Notes: Click on the column headings to sort the table. The first click sorts the column into ascending order; the second click sorts in reverse order.
Common names link to external pages with pictures and further descriptions of plants. Links are to non-commercial sites only. Additional information about a plant may be available from the results of a general Web search. Plant and seed vendors want you to succeed in growing their plants as much as you do and often offer excellent advice for selecting and growing plants.
| Botanical Name | Common Name | Size | Water | Sun | Native? | Evergreen? | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acacia angustissima 'Hirta' | Fern Acacia | 5' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - May freeze to ground in winter, but will recover - Soak root zone every month or two in summer, less or not at all in winter | |
| Acacia berlandieri | Guajillo | 5-12'H 5-20'W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Marginal - Thornless forms available | |
| Acacia constricta | White Thorn Acacia | 6 - 20' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Bark looks red in winter when wet | |
| Acacia crassifolia | Butterfly-leaf Acacia | 10-15'H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Tree - Leaves butterfly-winged shaped | |
| Acacia greggii | Catclaw Acacia | 15-25'H 15'W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Thorns - Shrubby in drought, Treelike with water | |
| Acacia rigidula | Blackbrush Acacia | 10-15' H&W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Semi-Tree or Shrub - Fragrant, pale yellow flowers almost glow on a bright spring day - To train to a single stalk, trim off suckers at base | |
| Acacia smallii | Sweet Acacia | 10-35'H 15-25'W | No to little water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Flammable - Marginal - Thorns | ||
| Acacia stenophylla | Shoestring Acacia | 30' H 20' W | No to little water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Flammable - Marginal - Thornless | ||
| Albizia julibrissin | Mimosa (Silk Tree) | 40'H 60'W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Tree - Can be controlled to a 10 to 20 ' umbrella patio Tree - Sometimes multi-stemmed | ||
| Aloysia gratissima | Whitebrush | 6'H 8'W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Shrub - Flowers strongly vanilla scented | ||
| Aloysia wrightii | Wright's Bee Bush | 5' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade, but prefers sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Blooms spring through fall - Sweet-scented flowers can be used to flavor teas and iced drinks | |
| Anisacanthus quadrifidus wrightii | Desert Honeysuckle | 3' H - 4' H | Moderate water | Full sun /partial shade | Deciduous Shrub - Rabbits love new shoots, so protect - For compact shape and prolific bloom, cut back to 1/2 to 1/3 before spring growth - Attracts hummingbirds | ||
| Anisacanthus thurberi | Desert Honeysuckle | 4' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Cut to ground before spring growth to rejuvenate - Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies | |
| Arbutus unedo | Strawberry Tree | 8 - 35' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Non-edible fruits resemble strawberries in texture - Several varieties | |
| Arctostaphylos pungens | Manzanita | 6' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Smooth red bark and crooked branches - Berries attract birds |
| Artemisia spp. | Artemisia | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Some shrubs or groundcovers - Check with nursery for hardiness and size |
| Asclepias linaria | Pineleaf Milkweed | 2' H 3' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Toxic, all parts of many Asclepias species are poisonous if ingested - Marginal - Needle-like leaves, 2" white-flower clusters bloom Mar - Dec. |
| Atriplex canescens | Four-wing Saltbush | 3-6' H 4-8' W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - To keep compact, cut back by one third each year before spring growth |
| Atriplex lentiformis | Quail Bush | 3-10'H 6-12'W | No to little water | Full sun | Deciduous Shrub - Flame resistant - Cut back by one third before spring growth - Useful as a salt-tolerant informal hedge or windbreak | ||
| Baccharis `starn' | Baccharis `Starn' | 3-4' H 4-5' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Tolerates desert heat & resists root rot - The male cultivar does not produce seed clusters | |
| Baccharis sarothroides | Desert Broom | 5' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Purchase male plants only, females produce messy cottony seed clusters - Extremely drought tolerant and can take poor soil |
| Berberis haematocarpa | Red Barberry | 5' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Attractive foliage, pretty flowers, showy berries - Other barberrys not water wise |
| Berberis trifoliata | Agarita | 6' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Hollylike leaves - Yellow fragrant flowers Feb. thru Apr. | |
| Brahea armata | Mexican Blue Palm | 40'H 25'W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Takes heat & wind | |
