Common name:Horsetail Reed
Botanical name:Equisetum hyemale

This reed-like plant bears dark green, jointed stems to 3-4' tall. It should receive sun to part shade with regular summer watering. The reed grass can be extremely invasive and is best when used in pots or when confined by a barrier. As such, it can be extremely effective as an accent plant. While tolerant of wet conditions, the most successful plantings are those with average soil moisture. -Monterey Bay Nursery

Common name:Southern Sword Fern
Botanical name:Nephrolepis cordifolia

Nephrolepis cordifolia is tough and easy to grow. This fern has bright green, narrow, upright fronds in tufts to 2-3 ft. tall. Fronds have closely spaced, finely toothed leaflets.

Common name:Ribbonleaf Japanese Maple
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Atropurpureum'

This Japanese Maple grows as a small, deciduous tree complete with palmate leaves that turn red and endure for the entire season.

Common name:Chinese Pistache
Botanical name:Pistacia chinensis

The Pistacia chinensis is a deciduous tree with broad, spreading growth to 50' in height. Its leaves have 10-16 leaflets, and the fall coloring arrives in beautiful shades of red, orange and yellow. The young trees are often gawky, but some become shapely with age. Berries on female trees, when pollinated, are messy.

Common name:Southern Sword Fern
Botanical name:Nephrolepis cordifolia

Nephrolepis cordifolia is tough and easy to grow. This fern has bright green, narrow, upright fronds in tufts to 2-3 ft. tall. Fronds have closely spaced, finely toothed leaflets.

Common name:Japanese Green Lace
Botanical name:Acer palmatum 'Dissectum Viridis'

This small maple has bright green lacy leaves. It grows to 10 ft. and spreads 8 ft. This plant gives a weeping, delicate appearance. Flowers are purple and inconspicuous. The fruit is a winged samara.

Solving Runoff Problems

Importance of Watershed

A watershed is a land area that drains rain and other water into a creek, river, lake, wetland, or groundwater aquifer. Water from your neighborhood also enters the watershed through the storm drain system and flows directly to local creeks without any treatment. It often is contaminated by pollutants that can be toxic to fish, wildlife, and people.

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