Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert


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LOW-WATER SHRUBS
Shrubs are a versatile group of plants that help create the basic foundation for the landscape. Their differences in size, form, texture, and flower color allow them to be used for many landscape purposes. Select shrubs with a variety of flower colors and blooming periods to provide seasonal impact; or use them as accents, for borders or hedges, for screening, or even in containers. As with trees, select shrubs carefully, according to their use and mature size. Be sure there is enough space for the mature height and width of the shrubs you want to grow. Most shrubs have attractive, natural shapes, so very little pruning or shearing is needed.

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


Common Name: Superstition Mallow Botanical Name: Abutilon palmeri		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 4' H X 3' W Form: upright, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silvery-green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Orange-yellow Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Arizona, Mexico, Sonora Mexico Other Features: Subtropical effect. Heart-shaped velvety leaves. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Bee Brush Botanical Name: Aloysia gratissima		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: upright, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: White to pale purple Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: moderate Thorns: very small Allergenic: no Wildlife: butterflies
May be sold as Aloysia lycioides. Native to: Chihuahuan Desert, South America Other Features: Scented flowers and fragrant foliage. Attracts butterflies. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Triangleleaf Bursage Botanical Name: Ambrosia deltoidea		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 22°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate-fast Mature Size: 1' H X 2' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silver-green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Green (nonshowy) Flower Season: midwinter to midspring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Highly drought tolerant. Good for naturalistic landscapes. Also try A. dumosa. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Flame Honeysuckle Botanical Name: Anisacanthus quadrifidus v. wrightii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: sprawling E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: bright green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Orange-red Flower Season: summer to late fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Also try A. thurberi. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Fourwing Saltbush Botanical Name: Atriplex canescens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 8' W Form: rounded, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring to summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes
Native to: western North America Other Features: Tolerates tough conditions. Excellent wildlife plant. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Barberry Botanical Name: Berberis trifoliolata		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: slow-moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 5' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: blue-gray Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: yellow Flower Season: late winter to spring Litter: low Thorns: small, prickly leaves Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
May be sold as Mahonia trifoliolata Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Good informal hedge. Red berries attract birds. Also try B. haematocarpa. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Woolly Butterfly Bush Botanical Name: Buddleia marrubifolia		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 5' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silvery Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: orange Flower Season: spring to midsummer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: butterflies
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Attracts butterflies. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Yellow Bird of Paradise Botanical Name: Caesalpinia gilliesii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 5' W Form: upright, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Yellow with red stamens Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
Native to: Argentina Other Features: Exotic flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mexican Bird of Paradise Botanical Name: Caesalpinia mexicana		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate-fast Mature Size: 10' H X 8' W Form: upright, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Yellow spikes Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: Mexico Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Attracts hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Red Bird of Paradise Botanical Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 30°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: rounded, open E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Orange and yellow Flower Season: late spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: very small, prickly stems Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
Native to: Mexico, West Indies Other Features: Showy summer color. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Look for selections with yellow flowers. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Baja Fairy Duster Botanical Name: Calliandra californica		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 5' W Form: upright, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Red powderpuffs Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
May be sold as Calliandra peninsularis. Native to: Baja California Other Features: Good informal hedge. Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Pink Fairy Duster Botanical Name: Calliandra eriophylla		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: upright, airy E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Pink powderpuffs Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: southwestern deserts Other Features: Attracts hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Desert Hackberry Botanical Name: Celtis pallida		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 8' H X 10' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Yellow-green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: small Allergenic: yes
Recently reclassified as Celtis ehrenbergia. Native to: southwestern deserts Other Features: Attractive orange berries. Excellent wildlife plant. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Texas Olive Botanical Name: Cordia boissieri		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: slow-moderate Mature Size: 10' H X 10' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: White, showy Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: northern Mexico, south Texas Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Little-leaf Cordia Botanical Name: Cordia parvifolia		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 18°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: rounded, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: White clusters Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert Other Features: Effective for screening or informal hedge. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Black Dalea Botanical Name: Dalea frutescens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate-fast Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: rounded E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Rose-purple clusters Flower Season: fall to early winter Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Winter color. Attracts quail. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Bush Dalea Botanical Name: Dalea pulchra		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate-fast Mature Size: 4' H X 5' W Form: rounded, airy E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silver-green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Violet clusters Flower Season: winter to spring Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: butterflies
