Jojoba: Undemanding Native Shrub
Jojoba is an attractive Sonoran Desert shrub that’s nearly maintenance-free. It’s important for wildlife, and its oil has many practical applications. Here’s everything you need to know about growing this … Read more
Native Plants
Native plants offer many benefits. Since they evolved to grow in harsh desert conditions, they usually perform better with less care and are friendlier to wildlife. Plants included here have natural ranges that include the Sonoran, Mojave, or Chihuahuan Deserts or that are native to states of the southwest. (We’ve also included hybrids or cultivars of native plants.)
Sideoats Grama: Compact, Hardy Native Grass
Sideoats grama is an underused ornamental grass that makes a graceful, understated landscape plant. It’s extremely low maintenance and attracts birds and butterflies. Here’s how to grow this native grass. … Read more
Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover
Goodding’s verbena is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona but grows across much of the southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. Here’s … Read more
Desert Broom: Maligned Native Shrub
Desert broom is a controversial plant that people love to hate. It’s often mistakenly accused of being invasive and causing allergies. Discover the crucial roles this southwest native plays in … Read more
Big Muhly: Dramatic Texas Native
Big muhly is a suitably named ornamental grass. This dramatic member of the muhly grasses can make a big statement in desert landscapes. Here’s how to grow and care for … Read more
Chocolate Flower: Smells Like Chocolate!
Chocolate flower is an evergreen perennial that has fragrant yellow flowers that smell like chocolate. Here’s how to grow and care for this southwest native wildflower. Chocolate flower (Berlandiera lyrata) … Read more
Mexican Honeysuckle: “Goldilocks” Plant
Mexican honeysuckle is a popular desert shrub with brilliant orange flowers that, unfortunately, often struggles to look its best. Here’s how to find the perfect “Goldilocks Zone” for this colorful … Read more
‘Leslie Roy’: Patented Mesquite Hybrid
‘Leslie Roy’ is a fast-growing mesquite hybrid that offers several improvements over the two parent trees, including being thornless and producing very few seed pods. Here’s everything you need to … Read more
Queen’s Wreath: Dazzling Desert Vine
Clusters of vibrant pink flowers and bright green heart-shaped leaves make queen’s wreath vine a show-stopper, especially when in full bloom. Here’s how to plant and care for this Sonoran … Read more
Brittlebush: Iconic Desert Shrub
Brittlebush is an iconic desert shrub that’s practically foolproof, even in the most difficult spots in the garden, yet it’s rarely used as a landscape plant. Here’s everything you need … Read more
Totem Pole Cactus: Weirdly Wonderful
Totem pole cactus is a one-of-a-kind cactus that can make a real statement in your yard. Unlike other columnar cactus, it has lumps and knobs, but no thorns! Here’s how … Read more
Bull Grass: Top Performing Ornamental
Bull grass is a top-performing, but little-known, ornamental grass with a bevy of attributes. It’s a desert native that’s compact, has a long bloom season, is nearly maintenance-free, and doesn’t … Read more