Jade succulents and opuntia cactus are non-natives with shallow roots that do not hold the hillside together, but the plants store water for dry months. They are drought and fire resistant. I've often seen hawks using the opuntia cactus as a safe place to stalk and eat their prey. They also provide habitat for wildlife.
The bamboo is growing toward the top of the slope very close to homes on Lake View Ave. Bamboo grows like weeds and is highly combustible. When it burns, the gases heat up inside the hollow chambers of the shoot/stem until it explodes, spreading fire in all directions.
Despite an expected 2.5" of rain by Tuesday, Southern California is in its fifth year of extreme drought. During the rain this weekend, take the time to contemplate what grows on your own hillside.
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