Texas Ebony is a slow growing, evergreen Chihuahuan desert legume. Dense shade.  Very thorny. Naturally low spreading form. Zig zag branching habit. Fragrant pale yellow flowers spring. Maybe winter decidous in cold areas.  Will maintain good foliage with low water. Vicious thorns. Woody brown pods create litter. Found on sandy to clay loams, clays & thin hard limestone Tx & New Mx.  Can be a shrub or a good sized tree. Zone 8.

Echinacea purpurea

Purple Coneflower  This perennial does more than sit there and look pretty. Over the past few years this plant has become a household word, thanks to its medicinal value. Extracts of the stems and roots are reported to boost the immune system. Native Americans used it to treat insect and snake bites, and as a toothache remedy. Native to the central and southeastern United States, this long-lived perennial provides a stunning floral display through the summer and into the fall. The large daisy-like flowers have lavender petals that curve downward, accentuating the rusty cone-like center. Purple coneflower attracts butterflies, and makes a good cut flower. After flowering, the showy seed heads last through the cool months to provide food for birds. Purple coneflower grows to about 3 feet tall and wide, and prefers garden soils. At high elevations it can be used in full sun, but it needs shade in the low deserts. In order to optimize growth and flower production, moderate to ample summer should be provided. It can reseed readily if conditions are ideal. USDA Zone 5. 

Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus  Globe shaped trunk, vertical ribs lined with thick rows of golden spines, Slow to 3', Containers, Full sun but prefers some shade in low desert, well drained soil, rots with poor drainage.

Ehretia anacua

Sandpaper Tree  Semi evergreen tree. Leaves rough & dense. Spring small clusters of white fragrant flowers Slow to develop into tree, Mostly native in South Texas. Full sun. Some root suckering. Leaves can burn with freeze and remain on tree. Subtropical and can be planted as north as Dallas in Texas but will freeze in cold winters. Best in alkaline soil with good drainage. Bright orange fruits ripen April to June.

Encelia californica

Green leafed form similar to Encelia farinosa. Dark centered yellow daisies, 1", Fall to spring, Evergreen, drought deciduous, Southern California 3-4' x 6', rapid in winter, full sun, drought tolerant, poor looking in summer, short lived.

Encelia farinosa

Brittlebush Gray mounding shrub 3' x 3'.  White if very dry. Bright yellow 1" daisies spring and summer. Sonoran & Mojave deserts on sandy or gravelly soils. Rapid growth following rain.  Short lived individual plants but will reseed to maintain populations. Drought dormant. Deciduous. Damaged in mid 20s.  Good in hottest areas.  Lance or ovate leaves.  Aphids will attack as will flea beetles.  Careful of root rot in heavy soils.  Overgrown and fragile if overwatered. 

Encelia frutescens

Green Brittlebush is very similar in form and texture to Encelia farinosa, our common native brittlebush. However, it has green foliage instead of grey. This rounded evergreen shrub grows to 3-4 feet tall by 4-5 feet wide. The rough-textured green leaves provide a pleasing contrast to the white stems. Like Encelia farinosa, it blooms heavily in the spring with yellow flowers, but the ½" diameter blossoms have no petals. Also, the bloom period typically extends through the summer and into fall. Green brittlebush grows on rocky slopes across the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, at elevations up to 4000 feet. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and is hardy to 0° F. Try mixing it with Encelia farinosa for an interesting color contrast. USDA Zone 7. 

Ephedra viridis

Slowly forms an upright much branched leafless broomlike shrub.  Dioecious.  Seeds are edible.  Sensitive to overwatering.  3' tall and wide.  Bright green to yellow green, jointed stems.  Full sun. Drought tolerant.  Give good drainage. 

Epilobium canum ‘Catalina’

A perennial sub-shrub native to California. This herbaceous plant grows 3' by 5'.    The silver-gray foliage of Catalina makes a striking contrast with the orange-red flowers produced in late summer, early fall. This cultivar is more resistant to breakage than the species.  The flowers are attractive to hummingbirds. It may be planted in full sun in milder areas, but will appreciate some shade in lower desert regions. It is quite tolerant of drought, heat and wind once established. Hardy to 20° F.  USDA Zone 9.

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Eremophila glabra 'Murchinson River'

Emu Bush  Evergreen spreading shrub to about 3' overall with fuzzy silvery gray leaves and red tubular flowers. Has not performed in the low desert as well as other eremophila cultivars. Hummingbird attractor. All eremophilas are Australian endemics.  Damaged below 21°F.  Does not usually perform well in the low desert with the normal watering schedules.

