Eriogonum fasciculatum var. polifolium
Arizona Buckwheat
Uniform, rounded growth habit of Arizona Buckwheat is excellent for small spaces. Could also work as a mounding groundcover. Canopy coverage: 3 square feet.
[Read More]
Fallugia paradoxa
Apache Plume
The showy seedheads of Apache Plume are more eye-catching than the small, roselike flowers. Seedheads are pinkish puffballs that light up in the sun. Form is irregular but still suitable as background or screen. Plants can be semievergreen. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
[Read More]
Ficus carica
Fig Tree
Fig plants can be maintained at about any size and even work well as shrubby trees. If damaged by cold, they often regrow to take on a shrub form. Check locally for varieties best-suited to your region. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.
[Read More]
Forestiera neomexicana
Desert Olive
Train Desert Olive as a small tree or shrub. Appealing features include the light gray bark, which contrasts nicely with its bright green leaves. Attractive yellow fall color. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
[Read More]
Fraxinus greggii
Littleleaf Ash
Littleleaf Ash can be grown as a small tree or shrub. Graceful rounded form. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
[Read More]
Heteromeles arbutifolia
Toyon
This is a handsome tall-growing shrub or small tree highly useful as a background or screen. Dark green leaves have serrated edges. Hollylike berries follow the summer flowers in fall, remaining on the plant into winter. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
[Read More]
Hibiscus moscheutos
Rose Mallow
Rose Mallow is a shrubby perennial that can reach up to a towering 8 feet high. However, most hybrids fall into the 4-foot-high range. Very large flowers up to 12 inches across in a range of bright colors is a primary attraction. Dies to the ground in winter. Canopy coverage: 13 square feet.
[Read More]
Hibiscus syriacus
Rose of Sharon
When in bloom, Rose of Sharon reminds one of hollyhocks. It can be pruned to suit the needs of the landscape, from small tree to large, natural shrub or screen. Flowers are mostly shades of pink. Leaves have a coarse texture. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
[Read More]
Ilex vomitoria
Yaupon Holly
Useful as screen or hedge, easy to control. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. 'Nana' is a smaller selection to about 2 feet high. Berries that are loved by birds follow flowers in fall. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
[Read More]
Juniperus californica
California Juniper
Form and mature size is highly variable. Stems and branches are irregular, with an open, upright shrubby form most common. Can become a tree with time, up to 40 feet high and as wide, but requires more moisture and deep, loose soil for this to occur. Light blue berries follow flowers, turning reddish brown at maturity. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.
[Read More]
Juniperus chinensis 'Torulosa'
Juniper
Junipers are available in an extremely wide range of sizes, forms and foliage colors. They are easy-care, versatile plants once established. Avoid the temptation to prune or shape them—allow plant to maintain its natural form. Popular shrub types include 'Torulosa' and 'Pfitzerana'. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
[Read More]
Juniperus sabina 'Buffalo'
Buffalo Juniper
Buffalo Juniper has appealing, bright green to olive green foliage. Leaves grow on long stems that spread horizontally close to the ground, forming a tight-knit mat. Accepts tough conditions. Attractive when it drapes and trails over ledges. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
[Read More]
Justicia californica
Chuparosa
Chuparosa may be semievergreen in colder climates. Brightly colored flowers are appreciated as winter turns to spring. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
[Read More]
Krascheninnikovia lanata
Winterfat
The seedheads on female plants provide interest fall to winter. Silvery hairs on the plant are striking when backlit by the sun. Provide with afternoon shade in hot-summer regions. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Lagerstroemia indica
Crape Myrtle
Crape Myrtle can be successfully grown as a tree or shrub. It offers interest all year—flowers summer into to fall, fall color, and interesting sculptural branches during winter after leaves fall. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.
[Read More]
Larrea tridentata
Creosote Bush
Creosote Bush is truly a shrub that speaks of the desert. It emits that unique desert sense of place scent after a rain. Use as a character plant for the toughest conditions. Highly drought tolerant but better appearance with occasional summer irrigations. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.
[Read More]
Laurus nobilis
Bay Laurel, Sweet Bay
The leaf of this plant is the classic bay leaf used in cooking. It can be grown as a tree or shrub. Adapts well to container culture, helpful when below-freezing temperatures are forecast. Simply move plants to a protected location. Canopy coverage: 707 square feet.
[Read More]
Leucaena retusa
Golden Leadball Tree
Yellow-gold, ball-shaped flowers about 1 inch in diameter hang from branches. The delicate, lacy leaves help provide a subtropical effect. Accepts some shade. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.
[Read More]
Leucophyllum x 'Heavenly Cloud'
Heavenly Cloud Texas Ranger
This selection is a hybrid of 'Green Cloud' and the species Leucophyllum laevigatum. It is reputed to be a fast grower with profuse flowers in summer with heat and humidity. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.
[Read More]
Leucophyllum candidum 'Thundercloud'
Violet Silverleaf
Violet Silverleaf is an excellent, low-growing shrub for small spaces. Silvery leaves contrast nicely against its violet-purple flowers. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.
[Read More]
Leucophyllum frutescens
Texas Ranger
This is the original Texas Ranger, which has grayish leaves. Look for improved selection 'Green Cloud' with light green leaves. 'White Cloud' produces white flowers. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.
[Read More]