| Buddleja marrubiifolia | Wooly Butterfly Bush | 5' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Small, ball shaped, orange flower clusters in spring and summer - Wooly foliage - Prune after bloom | |
| Caesalpinia gilliesii | Yellow Bird of Paradise | 5-10 'H 4' W | No to little water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Toxic, pods and seeds are poisonous if ingested - Yellow flowers with red stamens - Naturalized | ||
| Caesalpinia pulcherrima | Red Bird of Paradise | 2-4' H & W | No to little water | Full sun | Deciduous Shrub - Marginal - Dies to ground in winter - Prune before spring growth - Red flowers | ||
| Calliandra eriophylla | Fairy Duster | 1-3' H - 4' W | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Shrub or Groundcover - Flame resistant - No irrigation needed, but blooms will last longer with some summer water | |
| Callistemon citrinus | Bottlebrush | 10-15' H&W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree or Shrub - Marginal - Bruised leaves smell lemony | |
| Cassia wislizenii | Shrubby Senna | 5-8'H 5-10-'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Brilliant yellow flowers in late summer | |
| Cedrus deodora | Deodar Cedar | 80'H 40'W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Many varieties available | |
| Celtis occidentalis | Common Hackberry | 50' H&W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Tree - Resistant to oak root fungus - Tree does not heave sidewalks - Good choice for street or lawn tree | ||
| Celtis pallida | Desert Hackberry | 10' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Good choice for screen barrier or erosion control or near buildings | |
| Celtis reticulata | Netleaf Hackberry | 25-30 'H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Flame resistant - Tree does not heave sidewalks - Good choice for sTreet or lawn Tree | |
| Ceratoides lanata | Winter Fat | 1.5 - 3' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Can be used in dry arrangements - Attract birds |
| Cercidium Desert Museum | Desert Museum Palo Verde | 20 ' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree- Hybrid - Clean, thornless and few seedpods and litter - Prune only to enhance form - Don't prune in summer | ||
| Cercidium floridum | Blue Palo Verde | 35'H 30'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Bluish-green branches - Prune only to enhance form - Do not prune in summer | ||
| Cercidium microphyllum | Little-leaf Palo Verde/Foothill Palo Verde | 20' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Also called Foothills Palo Verde - Arizona state Tree | |
| Cercis occidentalis | Western Redbud | 10-18 'H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Tree - Flame resistant - Can be multi-stemmed - Magenta flowers in spring - Many seed pods in summer - 'Alba' is a 3 to 6' white-flowered Shrub- | ||
| Cercocarpus spp. | Mountain Mahogany | See remarks | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Some or deciduous Tree or Shrub - Check with nursery for sizes - Distinguished in fall by long-lasting small fruit |
| Chamaebatiaria millefolium | Fernbush | 6-8'H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Semi- or deciduous Shrub - Fragrant, light green ferny foliage - Upright white flower clusters 4" long | |
| Chilopsis linearis | Desert Willow | 15-30'H 10-20'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Flowers spring to fall, producing trumpet-shaped blossoms that attract hummingbirds - Sterile varieties not messy - Usually multi-trunked - Thin growth to enhance picturesque shape | |
| Chitalpa tashkentensis | Chitalpa | 20-30' H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Rapid grower - Flowers spring to fall - Chitalpa is a cross between Catalpa and Desert Willow - Susceptible to leaf spot, but it won't harm Tree | ||
| Chrysactinia mexicana | Damianita | 2' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Heaviest bloom in spring and fall; eases off in summer in intense heat - Shear in early spring - Cut back severely if plant too woody | |
| Chrysothamnus nauseosus | Rabbitbrush | 6' H 3' W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Leaves and stems aromatic - Good for natural plantings - C. viscidiflorus also available - Important: must have good drainage |
| Cissus trifoliata | Arizona Grape Ivy | 30'H 2'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Vine in warmest locations - Toxic, contact with plant may cause a skin rash on sensitive people - Useful for covering chain link fences or trellises |
| Condalia lycioides, mexicana, spathulata | Crucillo | 8-' H - 10' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Impenetrable security barrier - Slow growing |
| Convolvulus cneorum | Bush Morning Glory | 2-4' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub or Groundcover - Marginal - Best in sun | |
| Cordia parvifolia | Little-leaf Cordia | 4-8' H 4-10' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Can be an informal hedge | |
| Cotoneaster spp. | Cotoneaster | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Semi-deciduous or deciduous shrub or groundcover - Toxic, berries are slightly poisonous, especially for young children - Flame resistant - Many cotoneasters OK in our area - Check nurseries for hardiness and size | |
