Plant Library
A curated selection of species proven to perform in the Tuolumne County foothills. Drought tolerant, deer resistant, and beautiful.
Balsam Fir / White Fir
Abies concolor
Verdict: A classic high-elevation evergreen with soft, bluish-green needles. Brings a touch of the high Sierra to the upper foothills.
Blue Oak
Quercus douglasii
Verdict: The toughest oak for the hottest, driest rocky slopes. Its bluish-green foliage is a hallmark of the Sierra foothills.
California Buckeye
Aesculus californica
Verdict: Famous for its candle-like flower spikes in spring and its silvery, sculptural bark in winter. Goes dormant early.
Gray Pine
Pinus sabiniana
Verdict: The wispy, translucent silhouette of the foothills. Provides quick shade and screening where oaks take decades.
Japanese Maple
Acer palmatum
Verdict: The jewel of the shade garden. Requires protection from our hot afternoon sun and drying winds. this is a test
Valley Oak
Quercus lobata
Verdict: The undisputed monarch of the California valley and foothills. Requires ample space but rewards you with shade and legacy for centuries.
Vine Maple
Acer circinatum
Verdict: A stunning multi-stemmed small tree or shrub with brilliant fall color. Thrives in the shade of larger trees or along creeks.
Western Redbud
Cercis occidentalis
Verdict: A four-season stunner: magenta spring blooms, heart-shaped summer leaves, and rusty seed pods in winter.