Common name:Saguaro
Botanical name:Carnegiea gigantea
Large cactus that grows very slowly to 20' x 10' or larger. Consider mature size. Medium green ribs lined with gray spines. Large showy white flowers appear in late spring followed by red fruits. Fruits are enjoyed by birds. Accepts reflected sun. Consider mature size when planing. The signature plant of Arizona. Native to the Sonoran Desert.
Common name:Brittlebush
Botanical name:Encelia farinosa
Silvery gray mounding shrub grows to 3' x 4'. Yellow daisylike flowers appear winter to spring. Short lived individual plants but will reseed easily. Good for naturalistic landscapes. Rapid growth following rain. Overgrown and fragile if overwatered. Seeds attract birds. Native to Sonoran & Mojave deserts.
Common name:Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name:Echinocactus grusonii
Globe shaped cactus grows slowly to 1-1/2' x 2'. Golden spines line medium green ribs. Yellow flowers appear in spring. Full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. Striking accent. Looks attractive in groupings. Native to southern Mexico.