Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Saturday - November 28, 2009
From: Santee, CA
Region: California
Topic: Trees
Title: Evergreen for inland San Diego, California
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm looking for an evergreen tree for my inland San Diego residence, 30 foot max height, growth speed is not important. I had decided on the carrotwood until I found your site and discovered the problems that come with it. Thank you.ANSWER:
Here are several native evergreen trees that should do well in your area:
Cercocarpus montanus (alderleaf mountain mahogany) grows to 20 feet
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) with a maximum height of 30-40 feet
Cupressus forbesii (tecate cypress) grows to 20 feet and here is a photo and more information
Lyonothamnus floribundus ssp. aspleniifolius (Catalina ironwood) grows to 30-50 feet and here are photos
Morella californica (California wax myrtle) grows to 25 feet and here are photos and more information
Here are photos of the first two from our Image Gallery:
More Trees Questions
Planting Texas Persimmon in enclosed planter from San Angelo TX
May 23, 2013 - I want to plant a Texas Persimmon (in West Texas) in an enclosed planter 4' X 4' X 2.5' deep. What would be a good planting medium. Does it need to be deeper?
view the full question and answer
Distance apart to plant Arizona ash trees in El Paso, TX
July 01, 2010 - How far apart can I plant two Arizona ash trees?
view the full question and answer
Bacterial wetwood disease in ash tree
November 11, 2004 - I have an Ash tree in my front yard. It's about 25 - 30 years old. About 2 months ago, it began to ooze sap from a point where a limb had been pruned, I'd say, about 15 - 20 years ago. So this cut ...
view the full question and answer
Tree leaves being chewed in Austin
July 04, 2009 - We planted a Texas Redbud tree, and Monterey Oak (Mexican White Oak) in the front yard this spring and both have had their leaves eaten or chewed by something I cannot find on their leaves. At first I...
view the full question and answer
Trees for a privacy barrier
October 06, 2007 - What would you suggest to plant for a privacy barrier along a back fence in Austin Texas? They need to be hardy and atleast 10 to 12 feet tall to block my neighbor's second story view of my yard.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |