Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - May 28, 2008
From: Redondo Beach, CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Native trees for small backyard in California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I have a small backyard and very close to my neighbor. I want to plant trees that grow 15/20 high that can work as a screen although I have to be very careful with invasive roots. Also I have two small kids that love to be outside. Any suggestion?ANSWER:
Here are a few suggestions for large shrubs/small trees that should work well. Dr. Connie Vadheim, a professor at California State University and a specialist in native plants of the area, provided suggestions for the selections below. These all are found in Los Angeles County, California.Amelanchier alnifolia (Saskatoon serviceberry), 3-18 feet tall, deciduous
Comarostaphylis diversifolia (summer holly), up to 20 feet, evergreen
Heteromeles arbutifolia (toyon), 8-20 feet tall, evergreen
Juniperus californica (California juniper), 10-15 feet, evergreen, photos from CalFlora
Morella californica (California wax myrtle), 10-25 feet, evergreen, photos and more information from University of Washington, Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture
Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (birchleaf mountain mahogany), 8-20 feet, semi-evergreen
Cornus nuttallii (Pacific dogwood), 15-40 feet, deciduous
Cupressus forbesii (tecate cypress) around 20 feet high, evergreem and here are photos
Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Catalina ironwood), 30-50 feet, evergreen and here are photos
Umbellularia californica (California laurel), up to 40 feet, evergreen
According to the Poisonous Plants of North Carolina or Cornell University Poisonous Plants Informational Database, none of the plants above has any toxic parts that you should be concerned about for your children.
You can find other suggestions for native plants by visiting our "Recommended Species" page and choosing Southern California from the map.
More Trees Questions
Sweet cherry tree for New Mexico
January 23, 2013 - What is the best kind of sweet cherry tree to plant in Santa Fe, NM? I have apple, apricot, peach and pear. Would like cherry unless it is a bad idea.
view the full question and answer
Native plants for clay soil in Lathrop MO
March 21, 2011 - My family just moved to the north Kansas City, MO area and would like to know what native species, both perennial and tree, will do best in the clay soil. It has already proven problematic as we have ...
view the full question and answer
Leaf problems on oaks in North Liberty IA
June 12, 2010 - My oak trees (young and old) are showing leaf problems. Is there a disease or insect causing oak tree disease?
view the full question and answer
Acacia tree that will grow in Louisiana
July 13, 2011 - Please tell me if there are any Acacia Trees that will grow in direct sun in Louisiana. I really want to plant some from seeds but don't which to get for zone 8.
Thank you Mr Smarty Plants
view the full question and answer
Need help diagnosing a problem with Bur Oak in Plano, TX
April 28, 2010 - I planted a bur oak 8 or 9 years ago. It has grown beautifully until this year. When opening, the leaves are very small (a couple inches) and there are lots of seeds (catkins?). I would hate to los...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |