Master Plant Descriptions

PLANT DATABASE This information is for everyone to use to promote dissemination of what we believe to be correct.
We do not grow everything on these lists all of the time but are providing information often difficult to find.
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Mountain Man will show you scales of plants denotes plants usually in production

Cascalote In Arizona, where winter visitors often garden in small spaces and want seasonal color, this patio tree has become a fast favorite. Caesalpinia cacalaco can either be left unpruned to grow as a large shrub, or trained into a small tree to 15-18 feet tall and wide. In the winter, Cascalote produces large spikes of clear yellow flowers at the branch tips, followed by attractive copper-colored seedpods. Cascalote is native to tropical areas of Mexico, and suffers frost damage when temperatures drop below 20° F. In warm climates this plant is evergreen, with glossy green compound leaves. Younger branches are reddish-brown, and are usually adorned with rose-like thorns. The thorns are not as prominent on older trunks and branches. Cascalote grows best in full sun and well-drained soil, and is easily propagated from seed. USDA Zone 9.

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Upright fast growing small tree or large shrub to 10' tall by 8' wide. Clusters of yellow flowers have long red stamens. Natural growth habit is irregular and open, but can be pruned to encourage dense growth. Originally from Argentina & Uruguay. Quite hardy and can be frost deciduous. As pods mature, they split spewing seeds. Ripe seeds are poisonous. May be somewhat invasive but easy to control. Drought tolerant. More open and woodier than pulcherrima.

Fragrant lemon yellow flowers in 3-6" long racemes. In colder areas, an herbaceous perennial often to only 3-6'. Ferny lush green foliage and spectacular flowers. Will tolerate more heat than most. Pods and seeds may be poisonous. Large shrub 15' tall & wide. Native of Northern Mexico. In low desert, evergreen and can bloom year round. No spines. Seeds are distributed by pods splitting but seedlings are easily controlled. Moderately rapid grower but needs well drained soil.

This small, tropical-looking tree is a perfect choice for courtyards and other oasis zones. The lush green foliage is extremely ornamental, with compound leaves to 8 inches long, composed of large oval leaflets. Although this tree does bloom in the summer with clusters of small yellow flowers, the leaves and thornless nature are its most outstanding features. Caesalpinia platyloba grows quickly to 20-25 feet tall and wide. Hardy to 25°F, this tree can freeze to the ground if temperatures drop to the high teens. However, re-growth is rapid, up to 6-8 feet of growth in a year. Leaf drop can occur in a cold winter, or when plants are water-stressed in the hot summer months. Native to the tropical deciduous rain forests of Mexico, this tree is harvested there to make fence posts. USDA Zone 9.

Red Bird of Paradise This shrub is without a doubt the most popular summer bloomer in the Phoenix area. From May through August this tropical-looking shrub produces loads of spectacular flower clusters. Red bird of paradise drops its leaves in the winter, and usually suffers some frost damage. It is hardy to about 15º F. In the early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, you should cut this shrub back to 6 to 12 inches above the ground. As soon as the weather heats up, it will explode into growth, growing to 5 to 6 feet tall and wide in one summer. Deep, weekly irrigation during the bloom season will keep plants healthy and prolong the flower display. It performs best in full sun and well-drained soil. USDA Zone 8.

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A semi-deciduous vine that can reach up to 15' fairly rapidly. It only needs something to twine upon. It is a little more frost hardy than macroptera. Small lavender flowers during summer months. Mexican native. Full sun or part shade. Will usually cluster at the top of the trellis. Hardy into the mid teens. Small hairs on the foliage can cause irritation. Can be evergreen in warm areas. Zone 9.

Mascagnia macroptera is an evergreen vine from Baja California that will easily train itself to a trellis or fence. If left unsupported, this plant will twine on itself to produce a mounding shrub or even a groundcover. This blooms in spring and summer, with bright yellow orchid-shaped flowers. This is fairly drought tolerant shrub, but looks much better with regular watering through the warm season. Zone 9.

Baja Red Fairy Duster If you enjoy the antics of hummingbirds, be sure to include a few Baja red fairy dusters in your garden. Their bright red, tufted flowers provide year around color and nectar, although the showiest displays are from spring through fall. Baja red fairy duster has ferny green foliage, and an open irregular form that lends itself well to natural landscapes. Mature plants might reach a size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide. Baja red fairy duster can be used in full sun or part shade, and is tolerant of most soil types. Temperatures below 25° F can cause some twig damage. Any shaping or pruning should be done in the late spring, but be careful not to overdue it, as too much pruning will inhibit flower production! USDA Zone 9.

