use is primarily for those areas where the winter sun is welcome. It is self supporting with small aerial rootlets that attach themselves to wood or masonry. Distictus x ’Rivers’ Royal Trumpet Vine Moderate 25’ 25’ — 20F Moderate Another evergreen vine from the Bignoniaceae family-trumpet vines. Similar trumpet shaped flower about 3” long. The leaves are a glossy green in color with a tendril that arises from the two leaflets. Due to it possible growth density support for this vine is needed. Use this vine in full sun to part shade. Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina Jessamine Moderate 20’ 20’ — 15F Moderate Carolina jessamine is an attractive, fragrant yellow flowering vine that has been used successfully in the desert. It has glossy green leaves with tubular shaped flowers. The vine is graceful, almost willowy. Plant this vine on a trellis, arbor, or fence anyplace where it can twine and twist itself. Grewia occidentalis Lavender Star Flower Rapid 10’ 10’ — 25F Moderate Lavender colored star shaped flowers adorn this attractive plant. Besides being used as a vine it can also be allowed to grow as a shrub or a small tree. As a vine it forms stiff branches that need to be held in place on walls or trellises. The leaves are toothed, dark green and about 3” in length. It is wind tolerant and does well in full sun. Blooms in the spring and can bloom in the fall if pruned after the heavy spring flush. Lonciera japonica ’Halliana’ Halls Honeysuckle Moderate 15’ 15’ — 15F Moderate Evergreen vine that can be used as a ground cover or for erosion control. This particular variety has deep green leaves about 2” long and a white flower that turns yellow with age. Very fragrant. It does attract bees and hummingbirds. Use this vine on a fence or trained on a trellis. Honeysuckle can escape its planting area so pruning is a must to control this vine. Somewhat drought tolerant once established. Macfadyena unguis-cati Cat’s Claw Rapid 20’-40’ 40’ — 25F Low Cat’s Claw vine has glossy green leaves with claw like tendrils that attach itself to stucco, wood, masonry, pretty much anything it can reach. The flower puts on a spectacular show of color in the spring with bright yellow trumpet type flowers about 2” in size. Use on walls with west or south exposures where it will thrive. Merremia aurea Yellow Morning Glory Moderate 25’ 25’ — 15F Low/Mod The flower of this vine is bright yellow and approximately 2” long and 3” wide. It is a rapid grower but is deciduous in times of drought or stress. It will grow with support given for its twining growth habit. Use in full sun. In areas of cold winters it may be necessary to remove frost damaged plant parts Podranea ricasoliana Pink Trumpet Vine Rapid 20’ 20’ — 15F Moderate A woody vine with pale pink trumpet shaped flowers. This is another vine in the Bignoniaceae family. It can be used as a ground cover and is especially attractive cascading over a planter wall. In the warmest winter areas the vine can continue blooming. It does need to be tied to a fence or trellis. The vine can root from the runners or branches that lay on the ground. This vine does have some potential insect problems. Good on slope areas, and for wind protection. Pyrostegia venusta Flame Vine Rapid 20’ 40’ — 25F Moderate Perhaps the most dramatic display of color of the vines listed. Another in the trumpet series of vines, this one has bright orange flowers clustered in groups of about fifteen flowers at the ends of branches. It blooms in the fall and into the winter in areas where the temperatures are mild. Loves the heat so it can be used in full sun, on a west or south wall or fence. Prune in spring once the flowering has stopped. Rosa banksiae Lady Bank’s Rose Moderate 20’ 20’ — 15F Moderate This rose is a climbing rose, evergreen in areas where the temperature is mild. It requires support such as a trellis or fence on which to climb. It produces white or yellow clusters of small flowers in the spring. Tecomaria capensis Cape Honeysuckle Moderate 15-25’ 15’ — 20F Moderate Can grow as shrub or vine. Evergreen, with orange to red tubular flowers. The leaves are a deep, glossy green in color. The plant can bloom from fall into the spring depending upon the winter temperatures. When used as a vine, Cape Honeysuckle does require support. Trachelospermum jasminoides Star Jasmine Moderate 20’ 15’ — 20F Moderate This familiar plant has been used in desert landscapes as a vine, ground cover and shrub. The white flowers are very fragrant and is the main attraction of this vine. It takes sun but will require shade in the hot desert summer. It is relatively easy to maintain, with little to no pruning. It is not drought tolerant, take care not to overwater in the summer months. Due to its twining growth habit it can be used on fences, trellises, arbors. Vigna caracalla Snail Vine Rapid 10’ 15’ — 25F Moderate This unusual vine has purple flowers that resemble a snail shell. It blooms in the spring and summer and is somewhat fragrant. This fast growing vine is good on fences, trellises. It attaches itself to whatever support is provided similar to a bean plant. It is frost sensitive, but recovers quickly in the spring. 90 91 desert flora PALETTE Page 66 Photo 1 Page 66 Photo 2 Page 66 Photo 3 Page 66 Photo 4 Page 66 Photo 5 Page 66 Photo 6 Page 66 Photo 7 Page 66 Photo 8 Page 68 Photo 1 Page 68 Photo 2 Page 68 Photo 3 Page 68 Photo 4 Page 68 Photo 5 Page 68 Photo 6 Page 68 Photo 7 Page 68 Photo 8 Attachment Examples Recommended / Approved Species List A. City of Fresno – Approved Tree List B. City of Phoenix – Approved Grant Species List C. City of Palm Desert – Plant Palette Technical / Maintenance Manuals D. Carmel by The Sea - Pruning Standards E. Palm Desert Maintenance Guide Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 1 of 6 CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA AND WESTERN CHAPTER ISA PRUNING STANDARDS PURPOSE: Trees and other woody plants respond in specific and predictable ways to pruning and other maintenance practices. Careful study of these responses have led to pruning practices which best preserve and enhance the beauty, structural integrity, and the functional value of trees. If an effort to promote practices that encourage the preservation of tree structure and health, the W.C. ISA Certification Committee has established the following Standards of Pruning for Certified Arborists. The Standards are presented as working guidelines, recognizing that trees are individually unique in form and structure, and that their pruning needs may not always fit strict rules. Carmel-by-the-Sea’s Forest and Beach Commission has adopted these pruning standards with minor amendments. Licensed tree companies are required to adhere to these standards. A tree-pruning permit must be obtained if pruning practices that vary from these standards are proposed. Failure to follow these standards shall be grounds for suspension/revocation of a tree company’s business license. I. PRUNING TECHNIQUES A. A thinning cut removes a branch at its point of attachment or shortens it to a lateral large enough to assume the terminal role. Thinning opens up a tree, reduces weight on heavy limbs, can reduce a tree’s height, distributes ensuing invigoration throughout a tree and helps retain the tree’s natural shape. Thinning cuts are therefore preferred in tree pruning. When shortening a branch or leader, the lateral to which it is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made. Removal of a branch or leader back to sufficiently large lateral is often called “drop crotching”. B. A heading cut removes a branch to a stub, a bud or a lateral branch not large enough to assume the terminal role. Heading cuts should not be used because vigorous, weakly attached upright sprouts are forced just below such cuts, and the tree’s natural form is altered. In some situations, branch stubs die or produce only weak sprouts. Trees shall not be topped unless necessary for utility line clearance or under unusual circumstances for which a pruning permit is necessary. C. When removing a live branch, pruning cuts should be made in branch tissue just outside the branch bark ridge and collar, which are trunk tissue (Figure 1). If no collar is visible, the angle of the cut should approximate the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and the trunk (Figure 2). Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 2 of 6 D. When removing a dead branch, the final cut should be made outside the collar of live callus tissue. If the collar has grown out along the branch stub, only the dead stub should be removed, the collar should remain intact, and uninjured (Figure 3). E. When reducing the length of a branch or the height of a leader, the final cut should be made just beyond (without violating) the branch bark ridge of the branch being cut to. The cut should approximately bisect the angle formed by the branch bark ridge and an imaginary line perpendicular to the trunk or branch cut (Figure 4). F. A goal of structural pruning is to maintain the size of lateral branches to less than three-fourths the diameter of the parent branch or trunk. If the branch is co- dominant or close to the size of the parent branch, thin the branch’s foliage by 15% to 25%, particularly near the terminal. Thin the parent branch less, if at all. This will allow the parent branch to grow at a faster rate, will reduce the weight of the lateral branch, slow its total growth, and develop a stronger branch attachment. If this does not appear appropriate, the branch should be completely removed or shortened to a large lateral (Figure 5). G. On large-growing trees, except whorl-branching conifers, branches that are more than one-third the diameter of the trunk should be spaced along the trunk at least 10 inches apart, on center. If this is not possible because of the present size of the tree, such branches should have their foliage thinned 15% to 25%, particularly near their terminals (Figure 6). H. Pruning cuts should be clean and smooth with the bark at the edge of the cut firmly attached to the wood. I. Large or heavy branches that cannot be thrown clear, should be lowered on ropes to prevent injury to the tree or other property. J. Wound dressings and tree paints have not been shown to be effective in preventing or reducing decay. They are therefore not recommended for routing use when pruning. II. TYPES OF PRUNING – MATURE TREES A. CROWN CLEANING Crown cleaning or cleaning out is the removal of dead, dying, diseased, crowded, weekly attached, and low-vigor branches and water sprouts from a tree crown. Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 3 of 6 B. CROWN THINNING Crown thinning includes crown cleaning and the selective removal of branches to increase light penetration and air movement into the crown. Increased light and air stimulates and maintains interior foliage, which in turn improves branch taper and strength. Thinning reduces the wind-sail effect of the crown and the weight of heavy limbs. Thinning the crown can emphasize the structural beauty. At least one-half of the foliage should be on branches that arise in the lower two- thirds of the trees. Likewise, then thinning laterals from a limb, an effort should be made to retain inner lateral branches and leave the same distribution of foliage along the branch. Trees and branches so pruned will have stress more evenly distributed throughout the tree or along a branch. C. CROWN REDUCTION Crown reduction is used to reduce the height and/or spread of a tree. Thinning cuts are most effective in maintaining the structural integrity and natural form of a tree and in delaying the time when it will need to be pruned again. The lateral to which a branch or trunk is cut should be at least one-half the diameter of the cut being made. D. CROWN RESTORATION Crown restoration can improve the structure and appearance of trees that have been topped or severely pruned using heading cuts. One to three sprouts on main branch stubs should be selected to reform a more natural appearing crown. Selected vigorous sprouts may need to be thinned to a lateral, or even headed, to control length growth in order to ensure adequate attachment for the size of the sprout. Restoration may require several pruning over a number of years. E. CROWN RAISING Crown raising removes the lower branches of a tree in order to provide clearance for building, vehicles, pedestrians, and vistas. It is important that a tree have at least one-half of its foliage on branches that originate in the lower two-thirds of its crown to ensure a well-formed, tapered structure and to uniformly distribute stress within a tree. When pruning for view, it is preferable to develop “windows” through the foliage of the tree, rather to severely raise or reduce the crown. Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 4 of 6 III. SIZE OF PRUNING CUTS Each of the Pruning Techniques (Section I) and Types of Pruning (Section II) can be done to different levels of detail or refinement. The removal of many small branches rather than a few large branches will require more time, but will produce a less-pruned appearance, will force fewer water sprouts and will help to maintain the vitality and structure of the tree. The maximum size (Base diameter) of live branches that may be removed without a permit is four (4) inches. Dead limbs should always be removed. IV. MISCELLANEOUS A. All motor vehicles and other major equipment of any licensed business used in conducting the licensed business shall be clearly identified with the name of the licensee/business name. B. All work must be done safely and in accordance with the American Standard for Tree Care Operation (ANSI Z133.1-1988). C. All tree companies must be licensed to work in the City of Carmel-by-the-Sea and in addition must have a contractors license. V. WHEN TO PRUNE The timing of any tree pruning operation depends upon the species of tree, it’s condition and the desired results. Crown thinning and major limb removal should be targeted toward the dormant period for most tree species. In Carmel this period is between mid-October through mid- February. Pruning during these months provides several benefits to the tree: Reduced stress Less insect activity Improved callus formation Lessened water sprout production Other types of pruning can be done year-round but the long-term benefit to the tree should be the primary consideration. Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 5 of 6 Forest Management Plan Appendix B-1 Page 6 of 6 city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 3 The City of Palm Desert would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their assistance in the development of these landscape design and maintenance guides. Ron Gregory and Associates, Landscape Architects Ray Lopez, Landscape Architect Phil Furnari, California Desert Nursery Chuck Hendrix, California Nursery Al Hollinger, Steven Burt & Associates Mt. States Wholesale Nursery Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor, Environmental Horticulture Dept., University of Florida, Gainesville International Society of Arboriculture, Champagne, Illinois GENERAL WoRk ACTIvITIES General landscape maintenance work includes trash pick up, mowing/edging turf areas, weeding shrub beds, irrigating plants/turf areas as well as removing litter. In addition, a general inspection of all maintained areas is required on a regular basis to determine the need of further attention such as pruning, turf problems, weeds, insects, fertilization needs and adjustments to irrigation systems. When prioritizing work schedules, consider the following: Public access areas must be kept neat, clean and safe. Planted areas should look kept and be free of weeds and litter. Immediately remove debris and dispose of properly. Remove dead or dying plant parts. (This includes hanging or broken tree limbs/palm fronds) Discard green waste at appropriate green waste recycling facilities. Report faulty irrigation systems immediately. In the case of damaged irrigation heads repairs should be made the same day. PERIoDIC WoRk ACTIvITIES Several maintenance procedures are performed only one or two times per year. This work is usually sensitive to plant flow- ering cycles, temperatures and seasonal watering needs. Work generally performed on a “seasonal” basis includes: pruning, fertilizing, adjusting irrigation schedules, turf aeration, over-seeding, applying herbicides/pesticides and removing/replacing dead or dying plants. The following sample schedule shows probable “seasonal” work activities: Winter (December - February) Spray weed infested turf areas with a selective post emergent herbicide. Apply pre-emergent herbicide to control crabgrass, spurge, dandelions and oxalis in turf areas. For weeds that have emerged in planter beds, apply a broad leaf herbicide (contact or systemic). Apply fertilizer to turf, annual color beds as needed. Fertilize lawns with a balanced, slow release product appropriate for the season of application and per soil fertility test results. Prune deciduous shrubs and trees. (Pruning should be completed prior to leafing, or after flower buds emerge and after any danger of frost has passed) Fall pruning of trees and shrubs should occur after over-seeding and when over-seeded areas are well estab- lished. Early Spring (March - May) Eliminate broad-leaf weeds in grass areas with selective post-emergent herbicide registered for use on the particular weed species present. Apply a second application of a pre-emergent herbicide to control crab grass. Prune shrubs and ground covers to control their size, to remove any dead stems and branches and to remove any plant parts damaged by frost. Cut off and dispose of dead flower stems. Developing broad-leaf evergreen stems can be damaged by heat. Prune lightly only when necessary. Aerate turf. Fertilize plants with slow release, well-balanced fertilizer with the exception of native or arid plant species. Irrigate fertilized area long enough to wash particles off foliage, but do not displace fertilizer or create surface runoff problems. Plants producing abnormal, or abnormally yellow, leaves should be examined for possible nutrient/water imbal- ance. If water related, check soil grade to ensure plant is not sitting to low in the planting hole. If necessary, adjust soil grade to adequately keep water from the root crown. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 54 General requirements the guidelines presented in this manual outline current landscape maintenance standards as well as the established landscape practices of the american national standards institute (ansi) Zi33.1, the international society of arboriculture (isa), the state of California, and the Cal-OsHa safety rules and regulations. in order to promote consistent landscape work standards, developers, landscape contractors, City crew members and others employed to carry out routine landscape maintenance work within the public rights of way, or on public properties, should strive to become familiar with these guidelines. as with most guides, this book is attempting to inform and outline the most pertinent information that can be used in day to day landscape maintenance operations. regardless of the size of the landscape being maintained, one should familiarize oneself with local planting conditions such as weather, soil types, local plant choices along with their respective growing and maintenance requirements including pruning and irrigation needs. an understanding of the equipment used in each maintenance operation is important as some work may require unique skills. On these occasions special licenses or certifications may be required to either perform or supervise the work. examples of specialized work include tree pruning and pesti- cide/herbicide application. most work described in this manual is classified as “general landscape.” the maintenance and care of landscaped areas featured in this manual includes median islands, park- ways, parking lots, park and sports facilities, but can be used in