Native to: Arizona, Mexico Other Features: Winter color. Attracts butterflies. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Weeping Dalea Botanical Name: Dalea versicolor v. sessilis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: spreading, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Purple clusters Flower Season: fall to spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Winter color. Daleas require well-drained soil. Also try D. bicolor v. argyraea. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Hop Bush Botanical Name: Dodonaea viscosa		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 10' H X 8' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: bright green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Yellow-green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: warm regions worldwide Other Features: Oleander alternative. Decorative papery fruits attract birds. Also try D. viscosa v. purpurea, which has bronze-purple leaves. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Brittlebush Botanical Name: Encelia farinosa		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silvery-gray Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Yellow daisylike Flower Season: winter to spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert Other Features: Good for naturalistic landscapes. Seeds attract birds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Desert Tea Botanical Name: Ephedra nevadensis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 0°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: upright, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes
Native to: Mexico, southwest U.S. Other Features: Unusual form with sculptural qualities. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Red Eremophila Botanical Name: Eremophila maculata v. brevifolia		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 5' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Red tubular flowers Flower Season: late winter to spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: Australia Other Features: Seasonal color. Attracts hummingbirds. Look for selections that offer a variety of leaf forms and flower colors. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Turpentine Bush Botanical Name: Ericameria laricifolia		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 2' H X 3' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: bright green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Yellow clusters Flower Season: late summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
May be sold as Haplopappus laricifolius. Native to: Mexico, southwest U.S. Other Features: Fragrant foliage. Seeds attract birds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Flattop Buckwheat Botanical Name: Eriogonum fasciculatum v. polifolium		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 1' H X 2' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark gray-green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Pale pink to white Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: southwestern deserts Other Features: Suited to small spaces. Seeds attract birds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Kidneywood Botanical Name: Eysenhardtia orthocarpa		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 15' H X 10' W Form: shrublike E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: White spikes Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonora Mexico, southern Arizona Other Features: Shrub or small tree. Good for naturalistic setting. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Little-leaf Ash Botanical Name: Fraxinus greggii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 10' H X 8' W Form: rounded E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: yes
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Graceful shrub or small tree. Attractive gray bark with age. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: San Marcos Hibiscus Botanical Name: Gossypium harknessii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Yellow with red center Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Flowers are showy. Glossy heart-shaped leaves. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Guayacan Botanical Name: Guaiacum coulteri		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow-moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 5' W Form: rounded, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Deep violet-blue Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonora Mexico Other Features: Vivid flower color. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Firecracker Bush Botanical Name: Hamelia patens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 4' W Form: upright E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Red-orange Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: hummingbirds
Native to: Florida into South America Other Features: Colorful winter foliage. Attracts hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Desert Lavender Botanical Name: Hyptis emoryi		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 4' W Form: upright, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: woolly gray Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Tiny lavender Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: southwestern deserts Other Features: Fragrant foliage. Attracts hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Chuparosa Botanical Name: Justicia californica		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 4' W Form: sprawling E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Orange to red tubular Flower Season: late winter to spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Good informal hedge. Attracts hummingbirds. Look for selections with yellow flowers. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Red Justicia Botanical Name: Justicia candicans		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: sprawling E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Bright red Flower Season: fall and spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
May be sold as Justicia ovata. Native to: Arizona, Mexico Other Features: Good in containers. Attrracts hummingbirds. Also try J. spicigera. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Creosote Bush Botanical Name: Larrea tridentata		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: open, angular E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Small yellow Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: North America, North American deserts Other Features: Good informal screen. Foliage is fragrant after rain. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Violet Silverleaf Botanical Name: Leucophyllum candidum		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: silver Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Deep violet Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Silvery leaves contrast well with green-foliaged plants. Look for the 'Cloud' series, which offers a variety of plant sizes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Texas Sage Botanical Name: Leucophyllum frutescens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: green to gray Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: White, pink, or purple Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Good informal hedge. Responds to monsoon rains by flowering. Look for the 'Cloud' series, which offers a variety of flower and foliage colors. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Chihuahuan Sage Botanical Name: Leucophyllum laevigatum		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 5' W Form: rounded, open E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Lavender Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Fragrant flowers. Accepts poor solils. Good informal hedge. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Langman's Sage Botanical Name: Leucophyllum langmaniae		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 5' W Form: rounded, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: bright green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Lavender Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Provides significant summer color, as do other Leucophyllums. Also try L. pruinosum and L. zygophyllum. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Wolfberry Botanical Name: Lycium fremontii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 8' H X 8' W Form: mounding E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: light green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: White to lavender Flower Season: late winter to spring and fall Litter: low Thorns: medium Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Excellent wildlife plant. Fruits and cover attract birds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Feather Bush Botanical Name: Lysiloma microphylla v. thornberi		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 15' H X 15' W Form: irregular E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Cream puffballs Flower Season: late spring to early summer Litter: high Thorns: none Allergenic: no