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Native Fairy Duster A fine-textured shrub growing 3' tall x 3-4' wide. Little pink blooms resembling powder puffs appear in the spring and intermittently through rest of year in response to moisture. Flower color ranges white to pink into some red and as it is usually grown from seed there can be lots of variability. It is considered quite cold tolerant although it will freeze to ground in serious frost. Native from Texas to California on dry rocky hills at elevations of 2000-5000'. Good for erosion control. Although very drought tolerant, fairy duster will go deciduous over prolonged dry periods. Coarse well-drained soil is preferred. Hardy to 5° F. USDA Zone 7.

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Bolivian native. Large shrub this can be up to 10' but often less due to frost limits. Large red puffballs during winter New growth bronze. Not particularly xeric. Protect from hard frost.

Weeping Bottlebrush Tree A small tree with spreading branches growing to 15-30'. Produces narrow clusters of dark red flowers, and performs best with average to occasional summer watering. With regular watering, this can be elegant, showy flowering tree. Open habit of weeping growth. Tolerant of full sun and reflected heat. Subject to chlorosis with in proper watering.

Woody perennial shrub/groundcover 1.5' tall by 3' wide. Creamy yellow 1" flowers March through June. Evergreen low desert but will die back to ground with a hard frost . Spreads by rhizomes. Can do well in containers. Full Sun or some shade. Prefers good drainage. Leaves are narrow. Cut back periodically to regenerate growth & flowers. Flowers open morning yellow turning orange & pink as they die. Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and Mexico 4500-7000' grasslands and mountains.

Sundrops For many years, we have struggled with growing Calylophus hartwegii in Phoenix. It just isn't happy in our summer heat. That's why we're so excited about this new variety. It has performed well in full sun exposures during our hottest months. However, it might appreciate just a touch of afternoon shade in the low deserts. It is native over a large area, growing in Colorado, Kansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Texas, and northern Mexico. This woody perennial grows to about 12 to 15 inches tall by 2 feet wide. It can be cut back in early spring if it becomes too woody, or suffers any frost damage. This plant is hardy to at least 0° F. During the summer months it is covered with clear yellow, 1 to 2 inch wide flowers. These blossoms have a 24 hour life span, opening at night and fading to an orange-pink color by late afternoon. Plant Sundrops in well-drained soil, and be careful not to over water. It is very susceptible to flea beetles, but they are easily controlled with common insecticides. USDA Zone 7.

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Trumpet Vine A fast, deciduous vine reaching 20' tall or more. It bears large, pinnate leaflets and terminal clusters of large orange trumpet-shaped flowers in summer and fall. Tolerant of heat, cold and drought, and is relatively tolerant of alkaline soils. The vine should be grown in sun to part shade, with little summer watering.

Texas Hill Country Sedge is a great alternative for turf lawns in many areas of the Southwest, and can be used as an informal meadow grass as well. This sedge can reach 4-6" in height, or can be kept smaller if mowed. Drought tolerant when established, Can be adapted to most any soil. This grass will stay evergreen except through the coldest winters.

California native, rhizomatous. Native on alkaline soil. Lw and adapted to a lawn use. Sun or shade. Somewhat drought tolerant. Will take some traffic.

Texas Sedge is a low, clumping grass that can reach about 4" tall by 6" wide per plant. Leaves are dark green in color, and should remain evergreen in all but the coldest areas of its natural range. Greenish-white flower stalks are produced in the spring. Can be used as a low-maintenance lawn replacement, needing only 2-3 mows per year to remain looking healthy. This sedge will grow best if given partial to full shade. Adaptable to any type of soil.

Evergreen in warm areas, clumping grass to 2' tall and wide. Widely adaptable, can be planted in wet soil or arid soil, tolerates sun to shade, and can be drought tolerant. Tan to brown flowers show in spring. Native on dry soil Washington s to coastal California. Spreads by rhizomes. Deep green. Can be mowed periodically. Drought tolerant.

Natal Plum A very compact form usually under 2'. Scalloped tight leafing can be used in a container or even made into a low hedge. Drought tolerant but a little frost tender.

Natal Plum Low growing, leaves smaller than many of the cultivars. As with them all, it can suffer frost damage but will recover with heat.

