Native Plants

Native Plant List – Arizona & New Mexico

Last updated: October 3, 2026

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This is a "starter" list of native plants for Arizona and New Mexico. It is intended for residential or commercial landscapers who want to create attractive and varied native landscapes.

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Arizona and New Mexico Trees

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Whitethorn Acacia Acacia constricta F D 10 ft Caliche okay. White blossoms.
Sweet Acacia Acacia farnesiana F D 15 ft Yellow fragrant blossoms. Fast grower.
Arizona Madrone Arbutus arizonica F D 20-45 ft Slow evergreen Sky Island tree; peeling pink bark, berries for birds
Texas Madrone Arbutus xalapensis F-P D 15–30 ft Slow evergreen tree; peeling cinnamon bark; winter flowers
Crucifixion Thorn Canotia holacantha F D 10-20 ft Leafless spine-tipped green stems; very slow growing; sculptural
Western Redbud Cercis occidentalis F-P D 10–20 ft Spectacular bare-branch spring bloom; needs sharp drainage
Birchleaf mountain mahogany Cercocarpus betuloides F-P D 6-20 ft Slow-growing; silvery twisted seed plumes; resprouts after fire
Desert Willow Chilopsis linearis F D 20 ft Pink or purple flowers attract hummingbirds. Deciduous.
River Hawthorn Crataegus rivularis F-P A-W 10-25 ft Thicket-forming streamside hawthorn; dark fruit, intermontane West
Fleshy Hawthorn Crataegus succulenta F-P A-W 13-26 ft Most wide-ranging US hawthorn; thorny thicket shrub, red fleshy fruit
Arizona Cyprus Cupressus arizonica F A 70 ft Drought and heat tolerant. Soft, grey-green foliage.
California Ash Fraxinus dipetala F-P A-D 10-20 ft Fragrant 2-petaled spring flowers; very drought tolerant
Gregg Ash Fraxinus greggii F-P A-D 15 ft Good food for wildlife.
Fantex Ash Fraxinus velutina F A 40 ft Lush look. Holds dense canopy.
Arizona Walnut Juglans major F A-W 40–50 ft Male & female flowers on same tree. Deciduous.
California Juniper Juniperus californica F D 10-25 ft Slow-growing desert-edge conifer, shrub or small tree, berries
Alligator Juniper Juniperus deppeana F A-D 20-50 ft Slow-growing SW tree; checkered bark; needs sharp drainage
One-seed Juniper Juniperus monosperma F A-D 7-20 ft Deer-resistant evergreen; winter berries feed birds
Redberry Juniper Juniperus pinchotii F D 6–20 ft Dense evergreen shrub; distinctive red-brown cones
Feather Tree Lysiloma watsonii F-P D 15–25 ft Rare in AZ (Rincon Mts); freeze-sensitive, lacy bipinnate foliage
Texas Mulberry Morus microphylla F-P A-D 6-15 ft Small-leaved native mulberry; sweet edible fruit; needs male & female
Desert Ironwood Olneya tesota F D 25 ft Protect from extended frost. Slow grower.
Mexican Palo Verde Parkinsonia aculeata F D 15-30 ft Fast, thorny desert tree; invasive outside native south TX/AZ range
Blue palo verde Parkinsonia florida F D 15–30 ft AZ state tree; green photosynthetic bark; nurse plant for saguaro
Foothill Palo Verde Parkinsonia microphylla F D 15-25 ft Slow, long-lived desert tree; saguaro nurse plant; AZ-protected
Engelmann Spruce Picea engelmannii F-P A 80-130 ft High-elevation conifer; cold-hardy; needs moist, well-drained soil
Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata F D 15-50 ft Extremely slow-growing high-elevation conifer; rocky, lean, dry sites
Arizona Pine Pinus arizonica F A-D 70-100 ft Sky-island conifer; AZ/NM only, closely related to Ponderosa Pine
Mexican Pinyon Pinus cembroides F D 15-30 ft Slow-growing 3-needle pine; rocky dry mountain slopes, AZ/NM/W TX
Arizona Sycamore Platanus wrightii F W-A 40-80 ft Canyon streamside tree; needs reliable water; white exfoliating bark
Rio Grande Cottonwood Populus deltoides subsp. wislizeni F W 50-90 ft Massive riparian bosque shade tree; needs reliable water
Screwbean Mesquite Prosopis pubescens F A-D 15–30 ft Desert wash tree; coiled screw-shaped pods; needs deep water access
Velvet Mesquite Prosopis velutina F A-D 20-30 ft Thorny desert shade tree; nitrogen-fixer; very drought tolerant
Chickasaw Plum Prunus angustifolia F-P A-D 6–25 ft Thorny thicket-forming plum; early white bloom, red-orange fruit
Smoke tree Psorothamnus spinosus F D 10-20 ft Silvery spiny wash tree; brief indigo bloom; needs scarified seed
Arizona Oak Quercus arizonica F A-D 20–60 ft Slow-growing evergreen oak of SW sky-island woodlands
Canyon Live Oak Quercus chrysolepis F-P A-D 3-10 ft shrub to 60-80 ft tree Evergreen; golden-fuzzy acorns; tree in canyons, shrub on ridges
Emory Oak Quercus emoryi P D-A 66 ft Acorns are food for many mammals and birds.
