PlantList

Pinus mugo mugus

Mugo Pine

Mugo Pine is a highly variable species. Select from among the dozens of named varieties and cultivars. Popular selections include 'Mops', 'Big Tuna' and 'Tannenbaum'. Avoid the temptation to prune or shape plants and allow the natural mounding form to shine through. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Platycladus orientalis 'Aureus'

Golden Arborvitae

Golden Arborvitae is an evergreen shrub often seen in older gardens. Plants can become quite large. Dwarf selections to 3 feet high are available. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.

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Platycladus orientalis

Oriental Arborvitae

This is a popular evergreen grown as a tree or shrub. The Oriental Arborvitae species produces an open, pyramidal habit. Soft, scalelike leaves present in flat, fanlike sections. 'Aurea Nana' features yellow-gold foliage, growing as a globe-shaped shrub to 5 feet high or more. Accepts sandy to heavy clay soils, as long as it is well drained. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.

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Poliomintha maderensis

Lavender Spice

Leaves offer seasoning taste and fragrance of oregano. Flowers change colors with time, going from lavender, to purple to white. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.

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Prosopis pubescens

Screwbean Mesquite

Screwbean Mesquite can be grown as a shrub or trained into a small tree. Thorny—prune with caution. Very low water use but improved appearance with additional water. Canopy coverage: 707 square feet.

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Prunus pumila var. besseyi

Western Sandcherry

Western Sandcherry is a background plant with an open form. Leaves are a glossy green then turn orange-red in fall. Sweet, cherrylike berries in fall can be made into a tasty preserve, and are also loved by birds. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Psorothamnus spinosus

Desert Smoke Tree

The natural habitat of Desert Smoke Tree is along desert washes. Accepts low water, but occasional deep irrigations will improve plant appearance. May be hard to find plants but worth the search. Canopy coverage: 177 square feet.

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Punica granatum

Pomegranate

Pomegranate can be grown as a shrub or small tree. Edible fruit is a primary attraction. If fruit is the goal provide more water during summer. Canopy coverage: 113 square feet.

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Punica granatum 'Nana'

Dwarf Pomegranate

Nana' is a dwarf selection ideal for small spaces, growing to 3 feet high and as wide. Unlike the species, the fruit is not edible. Bright red to orange flowers add color in spring. Canopy coverage: 7 square feet.

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Purshia mexicana

Mexican Cliffrose

Mexican Cliffrose makes a nice evergreen background for smaller flowering plants. Roselike flowers are fragrant. Plumed seedheads add interest in summer. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Pyracantha angustifolia

Narrowleaf Firethorn

A large shrub with thorny branches, Narrowleaf Firethorn works well as a screen or barrier plant. White flowers in late spring are followed by clusters of orange berries. They remain on the plant into winter. 'Yukon Belle' is a superior selection. Canopy coverage: 50 square feet.

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Pyracantha crenatoserrata

Pyracantha

Pyracantha is a triple-threat shrub, with attractive evergreen leaves, clusters of white spring flowers, and long-lasting orange-red berries in fall and winter. Be aware of its large thorns, which can serve nicely as a security barrier; avoid locating near traffic areas. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.

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Pyracantha koidzumii

Formosa Pyracantha

Its casual growth habit requires some pruning to keep within bounds. Red berries are profuse in fall and are loved by birds. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Quercus ilex

Holly Oak

Holly Oak can be grown as a tree or shrub, and actually makes a nice screen or hedge when planted close together. Canopy coverage: 1,963 square feet.

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Quercus turbinella

Desert Scrub Oak

Can be grown as a tree form, but more often serves as a shrub in tough conditions. Sharp-tipped leaves are evergreen but drop in spring as new leaves replace them. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Rhaphiolepis indica

Indian Hawthorn

Glossy, leathery leaves are an attraction. Best with some protection from the sun in hot summer regions. Check your local nursery for improved selections that offer different flower colors such as 'Jack Evans', bright pink flowers; and 'Clara', white flowers. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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Rhus lanceolata

Flame-leaf Sumac

This plant can be grown as tree or shrub. The common name Flame-leaf Sumac is due to the shiny green leaves that turn brilliant orange to red in the fall. Canopy coverage: 314 square feet.

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Rhus ovata

Sugar Bush

The dense, rounded form of Sugar Bush is excellent as a screen or hedge. Flowers emerge as red buds then become flowers that bloom in cream-colored clusters. Canopy coverage: 79 square feet.

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Rhus trilobata

Squaw Bush

Squaw Bush is a good choice for a low-maintenance, naturalistic shrub. Yellow to red fall color is an attraction, as are the bright red berries. Canopy coverage: 113 square feet.

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Rhus virens

Evergreen Sumac

Evergreen Sumac is accepting of shade, ideal for beneath canopy trees. Small, berrylike fruit follow spring flowers. Canopy coverage: 64 square feet.

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Ribes viburnifolium

Catalina Currant, Evergreen Currant

A low-growing shrub with an open form that spreads roughly twice as wide as its height. Thin, dark red stems contrast with the glossy, deep green, oval leaves that are pleasantly fragrant. Small red fruit that attract birds follow the flowers in late spring. Useful in dry, shaded locations. Canopy coverage: 28 square feet.

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