Sierra Vista Area Plant List

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The Sierra Vista Area Plant List, with common name, botanical name, and other plant information
Botanical Name Common Name Size Water Use Sun Exposure Native Plant?sort ascending Evergreen? Remarks
Funastrum cynanchoides Climbing Milkweed 10' long Little to moderate Full sun, Partial shade Yes No

Deciduous Vine - Starlike white flowers bloom May to September
Purshia mexicana Cliffrose 6' H & W Little to moderate Full sun Yes Yes

Shrub - Flammable - Fragrant creamy flowers
Rhus spp. Sumac See remarks Little to moderate Full sun Yes Yes

Some Native - Evergreen or deciduous Tree or Shrub - Flame resistant - Check with nursery for size and hardiness
Agave palmeri Palmer's Agave 3-4' H & W None to little Full sun, Partial shade Yes Yes

Succulent - The most common agave found in the grasslands in this area
Nolina microcarpa Bear Grass 3'H 6'W None to little Full sun Yes No

Perennial, but looks like a tall grass - Strong vertical silhouette - Good for dry landscapes - Handle carefully as it may cut your hand
Vauquelinia californica Arizona Rosewood 20' H 15'W Little to moderate Full sun Yes Yes

Shrub - Good hedge plant - Slow grower at start - Similar to oleander, but not toxic
Juglans major Arizona Walnut 50' H & W Moderate Full sun Yes No

Deciduous Tree - Edible nuts have a rich flavor
Artemisia spp. Artemisia See remarks Little to moderate Full sun Yes Yes

Some shrubs or groundcovers - Check with nursery for hardiness and size
Artemisia spp. Artemisia spp. See remarks Little to moderate Full sun Yes Yes

Some Perennials & shrubs - Many species - Inquire at nursery for size, exposure and hardiness
Ephedra spp. Mormon Tea See remarks None to little Full sun Yes Yes

Shrub - Erect and densely branched - Check with nursery for sizes
Bahia absinthifolia Bahia 1' H & W None Full sun Yes Yes

Perennial, can be used as a groundcover - Shallow caliche soil OK - Fast growth rate - New plants volunteer readily
Yucca baccata Banana Yucca 3' H 5' W None Full sun Yes Yes

Succulent, tree or shrub - Flame resistant - Fruits look like short green bananas - Keep pointed leaves away from walkways, patios,or play areas.
Ceratoides lanata Winter Fat 1.5 - 3' H & W Little to moderate Full sun, Partial shade Yes Yes

Shrub - Can be used in dry arrangements - Attract birds
Sambucus mexicana Blue Elderberry 10-30'H 8-20'W Moderate Full sun, Partial shade Yes Yes

Tree or Shrub - Drops its foliage during drought - Fruit is often used in jams, jellies, pies, and wine
Melampodium leucanthum Blackfoot Daisy 1' H & W Little to moderate Full sun Yes No

Perennial - If straggly, cut back in fall - Grows best in decomposed granite

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