Common name:California Poppy, Golden Poppy
Botanical name:Eschscholzia californica
This small annual (sometimes acts as a perennial) plant will grow to less than 1' x 1' and has light, small blue-green leaves with gold and orange flowers that bloom in spring and summer. Sow seeds in the fall. Reseeds easily.
Common name:Chilean Mesquite
Botanical name:Prosopis chilensis
Semievergreen tree can rapidly grow to 30' x 30'. Thorns are variable. Can be multitrunked. Dark coarse textured bark. Accepts reflected sun. Upright grower with wide crown. Avoid overwatering to control windstorm uprooting. Yellow-green flowers in spring.
Common name:Globe Mallow
Botanical name:Sphaeralcea ambigua
Evergreeen perennial with rounded shrublike form grows quickly to 3' x 3'. Leaves are gray green and tiny hairs can irritate eyes and skin. Flowers appear in spring. Usually light orange flower but look for selections that offer a wide range of flower colors. Purchase in bloom to be sure to select desired flower color . May starts to look rangy after flowering, prune back for fresh growth. Accepts full sun. Native to the Sonoran Desert.
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Photographer: GardenSoft
Physical weed control, including mulching, or hand removal protects the watershed from harmful chemicals.
Apply a 2" layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.
Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost, or aged sawdust.
Inorganic mulches such as gravel are also acceptable.
Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.
