Common name:Parry's Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon parryi

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1-1/2' x 1-1/2'. Blue-green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Hot pink flowers appear on spike in the spring. Reseeds easily. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. Tender perennial at higher elevations. Native to southern Arizona and Sonora.

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: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:Argentine Mesquite
Botanical name:Prosopis alba

This fast-growing, semi-evergreen tree will grow 20'-40' tall. Leaves are tiny and medium green. It produces yellow or cream colored flowers that bloom in spring or early summer and edible fruit pods. It has dark brown bark with thorns.