Natal Plum A larger growing cultivar than Green Carpet or Boxwood Beauty. This will make a shrub at least 6' overall. Dark green glossy foliage. Quite drought tolerant but slightly frost tender.

Saguaro is perhaps one of the most enduring species of the Southwest. This can reach a mature size of over 50' tall, by 25' wide. Plants in the wild will not even begin to grow arms until they are 100 years old. Once established, virtually no care is required. large, night-blooming white flowers abound between May and June. Native across the Southwest and into Mexico.

A flowering groundcover useful for erosion control. Is also fire retardant. Tolerant of sun, reflected sun or even salty conditions. Drought tolerant. Best with well drained. With in proper watering, can die back. Rabbit food. Will compete with trees and other plants. Grows to 6" tall spreading 6', rapid with moisture, Pacific coast native. Leaves are three-angled 3-4" long. Will root down. Terminal flowers are slightly fragrant rosy purple to pink during summer.

Blue Mist This native of east Asia is a hybrid between Caryopteris incana and Caryopteris mongolica. The bloodlines must have been excellent, because this little shrub is a real winner! Blue mist blooms all summer, with whorls of deep blue flowers clustered at the branch tips. As an added bonus, these turn into attractive dried seed heads in the fall and winter. The flowers are rich in nectar, attracting both butterflies and bees. Blue mist grows to 3 feet tall by 4 feet wide, in a dense mound. The long, narrow grey-green leaves are quite aromatic, and seem to repel deer. The leaves drop in the winter, and this is a good time to prune the plant back vigorously. Plant Blue mist in full sun or part shade, well-drained soils, and be sure to provide supplemental water during the bloom period. This plant is cold hardy to -20° F, and has tolerated the summer heat in Phoenix surprisingly well. USDA Zone 5.

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Hackberry Large upright tree to as much as 100' tall and wide. Very cold hardy, widely adaptable to different climates. Great choice for a street tree or for areas close to buildings. Leaves are large and elm like. It is native in N and E USA into Texas. Probably should be grown by cuttings as seedlings are erratic growers.

10-15' tall by 8-10' wide. Moderately fast grower, A thorny evergreen shrub, Small dark green leaves. Tiny edible sweet orange fruit in fall. Bird attractor. Native in SW and northern Mexico 2-4000', Sun, Partial Shade. Slow. A dense twiggy plant. Larval food plant for snout butterfly and empress leilia.

Net leaf Hackberry, Canyon Hackberry Although it is by no means "new", Net leaf hackberry has not received the attention it deserves. This hardy tree tolerates full sun and reflected heat, soils with low fertility, and is resistant to Texas root rot. Native along streambeds and hillsides at elevations from 1500 to 6000 feet, this tree is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. It is a great tree for retention basins, as it can tolerate periodic flooding and drought. Eventually, it can reach a mature size of 30 feet tall and wide. Net leaf hackberry is deciduous, but has a wonderful arching branch pattern that is revealed when the tree is bare of foliage. Its smooth gray bark becomes fissured with age, creating great character. The dark green leaves have the texture of sandpaper, with conspicuous netlike veins visible on the underside. Birds feed on the small orange-red fruit that remain on the tree through the winter months. Its shallow roots can become a problem when trees are planted too close to building foundations. Net leaf hackberry is extremely long-lived, from 100 to 200 years. USDA Zone 8.

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Carob Tree Evergreen tree which could be a large hedge or shrub also. 34-40' by same. Moderately fast. From Mediterranean. Pinnately compound leaves, dark glossy green. Male and Females are separate with the females the pod producers. Females produce the pods. Pod and foliage litter, Texas root rot prone, verticillium, sooty canker and nematodes, Frost sensitive when young, Male flowers are unpleasant smelling, Does not like heavy wet soil, Sun and heat tolerant as well as drought.

Red Bud One of the three distinct varieties of this beautiful, unarmed, spring flowering tree. Usually native in areas with at least 35" of rainfall. Leaves are thin, large, dull green on both sides, heart shaped and sharp pointed.

Mexican Red Bud Small tree 15' x same. Slow . Dark green glossy crinkled leathery heart shaped leaves smlr than canad.. Usually multi-stemmed small tree. Small purple pink flowers before leaves spring. Brown seed pods not very attractive. Native of Chihuahua. Canadensis is a much larger tree from the Eastern USA. Covering of dense wool on petioles & branches identifies the Mexican variety. Native on limestone at 12-20" of rainfall. Tex. & Mex both sucker, eastern does not.