Eremophila laanii 'Pink Beauty'

EmuBush  T his evergreen shrub from Australia should be used in wide, open spaces, where it can reach its mature size without pruning or poodling. This is because the natural form of 'Pink Beauty' is quite unique, with wild, arching branches. 'Pink Beauty' forms a dense shrub to about 6-8 feet tall and wide, and has been used very effectively in golf course plantings at 8 feet on center. The green foliage is reminiscent of Myoporum parvifolium, with narrow, bright green leaves set closely along the arching branches. In the spring, it blooms with masses of pink tubular flowers. Where you have the space, this shrub can provide a lush and distinctive look. It is hardy to 25° F. USDA Zone 9.
 

Eremophila maculata 'Winter Gold'

EmuBush  This selection of Eremophila is a medium-sized shrub, reaching about 4-5' tall by up to 6' wide. Leaves are narrow and dark green. Yellow, tubular flowers are produced in late winter and early spring, providing some rare color for that time of year.  Grows best in full sun, but will handle some partial shade. Can grow well in heavy soils if necessary. Native to Australia.

Eremophila racemosa

Easter Egg Bush is a dense, rounded, upright growing Australian shrub that will grow to about 5 feet in height and as wide.  The narrow leaves are a pale green.  This plant gets its name from the many different colored flowers produced on the plant primarily in spring and intermittently throughout the year.  The flowers progress from yellow to orange while in bud and open to develop pink to reddish lavender tones all of which are quite striking in appearance.  The whole plant appears much like a basket of Easter eggs.  The rounded fruit is a fleshy drupe that is nearly impossible to germinate; no problem with invasiveness here.  Eremophilas are often referred to as emu bushes in an allusion to the fact that the fruit is purportedly a favorite of this flightless bird.  This plant performs well in full sun and definitely requires good drainage.  It is hardy to 25°F.  USDA Zone 9.

Eremophila x ‘Summertime Blue’™

EmuBush  This particular selection originated from an Australian friend of Mountain States and has been trialed in the nursery for over ten years.  A medium sized shrub, it has an interesting spreading growth habit that is somewhat fountain-like.  At six feet in height, be sure to give this fellow ample room to show off.  Summertime Blue™ has tubular lilac-blue flowers with a lengthy bloom period, often extending over the entire warm season.  Having originated from heavy soils in its native land, it is well adapted to the clayey soils of the southwest.  Hardy to frost and extended dry periods, this gem will be a great addition to the line-up of emu bushes. Hardy to 25 ° F. USDA Zone 9.

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Eremophila maculata Valentine™

EmuBush  This beauty is sure to become a fast favorite. Evergreen, winter-blooming, hot pink to red tubular flowers, naturally dense form, extremely heat tolerant …what more could you ask for? Valentine™ blooms from January through March with incredible masses of red flower buds that open to form hot pink, fuchsia-like blossoms. In the winter months the tiny, dark green leaves develop an attractive reddish tinge. If left unpruned it has a natural form very similar to that of the Chihuahuan sage (Leucophyllum laevigatum). However, it responds well to shearing, and can be maintained in a tight ball, if desired. In fact, blooming occurs on new tip growth produced the previous season, so an annual shearing is recommended in late spring, after flowering has ended. Valentine™ will grow to about 4-5 feet tall by 5-6 feet wide. Plant it in full sun for best growth and flower production. This plant is hardy to 15° F. USDA Zone 8.

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Ericameria laricifolia Aguirre™

Turpentine Bush  Long-lived, compact, evergreen, and tolerant of extreme heat and cold, turpentine bush is one of the shining stars for higher elevations. Turpentine bush is native to the southwestern U.S. and northern Mexico, at elevations from 3000 to 6000 feet. The Aguirre™ clone was collected in south-central New Mexico, and was chosen for its showy flowers and rich green foliage. It has a rounded, compact form to 2-3 feet tall and wide. The aromatic, bright green needlelike leaves are covered with a sticky resin that smells like turpentine. Masses of showy yellow daisy-like flowers are produced at the branch tips from September through November. The flowers are followed by scruffy-looking tan seed heads, which can be pruned off for a more refined appearance. Plants can also be pruned back periodically to maintain a dense, tight form. Turpentine bush prefers full sun and well-drained soil, and should be watered sparingly to control its size. Although it tolerates cold temperatures as low as -10° F, turpentine bush also thrives at the other end of the spectrum, in intense, reflected heat exposures. It is a wonderful choice for roadway medians and parking lot planters. USDA Zone 6.

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Ericameria nauseosa

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Erigeron karvinskianus 'Profusion'

Santa Barbara Daisy is a versatile perennial that performs well in low and high deserts. Part shade is recommended in hot locations, but it can handle full sun at higher elevations. 'Profusion', a cultivar of a Mexican species, blooms heavily with small white daisy-like flowers. In low deserts the flower production is heaviest in the spring and fall, while summer color is the norm in colder climates. This spreading perennial grows quickly to about 12 inches tall by 2 to 3 feet wide. It has bright green, fine textured foliage that fits well into lush landscapes. Because it needs moderate to ample irrigation, it is most suited to oasis zones. 'Profusion' can be cut back in the winter to remove any scruffy foliage. If ample water is available, this plant can reseed in the landscape. It is hardy to -10° F. USDA Zone 5.

