IN THE GARDEN THE HIGH-TEMP, LOW-WATER SOLUTION.

Byline: JOSHUA SISKIN

Q: I am interested in obtaining information on native plants that will do well in the high desert area of California. Since my water supply is limited, I need information on plants that will do well with very little water. Our temperature ranges between 110 degrees in the summer and the low teens in the winter. In May, a column of yours referenced a plant called bush snapdragon (Galvezia speciosa). Can I plant it here?

- Pat Wood

A: Your e-mail came at the right moment, since the rapidly approaching fall season is the best time of year for planting California natives. However, the fact that a plant is native to California does not necessarily mean it will grow in your back yard.

This is especially true of plants native to the Channel Islands, such as the bush snapdragon that you mention. Island plants require a more moderate climate than the high desert provides. That being said, there is a considerable selection of drought- and cold-tolerant California natives that would grow in your area.

To start with, you should consider planting a palo verde tree. These exotic, stand-alone trees are dramatic subjects that serve admirably as accents or focal points in high-desert gardens. There are three species to choose from: Mexican palo verde (Parkinsonia aculeata), blue palo verde (Cercidium floridum) and littleleaf palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum).

Mexican (green bark) and blue (blue-green bark) have sculptured branches and may eventually reach 30 feet in height. The littleleaf palo verde (yellow-green bark), by contrast, reaches about 20 feet. All belong to the pea family, producing tiny feathery leaves, masses of bright yellow flowers, tan seed pods and thorns.

For a contrasting evergreen tree - or a completely different look if deciduous palo verdes are not to your liking - consider the California incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens). This tree has remarkably fresh green foliage, red bark and the classic fragrance of cedar. It has a perfectly conical shape and never needs pruning.

In the large shrub to small tree category, you can select from the pink, trumpet flowered desert willow (Chilopsis linearis), the brilliant magenta blooming western redbud (Cercis occidentalis) and the flannel bush (Fremontodendron californicum). The flannel bush is a hydrophobic species, disdaining any quantity of summer water once established in the garden. With its scads of large, yellow-orange flowers, flannel bush is clearly the king of ornamental, drought-tolerant natives. However, it must be given full sun from all sides or, stretching for more light, it will bend over as it grows. It makes an excellent subject for planting and training as an espalier, against a sunny wall or in front of a tall, stout trellis.

Several species of Oregon grape (Mahonia), California natives despite their common name, do well in the high desert. There are both shrub and groundcover forms.

Other low shrub/groundcover selections include white-flowered California buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) and the undulating coyote brush (Baccharis pilularis).