Hackberry Deciduous shrub 6-20 ft. tall and 10-15 ft. wide. Desirable for its magenta spring flowers, yellow to red fall color, and dangling winter seed pods. It is tolerant of many soil types, drought and oak root fungus. Moderately fast grower. Attracts hummingbirds & butterflies. Native statewide in California in foothills below 4500 ft. in chaparral and woodland communities also Arizona and Utah. Drought resistant, Reflected sun or shade, does not like high alkaline or saline soil.

Curl leaf Mountain Mahogany If you're patient, this slow-growing evergreen plant can eventually form a small tree, to 15 to 18 feet tall by 12-15 feet wide. However, many people consider it to be a large upright shrub, with an average size of 6-8 feet tall. As this plant matures, it develops great character, with twisting branches, and interesting fissures in the smooth grey bark. Curl leaf mountain mahogany's native range extends across the southwestern U.S., north to Washington, and south into Mexico. It occurs on arid, rocky slopes from 5000 to 10,000 feet in elevation, and is hardy to -20° F. The small leathery leaves are dark green on top, with hairy white undersides, and the leaf edges curl under distinctively. The foliage is resinous and aromatic. This member of the rose family produces masses of small creamy yellow flowers in the spring. However, I think its most ornamental feature are the silver corkscrews that cover the plants in the fall. Each seed is attached to one of these fuzzy tails, and when backlit by the sun, the bush simply glows. In addition to being a terrific ornamental Curl leaf mountain mahogany provides good shelter and food for birds and other wildlife. This plant should be grown in full sun, in a soil with good drainage. It is extremely drought tolerant. Native Americans used its heavy, dense wood to make spears and bows. USDA Zone 5.

Mountain Mahogany has many characteristics in common with Curl leaf mountain mahogany. It is also a small evergreen tree or large shrub, with an upright form, and a maximum size of about 15 feet tall by 8 feet wide. The aromatic oval, leathery leaves have toothed margins, but do not curl under. It has distinctive shaggy reddish bark. Long-lived and slow growing, it develops very hard wood that Native Americans used for various tools and weapons. This member of the rose family blooms in the spring and summer with inconspicuous creamy white flowers. These blossoms are followed by feathery corkscrew-shaped fruit in the fall and winter. Mountain mahogany is native to the western U.S. and Mexico, on dry slopes and mesas. In landscape situations, be sure to provide good drainage, and be careful not to over water. It occurs at elevations from 3000 to 9500 feet, and is hardy to -30°F. USDA Zone 4.

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20' x 15'. Slow to moderate. From SE South America. Ribbed cylindrical branches with diameter of 4". Needle-like spines. White large funnel-shaped flowers are 7" across, fragrant and open at nights during the summer. Full sun, partial shade. Does not like heavy wet soil. Can freeze in hard frosts. Striking blue gray form.

Fern bush During the middle of summer Fern bush provides a refreshing display of large white flower clusters. Butterflies and bees are attracted to the lilac-like blossoms. This long-lived shrub is semi-evergreen, with fragrant, light green ferny foliage. As it matures, it develops flaky, reddish bark. Fern bush usually grows to about 5 feet tall and wide, although it has the potential to reach 8 feet. After flowering, large brown seed heads are formed. These can be removed for a cleaner appearance. Native to the western U.S., at elevations of 4000 to 7000 feet, Fern bush is cold hardy to -25° F. Plant Fern bush in well-drained soil and full sun exposures. It will suffer in the intense heat of low desert summers. USDA Zone 4.

Mediterranean Fan Palm Slow growing but very hardy. Clump forming with rich green foliage. Grows to 20'. Can be used as a good container subject. Full sun or partial shade, Native of Mediterranean, Europe and N. Africa. The only European native palm. Petioles have sharp spines.

Desert Willow is open and airy as a small tree, and with age develops shaggy bark and twisting trunks. The flowers of the tree appear in spring and through the fall while the leaves will drop early. Pruning this 25' tree can make it very attractive. Needs good drainage. Is rather unattractive in winter. Native in desert washes to 5000'. Some supplemental water will improve appearance. Moderately fast. Seed pods are persistent. Cannot tolerate over watering. Flowers on new wood.