Gray Oak Quercus grisea F-P A-D 6–30 ft Slow-growing mountain oak; shrubby on dry sites, treelike in canyons
Mohr Oak Quercus mohriana F-P A-D 6-15 ft Evergreen limestone shrub oak; forms thickets, sweet acorns
Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii F-P A-D 40-60 ft Limestone-loving shade tree; sweet low-tannin acorns feed wildlife
Mexican Blue Oak Quercus oblongifolia F D 15-25 ft Evergreen desert oak; silvery-blue leaves; very drought tolerant
Sandpaper Oak Quercus pungens F-P A-D 3-10 ft Rough sandpapery leaves; rocky canyon shrub oak, sweet acorns
Goodding's Willow Salix gooddingii F W 30–50 ft Desert riparian tree, needs perennial water; not for dry xeriscape
Red willow Salix laevigata F-P W to 45 ft Fast-growing riparian tree; needs consistent moisture
Arroyo willow Salix lasiolepis F-P W-A 10-20 ft Riparian/arroyo thicket shrub; fast, very early spring bloom for bees
Scouler's willow Salix scouleriana F-P A-D 15-30 ft Early silvery catkins; unusually drought-tolerant for a willow
Western Soapberry Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii F-P A-D 20–50 ft Deciduous tree; toxic saponin fruit; thrives on caliche, alkaline soil
Gum Bumelia Sideroxylon lanuginosum F-P A-D 20-40 ft Tough, soil-adaptable shade tree; fragrant late-summer bloom; spiny
Mexican Buckeye Ungnadia speciosa F-P D 10–20 ft Multi-stemmed shrub; pink flowers on bare wood in spring; toxic seeds
California Fan Palm (Desert Palm) Washingtonia filifera F A-W 40-60 ft Desert oasis palm; needs reliable groundwater to reach full size
Joshua Tree Yucca brevifolia F A-D 15-40 ft Mojave Desert icon; pollinated only by the yucca moth

Arizona and New Mexico Shrubs

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Prairie Acacia Acacia angustissima F-P A 4 ft Generally thornless. White blossoms.
Triangle-leaf Bursage Ambrosia deltoidea F D 1–2.5 ft Rounded Sonoran Desert shrub; very low water; saguaro nurse plant
White bursage Ambrosia dumosa F D 0.7-3 ft Keystone nurse-plant shrub; drought-deciduous; wind-pollinated
Cheesebush Ambrosia salsola F D 2-6 ft Fast-growing, thread-like leaves, erosion control, pioneer species
False Indigo Bush Amorpha fruticosa F A 6–10 ft Erosion control. Wildlife food and cover.
Desert Honeysuckle Anisacanthus thurberi F D 4 ft Red flowers and brown seeds.
Greenleaf manzanita Arctostaphylos patula F-P D 2-6 ft Cold-hardy mountain shrub, bright green leaves, resprouts after fire
Pointleaf manzanita Arctostaphylos pungens F D 3-10 ft Widespread SW chaparral/woodland shrub; red bark; pointed leaves
Sand Sagebrush Artemisia filifolia F D 4 ft Evergreen. Provides ground cover for wildlife.
Black sagebrush Artemisia nova F D 4–16 in Low cushion shrub for rocky/shallow soils; key winter wildlife browse
Four-Wing Saltbush Atriplex canescens F D 5 ft Great for birds. Good for erosion control.
Shadscale Atriplex confertifolia F A-D 1-3 ft Spiny gray shrub; extreme drought/salt tolerance, winter browse
Desert Holly Atriplex hymenelytra F D 1-3 ft Silvery saltbush for hottest/driest sites; alkaline/saline tolerant
Quail Brush Atriplex lentiformis F D 8 ft Great for birds. Hedges. Deciduous.
Allscale saltbush Atriplex polycarpa F D 2–6 ft Alkali/saline soil specialist; wildlife browse; no irrigation needed
Seepwillow Baccharis salicifolia F-P W-A 6-15 ft Fast-growing riparian pioneer; stabilizes wash banks
Desert broom Baccharis sarothroides F A-D 4-8 ft Fast-growing, broom-like shrub; females shed white seed fluff
California Brickellbush Brickellia californica F-P A-D 2-5 ft Late-blooming shrub for dry, rocky soil; not bursage
Fairy Duster Calliandra eriophylla F D 36 in Pink, fluffy ball-shaped blossoms. Evergreen.
Deerbrush Ceanothus integerrimus F-P D 3-12 ft Fragrant spring bloom; needs sharp drainage, no summer water
Desert Hackberry Celtis pallida F D 8 ft Great for wildlife. Hedges. Spiny. Erosion control.
Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany Cercocarpus intricatus F D 3-10 ft Very slow desert shrub; feathery seed plumes; rocky, dry soil
Mountain Mahogany Cercocarpus montanus F-P D 16 ft White/pink blossoms. Evergreen.
Fern Bush Chamaebatiaria millefolium F-P A-D 5 ft Attracts butterflies. Semi-evergreen. White blossoms.
Damianita Chrysactinia mexicana F D 1–2 ft Rounded evergreen mound; needle leaves; showy yellow spring bloom
Western White Clematis Clematis ligusticifolia P A 15 ft White blossoms. Tolerates many soils.
Blackbrush Coleogyne ramosissima F D 1–6 ft Very slow-growing desert shrub; rocky, well-drained soil only
Ragged Rock Flower Crossosoma bigelovii F D 4 ft Fragrant flowers.
Bush Croton Croton fruticulosus F-P D up to 3 ft Compact limestone-rock shrub, deer resistant, velvety aromatic leaves
Feather Dalea Dalea formosa F D 24 in Good for low border or groundcover.
Black Dalea Dalea frutescens F D 2-3 ft Late-summer magenta flowers, fine gray-green foliage; deer resistant
Mormon Tea Ephedra antisyphilitica F D 2-5 ft Leafless jointed stems; red fruit on female plants; caliche soils
Mormon Tea Ephedra nevadensis F D 36 in Slow growth. Inconspicuous yellow flowers.
Joint Fir Ephedra trifurca F D 6 ft Male plants produce yellow flowers in spring.
Turpentine Bush Ericameria laricifolia F D 24 in Yellow clusters of blossoms in fall.
Flat-topped Buckwheat Eriogonum fasciculatum v. poliofolium F D 18 in Tortoises like it. White blossoms in spring.
SW Coral Bean Erithrina flabelliformis F D to 10 ft Poisonous scarlet beans.
Kidneywood Eysenhardtia orthocarpa F A-D 6-15 ft Fragrant white flower spikes spring-fall; excellent bee/honey plant
Apache Plume Fallugia paradoxa F A-D 6 ft Hedge plant. Fuzzy fruit.
Cliff Fendlerbush Fendlera rupicola F D 3–6 ft Rock-garden shrub for dry slopes; profuse white spring blooms
Tarbush Flourensia cernua F D 2-4 ft Resinous, tar-scented Chihuahuan Desert shrub; fall yellow blooms
Desert Olive Forestiera neomexicana F D 12 ft Fruit great for wildlife.
Ocotillo Fouquiera splendens F D 12 ft Vulnerable to overwatering.
California Coffeeberry Frangula californica F-P D-A 3-12 ft Evergreen; long fruiting season feeds birds; drought tolerant
Hollyleaf redberry Frangula ilicifolia F-P D 3-12 ft Evergreen, spiny holly-like leaves; red-black berries
Flannel Bush Fremontodendron californicum F D 6–20 ft CA/AZ chaparral; big yellow blooms; hairs irritate skin/eyes
Ashy Silktassel Garrya flavescens F-P D 3-10 ft Gray-green leaves, winter flower tassels, deer resistant, slow
Silktassel Garrya ovata F-P D 6–10 ft Evergreen limestone shrub; dioecious, needs both sexes for berries
Desert Rose-mallow Hibiscus coulteri F D 36 in Nice blossoms. Grows well under larger shrubs.
Rock Hibiscus Hibiscus denudatus F D 24 in Lavender flowers.
Desert Lavender Hyptis emoryi F D 4-8 ft Fragrant gray-leaved shrub, superb bee/hummingbird plant, washes
Chuparosa Justicia californica F D 3-5 ft Drought-deciduous; top hummingbird plant for low desert
Yellow bush penstemon Keckiella antirrhinoides F-P D 3-6 ft Yellow snapdragon flowers; long spring-summer bloom; drought tolerant
White Ratany Krameria grayi F A-D 1-3 ft Spiny gray desert shrub; hemiparasitic on creosote bush
Texas Lantana Lantana urticoides F-P D-A 3-6 ft Nectar-rich, blooms Apr-Oct; unripe berries toxic
Creosote Bush Larrea tridentate F D 6 ft Slow growing.
Desert Wolfberry Lycium andersonii F D 6 ft Red berries. Great for wildlife.
Wolfberry Lycium berlandieri F-P D 3–8 ft Rangy thorny shrub; red berries feed birds, very drought tolerant
Cooper's box thorn Lycium cooperi F D 2–6 ft Spiny Mojave Desert shrub; red berries and nesting cover for wildlife
Agarita Mahonia trifoliolata F-P D 3-6 ft Spiny evergreen; fragrant yellow flowers Feb-Apr; edible red berries
Fragrant Mimosa Mimosa borealis F D 2-4 ft Thorny, fragrant pink flowers; limestone/caliche soil; deer resistant
Velvetpod Mimosa Mimosa dysocarpa F-P D 3-6 ft Thorny shrub, pink puffball blooms after monsoons; nitrogen-fixer
Parry's nolina Nolina parryi F D 3-6 ft Rosette shrub; tall cream flower spikes in spring, full sun
Mariola Parthenium incanum F D 24 in Evergreen. White blossoms. Tough.
Bladderpod Peritoma arborea F D 2-5 ft Nearly year-round yellow bloom; needs sharp drainage, deer-resistant
Mountain Ninebark Physocarpus monogynus P A-D 2–4 ft Rocky-slope shrub with shreddy bark; part sun to part shade
Hoary Rosmarymint Poliomintha incana F D 4 ft Excellent fragrance.
Honey Mesquite Prosopis glandulosa F D 25 ft Great for shade and wildlife.
Desert almond Prunus fasciculata F D 3-8 ft Wiry, spiny Mojave/Sonoran shrub; fragrant white late-winter blooms
Paper Flower Psilostrophe cooperi F A-D 1-2 ft Low-water Mojave/Sonoran subshrub; near-continuous yellow bloom
Indigo bush Psorothamnus schottii F D 3-6 ft Wiry gray-green shrub; vivid purple-blue flowers; low Colorado Desert
Shin Oak Quercus havardii F D 1-5 ft Clonal rhizomatous thicket oak; deep sandy soils; wildlife habitat
Palmer Oak Quercus palmeri F D 3-10 ft Spiny-leaved thicket shrub; rocky dry slopes CA-NV-AZ-NM; very slow
Scrub Oak Quercus turbinella P D 8 ft Evergreen.
Spiny redberry Rhamnus crocea F-P D 2-8 ft Compact, spiny-twigged evergreen; orange-red berries
Littleleaf Sumac Rhus microphylla F-P D 8 ft Fruit great for wildlife. Deciduous. Can be hedge.
Sugar Sumac Rhus ovata F-P D 10 ft Evergreen. More water/shade needed at lower elevations.
Evergreen Sumac Rhus virens F-P D 6-15 ft Evergreen shrub, fragrant fall-blooming flowers feed pollinators
Wax currant Ribes cereum F-P A-D 2–6 ft Spineless, very drought-tolerant; pink flowers, orange-red berries
New Mexico Locust Robinia neomexicana Vaquelina californica F D to 15 ft Pink blossoms. Seeds may be poisonous.
Roemer's Acacia Senegalia roemeriana F D 3–7 ft Thorny honey-plant shrub; caliche/limestone soil; low water
Desert senna Senna armata F A-D 2-3 ft Spiny, nearly leafless shrub; fragrant yellow spring flowers
Jojoba Simmondsia chinensis F D 3–6 ft Evergreen desert shrub; oily seeds, not edible; very drought tolerant
Texas Mountain Laurel Sophora secundiflora F-P A-D 10-15 ft Evergreen; fragrant purple blooms; toxic seeds; slow-growing
Yellow Bells Tecoma stans F D-A 3-8 ft Native shrub form; blooms nearly year-round, hummingbird favorite
Gray horsebrush Tetradymia canescens F D 1–3 ft Woolly gray shrub, yellow summer flowers; foliage toxic to sheep
Arizona Rosewood Vaquelina californica F D 14 ft Evergreen.
