Netleaf Hackberry: Rugged Native Tree
Netleaf hackberry is a tremendous tree in many ways. It supports bees, birds, and butterflies and becomes extremely drought tolerant with age. But it’s not right for every situation. Here’s … Read more
Desert Trees
Planting a tree is the single best investment you can make in your garden. A well-placed tree provides shade, a scarce commodity in the desert, and increases the value and curb appeal of your home. They add beauty and attract wildlife life to your yard.
We are fortunate here to have a wide range of beautiful trees that happily grow in the southwest desert, both native and desert-adapted.
Here at Southwest Gardener, you’ll find in-depth information to help you choose the best trees for your desert garden and how to care for them, too.
Goldenball Leadtree: Puffball Flowers
Goldenball leadtree is a small deciduous tree with bright green foliage and golden yellow puffball flowers. It may look like it belongs in the tropics, but it’s a tough Chihuahuan … Read more
Desert Willow: Delightful Native Tree
Desert willow is a delightful, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with pink orchid-like flowers that attract bees and hummingbirds. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this native … Read more
Little Leaf Ash: Lovely, Low Litter Tree
Little leaf ash is a small, airy tree or shrub that provides a pop of green to desert gardens. It’s also appreciated for being low litter. Here’s how to plant … Read more
Low Litter Trees for Desert Gardens
Looking to add more shade to your desert garden but are daunted by the potential mess? Enjoy your garden more and stress less with this assortment of trees that thrive … Read more
Screwbean Mesquite: Distinctive Native
Screwbean mesquite is a native mesquite that can be grown as either a large shrub or small tree. It’s easily recognized by its distinctive spiral seed pods and is one … Read more
Boojum: Improbable, Upside Down “Tree”
Boojum tree is every bit as weird as its name implies. Here’s what you need to know to decide whether this desert native would be a good choice for your … Read more
TEP’s “Trees for You”: Choosing the Right Tree
If TEP (Tucson Electric Power) is your electricity provider, you can take advantage of their “Trees for You” program. Here’s a review of the trees available through this program to … Read more
Chinese Elm: For Dense Shade Fast
If you’re looking to add shade to your desert garden fast, Chinese elm is one to consider. It’s a beautiful, resilient tree, but it’s not ideal for every situation. Here’s … Read more
Slim Bottlebrush: Unique Columnar Form
Slim bottlebrush has typical bottlebrush leaves and red flowers, but grows tall and narrow, making it an excellent option for small spaces. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more
Willow Acacia: Demanding Tree with “Issues”
Willow acacia is a tall, pendulous tree that is not a true willow, but has many willow-like attributes. But be aware that this is a high maintenance tree that many … Read more
Velvet Mesquite: “Tree of Life”
Velvet mesquite is a Sonoran Desert native with lots of character. It’s one of the best trees for attracting and supporting wildlife, but it’s messy and has some other issues … Read more