Common name:Firecracker Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon eatonii
This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1' x 1-1/2'. Bright green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Scarlet spikes of flowers appear late winter to spring. Reseeds easily. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Similar to Penstemon barbatus but eatonii is earlier and more compact.
Common name:Palo Brea
Botanical name:Parkinsonia praecox
Spectacular tree with unusual, umbrellalike growth habit. Palo Brea can reach 25' x 25'. Distinctive sculptural form usually with multiple lime green trunks and wide-spreading branches. Spring clusters of bright yellow flowers provide seasonal intrest. Native to Mexico into South America.
Common name:Ocotillo
Botanical name:Fouquieria splendens
Deciduous succulent grows at a moderate rate to 12' x 10'. Slender spined branches ascend from a common base. Medium green leaves appear when there is ample moisture. Drought deciduous. In spring, spiky clusters of red orange flowers appear. Too much water can kill this plant. Good drainage is important. Accepts full fun. Striking silhouette. Attracts hummingbirds. Native to Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mojave Deserts.
Common name:Blue Palo Verde
Botanical name:Parkinsonia florida
Upright, desert tree to 30' x 30'. Will grow moderately fast with monthly irrigation. Trees bloom profusely in spring with clusters of bright yellow blossoms. Can be drought or cold deciduous. Blooms before Cercidium microphyllum. Branches form erect rounded graceful tree usually low branching. Great nesting for native birds. Native to the Sonoran desert.
Common name:Trailing Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana montevidensis
Evergreen ground cover grows quickly to 2' x 3'. Leaves are medium green and flowers are lavender to white. Blooms year-round in frost free weather. Excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Full sun. Very attractive to butterflies. Native of South America.
Common name:Chihuahuan Sage
Botanical name:Leucophyllum laevigatum
An evergreen rounded shrub that grows to 4' x 5'. Small medium green foliage and fragrant lavender blooms summer to fall. Accepts reflected sun and poor soils. Attracts butterflies. Good informal hedge. Native to Chihuahuan Desert.