Skeletonleaf Goldeneye Viguiera stenoloba F D 2-4 ft Feathery foliage, long-blooming yellow daisy flowers; deer resistant
New Mexico Yucca Yucca harrimaniae var. neomexicana F A-D 1-2 ft (to 5 ft in bloom) Tiny cold-hardy yucca; maroon-streaked flowers; CO/NM/OK mesas only
Lotebush Ziziphus obtusifolia P-F D 3-8 ft Dense thorny desert shrub, limestone soils, fruit for wildlife

Arizona and New Mexico Perennials

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Prairie Sand Verbena Abronia fragrans F D 8–40 in Fragrant evening white blooms; deep taproot, sandy soil
Desert Sand Verbena Abronia villosa F D 3-6 in Fragrant pink annual; carpets desert sand after winter rain
Columbian Monkshood Aconitum columbianum F-P W-A 2–6 ft Highly toxic (aconitine), all parts; wet meadows/stream banks only
Texas Hummingbird Mint Agastache cana F-P A-D 2-4 ft Bubblegum-scented foliage; hummingbird magnet; needs sharp drainage
Desert Agave Agave deserti F D 18 in Forms colonies to 10' diameter. Yellow flowers.
Palmer Agave Agave palmeri F-P D 36 in Flowers to 15' stalk. Hillsides and oak woodland.
Parry's Agave Agave parryi P D 24 in One of the most cold-hardy agave plants.
Trailing Four O'Clock Allionia incarnata F D 3-6 in (spreads 1-3 ft) Prostrate desert mat, magenta flowers open mornings; drought tough
Nodding Wild Onion Allium cernuum F-P A-D 8–20 in Dry soil; nodding white-pink summer flowers; deer resistant
Drummond's Wild Onion Allium drummondii F A-D 4–12 in Spring-ephemeral prairie bulb; dormant by early summer
Rosy Pussytoes Antennaria rosea F A-D 2-4 in (stems to 12 in) Mat-forming silver groundcover; rose-pink blooms; host plant
Mountain Death Camas Anticlea elegans F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft HIGHLY TOXIC bulb/foliage; do not confuse with edible Camassia
Golden Columbine Aquilegia chrysantha P-S A-W 1.5-4 ft Long-spurred yellow flowers; needs seep or streamside moisture
flatbud prickly poppy Argemone munita F D 2–4 ft Spiny wildflower, showy white blooms; sap toxic, use gloves
Arizona Milkweed Asclepias angustifolia F-P A 1-2 ft Rare AZ borderlands native; narrow leaves, monarch host, toxic sap
Antelope Horns Asclepias asperula F-P D-A 8–24 in Clustered pale flowers. Seed pods curve, look like horns.
Zizotes Milkweed Asclepias oenotheroides F A-D 6–18 in Low, sprawling monarch host plant; needs sharp drainage
Showy Milkweed Asclepias speciosa F-P A-D 2-4 ft Monarch host plant; toxic sap; spreads by rhizome
Purple Aster Aster bigelovii F D 30 in Lavender blossoms. Reseeds prolifically.
Scarlet Locoweed Astragalus coccineus F D 4-10 in Silvery mat, vivid red hummingbird flowers; needs sharp rocky drainage
Freckled Milkvetch Astragalus lentiginosus F D 4-20 in Silvery, spreading legume; pods freckled with red, namesake feature
Desert Bahia Bahia absinthifolia F D 12 in Yellow blossoms.
Woolly Desert Marigold Baileya pleniradiata F A-D 6–18 in Toxic to sheep/goats; woolly gray foliage; yellow flowers most of year
Chocolate Daisy Berlandiera lyrata F D 1-2 ft Yellow daisy, chocolate-scented blooms; drought tolerant
Desert Mariposa Lily Calochortus kennedyi F D 4-20 in Vivid orange-red desert bulb; dry summer rest, never dig wild bulbs
Sego lily Calochortus nuttallii F D 6–18 in Utah's state flower; bulb goes dormant through dry summers
Desert Paintbrush Castilleja angustifolia F A-D 6-16 in Root hemiparasite; needs host shrub/grass; don't dig from wild
purple owl's clover Castilleja exserta F A-D 4-18 in Magenta spring annual; hemiparasitic, needs host grasses nearby
Wholeleaf Indian Paintbrush Castilleja integra F D-A 0.5-1.5 ft Hemiparasitic; plant near native bunchgrass host to establish
Woolly Paintbrush Castilleja lanata F D 8–20 in Red-orange bracts; hemiparasitic, needs a host grass/shrub nearby
Scarlet Paintbrush Castilleja miniata F-P A-D 8-32 in Root hemiparasite; needs grass/sedge host; don't dig from wild
Downy Paintbrush Castilleja sessiliflora F D 4–16 in Pale pink/cream bracts; hemiparasitic, needs a host grass/shrub nearby
pincushion flower Chaenactis fremontii F D 2-12 in Desert annual; sow seed in fall for spring bloom
Steve's pincushion Chaenactis stevioides F A-D 2-16 in Early-spring desert annual; pincushion-shaped white-cream heads
Water Hemlock Cicuta maculata F-P W 3-6 ft Extremely toxic; wetlands/ditches only, not for gardens
winecup clarkia Clarkia purpurea F-P A-D 0.5-2 ft Self-sowing spring annual; wine-red to lavender flowers
Miner's Lettuce Claytonia perfoliata P-S A-W 4-12 in Shade groundcover; edible mild green; self-sows, dies back in summer
Atlantic Pigeonwings Clitoria mariana F-P D 1–2 ft Twining vine; dry sandy/rocky soil; showy upright lavender flowers
grand collomia Collomia grandiflora F-P D 8 in - 3 ft Annual wildflower; apricot flowers; reseeds in lean dry soil
tapertip hawksbeard Crepis acuminata F D 1-2.5 ft Taprooted sagebrush-steppe perennial; yellow; key wildlife forage
Desert Spoon Dasylirion wheeleri F-P D 4 ft Slow growth.
