Leather Leaf Acacia, Wax Leaf Acacia Flower Color: Bloom Season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 1: Indicates Very Low Water Use

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae Acacia craspedocarpa COMMON NAME: Leather Leaf Acacia, Wax Leaf Acacia Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 12’ Height: 12’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No An evergreen that is used best for hedge or Allergenicity: Weakly screen. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 18 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, takes heat Origin: Australia Soil tolerant with good drainage.

Information Sources Low Water Use/Drought Tolerant Plant List - Official Regulatory List For: - Arizona Department of Water Resources - Tucson Active Management Area Plants for Dry Climates: Duffield, Mary Rose and Jones, Warren - Revised Edition © 2001 A Field Guide to the Plants of Arizona: Epple, Anne Orth - First Edition / Tenth Printing © 1995 Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes: Mielke, Judy - © 1993 Sixth paperback printing, 2005 2

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Ambrosia deltoidea (Franseria) COMMON NAME: Triangle-leaf Bursage Flower Color: Inconspicuous Bloom season: Mid-Winter to Mid Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Xeriscape use. Very good for revegitation. Use Allergenicity: Strongly for background. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 22 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, takes heat Origin: Sonoran Desert Desert soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Bauhinia lunarioides COMMON NAME: White Orchid Tree Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring to Early Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 20’ Height: 25’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Allergenicity: No Use for shade, around patios. Specimen tree. Invasive: Yes Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 22 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes partial shade to full sun, Origin: Chihuahuan Desert Clay sand loamy acidic soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Loganiaceae Buddleia marrubifolia COMMON NAME: Woolly Butterfly Bush Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring and Summer Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 6’ Height: 6’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Butterflies love this plant. Can be used as a foun- Allergenicity: No dation plant. Its grey-green foliage plays well against Invasive: No darker plants. Fragrant. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,800’ to 3,800’ It likes full sun, Origin: Chichuhuan Desert Soil adaptable with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Caesalpinia pulcherrima COMMON NAME: Red Bird of Paradise Flower Color: Bloom season: Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 -3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 7’ Height: 7’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: Yes Red Bird of Paradise can be trained into a small Allergenicity: No tree around patios. Messy and will reseed quickly in ir- Invasive: Yes rigated areas. Can work in a tropical look. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 28 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 3,200’ It likes full sun to part shade, Origin: Caribbean Soil tolerant.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae Caesalpinia gillesii (poinciana) COMMON NAME: Yellow Bird of Paradise Flower Color: Yellow with Red stamens Bloom season: Late Spring to Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 5’ Height: 9’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: Yes Hummingbirds like it. Good summer color in an Allergenicity: No informal setting. Good for revegetation. Invasive: Yes Spreads in cultivated areas: Yes Cold Hardiness: 0F 10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: S. America Adaptable prefers desert soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Calliandra eriophylla COMMON NAME: Fairy Duster, False Mesquite Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3 Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Fairy Duster works well with other colorful des- Toxic: No ert plants in desert garden settings especially placed Allergenicity: No near interesting looking rocks. Birds and rodents eat the Invasive: No seeds. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes reflected to full sun to part shade, Origin: Sonoran Desert Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) Calliandra californica COMMON NAME: Baja Fairy Duster Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring through Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width:5’ Height: 5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Baja Fairy Duster blooms over a long period mak- Allergenicity: No ing for a good specimen plant. It can be used for foun- Invasive: No dation planting helping to shield it from excessive cold. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 25 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes reflected to full sun to part shade, Origin: Sonoran Desert Tolerant and improved soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Ulmaceae Celtis pallida COMMON NAME: Spiny or Desert Hackbury Flower Color: Greenish-Yellow Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 8’ Height: 12’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Deciduous. Birds and butterflies like it. Use as Allergenicity: Strongly a specimen plant in an arid desert garden. There is an Invasive: No oriental form to it. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 17 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,500’ to 4,000’ It likes full to reflected sun, Origin: Chichuhuan and Sonoran Deserts Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Boraginaceae Cordia parvifolia COMMON NAME: Littleleaf Cordia, Toilet Paper Bush Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring & Summer Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 16’ Height: 16’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Can be used as an informal hedge and for Allergenicity: No screening as well as a flowering accent. Invasive:Yes Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 22 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes partial shade to reflected sun, Origin: Sonoran & Chihuahuan Deserts Most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae Dalea frutescens COMMON NAME: Black Dalea Flower Color: Bloom season: Late Fall Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 -3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 8’ Height: 12’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen to deciduous. Can be used as a foun- Allergenicity: No dationnplant. Mixed with other colorful plants and con- Invasive: No tributes well to a natural desert look garden. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes light shade to full or reflected sun, Origin: Chichuhuan Desert Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Bignoniaceae Dodonaea viscosa & varieties COMMON NAME: Hopbush Flower Color: Bloom season: Late Fall to Winter Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 12’ Height: 15’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen that may be trained into a hedge. Good Allergenicity: No background as a mass planting. Quail and dove eat the Invasive: No seeds. Can be used for wind control. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 2,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part, full or reflected sun, Origin: Chichuhuan and Sonoran Deserts Tolerant of alkaline soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Nyctaginaceae Encelia farinosa COMMON NAME: Brittlebrush Flower Color: Bloom season: Early Spring Water Use -1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 4’ (50% to 75% mature size) Use with dark boulders in a desert garden. A ver- Toxic: No sitle plant that can be used in many combinations. Birds Allergenicity: Weakly and desert animals eat the seeds. It can provide erosion Invasive: No control. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 3,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: Sonoran Desert Soil adaptable with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Ericameria laricifolia & cultivars (happloppapus larcifolius) COMMON NAME: Turpentine Bush Flower Color: Bloom season: Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Bees like it. Use in rock gardens where color can Toxic: No be enhanced by massing. The leaves are a bright green Allergenicity: No so should be contrasted with plants with a greyer vis- Invasive: No age. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 0-10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, no shade Origin: Sonoran Desert Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Acanthaceae Justicia spigera, spicigera COMMON NAME: Mexican Honeysuckle, Firecracker Bush Flower Color: Bloom season: Summer to Winter Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Mexican Honeysuckle provides some color nearly Toxic: No year round. Can be used in containers and small areas Allergenicity: No such as entry ways. Mass planting in a desert garden Invasive: No can work as well. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 24 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: Mexico It likes average garden soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Verbenaceae Lantana camara & cultivars COMMON NAME: Bush Lantana Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Fall Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: Yes Butterflies like Bush Lantana and it works well in Allergenicity: No natural desert gardens but its scraggly winter appear- Invasive: Yes ance can look awful unless combined with evergreens. Spreads in cultivated areas: Yes Cold Hardiness: 0F 10 to 20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun and loves south side heat, Origin: U.S., Tropics Soil tolerant.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Zygophyllaceae Larrea tridentata (divaricata) COMMON NAME: Creosote Bush, Greasewood Flower Color: Bloom season: Early Spring to Fall Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 8’ Height: 8’ (50% to 75% mature size) Evergreen that can be used as a screen or in- Toxic: No formal hedge. Can be used as a specimen plant. Can Allergenicity: No survive on rainfall only. It is an indicator plant. If stunted Invasive: No probably caliche present. If lush then lots of water in the Spreads in cultivated areas: No area. Cold Hardiness: 0F 5 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun to reflected heat, Origin: Chichuhuan and Sonoran Deserts Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Scrophulariaceae Leucophyllum spp. & varieties COMMON NAME: Texas Ranger Flower Color: White Bloom season: Summer humidity Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 4’ Height: 4’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Texas Ranger can be used in a variety of garden Allergenicity: No settings. Looks best when left natural rather than pruned Invasive: No into geometric shapes which gardeners are prone to do. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 5-10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part to full or reflected sun, Origin: Chihuahuan Desert Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Myrtaaceae Myrtus communis & varieties COMMON NAME: True Myrtle, Roman Myrtle, Classic Myrtle Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 4’ Height: 5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Classic Myrtle is easy to care for and is useful in Allergenicity: No formal or informal settings. The folage is aromatic. It can Invasive: No contribute to an oriential garden look. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part, full or reflected sun, Origin: Mediterranean Adapts to soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Berberidaceae Nandina domestica & varieties ‘Compacta’ COMMON NAME: Heavenly Bamboo (Compact) Flower Color: White followed by Red Berries Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Heavenly Bamboo is a good accent plant espe- Allergenicity: No cially in an oriential setting. Can be used as a screen. Invasive: No Can be used as a specimen plant in containers. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 5,000’ It likes open, filtered or part shade to full sun, Origin: Asia Average garden with no alkaline soil.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Pedilanthus macrocarpus COMMON NAME: Slipper Flower, Lady’s Slipper Flower Color: Red-Pink Bloom season: Mid-Winter to Mid Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Xeriscape use. Very good for revegitation. Use Allergenicity: Strongly for background. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 22 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, takes heat Origin: Sonoran Desert Desert soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Pittosporaceae Pittosporum tobira & cultivars COMMON NAME: Mock Orange (Japanese) Flower Color: White Bloom season: Early Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 8’ Height: 5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Mock Orange is a dense evergreen plant that Allergenicity: No gives a feeling of mass. Good for oriential style gardens. Invasive: No It lends itself to formal settings. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 29 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 600’ to 3,600’ It likes filtered shade to part or full sun, Origin: Asia Prefers garden soil enriched with humus.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Punicaceae Punica granatum & varieties COMMON NAME: Pomegranate Flower Color: White Bloom season: Late Winter Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water After establishment water every 1 -3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 8’ Height: 16’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Pomegranate is resistant to texas Root Rot. It Allergenicity: No can be used as a hedge, screen or windbreak. Good Invasive: No specimen tree. Some maintenance. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: India Tolerant even in alkaline soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Acanthaceae Ruellia peninsularis COMMON NAME: Baja Ruellia Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Baja Ruellia can be used near pools and next to Toxic: No sidewalks as well as foundation planting. It can work as Allergenicity: No a background for plants with lighter leaves and brighter Invasive: No flowers. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 25 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 2,500’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: Sonoran Desert Soil tolerant.