| Cupressus arizonica | Arizona Cypress | 40'H 20'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Can be used as a windbreak |
| Cupressus forbesii | Tecate Cypress | 10-25'H 20'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Fast grower - Keep on dry side so it won't grow so fast that it will topple | |
| Cupressus sempervirens | Italian Cypress | 60H 10'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Several varieties available | |
| Dalea bicolor | Indigo Bush/Silver Dalea | 3-4' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Semi- or deciduous Shrub - Flame resistant - Rapid regrowth from hard winter pruning brings a quick crop of fresh foliage - Overwatering or drought can cause partial leaf drop | |
| Dalea capitata | Golden Dalea | 8"H 3'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub or Groundcover - Flame resistant - Cut back in winter to generate new spring growth - Overwatering or drought can cause partial leaf drop | |
| Dalea frutescens | Black Dalea | 3' H 4' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Prune by one half in January - Overwatering or drought can cause partial leaf drop | |
| Dalea greggii | Trailing Indigo Bush | 1.5'H 6'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Groundcover - Flame resistant - Mounding habit - Overwatering or drought can cause partial leaf drop |
| Dalea pulchra | Smoke Bush/Indigo Bush | 8'H 5'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Spectacular spring bloom of purple flower clusters - Allow ample room to grow |
| Dasylirion acrotriche | Green Desert Spoon | 3-4' H - 4-5' W | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Spherical clump - 10' or higher flower stalk | |
| Dasylirion quadrangulatum | Mexican Grass Tree | 10-16'H & 9' W | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Marginal - Green leaves in fountainlike clump | |
| Dasylirion texanum | Texas Sotol | 5' H & W | No water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - 15' H flower stalk | |
| Dasylirion wheeleri | Desert Spoon | 3-5' H 4-5' W | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Spherical clump - In fall, 9 -15' flower spikes - Prized in dry arrangements |
| Dodonaea viscosa | Green Hopbush | 10' H & 6' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Native Shrub - Flammable - Can be trained as a small Tree - In Hawaii, the seed capsules are used in leis |
| Elaeagnus angustifolia | Russian Olive | 20' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Tree- Can be clipped to make a hedge - Takes almost any kind of punishment | ||
| Ephedra spp. | Mormon Tea | See remarks | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Erect and densely branched - Check with nursery for sizes |
| Ericameria laricifolia | Turpentine Bush | 2 - 3' H | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flammable - If the plant becomes lanky, prune it back and it will regrow with dense foliage |
| Eriogonum spp. | Buckwheat | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Some Shrub - Flammable - Check with nursery for size and hardiness |
| Erythrina flabelliformis | Coral Bean | 3-4' H - 2' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Toxic, the flat beanlike pods after bloom contain poisonous seeds - Flame resistant - Short spines - Will freeze to ground in winter, but will recover | |
| Eucalyptus spp. | Eucalyptus | See remarks | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Tree or Shrub - Flammable - Check with nursery for hardiness and size - Prolonged freezes can kill even large Trees - Susceptible to eucalyptus redgum lerp psyllid | |
| Eysenhardtia orthocarpa | Kidneywood | 20' H 12' W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Excellent Tree for small spaces - White vanilla scented flowers spring to summer | |
| Fallugia paradoxa | Apache Plume | 4-6' H 5' W | No water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Pruning usually not needed - Seed heads are feathery pink, like an Apache headdrress |
| Fendlera rupicola | False Mockorange | 4'H & 4'W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Fragrant white flowers bloom in spring | |
| Forestiera neomexicana | Desert Olive | 12-18'H 12'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Fairly fast grower - Can be trained to be a small multi-trunked Tree | ||
| Fouquieria splendens | Ocotillo | 8-15'H 5-10'W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Attractive long red flower clusters resemble candles - Does not regularly have leaves | |
| Frangula californica | Coffeeberry/Buckthorn | 3-15' H - 8' W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - No irrigation needed when established - Check with nursery for size & color |
| Fraxinus greggii | Little-leaf Ash | 25'H 20'W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Semi- Tree - May be multi-trunked - Good size ash for small yards | |
| Fraxinus velutina 'Rio Grande' | Arizona Ash | 30'H 30-40'W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Flame resistant -''Rio Grande', Fan-tex ash is the recommended ash for this area - Thrives in hot, dry climates and alkaline soils - Foliage resistant to wind burn | |
| Funastrum cynanchoides | Climbing Milkweed | 10' long | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Vine - Starlike white flowers bloom May to September | |