Sacred Datura Datura wrightii F-P D 1-5 ft Huge night-blooming white flowers; all parts toxic; desert xeriscape
Carolina Larkspur Delphinium carolinianum F-P A-D 1-3 ft Toxic to livestock & pets; blue flowers; dry, sharp drainage
Blue Dicks Dichelostemma capitatum F-P D 6 in–2 ft Fire-follower spring bulb; dry summer dormancy required
Hoary Tansyaster Dieteria canescens F D 0.5-2 ft Bushy gray-hairy wildflower; purple fall rays, very drought tolerant
Engelmann Daisy Engelmannia peristenia F-P A-D 1-3 ft Long-blooming yellow daisy; tough on caliche/clay; deer-resistant
California Fuchsia Epilobium canum F D 1-3 ft Hummingbird magnet; scarlet fall flowers; needs sharp drainage
Plains Fleabane Erigeron modestus F A-D 6–15 in Low mound, long-blooming, needs sharp drainage
Showy Fleabane Erigeron speciosus S A 18 in Semi-evergreen.
desert trumpet Eriogonum inflatum F D 1–3 ft Distinctive inflated stems; extremely drought-tolerant desert native
Slender Buckwheat Eriogonum microthecum F A-D 4in-2ft Wiry low subshrub; many regional varieties; late-summer bloom
Cushion Buckwheat Eriogonum ovalifolium F A-D 2-6 in Silvery mat-forming cushion with round pompom flowerheads
Wright Buckwheat Eriogonum wrightii F D 18 in Blooms July - October.
California poppy Eschscholzia californica F A-D 8–24 in Orange wildflower; self-sows; needs sharp drainage
Butterfly Mist Eupatorium greggii F-P A 18 in Attracts butterflies.
Red Dome Blanketflower Gaillardia pinnatifida F D 8-22 in Long-blooming SW native; thin rocky/gypsum soils; low water
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella F D 10-24 in TX/plains native, red-yellow flowers, poor dry soil, self-seeds
Sweet-scented Bedstraw Galium triflorum P-S A 6-24 in trailing groundcover Fragrant shade groundcover for rich, consistently moist soil
Northern Gentian Gentianella amarella F-P W-A 4–16 in Fringed purple autumn flowers; wet mountain meadows & fens
Desert Sunflower Geraea canescens F D 8–24 in Mojave/Sonoran annual; gold daisy blooms; drives superblooms
Richardson's Geranium Geranium richardsonii P A 1–3 ft White purple-veined flowers; aspen groves & moist mountain meadows
Globe Gilia Gilia capitata F-P D-A 4 in–3 ft Round blue flower heads; sandy/rocky soil; self-sows from seed
Goodding's Verbena Glandularia gooddingii F D 6-12 in Spreading desert wildflower, long bloom, very low water
Snakeweed Guttierrizia sarothrae F D 18 in Good groundcover. Yellow blossoms. Tough plant.
Cow parsnip Heracleum maximum F-P A-W 4-8 ft Striking wildflower; sap is phototoxic, causes skin burns in sun
Camphorweed Heterotheca subaxillaris F D 5 ft Yellow/orange blossoms. Grows well in disturbed areas.
hairy golden aster Heterotheca villosa F D 6 in–2 ft Long-blooming yellow native; very drought tolerant
Western Blue Flag Iris missouriensis F-P W-A 10-28 in Blue-violet wet-meadow iris; toxic, deer-resistant, alkaline-tolerant
Burroweed Isocoma tenuisecta F D 1–3 ft Toxic to livestock (tremetol); overgrazing indicator
Hairy Tubetongue Justicia pilosella P-F A-D 3–12 in Low mat-forming wildflower, long bloom season, attracts butterflies
Trailing Ratany Krameria lanceolata F D 2-6 in Trailing root-hemiparasite; magenta flowers for specialist oil bees
Tall Blue Lettuce Lactuca biennis F-P A-W 3–8 ft Biennial; milky sap can irritate skin
Tidy Tips Layia platyglossa F A-D 6-16 in Annual; white-tipped yellow daisy flowers, March-June, reseeds readily
Twinflower Linnaea borealis P-S A-W 2-4 in Evergreen groundcover for cool, acidic, shaded sites; slow to spread
Blue Flax Linum lewisii F D 24 in Vase-shaped with light blue blossoms.
Stiffstem Flax Linum rigidum F D 6–20 in Sparse dryland annual, red-eyed yellow flowers, self-seeds
miniature lupine Lupinus bicolor F-P D 2-12 in Low, early bicolor spikes; self-seeds; avoid rich fertilized soil
broadleaf lupine Lupinus latifolius F-P A-D 1-3 ft Showy blue-purple spikes; nitrogen-fixer; needs sharp drainage
Coulter's Lupine Lupinus sparsiflorus F D 4–16 in Desert annual; mass-blooms in wet winters, toxic if eaten
Lacy Tansyaster Machaeranthera pinnatifida F D 6-18 in Spiny lacy leaves; long-blooming yellow daisies; poor rocky soil
Starry False Lily Maianthemum stellatum P-S A-D 8-18 in Rhizomatous woodland groundcover; starry flowers; berries inedible
Snapdragon-vine Maurandya antirrhiniflora F-P D 10 ft Beautiful blossoming vine. Does well in hanging baskets.
Blackfoot Daisy Melampodium leucanthum F-P D 8 in Attractive to bees, butterflies, birds. Resistant to deer.
