Lot 117
16 acres, Altos de Monterey hillside
Natives
in order of most important to least
Plants
- Heteromeles arbutifolia, California Holly, Toyon
- Rhamnus californica, California Coffeeberry
- Rhus ovata, Sugar Bush
- Prunus ilicifolia, Hollyleaf Cherry
- Nicotiana attenuata, Ladies' Tobacco
- Eriogonum fasciculatum, California Buckwheat
- Amorpha fruticosa, Desert False Indigo
- Toxicodendron diversilobum, Pacific Poison Oak
- Rhamnus ilicifolia, Hollyleaf Redberry
- Croton setiger, Dove Weed
- Helianthus annuus, Common Sunflower
Trees
- Juglans californica, California Walnut
Invasives
in order of most invasive to least
Plants
- Ricinus communis, Castor Bean
- Vinca major, Greater Periwinkle
- Oxalis pes-caprae, Bermuda Buttercup
- Carduus pycnocephalus, Italian Thistle
- Helminthotheca echioides, Bristly Oxtongue
- Nicotiana glauca, Tree Tobacco
- Sonchus oleraceus, Common Sowthistle
- Lactuca serriola, Prickly Lettuce
- Solanum nigrum, Black Nightshade
- Malva parviflora, Cheeseweed
- Euphorbia peplus, Petty Spurge
- Marrubium vulgare, White Horehound
Trees
- Ailanthus altissima, Tree of Heaven
- Schinus terebinthifolius, Brazilian Pepper Tree
- Washingtonia robusta, Mexican Fan Palm
- Ulmus parvifolia, Chinese Elm
- Fraxinus uhdei, Tropical Ash
Yearly Brush Clearance
Every year public works contracts for brush clearance of 100' from structures and power lines immediately adjacent to Illinois Drive and the two residences on either end. This area is roughly 1.25 acres with the red box indicating the 1.1 acres visible from Illinois Drive.
Native Species Pruned in October
Hard Pruning (Pruning Back to the Stump or Near Ground Level):
These plants benefit from being pruned heavily, often back to the stump or near ground level. They are ideal for slope stabilization due to their deep roots and spreading habit.
Matilija Poppy (Romneya coulteri) - Deep roots make it excellent for stabilizing slopes, thrives in morning sun. Bush Sunflower (Encelia californica) - Fast-growing with spreading roots, great for erosion control. California Fuchsia (Epilobium canum) - Low, sprawling growth helps cover bare soil, thrives with partial sun. Hummingbird Sage (Salvia spathacea) - Helps stabilize soil in shaded areas, thrives in partial sun. California Goldenrod (Solidago velutina californica) - Thrives in partial sun, attracts pollinators, and stabilizes soil. Deer Grass (Muhlenbergia rigens) - Excellent for stabilizing steep slopes with deep roots, suitable for partial sun. Creeping Wild Rye (Elymus triticoides) - Dense mat-forming growth helps control erosion, thrives in partial shade. California Fescue (Festuca californica) - Helps bind soil with its fibrous root system, prefers partial sun. Purple Needlegrass (Stipa pulchra) - Thrives with morning sun, great for stabilizing hillsides.
Moderate Pruning (Pruning to Control Shape and Remove Spent Growth)
These plants benefit from moderate pruning to control their shape, improve health, and encourage growth. They thrive on east-facing slopes that receive morning sun and some afternoon shade.
Cleveland Sage (Salvia clevelandii) - Thrives in morning sun, great for erosion control. Black Sage (Salvia mellifera) - Ideal for rocky hillsides, deep roots stabilize soil effectively. White Sage (Salvia apiana) - Provides erosion control and is suitable for partial sun conditions. California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum) - Thrives in partial sun, excellent for erosion control. Bush Mallow (Malacothamnus spp.) - Fast-growing and effective for stabilizing soil, tolerates partial sun. Coyote Mint (Monardella villosa) - Low-growing and ideal for slopes, provides ground cover and attracts pollinators. Sugar Bush (Rhus ovata) - Suitable for partial sun, deep roots stabilize the soil. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia) - Thrives in partial sun, provides erosion control with deep roots. California Lilac (Ceanothus spp.) - Thrives in partial shade, improves soil with nitrogen-fixing properties. Seaside Daisy (Erigeron glaucus) - Spreading habit helps stabilize soil, suitable for morning sun. Showy Penstemon (Penstemon spectabilis) - Adds color and helps stabilize soil, suitable for partial sun. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) - Effective for controlling erosion on slopes, thrives in partial sun.
Light Pruning (Selective Removal of Old or Dead Branches)
These plants benefit from light pruning to improve air circulation, control size, and maintain health. They are well-suited for east-facing hillsides that receive morning sun and partial shade.
Chaparral Current (Ribes malvaceum) - Provides seasonal interest and helps with soil stability, suitable for partial sun. Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.) - Dense growth helps stabilize soil, thrives with morning sun. California Wild Rose (Rosa californica) - Provides erosion control and habitat, thrives in partial sun. Creeping Sage (Salvia sonomensis) - Forms a dense mat that helps stabilize soil, ideal for partial shade. Creeping Snowberry (Symphoricarpos mollis) - Thrives in partial shade, provides dense ground cover. Blue-eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium bellum) - Suitable for partially shaded slopes, provides spring blooms. Island Alum Root (Heuchera maxima) - Thrives in partial to full shade, helps stabilize soil.
Status
2021–2029 General Plan Housing Element (Revised, Fifth Draft)The City owns 15.89 acres of unimproved land in the Altos de Monterey hillside residential tract, referred to as Lot 117. This area is considered an open-space resource to the neighborhood and is not intended for future development.
May 2023, p. 153