May be sold as L. watsonii. Native to: Arizona, Mexico, Sonora Mexico Other Features: Lush appearance. Grow as a shrub or small tree. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mangle Dulce Botanical Name: Maytenus phyllanthoides		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: light green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Mexico, southern U.S. Other Features: Highly salt tolerant. Good in containers. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Myrtle Botanical Name: Myrtus communis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 5' H X 4' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: white Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Mediterranean Other Features: Fragrant flowers and foliage. Leaves yellow if plant is overwatered. Look for selections that offer a variety of leaf forms and plant sizes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Oleander Botanical Name: Nerium oleander		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: low Growth Rate: Mature Size: 6' H X 4' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: White, pink, or red Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: yes, sap irritates skin
Native to: Mediterranean Other Features: Excellent screen. Good summer color. Plant parts are poisonous. Look for selections that offer a variety of flower colors and plant sizes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: White Plumbago Botanical Name: Plumbago scandens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: partial sun, shade Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: sprawling E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: White clusters Flower Season: summer to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Arizona, Mexico, tropical America Other Features: Foliage turns an attractive maroon color in winter. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Pomegranate Botanical Name: Punica granatum		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 8' H X 6' W Form: upright, dense E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Orange to red, showy Flower Season: spring Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: hummingbirds
Native to: Mediterranean Other Features: Fruit is colorful and edible. Flowers attract hummingbirds. Look for selections that offer a variety of flower colors, fruit characteristics, and plant sizes. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Sugar Bush Botanical Name: Rhus ovata		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: rounded, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Red buds followed by cream clusters Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Arizona, Baja California Other Features: Attractive screen or informal hedge. Also try R. virens [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Baja Ruellia Botanical Name: Ruellia peninsularis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 28°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 3' H X 4' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Purple bell-shaped Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds, butterflies
Native to: Baja California, Mexico, Sonora Mexico Other Features: Tolerates some shade. Attracts hummingbirds. Also try R. californica. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Green Feathery Senna Botanical Name: Senna artemisioides v. filifolia		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: rounded, airy E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Yellow clusters Flower Season: late winter to spring Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no
May be sold as Cassia nemophila Native to: Australia Other Features: Winter color. Trim lightly after bloom to remove seed pods. Also try S. artemisioides v. oligophylla, v. petiolaris, and v. sturtii. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Shrubby Senna Botanical Name: Senna wislizenii		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 10°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: moderate Mature Size: 4' H X 6' W Form: upright E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Bright yellow clusters Flower Season: summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Attractive shrub for summer color. Also try S. polyantha (Cassia goldmannii). [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Jojoba Botanical Name: Simmondsia chinensis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 20°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: mounding E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Yellow-green (nonshowy) Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Good for naturalistic landscapes, screening or informal hedge. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Texas Mountain Laurel Botanical Name: Sophora secundiflora		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 8' H X 6' W Form: upright, dense E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Purple clusters Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Fragrant flowers. Can be grown as a small tree. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Orange Bells Botanical Name: Tecoma hybrid		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 28°F Sun: full sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 8' H X 5' W Form: upright E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Orange trumpetlike clusters Flower Season: year-round in frost free weather Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: hummingbirds
horticultural selection Other Features: Colorful background screen. Attracts hummingbirds. Also try T. garrocha. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Arizona Yellow Bells Botanical Name: Tecoma stans v. angustata		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full sun Water: low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 6' H X 6' W Form: upright, open E/D: semievergreen	Foliage Color: bright green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Yellow trumpetlike clusters Flower Season: spring to fall Litter: moderate Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert, Sonoran Desert Other Features: Summer color. Attracts hummingbirds. Look for selections that offer larger flower and leaf size. Also try T. stans v. stans. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Cape Honeysuckle Botanical Name: Tecomaria capensis		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 28°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: moderate Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 6' H X 5' W Form: sprawling E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Vivid orange-red Flower Season: year-round in frost free weather Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds, hummingbirds
Native to: Africa, South Africa Other Features: With support can be trained as a vine. Attracts hummingbirds. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Mexican Buckeye Botanical Name: Ungnadia speciosa		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 5°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 10' H X 10' W Form: shrublike E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: coarse Flower Color: Rose-pink Flower Season: spring Litter: seasonal Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Chihuahuan Desert Other Features: Fragrant flowers. Large shrub or small patio tree. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Arizona Rosewood Botanical Name: Vauquelinia californica		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun, partial sun Water: low Growth Rate: slow Mature Size: 10' H X 8' W Form: upright E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: dark green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: White clusters Flower Season: early summer Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Can be grown as a small tree. Native alternative to Oleander. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Golden Eye Botanical Name: Viguiera deltoidea		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 25°F Sun: full or reflected sun Water: very low Growth Rate: fast Mature Size: 3' H X 3' W Form: rounded E/D: evergreen	Foliage Color: medium green Foliage Texture: fine Flower Color: Yellow daisylike Flower Season: spring Litter: low Thorns: none Allergenic: no
Native to: Sonoran Desert Other Features: Good for naturalistic landscapes. Also try V. stenoloba and Trixis californica. [More information about this plant.]

Common Name: Gray Thorn Botanical Name: Zizyphus obtusifolia v. canescens		[Plant Info Sheet]
Hardiness: 15°F Sun: full sun Water: very low Growth Rate: slow-moderate Mature Size: 6' H X 8' W Form: upright E/D: deciduous	Foliage Color: gray-green Foliage Texture: medium Flower Color: Cream (nonshowy) Flower Season: early summer Litter: low Thorns: large Allergenic: no Wildlife: birds
Native to: Mexico, southwest U.S. Other Features: Great for wildlife. Blue-back fruits attract birds. [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.