| Garrya wrightii | Silk Tassel | 8' H 6'W | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Can be used as an informal hedge - Grown mainly for their pendulous male and female catkins |
| Gossypium thurberi | Wild Cotton | 2 - 6' H 3' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Flammable - Head back fast growing terminal branches to side buds for a more compact plant | |
| Gutierrezia sarothrae | Snakeweed | 18' H 2' W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Low-growing Shrub with July to Sept flowers can brighten a desert garden |
| Helianthemum nummularium | Sun Rose | 6" H 18" W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Groundcover - Several colors - Shear after flowering for light repeat blooming | |
| Hyptis emoryi | Desert Lavender | 3-10'H - 3-8'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Marginal - Erect or spreading Shrub - May die to roots in winter - Plants give off pleasant lavender fragrance following rains or when brushed against | |
| Ipomoea coccinea | Scarlet Creeper | 8' H | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Vine - Bright red tubular flowers frequented by hummingbirds | |
| Juglans major | Arizona Walnut | 50' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Edible nuts have a rich flavor | |
| Juniperis spp. | Juniper | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub or Groundcover - Flammable - Expect root rot if soil is waterlogged - Check with nursery for hardiness and size - Don't plant next to lawn sprinklers or overwater | |
| Juniperus spp. | Juniper | See remarks | Little water | Full sun /partial shade | Yes | Yes | Tree - Some Flammable - Check with nursery for size, water requirements & hardiness - When junipers fail, it's usually from too much moisture |
| Justicia californica | Chuparosa | 3'H 4'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Semi- or deciduous Shrub - Marginal - May freeze to ground in winter, but will come back quickly in spring | |
| Koelreuteria paniculata | Goldenrain Tree | 20 H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Can be gawky without pruning | ||
| Lagerstroemia spp. | Crape Myrtle | See remarks | Moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - All crape myrtles hardy for our zone except L. speciosa (Giant crape myrtle) - Check with nursery for sizes and colors | ||
| Lantana spp. | Lantana | See remarks | Moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Shrub or Groundcover - Toxic, fruits are poisonous if ingested - All lantanas OK for our area - Many colors and varieties - Will die to ground in winter, but will recover - Prone to mildew in shade - Check with nursery for size | ||
| Larrea tridentata | Creosote Bush | 4-6 'H - 8' W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flammable - Plants in shade become leggy |
| Lavandula spp. | Lavender | See remarks | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Forms mounds - Many species - Check nursery for size, hardiness and color - Attract birds, butteflies, and bees | |
| Leonotis leonurus | Lion's Tail | 4 - 6' H & W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - If frost hits, cut back to live growth in spring | |
| Leucaena retusa | Golden Ball Lead Tree | 12-20' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Tree in mild winters, otherwise deciduous - Tree or Shrub - Useful between cultivated garden and native desert - Best if planted in wind sheltered area |
| Leucophyllum spp. | Texas Ranger/Sage | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Many species - Requires little or no pruning - Check nursery for size | |
| Lycium spp. | Lycium | 6' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Can be used for barrier plantings | |
| Macfadyena unguis-cati | Cat's Claw | 25-40' H | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Evergreen or deciduous vine or groundcover - After bloom, cut back some stems to stimulate growth lower down - Pinch back vigorous shoots as needed - Do not grow on stucco as it may pull the stucco off | |
| Myoporum parvifolium | Myoporum | 3-6" H 9' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Marginal - Great ground cover - Some dieback in cold winters, recovers rapidly | |
| Myrtus communis | Myrtle | 5-6'' H 4-5' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Many named selections - Check with nursery for size and hardiness | |
| Nandina domestica | Heavenly Bamboo | 3-6' H 2-3' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Many varieties - All types turn crimson in fall - Cut oldest canes to ground in spring before growth begins - Dwarf varieties available | |
| Nerium oleander | Oleander | 3-20'H 4-12'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Evergree Shrub - Flame resistant - Toxic, all parts poisonous if ingested. Don't burn prunings, smoke can cause severe irritation - Routine pruning not necessary | ||
| Olea europaea | Olive 'Swan Hill' | 25-30' H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Marginal - This is a sterile variety - Non-sterile varieties stain pavement and lawns and are allergenic | |
