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.
If there are any errors, please email the webmaster at the bottom of the page so that we can correct it for everyone.

Mountain Man will show you scales of plants denotes plants usually in production

Smooth Sumac This prolific shrub occurs all over the U.S., and into Canada and Mexico, at elevations ranging from 5000 to 7500 feet. Smooth sumac grows to about 3-6 feet tall, depending on available moisture. Then it clumps outward, forming large dense thickets. This growth habit makes it ideal for erosion control. During the warm season, Smooth sumac has pinnately compound, glossy dark green leaves. This foliage then provides outstanding fall color, with shades ranging from orange to burgundy. Dark red berries, carried in clusters at the tips of the branches, provide color after the plants have gone deciduous. Birds and small mammals feed on the berries, which can also be used to make a tangy "lemonade". Smooth sumac is hardy to -20°F, and prefers rich, well-drained soil. USDA Zone 5.

African Sumac A small, evergreen tree that grows slowly to 25' and exhibits an open, spreading habit. Its leaves are dark green, glossy, and divided into 3 willow-like leaflets 4-5" long. The bark has a dark red color. Males & Females. Often has a drooping habit Prone to Texas Root Rot.

An evergreen shrub or small tree reaches 30 ft. either single or suckering. Usually found on limestone or neutral soils. Extremely heat and drought tolerant. Aromatic leaves. Develops small white to pink flowers, red berries follow. Leaves vivid red in fall. Leaves are narrower, is more refined and has more graceful growth habit than copallina var. copallina to which it is compared.

Littleleaf Sumac Occurring across the Southwestern states at lower elevations than Smooth sumac, from 2000 to 6000 feet, Littleleaf sumac is hardy to -10°F. This deciduous shrub forms a densely branched mound to 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide. The arching branches end in a spine, creating terrific cover and protection for birds and small mammals. Birds also appreciate the small red berries produced in late summer. The compound leaves have 5 to 9 green leaflets, which turn red in autumn. Littleleaf sumac is extremely drought and heat tolerant. USDA Zone 6.

Dense rounded evergreen shrub growing 8-15 ft. tall & wide with creamy flowers between March & May. Small red fruit. Grows well in inland areas and is drought tolerant. Native dry mountain slopes 3-5000' Az, S. Calif into Baja. Leathery rich dark green foliage. Needs additional water in low desert every 2 weeks or afternoon shade. Well drained site. Susc. to verticillium wilt in wet areas. Zone 8.

Three Leaf Sumac is a durable, long-lived native shrub with high ornamental value. During the warm season its lush green foliage and rounded form make it a terrific background shrub. In the fall months the foliage provides a splash of yellow to red color, and orange-red berries add another element of interest in the summer. Rhus trilobata's native range extends across the western U.S., and Canada, and south into Mexico. Occurring at elevations from 3000 to 10,000 feet, it is hardy to -30° F. This fast-growing deciduous shrub can range in size from 3 to 5 feet tall by 8 to 10 feet wide. Populations located at lower, drier elevations are smaller than those in northern stands. The leaves are made up of three lobed, dark green leaflets that range in color from yellow to orange to red in the fall months. Some people object to the odor of the crushed leaves, and have popularized the unfortunate name of "skunkbush". New stems are slender and reddish in color, becoming grey with age. In the spring, dense clusters of tiny yellow flowers appear before the new leaves. To the birds' delight, fleshy orange-red fruit are produced in the early summer. These ripe berries taste like tart lemons, and are high in vitamin C. Plant Three leaf sumac in full sun to part shade locations, in a soil with good drainage. Rhus trilobata has many potential uses: as a natural hedge and screen, for wildlife food and habitat, and for erosion control. The slender branches are also used in basket weaving. USDA Zone 4.

Large native evergreen shrub. Moderate growth rate to 18'. Cold hardy Bright green compound leaves with thick waxy leaflets with rounded tips. Arizona, New Mexico into Mexico. Good drainage. Drought resistant. Reflected sun or part shade.

This medium sized evergreen shrub is native to the rocky slopes of SE Arizona, New Mexico, Texas & Mexico at elevations of 2100-5000'. It has a moderate growth rate to 8' tall by 10' wide. The dark green compound leaves have thick waxy leaflets with rounded tips. Grows well in full sun or part shade but requires good drainage. The single white flowers are followed by showy red berries. In the low desert, partial shade is preferred. Consider as a good replacement for privet. Cold hardy to 5° F. USDA Zone 7.

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This has proven to be too invasive and we have decided not to offer it. We would encourage others to do that same.

Star Jasmine The Star Jasmine may be classified as an evergreen vine or sprawling shrub, and can be used as a ground cover, spiller, or climber. If given support, this twining vine will extend to 20', and bloom from June to July and May through June in desert areas. The plant may also be used as a lawn extension or ground cover under trees and shrubs that require extra summer water. For growth as a vine, provide immediate support and use a plant that has been stalked, or has not yet been tip-pinched.

Chinese native does very well in the low desert. Fast deciduous vine with many yellow flowers in spring. This compared to the white one has not thorns. There is no scent.

This has basically the same form as the yellow but with white flowers. It also has prickles on the stems. White flowers in clusters in early spring.

