Use this map to tour the wide variety of plants, shrubs, and trees on Saint Dunstan’s campus.
1. Olive
Olea europaea
Mediterranean tree whose fruit is botanically a drupe, like a cherry or peach. Fruit is processed and consumed, or pressed for oil; leaves are in medicinal teas.
2. Yarrow
Achillea millefolium
Native to Europe, it prefers open areas and lots of sun. The plant has medicinal uses. Used to heal cuts and wounds, and in teas for abdominal complaints.
3. Chinese Pistache
Pistacia chinensis
A native to China, this tree is planted along streets worldwide for its attractive fruit and autumn foliage. It is hardy and drought-tolerant, but can become invasive.
4. Monterey Cypress
Cupressus macrocarpa
Due to glacial changes, found only in our area. A medium-sized coniferous tree, often with irregular or flat tops due to wind.
5. Redwood
Sequoia sempervirens
Among the tallest trees, up to 350 feet. They thrive in foggy moisture. The tree’s bark can be up to 12 inches thick, providing protection from fire and pests.
6. Golden Poppies
Eschscholzia californica
California poppy was a medicinal herb of indigenous people. “Copa de Oro” (gold cup) in Spanish. The flowers close without sunlight. Slender seed pods explode with a snap, to release numerous small black/dark brown seeds.
7. Fire Thorn
Pyracantha
A thorny plant low to the ground with seasonal white flowers and red berries. Used for erosion control & for a protective barrier. The berries are said to be edible after cooking but the seeds are poisonous.
8. Sweet Gum Tree
Liquidambar styraciflua
Deciduous tree of temperate U.S. areas known by the 5-pointed star-shaped leaves & hard, spiked fruits. With sufficient sunshine, its fall colors of orange and burgundy are striking.
9. Cedar of Lebanon
Cedrus libani
A large evergreen conifer in the pine family, native to mountains of the Eastern Mediterranean. Cedar wood is prized for its fine grain and attractive yellow color. Cedars are mentioned many times in the Bible.
10. Monterey Pine
Pinus radiata
Valued for its fast growth and timber. Native only to Santa Cruz, Monterey, and SLO counties of California. Introduced for timber production in Australia, NZ and Spain.
11. Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia
Flowering plants in the cactus family, known for flavorful fruit and showy flowers. The fruit is edible, although it must be peeled carefully to remove the small spines on the outer skin before consumption.
12. “English” Holly
Ilex aquifolium
Evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, spiny leaves. The berries ripen to red and may have decorative use.
13. Mexican Sage
Salvia leucantha
Loved by butterflies, bees and humans, salvia throws out velvety purple flower spikes when other plants are fading. It emits a pleasant fragrance.
14. Lavender
Lavandula
Sage-family plants with fragrant spiked flowers. Widely cultivated as ornamental plants or for use as culinary herbs. Commercially grown for its essential oils.
15. Rosemary
Rosmarinus officinalis
A fragrant evergreen shrub used in cooking and for essential oils. It is attractive and drought tolerant.
16. Pomegranate
Punica granatum
Fruit-bearing deciduous shrub whose fruit is eaten, made into molasses, or used in stews and sauces.
17. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
A succulent plant with a polysaccharide gel, acemannan, which may be used for topical purposes in lotions or creams.
18. Manzanita
Arctostaphylos
Meaning “Little Apple” in Spanish, these are evergreen shrubs or small trees in the chaparral biome, with smooth orange/red bark and twisting branches.
19. Ceanothus
Ceanothus
Small trees or bushes with white-ish or purple cluster flowers. Known as “California lilac”. Attractive to pollinators.
20. Spiderwort
Tradescantia
A hardy ornamental that attracts pollinators. In colder climates, this can be grown as a house plant. Has climbing and trailing species.
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