Common name:Buckhorn Cholla
Botanical name:Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa

Evergreen shrublike cactus grows at a moderate rate to 4' x 5'. Stems are medium green and covered in yellow spines. Flowers are red to yellow and appear in spring. Makes an effective security barrier. Plant away from high traffic areas. Jointed stems break off easily and form new plants. Accepts reflected heat. Native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts.

Common name:Chilean Mesquite
Botanical name:Prosopis chilensis

Semievergreen tree can rapidly grow to 30' x 30'. Thorns are variable. Can be multitrunked. Dark coarse textured bark. Accepts reflected sun. Upright grower with wide crown. Avoid overwatering to control windstorm uprooting. Yellow-green flowers in spring.

Common name:Blanket Flower
Botanical name:Gaillardia aristata

Striking annual grows to 1-1/2' x 1-1/2'. Two-toned marroon-red and yellow daisy-like flowers appear late spring to fall. To prolong the blooming, the flowers should be cut. Prefers full sun with good drainage. Thrives in hot dry places and will bloom all summer. Great as a cut flower. Sow seeds fall to spring.

Common name:Desert Marigold
Botanical name:Baileya multiradiata

Fast growing perennial reaches 1' x 1'. Soft silvery gray leaves. Bright yellow daisy like flowers appear year round. This undemanding plant reseeds easily. Accepts reflected sun. Be careful not to overwater. Native to southwest U.S. and northern Mexico.