BOTANICAL NAME: Mint Family: Lamiaceae Salvia clevelandii COMMON NAME: Chaparral Sage Flower Color: Bloom season: Late Spring to Summer Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 4’ Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Chaparral Sage a perennial is a good back- Allergenicity: No ground plant as well as a foundation plant. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 3,500’ It likes full sun with afternoon shade, Origin: S. Calif., Baja Grows well in most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Mint Family: Lamiaceae Salvia greggii COMMON NAME: Red Chihuahan Sage, Autumn Sage Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water After establishment water every 1 -3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Hummingbirds are attracted to Autumn Sage. Toxic: No The colorful flowers shoud be set against silvery folaged Allergenicity: No background plants. It works as a low hedge as well as Invasive: No mass ground cover. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 5 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 3,500’ It likes full sun, Origin: Chihuahuan Desert Grows well in alkaline soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Lamiaceae Salvia leucantha COMMON NAME: Purple Mexican Bush Sage Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Fall Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3 Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen in Tucson. Can be used for borders, Allergenicity: No background and perennial gardens. Attracts humming- Invasive: No birds. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 25 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: Mexico Prepared soil well watered with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Buxaceae Simmondsia chinensis COMMON NAME: Jojoba, Goat Nut Flower Color: Green inconspicuous Bloom season: Mid-Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 6’ Height: 6’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No A good workhorse plant that can be used as a Allergenicity: Strong foundation plant, as a background to set off lighter col- Invasive: No ored plants even as a windbreak. Low maintenance. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,500’ to 5,000’ It likes part, full or reflected sun, Origin: Sonoran Desert Tolerant to gravely soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Tagetes lemmonii COMMON NAME: Mt. Lemmon Marigold Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring and Fall Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 -3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No It is usually evergreen in Tucson. Use for color. Allergenicity: No Use as a backdrop. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 28 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, moderate shade Origin: Sonoran Desert Prefers improved soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Bignoniaceae Tecoma capensis (Tecomaria capensis) COMMON NAME: Cape Honeysuckle Flower Color: Bloom season: Late Fall to Winter Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 5’ Height: 6’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen with brigh blooms that make for a Allergenicity: No good tropical accent. Needs some maintence because it Invasive: No can over grow. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 28 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 3,000’ It likes part to full or reflected sun, Origin: Africa Improved garden soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Poaceae Muhlenbergia capillaris COMMON NAME: Regal Mist, Pink Muhly Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 4’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Sometimes evergreen perennial grass which Allergenicity: No grows fast. Use in desert gardens. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 5 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 500’ to 3,000’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: U.S. Most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Cactus Family: Cactaceae Muhlenbergia dumosa COMMON NAME: Bamboo Muhly Flower Color: Green dries to Tan Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 5’ Height: 5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Usually green with enough water can be used as Allergenicity: Strongly a mass background planting. Some oriential feel. Can Invasive: No work in rock gardens. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: Sonoran Desert Most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Poaceae (Graminaea) Muhlenbergia rigens COMMON NAME: Deer Grass Flower Color: Bloom season: Summer to Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 3’ Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Deer Grass is a semi-evergreen fast growing Allergenicity: Moderately plant that is a good compliment in rocky naturalistic des- Invasive: No ert gardens. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 10 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 3,500’ It likes full sun to part shade, Origin: Sonoran Desert Grows well in most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Grasses Family: Poaceae Nassella tenuissima COMMON NAME: Mexican Feather Grass, Thread Grass Flower Color: Tan Bloom season: Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 1’ Height: 3’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen clumping grass. Good for grouping. Allergenicity: Moderately Gives texture and where there is a breeze it provides a Invasive: No nice movement. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 0 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000 to 5,000’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: Chihuahuan Desert Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae Acacia redolens COMMON NAME: Prostrate Acacia Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 10’ Height: 4’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Allergenicity: Weakly An evergreen groundcover. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 3,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: Australia Most soils with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Baileya multriadiata COMMON NAME: Desert Marigold Flower Color: Bloom season: Mid-Winter to Mid Spring Water Use - 1: indicates very low water use. After establishment water every 3 - 6 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 2’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Xeriscape use. Very good for revegitation. Use Allergenicity: Strongly for background. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 22 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, takes heat Origin: Sonoran and Chihuhuan Deserts Desert soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Onagraceae Calylophus hartwegii & varieties COMMON NAME: Calylophus, Yellow Evening Primrose Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 1’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Perennial with flowers that smell like chocolate. Allergenicity: No Use for borders and color. Short life. Invasive: Yes Spreads in cultivated areas: Yes Cold Hardiness: 0F 0 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes filtered shade to full sun, Origin: Chichuhuan and Sonoran Deserts Grows well in soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Fabaceae Dalea greggii COMMON NAME: Trailing Indigo Bush Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 7’ Height: 1.5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No An evergreen ground cover that is also a stabi- Allergenicity: No lizer and prefers rocky hillsides. It is rabbit resistant. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 2,000’ to 4,500’ It likes full sun, Origin: Chihuahuan Deserts Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Verbenaceae Lantana montevidensis COMMON NAME: Trailing Lantana Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 6’ Height: 1’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Trailing Lantana does well on south and west Allergenicity: No exposures. Use as a ground cover. Should be used in a Invasive: No well defined area as it can spread all over the place. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 25 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part, full or reflected sun, Origin: South America Soil tolerant.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asteraceae Melampodium Leucanthum COMMON NAME: Blackfoot Daisy Flower Color: White with Yellow centers Bloom season: Early Spring to Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Winter Apply water September through March; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 1’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Evergreen. Use in a Xeriscape garden or massed Allergenicity: No for color in the front of contrasting plants. Low mainte- Invasive: Yes nance. Spreads in cultivated areas: Yes Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, takes heat Origin: Sonoran & Chihuahuan Deserts Desert soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Asparagaceae Myoporum parvifolium COMMON NAME: Purple Myoporum Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 7’ Height: 0.5’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Grows fast and will spread all over the place. Allergenicity: No It makes for good erosion control. Can be used along Invasive: No walkways. Low maintenance. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 25 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 1,000’ to 5,000’ It likes part shade to full sun, Origin: Australia Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Labiatae Rosmarinus officinalis & varieties ‘prostratus’ COMMON NAME: Rosemary, Dwarf Rosemary Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring and Fall Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 6’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No Standing Rosemary should be used rather than Allergenicity: No the prostrate. Use as a hedge. Use for background. Invasive: No Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F 15 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 5,000’ It likes part to full or reflected sun, Origin: Mediterranean Soil tolerant with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Lamiaceae Teucrium chamaedrys (prostratum) COMMON NAME: Creeping Germander, Prostrate Germander Flower Color: Bloom season: Spring and Summer Water Use - 2: indicates low water use. After establishment water every 2 - 4 weeks during the growing season. Growing season: Summer Apply water March through September; less frequently in off season. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2’ Height: 1’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: Yes Aromatic evergreen foliage is good for edging. Allergenicity: No Can be masses or grouped and used in rock gardens. Invasive: No Often it is used in European style herbal gardens. Spreads in cultivated areas: No Cold Hardiness: 0F -20 Growing Conditions: Elevation: 0’ to 5,000’ It likes full sun, Origin: Mediterranean Tolerates poor soil with good drainage.

BOTANICAL NAME: Family: Onagraceae Zephranthes spp. COMMON NAME: Rainlilies Flower Color: White Bloom season: Spring to Summer Water Use - 3: indicates moderate water use. After establishment water every 1 - 3 weeks during the growing season.

Growing season: Summer, Winter Apply water as necessary. Picture: Rich Benda During hot summer months this plant may need to be watered more often. Characteristics: Landscape Use: Width: 2.5’ Height: 1’ (50% to 75% mature size) Toxic: No A perennial that blooms in early spring. Useful in Allergenicity: No rock gardens and informal flower beds. Invasive: Yes Spreads in cultivated areas: Yes Cold Hardiness: 0F 0 Growing Conditions: Elevation: Below 4,500’ It likes part shade to full or reflected sun, Origin: S. Africa Tolerates poor soil with good drainage.