Desert Willow trees occur along washes throughout the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico. This small deciduous tree has narrow, light green leaves that give it a weeping appearance. In the summer, the tree is covered with fragrant, trumpet-shaped flowers. In the wild, the flower colors range from white to purple, although a pale pink to lavender flower color is the most common. The Lucretia Hamilton™ clone was selected for its intense, deep pink to purple flower color and its small stature. While many Desert willow trees can grow to 25 feet tall and wide, this clone seems to stay below 18-20 feet tall and wide. After flowering, long narrow seed pods are produced. Plant Chilopsis linearis in full sun and well-drained soil, and in regions where temperatures do not drop below 0° F. USDA Zone 7.

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Desert Willow is found in washes and ravines throughout the southwest. This small deciduous tree is open and airy, and with age develops shaggy bark and a twisted trunk. The orchid-like flowers are a rich soft pink appearing in spring and sporadically through the summer. Fewer pods are produced by this selection than the species. With proper pruning this 25' tree can become very attractive. Although this selection is a little more frost intolerant than the species, it can also often be more evergreen in mild situations. The cultivar is named in honor of Landscape Architect and University of Arizona Professor Emeritus Warren Jones. Hardy to 10° F. USDA Zone 8.

This differs from linearis linearis in that the leaves are drooping and curved whereas linearis is short, wide, straight and erect.

This subspecies has short, wide, straight, erect leaves whereas arcuata has drooping curved leaves.

This medium size deciduous tree grows rapidly to 20-30' high and as wide, producing long, pointed, deep green leaves. Upon these leaves grow the pink to white trumpet shaped flowers with purple markings. Over a long season, these flowers will appear in showy clusters.

30-50' tree for warm zones spreading 30', Fast, Winter deciduous, Green smooth trunk covered with conical spines, Palmately compound leaves, 2-5" flowers after leaves fall. Sun, Protect when young from frost. Some flower litter, it is a good sized tree, so it does need room. Native in South America and Brazil.

Damianita This small, compact shrub grows to 2' tall and as wide, with needle-like green leaves and yellow daisy-like flowers. Its tiny leaves have a sweet-smelling aroma when crushed. In the fall and spring it is transformed into a vibrant, bright yellow mound of tiny daisy-like flowers. Damianita is a very tough, durable plant, tolerating extreme heat and cold, down to 0º F. It should be planted in full sun and well-drained soil. Over time, this plant can become woody. Light shearing in the early spring will remove old flower heads and encourage new growth. Damianita ranges from New Mexico to west Texas and into northeastern Mexico, at elevations of 2000 to 7000 feet. USDA Zone 7.

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Rabbit brush When I think of Rabbit brush, images of Santa Fe and Albuquerque come immediately to mind. Many designers there use this large showy shrub as a staple in native landscapes. Rabbit brush occurs over a wide area of the western U.S., and reaches into Canada and Mexico, at elevations from 2000 to 8000 feet. It much prefers the cooler nights of higher elevations. In the low deserts, it goes semi-dormant in the summer months. A naturally rounded form, attractive foliage, and splashy fall flower display combine to make this durable native an appealing ornamental. Rabbit brush is semi-evergreen, with aromatic narrow, grey-green leaves. The stems are covered in white wooly hairs, lending the shrub a silvery appearance. This plant reaches a size of 4 to 6 feet tall and wide, largely depending on available moisture. Irrigation will encourage a larger, leggier form. In the fall, it produces masses of fluffy golden flowers, followed by tan seeds. Rabbit brush can be invasive, so be careful not to use it in heavily irrigated areas. To encourage a denser form, plant in full sun, prune hard in late spring, water sparingly, and don't use fertilizer! Rabbit brush can be used as a screen, and is great for erosion control. The Hopis used its flexible branches for basket weaving, and the Navajos brewed a tea to treat fevers and headaches. USDA Zone 4.

White-stem Rabbit brush differs from the species since it has strikingly white stems. This plant will reach a mature size of about 4-6' tall and wide. Fall flowers are golden-yellow and cover the entire plant. Rabbit brush is not well adapted to the low desert, and will go summer-deciduous. Supplemental irrigation or fertilizing will tend to make this plant leggy. Native across the West, and into Mexico and Canada, from 2000-8000' in elevation.

Dwarf rabbit brush generally grows to about 2-3' tall and wide. Like other members of the genus, this plant will bloom heavily in the spring with yellow flowers. This plant is well suited to higher elevations and cold climates, although it will also perform in the low desert with extra summer water and some afternoon shade.

