My neighbors put in California flannelbush as a hedge few years ago and they've grown fast. They do look like 1970s sofa upholstery though.

Seems like a waste though--so many edibles grow here. Several citrus varieties grow quickly and tall although they do require water. Pollinators love them. Feijoa makes a great hedge (or tree) is pretty drought resistant and good for wildlife. Loquat, too.

LOL 1970s upholstery! Perfect description. A little concerned about the itch factor but I will investigate.

RE: edibles, this spot is tricky b/c it gets blazing sun for a short period but otherwise is kind of shaded by trees. It's a tough combo. I've tried a fig there in the past and it wasn't happy. The apricot on the other side is pretty but isn't very productive. Feijoa would be so cool though.

Potato vine grows quickly and doesn't need much tending. Likes to grow up and flowers most of the year.

Italian Cypress

Check out fern pines.

My trusted guy at the local nursery recommended fern pines too! My main concern about podocarpus gracilior is that it may have some toxicity. Online sources are not providing a lot of guidance.

A bigger problem with the giant podocarpus is that the roots really spread out and can damage nearby foundations, fences, concrete and it might be hard to grow stuff underneath them. They get 40 to 50 feet.

I just responded to a post by nancyjane, but Tacomaria capensis would work for you too.

Thanks Kate! I do remember having cape honeysuckle as a small shrub in the past, but not sure what happened to it--it might have been knocked out by a cold winter. Given the height that we need, I don't think it's going to work b/c the idea is to take down the neighbor's privet. So whatever we plant needs to be self-supporting. But if I was going for a shorter hedge, it sounds like a fun option.

Opps! Just reread your original post and see that you want to replace - quickly - a 15'- 20' screen from your neighbor's 2nd story windows.

How fast do you want this to grow that tall? That tall and that quick can only be accomplished by buying really big trees in really big boxes supporting a large root system. I've done it, and it works, but they are expensive.

Yeah, I usually try to plant as small as possible so the plant has time to acclimate to the yard (plus it's more economical). But after learning about how bad the drought is, I'm going to start small again so it can develop those deep roots. I'm resigning myself to trimming back the privet every year for the foreseeable future. I have considered Italian cypress, but they are too "Villa Bella Villa" for me. I'm probably going to go with my nurseryman's recommendation of podocarpus.

There are several options for a fast-growing, tall hedge to replace your neighbor's privet hedge that is safe for rabbits and fits the conditions on your side of the fence. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Carolina Laurel Cherry (Prunus caroliniana): This evergreen shrub or small tree is native to the Southeastern US and can grow up to 20-30 feet tall. It tolerates heat and drought well and is relatively fast-growing.
2. Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata): This coniferous tree is native to the Pacific Northwest and can grow up to 50-60 feet tall. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and can tolerate some shade.
3. Leyland Cypress (x Cupressocyparis leylandii): This hybrid cypress tree is a fast grower, and can grow up to 50-60 feet tall. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.
4. California Buckwheat (Eriogonum fasciculatum): This native shrub can grow up to 4-6 feet tall and wide, and produces small white or pink flowers that attract pollinators. It is drought tolerant and can handle full sun.
5. Toyon (Heteromeles arbutifolia): This native evergreen shrub or small tree can grow up to 15-25 feet tall and produces red berries that attract birds. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun.

All of these options should be safe for rabbits and provide a tall screen for your neighbor's window. Be sure to check with your local nursery or gardening expert for specific recommendations based on your location and climate.