| Parthenocissus spp. | Creeper Vines | See remarks | Moderate water | Full sun /partial shade | Yes | Deciduous Vine - Handsome foliage is beautifully colored in autumn - P. henryana marginal in our zone - Inquire at nursery for size | |
| Pinus cembroides, edulis, monophylla | Pinyon Pine | 10 - 25' H | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Cones contain edible seeds - Slow growing |
| Pinus eldarica | Afghan Pine | 30-80'H 15-25'W | Little water | Full Sun | Yes | Tree - Marginal - Not for our zone, although they seem to do well in our area - Avoid planting where oaks are present as they may be subject to Comadra blister rust - Flammable - One of best pines for much of the desert | |
| Pinus mugo mugo | Muhgo Pine | 4-8' H 8-15' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flammable - Group includes compact selections | |
| Pinus pinea | Italian Stone Pine | 40-80'H 40-60'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Flammable - Marginal - Eventually too large for small gardens - Edible seeds | |
| Pistacia chinensis | Chinese Pistache | 30-60' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Decidious Tree - Flame resistant - Reliable Tree for streetside planting, lawn, patio, or garden - Good fall color | ||
| Potentilla fruticosa | Shrubby Cinquefoil | 1-3'H 3-4'W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade in hottest climates | Deciduous Shrub - Many varieties with white, pink, red, or yellow flowers - Fairly trouble-free plants that do well in well-drained soil | ||
| Prosopis alba or chilensis | Argentine/Chilean Mesquite | 20 - 40' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Semi-evergreen or evergreen Tree in mild climates - Thornless forms available | |
| Prosopis glandulosa | Honey Mesquite | 30' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Little pruning needed - Often multi-trunked - Thorniness variable - Cutting grown 'Maverick' is a superior thornless form | ||
| Prosopis pubescens | Screwbean Mesquite | 30' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Seed pods tightly coiled in a spiral curl - Highly prized in dried arrangements | |
| Prosopis velutina | Velvet Mesquite | 20' H 30' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree - Thorniness variable | |
| Psorothamnus scoparia | Broom Dalea | 3' H 4' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Shrub - Requires sandy soil - Once established, it needs very little water, in fact, it does not tolerate overwatering - Attractive erosion control | |
| Purshia mexicana | Cliffrose | 6' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Flammable - Fragrant creamy flowers |
| Pyracantha spp. | Firethorn | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Many species and hybrids - Check with nursery for sizes - Attracts cedar waxwings | |
| Quercus buckleyi | Buckeye Oak | 35' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Marginal - Trunk branches almost from base | ||
| Quercus chrysolepis | Canyon Live Oak | 20-60' H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Handsome round-headed or somewhat spreading Tree with smooth whitish bark | |
| Quercus emoryi | Emory Oak | 50'H 40'W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Semi- Tree - Hollylike leaves - Tolerates a variety of soils - May shed leaves in spring |
| Quercus gambellii | Gambell Oak | 15-30'H 15'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Foliage turns yellow, red or orange in fall | |
| Quercus hypoleucoides | Silverleaf Oak | 40' H 35' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Semi- Tree - Leaves silvery white and woolly underneath - Sheds leaves in spring |
| Quercus ilex | Holly Oak | 30-60' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Growth can be fairly fast, but varies with soil and water conditions | |
| Quercus muehlenbergii | Chinquapin Oak | 40-50'H 50-60'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree - Leaves turn orange and bronze in fall - Acorns edible | ||
| Quercus oblongifolia | Mexican Blue Oak | 30' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Semi- Tree - Gray bark fissured in square plates - Sheds leaves in spring |
| Quercus suber | Cork Oak | 30-60' H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree - Handsome thick corky bark | |
| Quercus turbinella | Desert Scrub Oak | 10' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Water during dry spells - Can be trained as a small Tree |
| Rhamnus ilicifolia | Holly Redberry | 15' H & W | No water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - No irrigation needed when established - Bulky Shrub or Shrubby Tree | |
| Rhus spp. | Sumac | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Some Native - Evergreen or deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Check with nursery for size and hardiness |
| Rhus virens | Sumac | 12' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Use as informal hedge or as background for other plants - Good choice for understory beneath tall Trees |
| Robinia neomexicana | New Mexican Locust/ Desert Locust | 6 - 30' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Thorns - Wood brittle - Fast growing - Aggressive roots - Suckers | |
| Rosa banksiae | Tombstone Rose | See remarks | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Can grow to humongous size, but can be controlled - Local experience says moderate water OK | |
