Buxus microphylla var. japonica
Japanese Boxwood
Often grown as a hedge, Japanese Boxwood readily accepts shearing. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. 'Nana' is a smaller form growing 2 to 4 feet high. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Caesalpinia gilliesii
Yellow Bird of Paradise
Yellow Bird of Paradise provides a tropical effect in the landscape. Red stamens on decorative yellow flowers are dramatic and exotic. Plant form is upright and open. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Red Bird of Paradise
Provides a tropical effect in the landscape with its dramatic and exotic flowers. The species produces orange flowers; yellow-flowering forms are also available. Plant form is rounded and open. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Calliandra eriophylla
Pink Fairy Duster
The delicate flowers of Pink Fairy Duster are attractive rose-pink in color. It has an airy rounded form. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Celtis occidentalis
Western Hackberry
Adapted to grow in a wide range of climates, Western Hackberry is also known as Common Hackberry. Grows as a large shrub or tree—give it more water for tree form. Best to plant from containers rather than bare root for better establishment. Yellow fall color and small red to purple fruit are attractions. Canopy coverage: 1,963 square feet.
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Celtis pallida
Desert Hackberry
This shrub has spiny branches that intertwine, which makes it an excellent barrier or security plant. Evergreen except with very cold temperatures. Birds flock to the berries in winter. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Cercocarpus ledifolius
Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany
Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany makes a suitable background plant. It can be trained to become a small tree to show off its rich, reddish brown bark. The small white flowers remind one of roses. Plant in well drained soil. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Chilopsis linearis
Desert Willow
Desert Willow is a bulletproof tree for hot-summer regions. Weeping form is appealing, as are the spring flowers. Long brown to tan seedpods add interest in winter. Many selections are available in a range of colors. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.
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Chrysothamnus nauseosus
Rabbitbrush
Rabbitbrush is best with some afternoon shade in hot-summer regions. The erect stems mass together to become a mounding shrub. Provides a dramatic blaze of yellow flowers in late fall when little else is in bloom. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Cistus x purpureus
Orchid Rock Rose
Leaves of Orchid Rock Rose are dark green above, grayish beneath. The large flowers have a distinctive red spot on each petal. Its casual growth habit is a good choice for naturalistic landscapes. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Cistus x skanbergii
Pink Rock Rose
Pink Rock Rose is a dense, compact, sun-loving shrub that produces profuse amounts of small, light pink flowers during spring and into summer. Soft gray-green leaves provide an ideal backdrop. Cut back late in summer for more flowers during fall. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Cleome isomeris
Bladderpod
Bladderpod is a tough, small shrub that can be grown from seed to revegetate disturbed areas. Interesting inflated green capsules follow the snapdragonlike flowers. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
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Cotinus coggygria
Smoke Tree
Smoke Tree is a tree or shrub grown for its colorful foliage rather than flowers. The interesting "flower puffs" are actually faded flowers. Fall color in shades of yellow and orange is an attraction. 'Royal Purple' is a popular selection; additional selections are available with foliage in different colors. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
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Cotoneaster dammeri
Bearberry Cotoneaster
Bearberry Cotoneaster is a reliable groundcover, remaining low to the ground while spreading wide. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Orange-red berries adorn plants in late summer. Reddish bronze fall color. Popular selections are 'Coral Beauty' and 'Lowfast'. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Dalea frutescens
Black Dalea
Rounded form. Flowers bloom in winter when they are more appreciated. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Dalea pulchra
Pink Indigo Bush
Admired for its appealing, upright, open form. Small purple flowers bloom at tips of stems. Needs well drained soil; do not overwater. Canopy coverage: 20 square feet.
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Dodonaea viscosa
Hop Bush
Hopbush makes an excellent dense screen in a short time. It can also be trained to become a small tree. Plants can be shortlived. Also consider Purple Hopseed Bush, which has striking bronze-colored leaves. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
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Encelia farinosa
Brittlebush
Excellent for natural landscapes, but can be short-lived. Accepts the toughest conditions. Silvery gray leaves provide contrast to green-foliaged plants. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Ephedra viridis
Mormon Tea
A shrub for tough conditions, accepting of drought and rocky soils. Well-suited to a naturalistic garden. Leafless stems present a unique look to the landscape. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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Epilobium canum garrettii
Hummingbird Trumpet
Hummingbird Trumpet is a colorful, low-growing subshrub (small shrub) that can also serve as a groundcover. Ideal for a naturalistic garden. Strong blooming period comes on late in the season when color is not as common so it is more appreciated. It may be sold as Zauschneria. 'Orange Carpet' is an improved selection. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
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Ericameria laricifolia
Turpentine Bush
Mounding, low-growing form allows use as small shrub or groundcover. Small daisylike flowers borne in clusters are profuse late summer into winter. Foliage emits distinctive scent when brushed. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
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