the maintenance of commercial or residential areas. elements to be maintained include shrubs, ground covers, trees, palm trees, accent plants, ornamental grasses, woody or herbaceous plants, turf areas and irrigation systems. General maintenance responsibilities will vary from day to day and week to week. Daily responsibilities will include trash removal as well as the irrigation of turf, plants and trees. Weekly maintenance may include weeding, trash pick up, checking irrigation system, mowing, and edging turf areas. Periodic or quarterly maintenance responsibilities include weed control, pruning, removal and replacement of plants, fertilizing plants and turf areas, pest control, and maintaining (adjusting/repairing) irrigation systems. city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide Late Spring to Early Summer (May - early June) Examine turf areas for weeds and remove with a selective post-emergent herbicide (if needed). Prune Date palms in early May or when blossoms have set. Prune Washingtonia robusta palms in mid June. Remove fruit, dead and/or dying fronds. Check shrubs pruned in winter as they may require a second pruning. Summer (late June - August) Prune Washingtonia filifera palms in late July. No other major pruning should be performed on plants/trees other than that which provides for the safety of pedestrians or clearance of vehicles. Late Summer, Early Fall (September - October) Pruning of some tree species may occur at this time. Scalping, aeration and over-seeding operations should begin as soil temperatures drop and night time air tempera- tures are consistently below 65 for five consecutive nights. Plant trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs. Prune ground covers back to established borders. Take care not to over prune. SPECIFIC MAINTENANCE DUTIES Several maintenance procedures require advanced skills and technical knowledge. Examples of such tasks include specific pruning techniques, plant diagnostics, pest or disease control as well as the repair of irrigation systems. The following guide- lines provide details related to these tasks. PRUNING AND MAINTENANCE oF TREES AND SHRUBS All plant material should be maintained in a manner that (1) eliminates hazards such as visibility impairment or right-of-way obstruction, (2) preserves or enhances the health of the plant, and (3) maintains a desirable appearance. Plants should be pruned to promote a natural shape and form and only when needed. Damaged plants should be trimmed/removed within 24 hours of notification (for City maintained jobs). All debris blocking roadways, sidewalks or parking areas must be removed immediately. other debris collected from pruning, trimming, and routine maintenance must be removed the day the work is performed. Trees should be pruned in accordance with established City and national standards adopted from the International Society of Arboriculture and the National Arborist’s Association. Prune in a manner that presents a natural appearance by (1) eliminating structurally unsound, dead or dying branches first, (2) removing all co-dominant branches, and (3) eliminate crossing and/or weakly attached limbs. Pruning practices such as topping or lion-tailing are not permitted. (See Illustration #1) Pruning is considered a selective process. It takes knowledge of a tree’s physiology and biology to understand why trees grow the way they do. Important questions to ask before any pruning begins; Why are you pruning? Is it to develop tree/branch structure? Is it to remove problem branches? Are there visibility and safety issues? Does the tree require restructuring? Are you aware of the typical growth pattern of the trees you are about to prune? once these questions have been answered it is that much easier to proceed with the task at hand. Large trees are prone to bad pruning due in part to misconceptions that large trees always cause problems. Topping of large trees has become a solution to this supposed problem. Topping is not a selective process rather, it is an arbitrary one. Topping causes unnecessary stress on a tree, a rapid re-growth of foliage, wounds to branches and limbs that the tree may not close thereby causing decay. If there is concern about a large tree then seek professional advice from an ISA Certified Arborist before topping or severely pruning any tree. There are alternatives to topping that do not impact the health of the tree that a certified arborist can recommend. Lion-tailing is another practice that has become synonymous with bad pruning. Lion-tailing is the practice of overly “thinning” a tree’s canopy. Lion-tailing consists of removing a significant amount of branches from the tree and stripping the foliage from the interior of the tree. This pruning practice encourages the tree to develop suckers, exposes the interior trunk and branches to sun damage, and causes branches to bend and break due to excessive end weight. 76 Topping is wrong Thinning is correct Never top a tree. Instead, prune it to retain its natural shape. Illustration #1 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 98 RECoMMENDED PRUNING PRACTICES: At least one-half of the foliage should be left in the upper two-thirds portion of the tree. Branches should not be crowded. Branches should be uniformly spaced throughout the entire tree and along the length of each branch. After trees are established (four to five years after planting), they should be placed on a rotational pruning sched- ule ranging between three to five years. Based upon the type (species), location and overall condition, individual trees should be placed on a pruning cycle. Note: Pruning cycles do not eliminate the need for immediate or emergency maintenance demands. Always consider the plant type, its natural form, location and overall condition. Whenever possible, trees should conform to one of the following techniques. Crown/Canopy Cleaning: Selective removal of one or more branches which are dead, dying, diseased, weakly attached or producing water sprouts in the tree’s canopy. (See Illustration #2) Crown/Canopy Raising: Selective removal of lower branches to provide desired clearance for vehicles and/or pedestrians. (See Illustration #2) Crown/Canopy Reduction: Reduce the height, and/or spread, of the entire tree by selective (Crown shaping) removal of branches closest to the nearest lateral branch. (See Illustration #2 and #3) Crown/Canopy Restoration: Selectively removes overcrowded, dead or dying water sprouts that have oc- curred from topping, vandalism, over pruning or acts of nature. The remaining water sprouts are allowed to grow to form a natural canopy. (See Illustration #4) Crown/Canopy Thinning: Selective removal of branches to increase light penetration, enhance air movement, or reduce the weight of lateral/scaffold branches. (See Illustration #2) Drop Crotch: Selective removal of “vertical” growth branches allowing for the development of more “horizon- tal” growth branches. vertical branches are cut back to the base of a strong scaffold or parent branch. (This is the least preferred technique but may be required on trees located beneath utility lines or on trees that have been previously topped) (See Illustration #5) Subordination: Reducing or removing branches and stems to slow down the growth rate of competing leaders. (See Illustration #6) When removing branches consider the size of the branch, its location, attachment angle as well as the health and vigor of the tree. No more than 20% of the live foliage should be removed at one time. The older the plant the less tolerance it will have to pruning. Note: on mature plants, prune less. It is always better to remove smaller branches rather than larger ones. keep pruning tools sharp and clean. When pruning diseased trees tools should be dipped in a 10% bleach solution after each cut. Cuts should be clean and smooth. A three-cut process is used to remove larger limbs. This will help avoid stripping or tearing of the bark and minimize wounding. (See Illustration #2A) Cuts should be made just outside the branch bark ridge and collar area. If collar is not visible, the cut should be performed at a right angle to the parent branch leaving a slight stub (1/16 to 1/8 inch). (See Illustration #7) When removing dead branches, the final cut should be made just outside of the branch bark ridge and collar of the live callus or wounded tissue. When removing diseased branches, remove at least 6 to 9 inches of additional live branch tissue. This will help prevent the further spread of disease. Trees taller than 15 feet will require the use of a ladder, rope and saddle, or lift truck. Do not use spurs and/or gaffs, as they will cause damage to the tree trunk. The only exceptions to this rule occur when emergency efforts are required to reach an injured climber or when the entire tree being removed. BEFORE CROWN CLEANING CROWN THINNING CROWN RAISING CROWN REDUCTION Illustration #2 (courtesy of ISA©) BRANCH REMOVAL DIAGRAM 3-CUT PROCESS Tree trunk or limb Branch Collar. Branch should be removed slightly above branch collar. 