| Rosmarinus officinalis | Rosemary | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub or Groundcover - Many varieties - Check nursery for size and characteristics - Edible herb | |
| Salazaria mexicana | Paperbag Bush | 3' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Deciduous Shrub - Common name refers to fruit that develops into an inflated pouch | ||
| Salvia chinophylla | Creeping Sage | 4" H - 4' W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Groundcover - Flame resistant - Interesting, attractive plant all year - Small blue flowers | |
| Salvia clevelandii | Cleveland Sage | 3-5' H 5' W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Many hybrids - Remove faded spikes to encourage rebloom | |
| Salvia dorrii | Desert Sage | 1-3' H 2-4' W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Good in dry desert garden | |
| Salvia greggii | Autumn Sage | 1-4' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Blooms spring and fall - Many varieties covering wide color range - Deadhead - Cut back to one half in winter to keep it full | |
| Salvia hybrid | Rasberry Delignt | 3' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Deep green foliage has an herbal fragrance when crushed - Attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies | |
| Salvia microphylla | Scarlet Sage | 4' H & 3' W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Usually 3-4'H 3-6'W - Available in various colors | |
| Salvia mohavensis | Mojave Sage | 2' H 2.5' W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub or Groundcover - Flame resistant - Be careful not to overwater in summer - Fragrant foliage - Sages attract hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies | |
| Salvia muelleri | Royal Purple Sage | 2-3'H 4-6'W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Drought tolerant - Spring to fall flowers | |
| Salvia pachyphylla | Giant Flowered Purple Sage | 3'H 2.5'W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Blooms all summer - silver foliage - Prune & shape in fall | |
| Sambucus mexicana | Blue Elderberry | 10-30'H 8-20'W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Tree or Shrub - Drops its foliage during drought - Fruit is often used in jams, jellies, pies, and wine |
| Santolina spp. | Santolina | See remarks | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Size varies by species - Cut back yearly before spring growth - In harsh winters some plants may die to the ground, but will should back | |
| Senecio cineraria | Dusty Miller | 2' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Gets legggy unless sheared occasionally - Has heads of yellow or creamy yellow flowers | |
| Senecio longilobus | Threadleaf Grounsel | 3'H 2'W | No to little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Toxic, poisonous to livestock - Common on overgrazed grasslands - Do not overwater |
| Senecio viravira | Dusty Miller | 4' H & W | Little to moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Shrub - Flame resistant - Fuller in full sun - Tip-pinch young plants to keep them compact | |
| Simmondsia chinensis | Jojoba (Goat Nut) | 3-6' H & W | Little water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Marginal - Inconspicuous flowers - Can be used as a hedge - Available in dwarf form |
| Sophora secundiflora | Texas Mountain Laurel | 15-25'H 10-15'W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Tree or Shrub - Toxic, seeds are poisonous if ingested - Naturally Shrubby, but can be trained into a Tree | |
| Tecoma stans | Yellow Bells | 8' H 5' W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Marginal - Will die back in winter, but will recover quickly |
| Teucrium fruticans | Bush Germander | 4-8' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Shrub - Blooms almost year-round | |
| Ungnadia speciosa | Mexican Buckeye | 15' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Toxic, black seeds are poisonous - Large Shrub, but can be trained into a Tree - Summer irrigation optional | ||
| Vauquelinia californica | Arizona Rosewood | 20' H 15'W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Yes | Yes | Shrub - Good hedge plant - Slow grower at start - Similar to oleander, but not toxic |
| Vitex agnus-castus | Chaste Tree | 25' H&W | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Tree or Shrub - Leaves aromatic - Blooms summer to fall - Available with white, blue or pink flowers | ||
| Vitis californica | California Grape | To 30' | No to little water | Full sun/partial shade | Deciduous Vine - Leaves emerge grayish, mature to green, turn red or yellow in autumn - Several varieties | ||
| Wisteria spp. | Wisteria | See remarks | Little to moderate water | Full sun | Deciduous Shrub - Check nursery for exposure and size for different species and varieties - Control size & shape and encourage bloom production by pruning and training - W. sinensis will bloom in full sun or in partial shade | ||
| Xylosma congestum | Xylosma | 8-10' H & W | Moderate water | Full sun, partial shade | Yes | Evergreen or deciduous Tree or Shrub - Single or multi-stemmed - Stems zigzag and branches droop - X. compacta grows slowly to half the size of species |