American Wild Mint Mentha arvensis F-P W-A 6in-2ft Native wetland mint; spreads by rhizome; flowers at leaf joints
white bractspine blazing star Mentzelia involucrata F D 4-16 in Mojave/Sonoran desert annual; large pale flowers; rocky-gravelly soil
Mountain Bluebells Mertensia ciliata P-F W 1–4 ft Streamside wildflower; pink buds open sky blue
Lemon Beebalm Monarda citriodora F-P A-D 1-2.5 ft Aromatic annual wildflower; reseeds freely; magnet for native bees
Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata F D 1-3 ft Thyme-scented; purple-spotted flowers draw wasps and bees
Bigelow Nolina Nolina bigelovii F D 8 ft Requires well-drained soils.
Tufted Evening Primrose Oenothera caespitosa F A 12 in Showy flower.
California evening primrose Oenothera californica F A-D 3-8 in Desert mat perennial; large white flowers age pink; moth-pollinated
dune evening primrose Oenothera deltoides F A-D 1-3 ft Sandy desert biennial; large white flowers age pink; moth-pollinated
Hartweg's Sundrops Oenothera hartwegii F-P D 10-24 in Sprawling subshrub; yellow flowers fade orange; gypsum/limestone soils
Scarlet Beeblossom Oenothera suffrutescens F D 1–3 ft Full sun, dry soil; moths pollinate; spreads by rhizomes
Elephant's Head Pedicularis groenlandica F-P W 6–24 in Wet meadow specialist; needs saturated soil, often near sedges
desert beardtongue Penstemon pseudospectabilis F D 2-4 ft Showy pink spikes; top desert hummingbird plant
Penstemon Penstemon spp. F A to 36 in Wide variety of flower colors. Attract bees, hummingbirds.
Distant phacelia Phacelia distans F-P D 6-32 in SW desert annual; valuable for pollinators; mild skin irritant
Varileaf Phacelia Phacelia heterophylla F-P A-D 1-3 ft Biennial wildflower, coiled flowers; irritant hairs, wear gloves
Fameflower Phemeranthus calycinus F D 4-10 in Rock-garden succulent; afternoon magenta blooms; needs sharp drainage
Desert Mountain Phlox Phlox austromontana F D 2-6 in Needle-leaved cushion plant; white-pink flowers; needs sharp drainage
longleaf phlox Phlox longifolia F A-D 4-16 in Sagebrush-steppe wildflower; white-pink flowers; very drought tolerant
Texas Frogfruit Phyla nodiflora F-P W-D 2-6 in, spreading 3+ ft Mat-forming lawn alternative; butterfly host; tolerates mowing
Graceful Cinquefoil Potentilla gracilis F-P D 1-2 ft Deep-rooted meadow wildflower; silvery leaf undersides; deer resistant
Few-flowered Shooting Star Primula pauciflora F-P W-A 4-16 in Spring-wet meadows/seeps only; magenta flowers; summer dormant
Paperflower Psilostrophe tagetina F D 8-20 in Woolly silvery mound; near-constant golden papery blooms
New Mexico Plumeseed Rafinesquia neomexicana F D 6-20 in Winter-spring desert annual; white chicory-like flowers, weak stems
Violet Ruellia Ruellia nudiflora S A 12 in Long, tubular, funnel-shaped flowers.
Desert Chia Salvia columbariae F D 4-20 in Annual; spiny maroon bract heads; seeds a traditional food
Great Basin sage Salvia dorrii F D 1-3 ft Blue-violet spring blooms; needs sharp drainage
Mealycup Sage Salvia farinacea F-P D 18-36 in Long-blooming perennial; mealy white calyx; TX/NM/OK native
California Bee Plant Scrophularia californica F-P A-W 3-6 ft Prolific nectar plant for bees, hummingbirds; needs regular moisture
Lindheimer Senna Senna lindheimeriana F-P D 5 ft Yellow flowers, soft green leaves. Resistant to deer.
Tall Goldenrod Solidago altissima F-P A-D 3–7 ft Spreads by rhizome; vital late-season pollinator nectar source
Goldenrod Solidago Sparsiflora P D 6 ft Yellow blossoms.
Wright's Goldenrod Solidago wrightii P A 1–3 ft Montane woodland goldenrod, late-season bloom, part shade
Copper Globemallow Sphaeralcea angustifolia F D 2-5 ft Long-blooming; coppery to pink flowers; needs sharp drainage
Small-leaf Globemallow Sphaeralcea parvifolia F D 1-3 ft Orange flowers all summer; dry soil; hairs irritate skin/eyes
Globe Mallow Spharalcea ambigua F D 36 in Short-lived, reseeds.
Four-nerve Daisy Tetraneuris scaposa F A-D 4–10 in Evergreen; long spring–fall bloom; needs rocky, sharp drainage
Greenthread Thelesperma filifolium F A-D 1-2.5 ft Fast-reseeding gold prairie annual; thrives on poor rocky soil
coastal/springbank clover Trifolium wormskioldii F-P A-W 4–12 in Native groundcover clover; magenta/white blooms; nitrogen-fixer
American Stinging Nettle Urtica dioica ssp. gracilis P-S A-W 3–7 ft Stings on contact, wear gloves; native butterfly host plant
California Corn Lily Veratrum californicum F-P W-A 3–7 ft Extremely poisonous wet-meadow perennial; keep from livestock/pets
Goosefoot Violet Viola purpurea F-P D-A 2-6 in Low rock-garden perennial, yellow flowers, very drought tolerant
Banana Yucca Yucca baccata F D 4 ft Very tough plant.
Soaptree Yucca Yucca elata F D 15 ft NM state flower. Light shade ok. Don't cut dead leaves.
Mojave yucca Yucca schidigera F D 3-15 ft Spiky evergreen rosette/tree; cream spring blooms; sharp leaf tips
Desert Zinnia Zinnia acerosa F D 4–10 in Silvery mound; white daisies after rain; full sun, very dry
Prairie Zinnia Zinnia grandiflora F D 6 in Yellow blossoms.

