Vegetation Management and Maintenance Plan - Watsonville ...

BLUE ELDERBERRY
Sambucus mexicana
DESCRIPTION This large shrub-small tree is distinguished by its
pattern of compound leaves. The leaves, comprised of 6-8 leaflets
with a final leaflet at the end, grow opposite each other along the
stem. In spring, clusters of fragrant pale yellow flowers form, followed
by blue-gray berries. Blue elderberries can reach 10 to 20 feet
tall.
BLOOMS Pale yellow in dense clusters. March - June.
PREFERRED HABITAT Widespread within coastal range and foothills;
planted along upper Struve Slough.
COAST LIVE OAK
Quercus agrifolia
DISTINCTIVE FEATURES This common tree is evergreen. Its
leaves are dark green and leathery, often sharply toothed and cupshaped.
The leaves range from 1-3 inches long and are usually a paler
green on the underside surface. Small flower clusters form in the
spring, forming the characteristic oak acorn in fall.
BLOOMS Whitish, in handing clusters, February - April.
PREFERRED HABITAT Dry slopes abutting creeks and sloughs
within the VMMM project area. Several oak species are native to
California.