Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

The Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains wrap around the Bay Area and the Central Coast, covering San Jose, Oakland, Santa Rosa, and most of the East Bay suburbs. Oak woodland and chaparral define the look here: dry golden hills in summer, green in winter. Natives like ceanothus, toyon, and California sagebrush match that pattern and stay presentable on winter rain alone once established.

Conditions: Clay loam to rocky hillside soils, mild wet winters, dry summers moderated by coastal fog in some areas.

Cities and areas: San Jose, Oakland, Santa Rosa, Salinas, San Luis Obispo, Walnut Creek.