Green Rabbit brush Sticky-flowered rabbit brush In many respects, Green rabbit brush is very similar to C. nauseosus. However, it C. viscidiflorus is usually smaller, to about 3-4 feet tall and wide. It has narrow green leaves that are sticky to the touch. Butterflies are attracted to the masses of golden flowers that appear in the fall. It occurs across the southwestern U.S. and into Canada, at elevations from 5000 to 10,500 feet. It is hardy to -25° F, and thrives on infertile, eroded soils. Rabbits use this plant for food and shelter, and birds feed on the seeds. USDA Zone 4.

A large vine growing to 20' it will root down when it touches soil. fast, deciduous. leaves are fleshy and divided. It will grow in full sun or partial shade clinging to and climbing. The foliage will cause some to have irritations. It can be invasive.

Sweet Orange is the parent of many cultivated varieties of citrus. Full size trees can reach 20-25' tall and wide, semi-dwarf and full-dwarf varieties are also available. Leaves are broad, dark green, and glossy. White, fragrant blossoms are produced in early spring, and fruit are produced in late summer into fall. Full sun to partial shade. Moderate water is needed, with supplemental summer irrigation in arid locations.

Needs good drainage and full sun. Can survive extended drought. Fast. Yellow flowers February to May. Strongly scented evergreen leaves 1' x 1/2". Grows 4' x 6'. Found on dry slopes 200-3000' in S. California and Baja California.

Large shrub to 20', moderately fast. Small evergreen leaves. Small flowers are quite fragrant. Berries that follow are dark brown. Native in SW USA. Thorny but drought resistant. Takes full sun. Could be a nice small tree. Stiff twiggy branches.

This is a small herbaceous perennial that grows to about 2 feet by 3 feet. It has light green, fine-textured leaves that resemble those of Verbena. The interesting fuzzy lavender-blue flowers are formed on the ends of the branches from spring to fall. The flowers resemble those of Ageratum and are irresistible to butterflies. Light shade or late afternoon shade helps to keep this plant looking its best in hot desert conditions. Should any frost damage occur, plants should be cut back nearly to the ground in late winter. Hardy to 0° F. USDA Zone 7.

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Bush Morning Glory Evergeen low growing shrub 2-3 ft. high , Silver foliage and white white flowers spring through fall. It prefers light soil, good drainage and full sun. Fairly drought resistant. During hot humid summer weather can have damp off problems. Fast growing shrub.

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Texas Olive Large sized shrub to 25', fast with water. Rio Grande to Mexico native. Leaves are large, leathery, coarse, green and evergreen in mild winters. White 2" flowers have a yellow throat and are borne in clusters from spring thru fall. Fruit is a small white egg resembling an olive and edible especially by birds. There is flower and seed litter and with freezing temps, the tree can be untidy looking as the foliage and small twigs can freeze and do not abscise.

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Little leaf Cordia When summer temperatures and humidity soar, Little leaf cordia can be counted on to provide some visual relief. Warm, humid conditions trigger blooming, resulting in a profusion of snowy white blossoms. Little leaf cordia is also highly prized for its ease of growth and maintenance. Cordia parvifolia grows at a moderate rate to form a naturally dense shrub to 6 feet tall and wide. Its stiff, arching branches are lined with small, leathery, grey-green leaves. This tough evergreen shrub is tolerant of full sun, reflected heat, and requires no maintenance. Cordia parvifolia is native to several regions of Mexico, and is hardy to 15° F. USDA Zone 8.

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A long lived perennial growing about 2' x 1'. Leaves narrow growing in a rosette at base. Flowers are 2" across, yellow and occur in late spring and summer and are held above the foliage. Good cut. Full sun to light shade. Will do well in any soil.

A delicate yellow daisy with a red maroon band. Flowers to 3'. An annual blooming all summer. Can reach up to 4'. Native Canada to Texas. Sand, loam, clay, acid or calcareous even poor drainage ok. Abundant spring blooms some during summer.

Rough-leaf Dogwood is a large shrub or small tree that will grow to about 20' tall by 15' wide. Leaves are medium green and oval-shaped, with serrated margins lending to the common name. Small white flowers are produced in clusters during the spring. Full sun to partial shade, needs some protection from the sun in the low desert and arid areas. Tolerates considerable cold. Native across much of the Southern U.S.