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Eriogonum fasiculatum var. poliofolium

Flattop Buckwheat is a clumping, grass-like plant with a naturally low-rounded form growing to 1.5' tall by 2' wide. The smallish leaves are dark green and are covered in a white wool-like down beneath. White to pink flowers appear in dense flattened clusters throughout the summer. This plant is tolerant of drought and heat. Native on dry rocky slopes 1000 - 4500' across Southern California and Utah and Arizona. Adaptable to most soil conditions it prefers coarse well-drained soils in full sun. Hardy to 15° F.

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Eriogonum wrightii

Wright's Buckwheat grows across a wide range in the United States, from California to Texas in deserts and higher elevation locations. Plants reach a mature size of about 1 1/2' tall by 2' wide. White to pink flowers appear during summer and early fall. 

Erythea armata

Mexican Blue Palm  Will slowly grow to 30' tall by 10' wide. From Baja, California. The leaves are sky blue and fan shaped and 3-5' across. The flowers hang in pendant clusters up to 15' long. Heat and cold tolerant. Also adapts to heat and searing sun.  Needs good drainage and occasional watering. Not easy to transplant when older.

Erythrea brandegeei

Moderately fast growing to 40' by 6' Another plant from Baja. Slender trunk and a graceful crown of 3-5' leaves. Leaves are dull green above and whitish below. Tolerant of sun and moderately frost resistant. A little drought tolerant.  Needs fast drainage though.

Erythrina flabelliformis

Native Coral Tree  Small multi-stemmed deciduous tree, 3-30'. Gray green triangular leaves 1-3". Red to scarlet flowers in spring on one year old wood. Seeds are poisonous. Bright gold fall color. Brittle. Frost sensitive. Leafless for a long period.  Not good close to traffic areas, Drought tolerant, Different forms depending upon origin of stock. Native to southern Arizona and New Mexico, northern Mexico.

Erythrina herbacea

Coral Tree  One of the parents of E. bidwillii with bright red flowers in early summer. Heat tolerant. Somewhat frost sensitive. A spiny branched shrub up to 10'. Leaves are trifoliate. Flowers generally in many flowered terminal racemes of bright scarlet in late spring.

Erythrina x bidwillii

Coral Tree  Deciduous small tree or large shrub to 12' tall and wide, although some specimens can reach as high as 20' tall. Shows of deep red flowers are most profuse in summer, but will bloom intermittently throughout the rest of the year. Requires very little water to survive, although regular water will speed up growth rate. This is thought to be a hybrid of E. crista-galli and herbacea.  This actually was introduced out of Australia and was the first plant promotion from that country.

Eschscholzia californica

California Poppy  Tap rooted perennial or annual, California native, Seeds germ in fall, form small rosette, blue green divided leaves, followed by solitary flowers with four petals intense orange, yellow or white. Can bloom spring to fall. A short lived perennial. Excellent in borders, rock gardens or meadows.

Eschscholzia mexicana

Mexican Poppy  Similar to californica but a true annual and smaller. Arizona to Texas native. It is smaller and more graceful also. Color range is from orange to yellow to white. Blooms spring to fall especially if dead headed.  Foliage is lacy and soft blue green.

Eucalyptus camaldulensis var. obtusa

This is a massive, fast growing shade tree that can eventually reach 80-120' tall and spread from 30-50' wide. Growth speed and mature size are dependent on frequency and availability of water. The bark of this tree will peel every year, revealing white or gray bark underneath.

Eucalyptus campaspe

This is a moderate sized Eucalyptus, reaching about 35-40' tall by 25' wide. Leaves are silver-grey, and stay on the tree year-round. Yellow flowers in summer. This Australian native is drought tolerant, can adapt to most soils, and does best in full sun.

Eucalyptus erythronema

Red-flowered Mallee is an attractive, smaller sized tree to about 15' tall and wide. Foliage consists of narrow, gray-green leaves. Red flowers are produced in summer. Plants are drought tolerant, needing only occasional supplemental watering.  This tree will do best in moderately rich soil, such as loam. Native to Australia.

Eucalyptus largiflorens

Black Box  This medium-sized tree has narrow grey-green leaves, with rugged dark grey bark on the trunk and branches. It grows slowly to 50 feet tall and wide. The species name means "large and glittering", and refers to the creamy white flowers it produces in the spring. Black box would be a close substitute for Eucalyptus microtheca, as they have similar leaves and bark. Black box tends to have single, straight trunks, while Eucalyptus microtheca usually has multi-trunks. It is hardy to 20º F. USDA Zone 8.

