Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert


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GRASSES

Ornamental grasses are among the best plants to add a softening element to the landscape, particularly when planted close to boulders or other hard surfaces. Grasses can also add motion to the landscape as blades and stalks sway in the breeze. The color and form of grasses change through the year, creating seasonal interest, and birds are attracted to seed-laden spikes after the bloom period. Although many ornamental grasses are excellent for revegetation, some can reseed in the landscape. Choosing grasses, such as those recommended here, and watering with drip irrigation will generally eliminate or minimize reseeding. Water ornamental grasses as you would groundcovers (not grass lawns), and cut them back close to the ground every one to three years to rejuvenate growth.

Click the photo or [more info] link to get detailed information about each plant.


Common Name: Sideoats Grama Botanical Name: Bouteloua curtipendula		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 2' H X 1 1/2' W Form: bunchgrass E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: blue-green - tan in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Green, dries to tan. Tall spikes. Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes Wildlife: birds
Native to: North America, South America Other Features: Interestiing seed stalks are relished by birds. Also try Aristida purpurea, especially for naturalistic landscapes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Blue Grama Botanical Name: Bouteloua gracilis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 1 1/2' H X 2' W Form: bunchgrass E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: blue-green - tan in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Green, dries to tan. Tall spikes. Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes
Native to: North America Other Features: Unique seedheads resemble eyelashes. Good for meadows. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Pink Muhly Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia capillaris		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: mounding E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: medium green - tan in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Pink airy plumes Flower Season: fall Litter: low Thorns: Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico, Texas Other Features: Locate where pink flower plumes will be backlit by the sun. Look for selections with deep pink flower plumes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Bamboo Muhly Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia dumosa		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 4' W Form: clumping E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: bright green - tan in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Green, dries to tan Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Arizona, northwest Mexico Other Features: Resembles short bamboo. Good in containers. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Deer Grass Botanical Name: Muhlenbergia rigens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 4' H X 4' W Form: mounding E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: medium green - tan in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Green, dries to tan. Tall spikes. Flower Season: fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico, southwest U.S. Other Features: Versatile grass with lush foliage and interesting flowers. Also try M. emersleyi, M. lindheimeri, and M. rigida. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mexican Thread Grass Botanical Name: Stipa tenuissima		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 1 1/2' H X 1 1/2' W Form: clumping E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: chartreuse - golden in fall Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Green, dries to tan. Medium spikes. Flower Season: fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
May be sold as Nassella tenuissima Native to: Chihuahuan Desert, South America Other Features: Threadlike leaves make this a soft billowy grass. [More information about this plant.]

The Arizona Municipal Water Users Association (AMWUA) is a voluntary, non-profit corporation established by municipalities in Maricopa County for the development of urban water resources policy.