3-Step Removal Method: A. Undercut limb. B. Remove entire limb, leaving stub. C. Final cut, removing stub. B A C PRUNING TECHNIQUES Specific types of pruning may be necessary to maintain a mature tree in a healthy, safe and attractive condition. Illustration #2A (courtesy of City of Palm Desert©) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 1110 REDUCING THE SIZE OF THE CANOPY Before reduction After inappropriate reduction After appropriate reduction Canopy reduction makes a tree similar by removing the end portion of branches with reduction cuts (lower right). Inappropriate reduction uses heading cuts and can result in more problems later (lower left). Before restoration pruning RESTORING A TIPPED OR ROUNDED-OVER TREE Remove indicated branches After restoration pruning Before pruning DROP-CROTCHING BRANCHES COMPETING WITH SCAFFOLD LIMBS After pruning Too many branches crowded together Branches are forced to grow too long Note: Closely-spaced, small diameter branches are normal on excurrent trees and usually require no treatment. Remove and shorten some so remaining ones develop lateral branches Do not remove too many back to the trunk — trunk cracks could develop Main limbs are now spaced apart A second and third pruning may be needed in the next few years to help scaffold limbs develop appropriate spacing Illustration #3 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) Illustration #5 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) Illustration #4 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 1312 Before pruning SUBORDINATION Light Pruning Moderate pruning Remove this stem Keep this branch Illustration #6 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) TRAINING JUvENILE TREES Newly planted (juvenile) trees will require four to five years of training to develop strong trunks and permanent well spaced branches. Training includes the removal of dead, broken or temporary branches, correction of co-dominant/weak branch patterns, removal of ties/stakes, and the adjustment of irrigation pattern and/or water basins. (See Illustration #8) Temporary branches (on the trunk) protect the trunk from sun-scald and possible equipment related damage. Therefore, they should remain on the tree as long as possible. When the time comes to remove them (after the first growing season), locate the lowest permanent branch and begin removing the temporary branches alternately. (See Illustration #9) Branches that are dead, broken, or obstructing pedestrian and/or vehicular traffic should be removed first. Try not to remove more than 1/4 of the temporary branches in anyone year. In early growth stages, temporary branches should be spaced at least 4 to 6 inches apart. Although they do provide protec- tion, removal of temporary branches should take place before they grow to one half the diameter of the trunk. Branches on the side of the tree that faces the afternoon sun should be retained at long as possible to help protect the trunk. Following the second growing season slow growing and/or weakly attached branches should be removed. Additionally, stakes and ties utilized to train the trunk should also be removed. Trees that cannot stand on their own by the end of the second year should be removed/replaced. (See Illustration #10) Monitor and, when necessary, correct irrigation patterns to ensure root structure is well watered. Removal of branches continues until the lowest branch is no less than 8 feet above a sidewalk or 14 feet above a curb or street area. (See Illustration #11) Side view of correct cuts Side view of correct cuts PRUNING TECHNIQUE: BRANCH COLLAR PRESENT Branch bark ridge Begin cut at abrupt turn Before pruning After pruning Correct collar cut Flush cut: an incorrect cut Stub cut: an incorrect cut End cut at edge of collar Branch bark ridge intact Branch bark ridge removed Stub too long The branch collar forms a swelling at the base of the branch (top right). A correct pruning cut is made between the arrows at the edge of the collar. Notice that the arrows at the top of the branches are located at the point where the branch top makes an abrupt turn toward the branch bark ridge. A properly executed cut will leave the entire collar on the trunk (bottom left). Never make a flush cut (bottom center), and do not leave a branch stub (bottom right). Illustration #7 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 1514 SPACING BRANCHES ALONG THE TRUNK Included bark indicates weak structure No Pruning Pruning Young tree with narrow crotches and clustered branches Ten years later Ten years later Clustered branches indicating weak structure Save branches that are more horizontally oriented After upright branches are cut back or removed, major limbs are spaced along trunk Branches less than two-thirds the trunk diameter, without included bark, and spaced along one trunk, indicate strong structure The branch collar forms a swelling at the base of the branch (top right). A correct pruning cut is made between the arrows at the edge of the collar. Notice that the arrows at the top of the branches are located at the point where the branch top makes an abrupt turn toward the branch bark ridge. A properly executed cut will leave the entire collar on the trunk (bottom left). Never make a flush cut (bottom center), and do not leave a branch stub (bottom right). Illustration #9 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) Before pruning Permanent nursery canopy Eight inch section of clear trunk Temporary Branches CLEAR A SHORT SECTION OF TRUNK TO DELINEATE BOTTOM OF PERMANENT NURSERY CANOPY After pruning Clear a short section of the trunk to delineate the bottom of the permanent nursery canopy. Lower branches remain to build caliper and prevent over-extension of the leader. only 2 or 3 branches may have to be removed from the trunk to form a clear zone immediately below the lowest branch in the permanent nursery canopy. Be sure to shorten any temporary branches growing up into the permanent nursery canopy. Illustration #8 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) MAINTAINING MATURE TREES Mature tree pruning focuses on maintaining structure, form, health and safety. Mature trees require very little pruning. Pruning is based on the species’ particular growth rate and pattern, natural inclination for breaking and susceptibility to numerous environmental factors. Pruning to remove dead, diseased or dying branches can be done any time during the year. To minimize potential problems most pruning should occur in spring when growth and wound closure is fastest. Pruning af- ter spring flush should be avoided. The tree can become stressed if heavy pruning occurs which removes new shoot growth and foliage from the tree. Depleting the trees of their source of food production (leaves) forces the tree to replace the foliage that was removed thereby, seriously jeopardizing the trees’ food reserves. Removing large limbs has the potential of creating a wound an older tree may not be able to close. The older the tree the more difficult it becomes to stave off decay and insect damage. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 1716 SPECIMEN NURSERY STOCK STREET TREE NURSERY STOCK Young nursery stock Older nursery stock Young nursery stock Older nursery stock Permanent canopy All these branches eventually come off the tree in most landscapes Poor candidate for street tree planting because low temporary branches are too aggressive and large Suitable candidate for lawn and park planting Permanent canopy • • Good candidate for street tree planting because low temporary branches are small Suitable candidate for lawn and park planting • • Illustration #11 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman)Before pruning, tree has poor form due to aggresive upright branches Remove indicated branches After pruning Well-formed upright tree with slow-growig upright branches Too many upright branches crowded together on the trunk Remove some upright branches back to the trunk to allow others to properly develop a strong attachment to the trunk. Shorten some of the remaining branches. No pruning needed Reduce or remove some of the aggressive branches on upright trees (left and center). Remove some all the way back to the trunk. Shorten remaining limbs that are large in diameter to keep them smaller than half the trunk diameter. other upright trees have well formed branches and require little pruning because they are less aggressive (right). Illustration #10 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) If pruning a large tree becomes necessary it would be prudent to hire a certified arborist. A certified arborist is a profes- sional trained in the proper care of trees. Certified arborists have the knowledge, equipment, trained personnel, and the liability insurance necessary. Here is a checklist of what to look for when selecting a certified arborist: Make sure they are certified through the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Are they member of professional organizations: ISA, NAA (National Arborist Association) or ASCA (American Society of Consulting Arborists) Proof of insurance A list of references Avoid using the services of any tree company that: advertises topping as a service provided. uses tree climbing spikes to climb trees that are being pruned. Climbing spikes can damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees being removed. Growing trees for street tree planting that have only small diameter branches up to about 15 feet makes it easy to train branches to grow well over the traffic (bottom). The first big branch is 15 feet from the ground. Trees planted in open landscapes such as in a lawn area can have the lowest scaffold branch closer to the ground (top). Trees trained in the nursery as specimen trees (top) that are planted along streets require more work to prune because large low branches are in the way. