Also known by the common names Red Shank or Ribbonwood  Adenostoma sparsifolium is a native shrub or small tree that is usually found on dry  well drained slopes in the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of northern California down to the border of Mexico.  This native plant?s richly red peeling bark makes an attractive contrasting texture in the landscape  while its feathery evergreen canopy makes a casual screen or hedge.  Tolerating both clay and sandy soils  Red Shanks is easy to grow in most residential settings  adapting to traditional wetter garden conditions quite well.  Red Shanks prefers full sun exposure and grows 6 to 18 feet tall with a rounded form dense with foliage from multiple branches.  It has small white flowers that bloom July through September  and green foliage even in winter.  Drought and heat tolerant  yet able to withstand average watering as well  Red Shanks? contrasting elements make this plant an unusual and striking addition to the landscape.