Arizona and New Mexico Grasses

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Sand Bluestem Andropogon hallii F D-A 3-7 ft Rhizomatous dune grass; blue summer stems, bronze fall color
Silver Beard Grass Andropogon saccharoides F-P D 24 in Attractive to wildlife. Self-seeds freely.
Purple Threeawn Aristida purpurea P D 12 in Purplish-hued bunchgrass. Good fill-in grass.
Silver Bluestem Bothriochloa laguroides F D 2–3 ft (3–4 ft in bloom) Clump grass; silvery fall seed heads; very drought tolerant
Sideoats Grama Bouteloua curtipendula F-P D 24 in Reseeds easily. High forage value.
Black Grama Bouteloua eriopoda F D 4–12 in (culms to 20 in) Slow-spreading desert bunchgrass; needs sharp drainage, full sun
Blue Grama Bouteloua gracilis F-P D 18 in Good erosion control. Great for tortoises.
Hairy Grama Bouteloua hirsuta F-P D 24 in Does well at lower elevations.
Texas Grama Bouteloua rigidiseta F-P D 8-12 in Fine low bunchgrass for rocky, alkaline soils; tolerates grazing
California Brome Grass Bromus carinatus F-P A-D 1.5-5 ft Fast-establishing native bunchgrass; good for erosion control
Mountain Brome Bromus marginatus F-P A-D 2-4 ft Fast short-lived bunchgrass for erosion control and meadow mixes
Bigleaf Sedge Carex amplifolia P-S W 20-39 in Broad-leaved wetland sedge for shaded, consistently wet streambanks
Field Sedge Carex praegracilis F-P A-D 8-20 in Spreads by rhizome; tolerates clay, compaction, and alkaline soils
Two-Tooth Sedge Carex serratodens F-P A-W 1-3 ft Clumping; tolerates heavy clay and seasonal winter wet, dry by summer
San Diego sedge Carex spissa F-P A-W 3-5 ft Bold streambank sedge; moist soil, sharp leaf edges
Fox sedge Carex vulpinoidea F-P A-W 1–3 ft Sunny wet meadow sedge; bristly brown spikes; rain gardens, pond edges
California Oatgrass Danthonia californica F-P A-D 1-3 ft Cool-season bunchgrass for meadows and prairie restoration
Fluffgrass Dasyochloa pulchella F D 4–8 in Tiny desert bunchgrass; fuzzy white seed plumes; zero-water plant
annual hairgrass Deschampsia danthonioides F-P W-D 1-2 ft Annual vernal pool/seasonal wetland grass; wet-then-dry cycle required
Slender Hairgrass Deschampsia elongata P A 30 in Blossoms in fall.
Arizona Cottontop Digitaria californica F D 36 in Blooms late summer to fall. Tortoise grass.
Salt Grass Distichlis stricta F A 12 in Salt tolerant. Good greywater plant.
Common Spikerush Eleocharis palustris F-P W 8–32 in Rhizomatous wetland sedge; stabilizes pond/stream margins
Bottlebrush Squirreltail Elymus elymoides P A 18 in Requires more water & shade a lower elevations.
blue wildrye Elymus glaucus F-P A-D 2-4 ft Fast-establishing bunchgrass; good erosion control; short-lived
Big Squirreltail Elymus multisetus F A-D 6-20 in Shaggy-awned bunchgrass; fast post-fire restoration grass
Brittlebrush Encelia farinose F D 36 in Yellow flowers. Vulnerable to overwatering.
Arizona Fescue Festuca arizonica F-P D 2–4 ft Fine blades. High forage value.
Pili Grass Heteropogon contortus F D 1-3 ft Native bunchgrass of HI & SW deserts; twisted awns; not native in FL
Curly Mesquite Hilaria belangeri F D 6 in Short sod grass. Prefers loamy soils.
Baltic Rush Juncus balticus F W-A 1–3 ft Rhizomatous wetland rush; green stems; key fiber plant for basketry
June Grass Koeleria micrantha P A 12 in High forage value. Larger at higher elevations.
Green Sprangletop Leptochloa dubia F-P D 1.5-3.5 ft Warm-season bunchgrass; excellent forage, used in rangeland seeding
Beardless Wildrye Leymus triticoides F-P A-W 1.5-4 ft Rhizomatous, sod-forming; tolerates saline soil, holds streambanks
Arizona Muhly Muhlenbergia arizonica F-P A-D 6-20 in Rare SE AZ/SW NM canyon grass; long hair-thin awns; rocky soil
Mountain Muhly Muhlenbergia montana F A-D 1-3 ft Key ponderosa pine forage grass; deep roots; needs sharp drainage
Bush-muhly Muhlenbergia porteri F D 36 in Purplish. High forage value. Great for tortoises.
Deergrass Muhlenbergia rigens F A-D 3-5 ft Classic basketry grass; fountain form, tough and low-water
Spike Muhly Muhlenbergia wrightii F A-D 6 in-2 ft Slow-establishing bunchgrass; tolerates alkaline/caliche soil
Texas Needlegrass Nassella tenuissima F D 1–2 ft Fine thread-like foliage; not for CA/NV, invasive there
Beargrass Nolina microcarpa F-P D 5 ft Handsome flowering clumps.
Hall's Panicgrass Panicum hallii F A-D 1-2 ft Small bunchgrass; blades curl like ribbons when dry; long bloom
Vine Mesquite Panicum obtusum F-P A-D 12 in Low, spreading grass.
Switchgrass Panicum virgatum F-P A 3–5 ft Large bunchgrass.