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 1918 ToPPING oF TREES The following information on Topping Of Trees is courtesy of the International Society of Arboriculture. Topping is perhaps the most harmful tree pruning practice known. Yet, despite more than 25 years of literature and seminars explaining its harmful effects, topping remains a common practice. This brochure explains why topping is not an acceptable pruning technique and offers better alternatives. What is Topping? Topping is the indiscriminate cutting of tree branches to stubs or lateral branches that are not large enough to assume the terminal role. other names for topping include “heading,” “tipping,” “hat-racking,” and “rounding over.” The most common reason given for topping is to reduce the size of a tree. often homeowners feel that their trees have become too large for their property. People fear that tall trees may pose a hazard. Topping, however, is not a viable method of height reduction and certainly does not reduce the hazard. In fact, topping will make a tree more hazardous in the long term. Topping Stresses Trees Topping often removes 50 to 100% of the leaf-bearing crown of a tree. Since the leaves are the food factories of a tree, this can temporarily starve a tree. The severity of the pruning triggers a sort of survival mechanism. The tree activates latent buds forcing the rapid growth of multiple shoots below each cut. The tree needs to put out a new crop of leaves as soon as possible. If a tree does not have the stored energy reserves to do this, it will be seriously weakened and may die. A stressed tree is more vulnerable to insect and disease infestations. Large, open pruning wounds expose the sapwood and heartwood to attacks. The tree may lack sufficient energy to chemically defend the wounds against invasion, and some insects are actually attracted to stressed trees by chemical signals. Topping Causes Decay The preferred location to make a pruning cut is just beyond the branch collar at the branch’s point of attachment. The tree is biologically equipped to close such a wound, provided the tree is healthy enough and the wound is not too large. Cuts made along a limb between lateral branches create stubs with wounds that the tree may not be able to close. The exposed wood tissues begin to decay. Normally, a tree will “wall off” or compartmentalize the decaying tissues, but few trees can defend the multiple severe wounds caused by topping. The decay organisms are given a free path to move down through the branches. Topping Can Lead to Sunburn Branches within a tree’s crown produce thousands of leaves to absorb sunlight. When the leaves are removed, the remaining branches and trunk are suddenly exposed to high levels of light and heat. The result may be sunburn of the tissues beneath the bark. This can lead to cankers, bark splitting, and death of some branches. Topping Creates Hazards The survival mechanism that causes a tree to produce multiple shoots below each topping cut comes at great expense to the tree. These shoots develop from buds near the surface of the old branches. Unlike normal branches that develop in a socket of overlapping wood tissues, these new shoots are anchored only in the outermost layers of the parent branches. The new shoots grow very quickly, as much as 20 feet in one year, in some species. Unfortunately, the shoots are very prone to breaking, especially during windy conditions. The irony is that while the goal was to reduce the tree’s height to make it safer, it has been made more hazardous than before. Topping Makes Trees Ugly The natural branching structure of a tree is a biological wonder. Trees form a variety of shapes and growth habits, all with the same goal of presenting their leaves to the sun. Topping removes the ends of the branches, often leaving ugly stubs. Topping destroys the natural form of a tree. Without the leaves (up to 6 months of the year in temperate climates) a topped tree appears disfigured and mutilated. With the leaves, it is a dense ball of foliage, lacking its simple grace. A tree that has been topped can never fully regain its natural form. Topping is Expensive The cost of topping a tree is not limited to what the perpetrator is paid. If the tree survives, it will require pruning again within a few years. It will either need to be reduced again or storm damage will have to be cleaned up. If the tree dies, it will have to be removed. Topping is a high maintenance pruning practice, and there are some hidden costs of topping. one is the reduction in property value. Healthy, well maintained trees can add 10 to 20% to the value of a property. Disfigured, topped trees are considered an impending expense. Another potential cost of topped trees is the potential liability. Topped trees are prone to breaking and can be hazardous. Since topping is considered to be an unacceptable pruning practice, any damage caused by branch failure of a topped tree may lead to a finding of negligence in a court of law. Alternatives to Topping There are times when a tree must be reduced in height or spread. Providing clearance for utility lines is an example. There are recommended techniques for doing this. If practical, branches should be removed back to their point of origin. If a branch must be shortened, it should be cut back to a lateral that is large enough to assume the terminal role. A rule of thumb for this is to cut back to a lateral that is at least 1/3 the diameter of the limb being removed. This method of branch reduction helps to preserve the natural form of the tree. However, if large cuts are involved, the tree may not be able to close over and compartmentalize the wounds. Sometimes the best solution is to remove the tree and replace it with a species that is more appropriate for the site. Hiring an Arborist Pruning large trees can be dangerous. If pruning involves working above the ground or using power equipment, it is best to hire a professional arborist. An arborist can determine what type of pruning is necessary to improve the health, appearance, and safety of your trees. A professional arborist can provide the services of a trained crew, with all of the required safety equipment and liability insurance. There are a variety of things to consider when selecting an arborist: Membership in professional organizations such as the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), or the American Society of Consulting Arborists (ASCA). Certification through the ISA Certified Arborist program. Proof of insurance. A list of references. (Don’t hesitate to check) Avoid using the services of any tree company that: Advertises topping as a service provided. knowledgeable arborists know that topping is harmful to trees and is not an accepted practice. Uses tree climbing spikes to climb trees that are being pruned. Climbing spikes can damage trees, and their use should be limited to trees that are being removed. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 2120 PALM TREE PRUNING Palm trees should be pruned to remove dead fronds and thorny fruit stems as they will become hazardous and unsightly. When palms are located adjacent to sidewalks or parking areas, fronds should be removed to a minimum clearance height of 8 feet. Healthy fronds are to be removed only when they drop below the horizontal plane or horizon line. (See Illustrations #12 and #13) PRUNING PALMS AND CYCADS Before Pruning Acceptable Pruning Overpruning Dead and severely chlorotic leaves in lower canopy • Some chlorosis on other lower leaves• Developing fruit in canopy• Only dead and severely marred or chlorotic leaves removed • Remove mature fruit, if you wish• Remove flower, if you wish• Causes a narrowing of the trunk (called pencil pointing) • Causes nutrient deficiencies to be pushed up into young foilage • Can increase the need for pruning to keep this over-pruned form • Attracts pests such as weevils• Reduces resistance to cold• No green leaves are removed• It is rarely necessary to remove green leaves from a palm. However, if you wish to do so, only remove those drooping below an imaginary horizontal line drawn through the bottom of the canopy (center). Growth will be slowed and the palm can be damaged and attract pests and diseases when green leaves are removed from above this imaginary line (right). Illustration #12 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) PALM TREE TRIMMING SPECIFICATIONS Do not trim above this line Horizontal Plan Remove All: dead fronds• broken fronds• seed & fruit pods• other fronds hanging below horizontal plan line • Illustration #13 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 2322 MAINTAINING SHRUBS Shrubs should be pruned when they: (1) grow too tall for the area where they are located, (2) block vehicular line of sight, (3) become rangy or woody, (4) have dead flower stocks, and (5) block or hamper access to sidewalks or curb areas. Shrubs/hedges should be pruned annually or semi-annually, depending on their growth pattern and their growth rate. (See Illustration #14) The best time to prune evergreen plants is in fall or spring. Flowering plants are not pruned until after they have bloomed and cold sensitive plants are not pruned until after danger of frost has passed. Pruning should be done with the use of hand held pruning tools. Avoid the use of hedge shears except when the height of a shrub must be reduced quickly. When the use of power shears is necessary, remove branches to a desired height or width first, then selectively remove every other branch with hand pruners. Pruning of plants into geometric forms is not an acceptable form of pruning (with the exception of specialized topiary pruning). Depending upon the type of plant and the overall landscape design, it is desirable to allow plants to grow near or into each other to create a hedge or a screen. Shrubs/ground cover adjacent to curbs will not exceed a height of 3 feet. Shrubs located behind sidewalk areas are allowed to grow taller but should not impede pedestrian access to, or pedestrian traffic, on the sidewalk. ornamental grasses should be cut back annually or bi-annually to a height of 9 to 12 inches. Dividing the grasses is another way to control their growth horizontally. (See Illustration #15) MAINTAINING vINES vines and espalier plants tied to training devices should be examined monthly, and when necessary should be pruned and re-tied. Secure vines in a manner that promotes directional growth in conjunction with supports. Do not use nails to secure vines to masonry walls. MAINTAINING GRoUND CovERS Ground covers are to be kept free of weeds, and properly trimmed along walks, walls, and paved areas. Do not use a hand hoe to remove weeds in plant bed areas. Extract weeds by hand or spray with an approved herbicide. Remove litter in ground cover areas as needed. Ground covers should be trimmed to within a minimum of 12 inches from control units, valve boxes, couplers, other ap- purtenances, and fixtures. They should not be allowed to grow into trees or shrubs nor onto structures or walls. Ground covers should be maintained as shrubs would be; selectively prune stems to reduce