Dwarf Pampas Grass Hardy, fast-growing grass from 4-6' tall and wide. This dwarf variety does not reseed nearly as readily as its full-sized parent, although seedlings should still be removed to avoid letting it overrun other landscape plants. The full sized Pampas should not be used at all. Large, white flower plumes appear in summer, with numerous stalks to 6'. This is a female and does not usually set any seed.

Coursetia gets its common name 'Baby Bonnets' from the multiple pea-shaped flowers that are white, yellow, and pink. Baby bonnets will grow to about 8' tall by 12' wide at maturity. This deciduous shrub is a little cold-tender, and should be utilized in low desert gardens in the full sun.

Cliffrose This evergreen member of the rose family bears a strong resemblance to Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa). As it matures, it develops a unique, irregular, twisted form. Although it has the potential to grow to 15 feet tall, it is quite slow-growing, and most plants are in the 5 to 6 foot range. The small, bitter leaves have tiny red dots, unlike the leaves of Apache plume. Fragrant creamy yellow flowers cover the shrub in spring and summer. In the fall, fruit with long feathery plumes glow when backlit by the sun. Cliffrose is very long-lived and drought tolerant, but demands well-drained soil. Native on dry slopes of the southwestern U.S., at elevations from 3000 to 8000 feet, Cliffrose is hardy to -20° F. USDA Zone 4.

Rapid grower to 20', Large waxy evergreen leaves, Flowers white, pink to lavender in clusters at tips. Has become invasive in Southern Sonora, Drought tolerant as well as sun. Some are allergic to sap.

Mexican Heather A shrubby evergreen perennial that grows to 2' tall and 4' wide, false heather bears small, closely set leaves and tiny rose red flowers. Its heaviest bloom period occurs in summer, with some flowers present almost all year. The plant requires part shade to shaded conditions, with average watering. This variety does excellent in containers.

Bat-Faced Cuphea This water-loving plant is native to Mexico, where it grows along streambeds. In warm climates, it blooms from March to October with unusual red and purple flowers that look like a bat face. Due to its long bloom period and higher water requirements, it would make a nice substitute for annual color in planters and other landscape focal points. Just remember that this plant is not drought-tolerant! Bat-faced cuphea will grow to about 2-3 feet tall by 3 feet wide. Plant either in full sun, or in filtered sun locations such as under desert trees. While cold temperatures down to 20º can burn the foliage, bat-faced cuphea recovers readily from the roots. USDA Zone 8.

Arizona Cypress is native to central Arizona, from 3000 to 8000 foot elevations. It performs well in hot, interior climates, and is cold hardy to -15° F. This fast-growing evergreen tree can reach a mature size of 30 to 40 feet tall by 20 feet wide. The foliage can vary from blue-green to silver, and is a nice contrast to the reddish-brown bark. Arizona cypress has inconspicuous flowers, followed by rounded reddish-brown cones approximately 1 inch in diameter. For many years this tree has been a favorite windbreak in high desert grasslands. It also is useful in erosion control. Plant Arizona cypress in full sun and well-drained soil, and provide deep, infrequent summer irrigations. USDA Zone 5.

A selection of an Arizona native conifer tree to 50' tall by 20' wide. Moderate in growth rate. Foliage has a distinct blue cast. Full sun, heat and wind, Drought resistant, adaptable to many different climates providing good drainage is available.

Arizona native conifer tree to 50' tall by 20' wide. Moderate in growth rate. Color and form can vary from seed from green to silvery blue, pyramidal to round. Full sun, heat and wind, drought resistant.

Sago Palm Resemble small palms, evergreen. Can grow to 10' but slowly. Tropical effect. Great for planters. In low desert light shade is best. Side sprouts can form multi trunked individual. Few pests. Needs some additional moisture in the low desert. Apply fertilizer at leaf expansion.

Lemon Grass Hardy perennial grass native of S India and Ceylon forms clumps 2-3' tall and wide. Light green leaves have a strong fragrance of lemon when crushed, and can be used in cooking. Tender in some regions. Needs full sun. Soil adaptable. It does require regular water and will flourish in the ground or in a container.

Basterkobas is a unique plant that grows a sizeable caudex. This Caudex comprises the majority of the plant, it is only in leaf for half of the year. Basterkobas can reach a mature size of about 7-8' tall and wide in frost-free climates. Elsewhere, this plant will do well in a container. Partial shade is necessary to avoid sunburn, especially in the low desert. Low water use, keep dry in winter when dormant. Cream-colored flowers are inconspicuous, red grape-like fruits are poisonous.