Common name:Coast Live Oak
Botanical name:Quercus agrifolia

The coast live oak is and evergreen round-headed tree. It can slowly reach 70' tall, with a canopy width from 30'-70'. It grows very well from the coastal areas to the interior valleys. It is native to California, is drought tolerant, and attracts butterflies, birds and squirrels. Leaves are dark green and oval. Inconspicuous flowers appear in springtime. Large brown acorns appear in fall or winter. These are edible to wildlife. Bark is dark gray and furrowed. It does produce some dry litter.

Common name:Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum

This magnificent plant can used as a small tree or shrub. It is deciduous with graceful leaves which have a scarlet color in spring as it leafs out. They turn orange or yellow in fall. It is slow growing to 20', and requires shelter from hot winds. The leaves of this tree are small, light green in color, and deply lobed. It should also be noted that the tree remains spectacular throughout all seasons. Second picture by Steve Mullany.