In the wild, Woods rose is commonly found growing along streams in the mountains of New Mexico, Arizona and north into Canada. Native at elevations ranging from 3500 to 10,000 feet, Woods rose is hardy to -30°F. It suckers freely, forming dense thickets about 3 to 5 feet in height. Because of this aggressive growth habit, placement of Woods rose should be considered carefully. Make sure it has plenty of room to spread freely. Fast-growing and long-lived, this deciduous shrub is especially useful in erosion control. It requires ample moisture to thrive, and performs well in filtered shade. Woods rose has green compound leaves, small spines along the stems, and fragrant pink flowers in the spring. Edible fruit known as rose hips decorate the plant in the bleak winter months. Rose hips are high in vitamins A and C, and were used by the Spaniards to treat sore throats. Of course, birds love the fruit! USDA Zone 4.

In comparison to other varieties of the Rosmarinus, the 'Arp' variety is less woody, and the leaf color is much greener. This is the most cold hardy of all rosemarys, able to withstand 0f and possibly even down to -10f. Growth habit is mounding, with mature plants reaching 2-3' tall by 4-5' wide. Zone 7.

Trailing Rosemary In comparison to other varieties of the Rosmarinus, the 'Huntington Carpet' is less woody, and the leaf color is much greener. Also, it maintains a center foliage better that other prostrates. Reaches a mature size of about 1 1/2' tall by 4-6' wide. Adaptable to most any soil condition or climate, as long as some supplemental irrigation is available. Zone 8.

Upright Rosemary The upright Rosemary is an upright shrub that grows 3-6 ft. tall. It has dark green leaves and bright showy lavender-blue flowers throughout the year. This shrub is drought tolerant and atracks butterflies. Zone 8.

A shrubby perennial to 3' Sometimes with narrow leaves sometimes with wider ones. Rapid. Will bloom during warm months with 2" blue flowers. Variety ‘Chi Chi’ is a pink flowering type. Will reseed if moisture available from spitting seed pods. Mexican native. Full sun or part. Not very drought tolerant. Zone 8.

A shrubby perennial to 1' Narrow leaves. Rapid. Will bloom during warm months with 2" white flowers. Will reseed if moisture available from splitting seed pods. Full sun or part. Frost tender.

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A shrubby perennial to 3' Sometimes with narrow leaves sometimes with wider ones. Rapid. Will bloom during warm months with 2" pink flowers. Will reseed if moisture available from spitting seed pods. Mexican native. Full sun or part.

Dwarf Ruellia is a low-growing, herbaceous perennial with long, narrow, dark green leaves. It is compact, growing to one foot tall by one to two feet wide. A prolific bloomer, the large petunia-like tubular flowers are present from spring until frost. The cultivar 'Katie' was discovered by Lynn Lowery, a famous Texas plantsman and has blue flowers. Rosa is a pink form and Blanca has white flowers. In the low desert, flowering is concentrated in spring and fall. Cut back in late winter to remove any frost damaged leaves and to promote new growth. Dwarf Ruellia can be planted in full sun or part shade and is an excellent choice for containers and oasis zones. It has a tendency to naturalize in moist soils and seedlings can be larger than intended as they are reversions to the species. Therefore, all seedlings should be removed. Hardy to 15°F, it is placed in USDA Zone 8.

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A shrubby perennial to 1'. Narrow leaves. Rapid. Will bloom during warm months with 2" pink flowers. Will reseed if moisture available from spitting seed pods. Full sun or part. Frost tender.

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An evergreen shrub native to the lower Sonoran desert of Mexico. Many branches. Leaves re hairy on both surfaces. Flowers are purple, funnel shaped and slightly fragrant. Plant will bloom nearly year round in warm climes. Tolerates light frost but can be disfigured or killed by a hard frost. Not attractive in winter but can rapidly regrow in spring. Grows to 4' tall by 4' wide.

Desert Ruellia is frequently planted along streetscapes and freeways, I think its beauty is best appreciated up-close and personal. The deep blue flowers and interesting white-grey stems are difficult to appreciate at 50 miles an hour! This evergreen shrub has a naturally rounded form, growing quickly to 4 to 5 feet tall and wide. Its small, glossy green leaves provide a wonderful backdrop for the one-inch-wide blue flowers. The peak bloom period occurs in the spring and early summer, but sporadic flowering can continue throughout the year. If planted in a frost-protected area, Desert ruellia requires almost no maintenance. However, temperatures in mid-20's F will cause damage, requiring some pruning in the early spring. Plant Desert ruellia in full sun to maintain a dense form. USDA Zone 9.

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Coral Fountain This native of Mexico has naturalized in the West Indies, Florida, and other tropical locations. Surprisingly, it has also performed extremely well in the hot low deserts of the Southwest. The common name, Coral fountain, accurately describes this shrub. Its long, arching branches form a dense mound to about 4 feet tall by 4 to 6 feet wide. The weeping branches are bright green, with very few leaves. In the warm months these branches are loaded with tubular coral-red flowers. Coral fountain is very adaptable, handling full sun and shady exposures. However, in very hot, dry climates it looks somewhat stressed in reflected heat locations. Although it is quite drought tolerant, Coral fountain also handles very wet conditions. It is also notably salt tolerant, and responds to regular fertilizer applications. Use Coral fountain on steep banks, cascading over walls and planters, and clustered around water features. Its unique form and vivid color should inspire many creative applications. Coral fountain suffers frost damage at 32°F. USDA Zone 10.

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