Eucalyptus microtheca

Coolibah is probably the most common form of Eucalyptus planted in the Southwest. This is a fast-growing, single- or multi-trunk tree to 40' tall and wide. This tree can tolerate full sun, reflected heat, drought, and even cold down to 10°F.

Eucalyptus papuana

Ghost Gum  Growing to about 40 feet tall by 25 feet wide, this tree has powdery white trunks, which contrast nicely with its large, light green leaves. This species has a semi-weeping growth habit, and produces very little litter. The Arizona Department of Transportation has liked its performance on older freeway rights-of-way, and continues to specify it on new projects. It is hardy to 20°F. USDA Zone 9.

Eucalyptus polyanthemos

An evergreen tree, this eucalyptus is graceful and medium in size with a moderate growth rate. It has a slender, straight form with foliage that is gray-green in color and oval to round in shape. It needs full sun to grow well.

Eucalyptus populnea

Eucalyptus rudis

Was heavily planted in the low desert but not well adapted because of its intolerance to heavy soils. It is fast, evergreen but other choices such as papuana are better.

Eucalyptus salmonophloia

Salmon Gum  One of the most beautiful features of this tree is its smooth, salmon-colored bark. Salmon gum also has narrow, shiny, bright green leaves which shimmer in the sunlight. Although trees up to 80 feet tall have been reported in Australia, older trees in Phoenix are only 40 feet tall and wide. It is slow-growing, and will be one of the best choices for residential landscapes. Salmon gum is moderately salt-tolerant. In Western Australia, this tree has been a main source of timber and firewood. It is hardy to 20°F. USDA Zone 9.

Eucalyptus salubris

Gimlet  Very similar in appearance to Salmon gum, Eucalyptus salubris has narrow, shiny green leaves, with smooth red-brown bark. Gimlet is a smaller tree, growing to about 20-25 feet in the Phoenix area. Like salmon gum, it is also slow-growing. This species of eucalyptus is especially suitable for sites with heavy clay soils, although it will suffer if overwatered. Frost damage is suffered below 20°F. USDA Zone 9. 

Eucalyptus sargentii

Salt River Mallet  This extremely salt-tolerant tree can grow to 30-40 feet tall and wide under cultivation. It has been useful as a windbreak in salty soils. An attractive tree, this eucalyptus has narrow, grey-green leaves and smooth brown branches. The dark grey bark exfoliates in strips from the trunk. It is hardy to 20º F. USDA Zone 9.

Eucalyptus torquata

Coral Gum  One of the smaller of the Eucs growing to 20'. Leaves can vary a great deal. Lantern shaped buds precede the coral red or yellow flowers. Can bloom off and on all year. Australian. Sun or shade tolerant. Drought resistant.  Branches make good cut flowers. Good as a grove effect. Will temps as low as 17-22F. New growth is green turning blue green. Branches cinnamon colored. Makes good cut flower coral to salmon, some yellow winter thru spring.

Eucalyptus woodwardii

An irregular growing tree to 40' sometimes fast sometimes not. Leaves large lance shaped and gray but the show is from the lemon yellow puff ball flowers which appear from fall to summer. Not good as a shade tree but interesting. Australian. Drought tolerant. Full sun but does need good drainage. Foliage and branches covered with silver powder. Outstanding flowers November thru May.

Eupatorium greggii Boothill

Euphorbia biglandulosa

Gopher Plant  Strange but wonderful, Euphorbia biglandulosa is a shrubby evergreen perennial that looks like something from another planet. This native of the Mediterranean has long, arching stems that are lined with fleshy, grey-green leaves. Broad clusters of chartreuse flowers occur at the branch tips in the winter and early spring. The flowers are followed by small brown seed pods that explode upon ripening. The herbaceous stems die back after flowering and seed production, leaving a low basal rosette of grey-green foliage. The old flowering stems should be removed in late spring. Gopher plant regrows quickly each year to a blooming size of 3 feet tall and wide. Plant Euphorbia biglandulosa in full sun or part shade, and in soil with excellent drainage. This plant is susceptible to damping off in the summer months, so supplemental irrigation should be monitored closely. It is hardy to 5° F. USDA Zone 7.

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In frost free areas can become a 30' tree but in colder areas is often knocked back by frost. Can be single or multiple trunked. Green cylindrical branches are about the diameter of a pencil. Leaves are not usually present.  Some people are allergic to the sap. Tolerant of full sun or part shade and quite drought resistant as well as salt tolerant. African native. Great accent plant for a pot as well.

In frost free areas can become a 30' tree but in colder areas is often knocked back by frost. Can be single or multiple trunked. Green cylindrical branches are about the diameter of a pencil. Leaves are not usually present.  Some people are allergic to the sap. Tolerant of full sun or part shade and quite drought resistant as well as salt tolerant. African native. Great accent plant for a pot as well. This form has yellow, orange and light green branches if in full sun.