Aloe aborescens or Candelabra Aloe, is large–up to 5 feet tall, with bright red flowers on spikes. Most of the year this plant blends into the landscape unnoticed, but in fall and winter it stands out with color. It’s common in Southern California front yards, especially in older neighborhoods.

Another Aloe that blooms in our cool season is Aloe striata (pictured), with a sculpted shape and orange or red flowers.

Aloe vera is commonly grown for its healing properties, and in my experience it works well. The gel from inside the leaves is soothing to injured human skin–a good remedy for burns and diaper rash. Buy a plant at a local nursery, and you always have skin cream on hand.

Not all Aloes are benign. There’s a stand of Aloe ferox growing near a fence in my yard. Ferox is Latin for ferocious, and this plant fits the name. The spines are the sharpest and most unyielding I have seen on any plant. Not good around children. This plant, though vicious, is reputed to have greater concentrations of medicinal sap than it’s famous cousin, Aloe vera.