Tobosa Pleuraphis mutica F A-D 1-3 ft Sod-forming grass for heavy clay flats; vital drought-season forage
Big Galleta Pleuraphis rigida F A-D 1-3 ft Tough Mojave/Sonoran bunchgrass; woolly nodes, erosion control
Blowout Grass Redfieldia flexuosa F D 1.5-3 ft Rhizomatous dune-stabilizer; needs loose sand, full sun
Tumblegrass Schedonnardus paniculatus F A-D 6-20 in Tough Plains/SW grass for restoration on disturbed soils
Chairmaker's Bulrush Schoenoplectus americanus F-P W 1-4 ft Leafless triangular-stemmed sedge; fresh/brackish marshes, pond edges
Burrograss Scleropogon brevifolius F D 2–12 in Tough mat-forming grass for dry, rocky, alkaline soil
Streambed Bristlegrass Setaria leucopila F D 1–3 ft Drought-tolerant bunchgrass; good livestock forage, fair for wildlife
Indian Grass Sorghastrum nutens P A 36 in Large bunchgrass.
Alkali Sacaton Sporobolus airoides F D 24 in Small bunchgrass.
Sand Dropseed Sporobolus cryptandrus F D 2–5 ft Prefers well-drained soil.
Big Sacaton Sporobolus wrightii F A-W 3-8 ft Giant floodplain bunchgrass; tolerates flooding and alkali soil
False Rhodes Grass Trichloris crinita F A-D 1-3 ft Feathery whorled seed heads; desert bunchgrass, very low water
White Tridens Tridens albescens F A-D 1-2.5 ft Pale narrow seed head; tolerates heavy clay/caliche soils
Slim Tridens Tridens muticus F A-D 1-2.5 ft Wiry rocky-soil bunchgrass; reddish narrow panicle, awnless

Arizona and New Mexico Cacti

Common Name Scientific Name Sun Moisture Height     Comments
Lechuguilla Agave lechuguilla F D 1-2 ft Spiny Chihuahuan Desert agave; flowers once, then dies
Utah agave Agave utahensis F D 8-20 in (stalk to 13 ft) Spiny rosette; rocky/limestone sites; slow-growing, cold-hardy
Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea F D 40-60' AZ state wildflower; white night blooms May-June; very slow growing
Teddy Bear Cholla Cylindropuntia bigelovii F D 1.5-5 ft Spiny; detachable joints; keep away from paths/pets
Golden cholla Cylindropuntia echinocarpa F D 1.5-4 ft Spiny branching shrub; very drought tolerant, full sun, sandy soil
Jumping Cholla / Chainfruit Cholla Cylindropuntia fulgida F D 3-10 ft Sonoran Desert cactus tree; barbed spines; keep away from paths/pets
Tree Cholla Cylindropuntia imbricata F D 3-8 ft Cold-hardy, tree-form cholla; pink flowers, yellow persistent fruit
Christmas Cactus (Tasajillo) Cylindropuntia leptocaulis F-P D 1-3 ft Wiry cholla; bright red fruit persists fall through winter
Pencil Cholla Cylindropuntia ramosissima F D 1.5-4 ft Wiry pencil-thin stems; detachable spines, site away from paths
Smooth Sotol Dasylirion leiophyllum F A-D 3-6 ft Very slow-growing; rounded rosette; hooked leaf teeth; TX/NM
Cottontop cactus Echinocactus polycephalus F D 8-20 in Slow-growing spiny mound cactus; rocky/gravelly soil, full sun
Texas Rainbow Cactus Echinocereus dasyacanthus F D 6-12 in Chihuahuan Desert hedgehog cactus; huge multicolored spring flowers
Hedgehog Cactus Echinocereus engelmannii F D 2' Magenta flowers.
Lace Hedgehog Cactus Echinocereus reichenbachii F D 3-8 in Clumping hedgehog cactus; lace-like spines, magenta spring flowers
Claret Cup Cactus Echinocereus triglochidiatus F D 6-16 in Mounding cactus, scarlet flowers, rocky soil, hummingbird favorite
California Barrel Cactus Ferocactus cylindraceus F D 2–6 ft Mojave/Sonoran barrel cactus, red spines. Protected, no collecting.
Fishhook Barrel Ferocactus wislizeni F D 6' Reddish orange flowers. Needs very little water.
Chihuahuan Fishhook Cactus Glandulicactus uncinatus F D 4-10 in Long hooked spines; slow-growing, never collect from the wild
Little Nipple Cactus Mammillaria heyderi F D 2-4 in Low solitary cactus; ring of spring flowers; red fruit
Foothill Beargrass Nolina erumpens F A-D 2-2.6 ft Trans-Pecos TX & S NM; fine grasslike tuft; cream summer flowers
Texas Beargrass Nolina texana F-P A-D 2-4 ft Grass-like evergreen clump; TX/NM; rocky soils; very low care
Beavertail cactus Opuntia basilaris F D 6-20 in Spreading spineless cactus; magenta blooms; glochids irritate skin
Engelmann's Prickly Pear Opuntia engelmannii F D 3-6 ft Cold-hardy desert cactus, yellow flowers, edible fruit, rocky soil
Purple Prickly Pear Opuntia macrocentra F D 1–2 ft Pads flush violet-purple in cold/drought; black spines
Tulip Prickly Pear Opuntia phaeacantha F D 1–3 ft Cold-hardy prickly pear; yellow-apricot blooms; pads blush purple
Organ Pipe Cactus Stenocereus thurberi F D 12-20 ft Protected AZ native; cold-tender; buy nursery stock only
Narrowleaf Yucca Yucca angustissima F D 1.5-3 ft (stalk to 7 ft) Spiny rosette; dry capsule, not fleshy like banana yucca
Torrey Yucca Yucca torreyi F A-D 6-15 ft Chihuahuan Desert yucca; trunk-forming; sharp leaf tips
Sun Exposure Soil Moisture Drought Tolerance
F = Full Sun W = Wet E = Excellent
P = Part Sun A = Average G = Good
S = Shade D = Dry M = Moderate
P = Poor

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