size and eliminate whips such as on Bougainvillea. Arbitrary and non-selective pruning on ground covers can cause problems similar to those on trees or shrubs. Non-selective pruning does not remove dead or dying portions of the ground cover. The damage caused by hedge shears on the stems is unsightly (especially when using power hedge shears) and it does not reduce the size of the plant but can actually cause rapid re-growth. Use hand pruners or loppers to reduce the size of the ground cover. In some cases, removal of excess plant material may be the solution to controlling the plants within a given planter area. REDUCING SHRUBS Before pruing After growth resumesAfter reduction Remove indicated branches To thin a shrub, some stems are cut to near ground level and some are shortened back inside the canopy. Illustration #14 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) REDUCING CANE-TYPE SHRUBS/GRASSES Before reduction Remove indicated stems After reduction To reduce cane-type shrubs, cut about one-third of the stems back to near ground level. The shrub is shorter and less dense following this treatment. Illustration #15 (courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 2524 MAINTAINING CACTI AND SUCCULENTS Maintenance of cacti and succulents is minimal. Monitor growth and development, inspect for possible excess moisture, scale, weevils or mite problems. This is especially important for Agave, Cereus, Carnegiea, Echinocactus, opuntia, Fouqueria, and Yuccas species. keep spray heads, or high volume drips away from base of plants. The tendency to over-water these plants is the leading cause of their demise. Controlling the watering frequency will help eliminate this problem and may prevent root rot. Scale and mite problems should be controlled with a systemic pesticide as these insect pests can spread and may lead to the death of the plant. Scale must be controlled when the insect is still in its crawler stage. Before the application of any pesticide, it is important to identify the pest and get a written recommendation from a California State Certified Pest Control Advisor for the best method to control the pest. PLANTING occasionally it will be necessary to remove and/or replace trees, shrubs or ground covers. Adhering to the proper planting techniques described here will help ensure the health and longevity of all plant material. (Whenever possible, avoid planting in July and August) I. Dig a hole at least 2 times the width of the root ball and no deeper than the depth of the root ball to ensure the crown remains slightly (1 inch) above the final grade. 2. Prior to placing plant, fill the hole with water. 3. once the water has drained, position the plant upright in the hole making sure that the root crown is at least 1 inch above the expected final grade. 4. once the plant is properly positioned, loosen sides of the root ball, spreading out any tangled roots. 5. Prior to backfilling, water in and around the root ball and the top of the hole. 6. After water has drained, fill with excavated soil in the following manner: Fill halfway then slightly tap soil with shovel to remove any air pockets. Complete backfilling until the soil is at desired grade. Tamp to remove air pockets. 7. Construct a 2 to 3 inch berm just outside the drip line of the plant. TREE STAkING Trees that cannot stand on their own, or are placed in very windy areas, may require stakes to provide the necessary sup- port. Newly planted trees or trees in open areas may require staking. Without the support of a stake, damage to the root ball and to the fine absorbing roots of the tree may occur. 1. Drive two, 10 to 12 foot lodge pole pine stakes into firm, solid ground just outside the root ball. (Stakes should be located parallel to a curb/sidewalk or perpendicular to prevailing winds) 2. To tie the tree to the stakes, utilize 2 (two), 16 inch rubber cinch ties, fastening them to the trunk of the tree in a figure eight manner. Make sure ties are loose enough to allow some natural movement caused by wind. 3. Never use wire, string, or plastic nursery tape to tie the stake to the tree. 4. If a tree needs to be guy wired, this should only be done by professional arborists or by maintenance personnel trained in the proper methods to guy a tree. Tree stakes should be periodically checked. once the tree is established, usually one to two growing seasons, the stakes and ties or guys should be removed. We should not rely on tree stakes to do the work of the trees root system. Trees that become dependent upon a stake for their support will develop a smaller root system, will become taller but with a smaller trunk diameter, they are unable to support themselves and can break easily in the wind once the stakes are removed. (See Illustration #16) PROPER TREE STAKING Note: If Needed Stake single trees 24” box and smaller, remove nursery stakes. • In turf areas leave a bare area approx. 4” away from tree base in all directions • Do not stake multi’s, unless needed Cinch ties (2 each) do not over tighten, allow tree to move somewhat to build caliper Depressed watering basin remove from turf areas during finish grading Native undisturbed soil 2X ROOTBALL For plant pit size refer to specifiations lodge pole pine tree stake (2 each) Set 2” to 4” above grade Final Grade • Illustration #16 (courtesy of City of Palm Desert©) desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 2726 RooTS AND RooT PRUNING Roots are the main source of water and mineral absorption of a plant. They provide anchorage and stability, as well as store nutrients and energy. Protection of the root system is essential to ensure proper growth, health and development of plants and trees. Under normal conditions, root pruning is not a routine maintenance practice. It requires a knowledge of the tree physiology, biology and an understanding of how roots function especially in a tree. In new construction areas, soils are manipulated for the structure that is to be built. This usually involves the removal of native soil, re-grading, bringing in fill soil, and compacting the soil. This structural change in the soil is not conducive to tree growth. Tree roots extend far beyond the drip line of the tree and are usually within the top 18 inches to 24 inches. 1. Avoid cutting roots that have a diameter of 2 inches or more and are within the drip line of a plant. Never cut a root closer to the tree than 3 feet when the tree trunk circumference is 12 inches or less. Never cut a root closer than 6 feet when the tree trunk circumference is 13 inches or more. If possible, always attempt to tunnel under the root system. 2. The removal, or cutting, of any root greater than 2 inches in diameter must be pre-approved by a member of the City staff prior to removal. 3. If more than an estimated 30% percent of a tree’s root system is removed, and of that 30%, half of the roots are located on one side of a tree, the tree should be removed. This amount of root removal leaves the tree unstable and prone to being uprooted. 4. Roots should be kept at least 5 feet away from hardscape (pavement, concrete) surfaces. (Also depends on the tree species) 5. Cut roots cleanly and smoothly as near as possible to the closest node or union. Roots that have been either crushed or torn should be removed. 6. Record all root pruning activities. HAzARDoUS PLANTS Trees or plants that could fall into a public right-of-way causing harm to a person(s), property, or right-of-way areas, should be examined and evaluated by City Arborist or a professional Arborist for removal immediately upon notification that a hazard may exist. Any plants in City right-of-way or easements need City approval for removal. Plants and/or trees with frequent limb breakage or trunk rot would be considered hazardous. I. Remove entire plant/tree when 50% of foliage, branch area, trunk, or root structure is decayed, dead or damaged. Plants/trees with less than 50% damage to these areas may only require the affected portions removed. 2. Imminently hazardous plants must be removed within 24 hours of notification. 3. Diseased or infested plants/trees that seriously jeopardize the health and growth of nearby plants should be removed. 4. Removal of healthy trees will only be considered if it (removal) is determined to be the only option available. Leaves in gutters or pools, fallen fruit or root invasion are not considered as hazardous problems. HAzARDoUS TREES A hazardous tree is one that is structurally unsound and is in the presence of structure(s), vehicle(s), and/or people. I. Trees suspected of being imminently hazardous should be immediately inspected (within 24 hours of notification) by City Arborist, a certified arborist or other qualified person. 2. A tree hazard evaluation and a report describing the problem as well as the actions necessary to correct the situation, must be filed with the appropriate agencies within 24 hours from the time of the site inspection. SAFETY AND CLEAN-UP oF DEBRIS The safety of the workers, and the general public, dictate that all debris generated from work activity be removed the day the work is performed. I. All debris resulting from a maintenance operations will be disposed of at the end of each work day. At no time will debris be blown into streets or gutters. 2. All walkways will be kept clean and clear of debris and plant growth. 3. All shrub areas not inter-planted with ground cover will be raked a minimum of once a month. SCALPING AND ovER-SEEDING Scalping and over-seeding (Bermuda grass) should begin by the first of october when daytime temperatures are below 80 degrees and night time temperatures drop below 60 degrees for five consecutive nights. The process should be completed by the first of November. I. Stop all turf fertilization by September 1. 2. Decrease irrigation by September 15, to slow the growth of the Bermuda grass. 3. Lower mowing height to within 3/4 inch from the ground. one week prior to over-seeding shut off all water and lower mower height to 1/2 inch, or until blades are flush with the crown of grass stolen. 4. Before over-seeding scalp or thatch turf if necessary and remove clippings. 5. Immediately before scalping or de-thatching, pre wet the turf to control dust generated by the equipment or as required by site conditions. 6. over-seed with a select perennial rye at a rate of 12 to 15 pounds per 1,000 sq. ft. When possible, split the ap- plication rate and apply a second application in the opposite direction. 7. Lightly water, keeping soil moist, but not saturated. Water three to five minutes, four times per day. 8. once seed has germinated, reduce watering to twice daily (or as required by air temperature) but increase duration from eight to ten minutes per cycle. (In sandy soils, frequency may have to be increased) 9. First mowing should be approximately two weeks after germination at a height of 1 $ to 1 @ inches. 10. Three to four weeks after first mowing, fertilize turf with a 16-20-0 or 15-15-15 (per manufacturers specifications) formulation. Adjust watering cycles to ensure top 1/2 inch of turf is saturated, but no more than two 10 to 15 minute cycles per day, three to four times per week. 11. After nine to 12 weeks, fertilize again with a 22-3-9 or 21-7-14 formulation. (per manufacturers specifications) FERTILIzERS AND USAGE Supplemental fertilizing may be required to improve the nutrient levels of the soil. Test should be conducted once or twice a year (before and after the growing season) on all turf and shrub areas to determine actual nutrient needs. Soil samples should be sent to an independent testing lab at least six to eight weeks before the next scheduled application. 1. Record all fertilizer applications noting the identity, type, formula, application rate, frequency, and landscape material (turf, trees, shrubs, ground cover) the fertilizer was applied to. Prior to, and immediately after applica- tion, the surface area must be well watered, but do not allow any area to become flooded (standing water). 2. Fertilizers can be organic or inorganic, dry, liquid, or pellets. 3. After applying fertilizer, wash down all adjacent areas to prevent fertilizers from staining surfaces. 4. Fertilizer needs, rates, formulas and schedules very from plant to plant, and season to season. The optimum time to fertilize trees and shrubs is late fall when plant roots are most active. 5. Trees, shrubs, and ground covers that require supplemental applications should be scheduled in accordance with the National Arborist Association Standard for Fertilizing Shade and ornamental Trees, the National Arborist Association Standards, and in accordance with the rate indicated by the manufacturer. 6. Some plants may require deep root feeding or foliage applied sprays to correct iron chlorosis or other micro-nutri- ent deficiencies normally in the summer months of June, July, or August. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 2928 7. Fertilizing native or desert trees, shrubs, and ground covers is not recommended. 8. over-seeded turf areas should be fertilized no less than once every 90 days. Apply a high nitrogen formula once every three to four weeks after over-seeding, and again in December or January, as well as in April or May. 9. From June to August, use a balanced slow release fertilizer. 10. All fertilizer application rates should be in accordance with manufacturers specifications. WEED CoNTRoL Weeds inhibit lawns, plants, and trees from gaining the moisture and nutrients they require for growth and development. Weeds should be removed as follows: 1. Remove all weeds as soon as possible from lawns, planters, planting areas, expansion joints, tree pits, and “graveled” areas. 2. No more than 10% percent of the turf area should have weeds. 3. Weeds in lawns can be controlled with selective herbicides or a post-emergent spray. 4. Wait until the second or third cutting before using pre-emergent herbicides on newly seeded lawns. 5. To control crabgrass apply pre-emergence in January while Bermuda grass is dormant. 6. Broad-leaf weeds in lawns can be removed selectively with post emergent herbicide. When utilizing this method of control, care must be taken not to harm the areas adjacent to the application. 7. Weed control in planting areas may include mechanical and chemical methods. Mechanical or hand weeding should be limited to “spot” control in newly planted areas or windy conditions. 8. When weather permits, use herbicides to prevent weed seed germination in September. Herbicides must be registered for use on turf grasses, ornamental plants, and weeds selected for treatment. 9. Selected herbicides should be registered for use on turf grasses and shrub planting areas. Follow directions to ensure the herbicide is safe for use on ornamental species (if applicable). 10. Calibrate spreader (sprayer), apply evenly first in one direction and then the other. PLANT DIAGNoSTICS Causes of poor plant health can be attributed to improper watering, incorrect light levels, a nutritional imbalance, improper pH, and/or weather extremes. As abnormalities are detected, begin a diagnostic analysis to determine the probable cause. Examine the plant and systematically eliminate possible causes by utilizing the following steps: visually inspect for pattern of abnormality. Examine the current site conditions including drainage, a history of area, soil moisture, the number of plants affected, and the percentage of plants affected. Examine the plant’s rooting structure (color). Black or brown roots often indicate a problem with root rot. Check trunk and branches for wounds, canker, and sunburn. Note appearance of affected leaves. Dead leaves at top or outside of foliated area is usually the result of environmental or mechanical problems. Curled leaves can be an insect, herbicide or viral infection problem. Consider both current and past management practices. INSECT RELATED PRoBLEMS If insects are suspected, identify the insect, monitor the problem, determine the extent or progression of the problem, and if necessary spray with appropriate insecticide. If possible, do not treat as this may be a seasonal problem that may correct itself. All areas of the landscape should be inspected for infestations of harmful pests which include aphids, beetles, scale, slugs, snails, spider mites, thrips, whiteflies, Eucalyptus longhorn borer, weevils, Palm borers, and Palo verde borers. Leaves that are chewed, blotched, deformed, discolored, skeletonized, defoliated, or wilted could be signs of pest problems. Pest control can include an integrated pest management control system, pesticide control, exclusion, natural enemies, biological control, and host resistance. Application of all pesticides will be made by a California State Licensed Pest Control Applicator. Pesticides should be applied when the possibility of contamination is at its lowest. Early morning application shall be used when possible to avoid contamination from draft. Applicator should monitor the weather and avoid conditions that would greatly reduce the effectiveness of the treatment or create possible harmful run-off from the treated area. Applicator should also ensure that the prescribed chemicals are most effective during the current life cycle of the pests. Post warning signs in areas where pesticides are to be applied and reduce watering to eliminate runoff. If water is required to increase pesticide efficiency, it should be applied in quantities the area is capable of receiving without creating excessive runoff. Exercise caution when mixing and transferring pesticides to prevent contaminating areas outside the target area. Application methods should be used which ensure materials are confined to the target area. Spray tanks containing excess chemicals shall not be drained on site. Disposal of pesticides as well as tank cleaning materials shall comply with the guidelines established by the State of California Food and Agricultural Code and EPA regulations. Spray equipment shall be in good operating condition, of high quality, and designed to efficiently apply prescribed materials. Avoid high pressure applications and water soluble drift agents. Pesticides should be selected from materials which characteristically have the lowest residual persistence. Consultation with a State of California Licensed Pest Control Advisor may be required before applying chemical treatment(s). In case a Restricted Use Pesticide is recommended, there must be a Restricted Materials Permit issued by the County of Riverside Agricultural Commissioner. Do not use toxic pesticides to control pests when predatory or parasitic insects are present. A continuing program to control insects and rodents is recommended. The following information should be included: the pest to be controlled, method of control, the product labels, a schedule as to frequency of control. Maintain a monthly and daily pesticide spray log to record all pesticides used. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 3130 SYMPToMS oF INSECT INFESTATIoN Foliage with holes, ragged edges and “skeletonized” leaves are signs of beetles, grasshoppers or leaf cutter bees. Wilting leaves, a change in color of the foliage prematurely, or abnormal growth patterns may be a sign of aphids, mites, true bug, scales, thrips, whiteflies, lerp psyllids, and glassy-winged sharpshooters. If a plant’s foliated area is stunted, wilting or suddenly dies, this could be a sign of grubs chewing on root. When leaves are shiny and/or are coated with a sticky substance, aphids may be present. Dusty foliage and warm temperatures may produce mites. keep mite populations low to prevent plant injury. Conifers, especially Pinus halepensis are susceptible to and often killed by red spider mites. Bark beetles feed in the cambium layer of scaffold branches and trunks. older and weaker trees are the first to be infested. Any signs of stress is cause to inspect trees. Look for dying branches. Control adult beetles before they lay eggs on bark in the spring. All trees near one infested the previous year should be sprayed in March and again in May. on-going inspections are necessary to determine if there is a summer brood. Snails should be controlled before they become epidemic. Anticipate the menace from spring until the advent of high temperatures wherever moist soil prevails. Control with weekly applications of toxic bait until the youngest brood is eliminated. AIR BoRNE FUNGUS If air borne fungus is suspected, control it with an appropriate fungicide, cut out the problem area, or remove the plant. When pruning infected areas, be sure to disinfect tools with a commercial disinfectant or a 10% bleach solution and dispose of branches. Air borne fungus diseases may include: anthracnose, powdery mildew, sudden wilting, cankers and crown gall. Symptoms include deformed leaves, powdery substance on leaves and stems, irregular growths on trunks and stems and weeping splits in bark and stems. SoIL BoRNE FUNGUS When the problem is a soil borne fungus, some pathogens can be destroyed, or problems reduced, by using a fungicide or by increasing the soil levels of beneficial soil organisms. If plants do not respond or suffer too much, the plants may have to be removed and replaced with another less susceptible species. Signs of soil borne fungus include wet wood, slime flux, leaf spotting or blotchy leaf coloring. All material should be used in strict accordance, and applied, within the most current EPA regulations as well as the California Food and Agricultural Code requirements. Prior to treating any of these ailments, soil samples should be tested by a recognized laboratory or facility. Testing shall determine level for pH, EC, nutrients, and soil organism profile. Results should include a recommended formula to properly treat the disease. A complete report should be filed and reported to the City for review and approval. NUTRITIoNAL PRoBLEMS Symptoms of common nutritional problems include: Nitrogen Deficiency: older leaves become uniformly yellow. After time they will die and drop off. Phosphorus Deficiency: Plant becomes severely stunted, leaves turn darker green, or in some cases purple. very soon after symptoms appear, plant will begin to lose older leaves. Potassium Deficiency: outside edges of older leaves turn yellow and immediately die. Necrotic (brown, dead looking) spots may appear across older leaves, but this usually occurs toward the outer edges. Magnesium Deficiency: older leaves develop interveinal chlorsis. (Yellowing between the veins of the leaves) Iron Deficiency: Yellow discoloration between the veins of young leaves. Manganese Toxicity: The tips of older leaves bum or have reddish-brown spots appear. (Early stages of the deficiency will produce small (1/16 inch) spots that will eventually become numerous and turn into patches of discoloration) Boron Deficiency: Flower parts do not form naturally. They will have fewer or smaller pedals that wilt or suddenly drop. Flower buds die and try to reform producing numerous small shoots (witch’s broom). There is little or no stem between leaves. Young leaves will crinkle and there may also be a thickening of both the stem and young leaves. Boron Toxicity: The outer edge of older leaves die with a characteristic reddish-brown color. Spots may develop across the leaf, but are usually concentrated toward the outer edge. (For additional information regarding nutritional problems refer to Sunset Western Garden Problem Solver, 1998, Sunset Publishing Corp., Menlo Park, CA 94025) INJURY Injury to plants can result from mechanical or chemical damage. Mechanical injury symptoms include tattered, torn, chewed leaves or broken/split limbs and torn bark. This is usually caused by insects or people. Chemical injury symptoms include leaf or shoot distortion and/or burnt leaf margins. Weather related symptoms include split trunk tissue (sunburn), wilted leaves, dead twigs or branches. Soil problems may mean saturated soils, contaminated soils or improper balance of nutrients resulting in off colored or yellowing of leaf, spotty defoliation caused by lack of oxygen or root rot. More typical symptoms may include a sudden wilting of the leaf or presence of fungal growth or conks. Symptoms associated with rooting include stunted growth, elongated twig growth or dead branches caused by girdling roots, confined or severed rooting structure. Possible control measures may include the following: If mechanical, repair what you can. If chemical, saturate the soil to leach out contaminated soils. If pollution, replace material with more pollution tolerant species. If a water saturation problem, try changing grade, irrigation patterns, or aerating soil. If a rooting problem, cut off girdling root or surface root, or remove and replace material. desert flora MAINTENANCE city of palm desert landscape maintenance guide 3332 SPRINkLER MAINTENANCE The controlling factor in the performance of water management within landscape maintenance areas is the application of water to landscape plants at a rate which closely matches the actual demands of plant material with little or no runoff. Water conservation, roadway safety and maintenance are the first and foremost reasons why water must be strictly controlled within the City. other important water management considerations include safe and dry turf areas for community use, water costs, and plant health. I. Before repairing or adjusting systems, verify the operating pressure of the supply system. Static pressure at P.o.C. should also be checked. If pressure is substantially higher than design pressure. Adjust pressure regulator accordingly. 2. Irrigation schedules should be adjusted seasonally. 3. The entire irrigation system, including all components from connection at meters, shall be maintained in an operational state at all times. This includes controllers and remote control valves, gate valves, main lines, service lines and irrigation heads. 4. All repairs shall be performed by fully trained personnel knowledgeable in all phases of landscaping and irrigation system operation, maintenance, adjustment, and repair. Repair personnel shall also be knowledgeable in all type of components including control clocks, valves, and sprinkler heads, as well as with all brands and models of irrigation equipment utilized in a landscape. 5. Main irrigation and supply systems must be tested and inspected periodically: Quarterly basis: Flush lateral lines, catch water sample and closely check for debris and suspended matter. Flush until water runs clear, should require only a few seconds. Monthly basis: Examine and clean all filters. Replace filter as required. Adjust and clean or replace emission devices as required. Perform walk-through and look for visible plant stress, check emissions device location and flow. Weekly basis: Test irrigation heads and coverage areas to: Provide adequate coverage for all landscaped areas. Prevent excessive runoff and/or erosion. Prevent watering of roadways, facilities such as tennis, basketball or handball courts, walkways, trails, fences, and private property. Match precipitation rates. 6. Quickly repair all irrigation system damage and record repairs. 7. All sprinkler heads shall be adjusted to maintain proper coverage. Adjustment shall include actual adjustments to heads, cleaning and flushing heads and lines, and removal of obstructions. 8. Minor repairs shall include but not be limited to: all lateral lines regardless of size, risers, exposed electrical con- nections, washers, seals, adjusting pins and replacement of valve box lids. 9. Major repairs shall include all mainline pipe regardless of size, controllers, pressure regulators, mainline, control wires others than above, valves, solenoids and diaphragms, all sprinkler heads and emitters. 10. Faulty irrigation systems such as malfunctioning controllers, quick couplers, manual or automatic valves and sprin- kler heads should be corrected within 12 hours of notification. 11. All replacement components should match the original type and model unless a substitute is approved. 12 When sprinkler systems are out of service, temporary or alternative watering (hand or watering truck) may be required. 13. Personnel are responsible for damage to sprinkler heads and valves due to careless operation of vehicles and lawn mowers. 14. Irrigation system scheduling will be established by the City staff and will be based on ETo values obtained from the Coachella valley Water District. The following scheduling chart provides a general schedule only. Adjustments may be required based on location, soil characteristics and plant species. PALM TREE WATERING Contrary to general knowledge, palm trees are moderate to high water users. The amount of water used by a palm depends upon the size, species, location of the tree, and time of year. Generally, the larger the tree the more water used. When establishing a newly planted palm water usage may range from 30 to 80 gallons a day. once the palm is established (two to four months after planting) the water requirement may decrease but generally not much more than 20% to 30%. NoTE: The warmer the air and soil temperature, the more water is used by plant material. TREES — (Gallons Per Week) Use Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High 8 24 32 66 108 124 124 108 66 32 20 12 Mod 5 16 22 45 76 88 88 76 48 33 14 4 Low 5 10 16 33 60 60 60 52 36 24 10 4 SHRUBS — (Gallons Per Week) Use Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec High 1 2 3 6 8 9 9 8 6 3 2 1 Mod .5 1 2 4 7 8 8 7 5 3 1 .5 Low .5 1 1 2 4 5 5 5 3 2 1 .5 desert flora MAINTENANCE Illustrations #1, #3, #4, #5, #6, #7, #8, #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, #14 and #15 courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman. Illustrations courtesy of Dr. Ed Gilman, Professor, Environmental Horticulture Dept., University of Florida, Gainesville. For more detailed information refer to “Horticopia illustrated pruning and planting, 2002, www.Horticopia.com, (800) 560-6186, and “Illustrated guide to pruning, second edition”, E.F. Gilman, 2002, Delmar publishers, Albany, NY, (941) 342-0153.