Damianita: Diminutive Flowering Shrub
Damianita is a tiny evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves that’s virtually smothered in yellow flowers when in bloom. For their size, these plants excel at commanding your attention! Here’s how … 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 native ranges within the Southwest desert bioregion which includes the Sonoran, Mojave, and/or Chihuahuan Deserts. (We’ve also included a few hybrids or cultivars of native plants, to give you the most options.)
Angelita Daisy: Tiny but Tough
Angelita daisy is a diminutive, grass-like perennial. Its yellow, daisy-like flowers sit atop slender stems. Here’s how to grow and care for this surprisingly hardy native wildflower. Angelita daisy (Tetraneuris … Read more
Texas Ebony: Dense Desert Shade
While most desert trees provide dappled shade, Texas ebony will cover your yard in dense shade. But since it’s slow-growing, it will take a while. Here’s how to plant and … Read more
Yellow Orchid Vine: Surprisingly Tough Native
Yellow orchid vine is a deceptively tough vine that sports charming clusters of orchid-shaped flowers and butterfly-shaped seed pods. Here’s how to plant and care for this Sonoran Desert native. … Read more
Baja Spurge: “Cherry Blossom” Succulent
Baja spurge is a delicate-looking shrubby succulent that’s desert-tough. When in bloom, its fragrant flowers look like small cherry blossoms. Here’s how to plant and care for this unique Sonoran … Read more
Cat’s Claw: Tenacious, Aggressive Vine
Cat’s claw vine is often grown to cover blank desert garden walls. It does that extremely well, but at a cost. Here’s everything you need to know to decide whether … Read more
Mexican Evening Primrose: Deceptively Aggressive
Mexican evening primrose is a perennial ground cover that’s blanketed with delicately beautiful pink flowers when in bloom. But be forewarned — it can be deceptively aggressive. Here’s how to … Read more
Sweet Acacia: Love It or Leave It?
Sweet acacia is a tree that people either love or hate. Here’s a look at its various attributes and drawbacks so you can decide for yourself whether this tree sounds … Read more
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
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 North American … Read more
Goodding’s Verbena: Lovely Native Ground Cover
Goodding’s verbena is a perennial ground cover found primarily in Arizona, but it grows across much of the Southwest. It has charming lavender flowers and is tougher than it looks. … 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