A California native known for its mottled bark and large, maple-like leaves. It can reach heights of 40–100 feet with a broad canopy, making it an excellent shade tree for spacious yards. Homeowners should be prepared for significant leaf litter in autumn and a strong root system that can lift sidewalks if planted too close. Make sure to give this tree plenty of room, both above and below ground. For this reason it is not recommended for the road verge, but can be a great option for large yards.

An evergreen oak native to Southern California, the Coast Live Oak can grow 20–70 feet tall with a broad, spreading canopy that provides ample shade and habitat for wildlife. Deep-rooted and extremely drought tolerant, it requires minimal watering after establishment. They are protected in Los Angeles, and require permits for significant pruning or removal. For this reason once they are established expect them to be permanent residents on your property. It’s best to plant this oak away from structures and allow the roots and canopy plenty of space to flourish, making them less practical for the road verge.

Ginkgos are admired for their golden foliage in fall. These deciduous trees typically reach 40–50 feet in height, with a pyramidal shape when young that becomes more rounded with age. Ginkgos have been around since the Jurassic, and were thought to be extinct, found only in fossils, until they were discovered in Japan in the 17th century. They are quite drought tolerant and fire resistant, with stories of temples surrounded by ginkgo surviving large fires. They thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. Male ginkgos are typically preferred when possible, as female trees produce fruit with a strong odor.

A hybrid of the Catalpa and Desert Willow, the Chitalpa combines the best features of both parents: showy, trumpet-shaped flowers and heat/drought tolerance. Reaching about 20–30 feet tall, its open canopy and pink or white blossoms make it an attractive ornamental for smaller yards. It needs only occasional deep watering once established. Pruning is straightforward, typically limited to shaping and removing dead wood. Chitalpa’s relatively shallow root system makes it less likely to disrupt paving, but be sure to plant it with enough space for its spreading branches.

Cassia produces vibrant clusters of yellow flowers that appear in summer and sometimes last into early fall. Growing to around 20–30 feet high and wide, it’s an excellent choice for smaller landscapes or as an accent tree. It prefers full sun and well-draining soil. Occasional deep watering promotes healthy root development. Its moderate growth rate and relatively small root system help minimize potential damage to structures or sidewalks.

Manzanita can commonly be found in the parks and canyons around the Palisades, it is an evergreen shrub or small tree, with reddish-brown bark and clusters of urn-shaped pink or white flowers. Typically growing 4–10 feet tall (though it can occasionally reach greater heights), it’s well-suited to dry, well-draining soils and thrives in full sun to partial shade. It’s crucial to avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Light pruning to shape or remove dead branches is typically all that’s required. Its showy flowers are a magnet for pollinators, making it both an attractive and eco-friendly addition to the yard.

There are many species of Ceanothus found in the Santa Monica Mountains. In spring their clusters of white and blue flowers can be seen across the hillsides, like a dusting of snow. The photo shows many clusters of these flowers on ceanothus covering Temescal park. Sizes range from low-growing ground covers to medium-sized shrubs or small trees. All Ceanothus varieties share excellent drought tolerance. They prefer full sun and fast-draining soil, requiring minimal watering once established. Pruning is usually limited to removing spent flowers or shaping after the bloom. Their showy blossoms attract beneficial pollinators, adding vibrant color and ecological value to any garden.

Aloe Vera is a popular succulent known for its thick, gel-filled leaves and soothing medicinal properties, particularly in treating minor burns and skin irritations. It naturally resists fire due to the high water content in its leaves. With proper care, it may produce tall stalks of tubular flowers in shades of yellow or orange. Though not native, its low-maintenance nature and drought tolerance makes it a good choice for the Palisades.