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.

close up of arizona ash leaves

Arizona Ash: Golden Fall Leaves

If you’re looking to plant a shade tree that has beautiful fall colors, Arizona ash is one to consider. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for … Read more

close up of fruitless olive leaves and fruits

Fruitless Olive: Twist on a Classic

Fruitless olive is an evergreen shade tree with silvery-green leaves that has no flowers or olives, making it non-allergenic and nearly litter-free. Here’s everything you need to know about planting … Read more

mexican bird of paradise tree

Mexican Bird of Paradise: Tree of Perpetual Flowers

Mexican bird of paradise is a delightful, small, airy tree that stays green and flowers all year long. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this … Read more

close up of palo blanco bark and leaves

Palo Blanco: Ideal Tree for Narrow Spaces

Palo blanco is a unique desert tree with peeling white bark and draping willow-like leaves. It’s perfect for protected, narrow spaces in your garden. Here’s everything you need to know … Read more

close up of yellow cascalote flowers

Cascalote: Striking Flowers, Pods, & Thorns

Cascalote is a charming desert tree that has unusual, distinctive thorns. It flowers in the winter when little else is blooming. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and … Read more

close up of desert willow bubba flowers

Desert Willow ‘Bubba’: A Superior Cultivar

Desert willow ‘Bubba’ is a showy, fast-growing, drought-tolerant ornamental tree with very decorative blooms. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring for this cultivar of a desert … Read more

red push pistache leaves

Red Push Pistache: Brilliant Fall Colors

Red push pistache is a large shade tree with New England-like fall colors that is at home in the desert. Here’s everything you need to know about planting and caring … Read more