Evergreen Plants for Arizona

Evergreen Arizona trees, shrubs, and accents that hold their foliage all year — structure and privacy that never goes bare in winter.

122 plants · every one a full care + fact page

tree

Mulga

Acacia aneura

A compact Australian tree with striking yellow rod-shaped blooms, ideal for small desert patios and tight spaces.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Leatherleaf Acacia

Acacia craspedocarpa

A petite Australian acacia with thick leathery foliage and cheerful yellow puffball blooms, perfect for containers and small gardens.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Shoestring Acacia

Acacia stenophylla

A graceful weeping tree with long shoestring-like leaves and excellent drought tolerance, ideal for privacy screening.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Willow Acacia

Acacia salicina

A narrow, upright tree with fragrant cream puffball flowers and graceful willow-like foliage, perfect for tight screening spaces.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

palm

Mexican Blue Palm

Brahea armata

A showstopping palm with silvery-blue fan fronds and spectacular cascading cream flower garlands in summer.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Ghost Gum

Corymbia papuana

A tall, elegant tree with luminous white bark that glows in the landscape, creating a dramatic year-round focal point.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

palm

Mediterranean Fan Palm

Chamaerops humilis

A compact, multi-trunk fan palm that brings instant oasis charm to courtyards and pool areas.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Texas Mountain Laurel

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum

A slow-growing evergreen tree with intensely fragrant purple blooms that smell like grape soda, a true desert garden gem.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Texas Ebony

Ebenopsis ebano

A rugged, dark-foliaged evergreen with fragrant cream-yellow blooms and exceptional drought tolerance.

Very Low Waterfull sun

tree

Mexican Bird of Paradise

Erythrostemon mexicanus

A prolific bloomer with showy yellow flower spikes nearly year-round, irresistible to hummingbirds.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Coolibah

Eucalyptus microtheca

A tough Australian shade tree that thrives on minimal water, providing a broad canopy in the hottest desert conditions.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Mexican Ebony

Havardia mexicana

A handsome shade tree with dark, dense foliage and soft cream puffball blooms in spring.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Fruitless Olive

Olea europaea

A classic Mediterranean shade tree with silvery foliage and a sculptural trunk, bred to produce no messy fruit.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Native

Ironwood

Olneya tesota

A keystone species of the Sonoran Desert, treasured for its dusty lavender blooms and extraordinary longevity.

Very Low Waterfull sun

tree

Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

A majestic, long-lived shade tree with a massive spreading canopy that transforms large landscapes.

Moderate Waterfull sun

tree

Evergreen Elm

Ulmus parvifolia

A compact, semi-evergreen shade tree with attractive mottled bark and a graceful, rounded canopy.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Guajillo

Senegalia berlandieri

A compact tree with delightfully fragrant cream puffball flowers and fine, feathery foliage.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Cascalote

Tara cacalaco

A showstopper that lights up the winter garden with spikes of fragrant yellow flowers when most trees are dormant.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Native

Sweet Acacia

Vachellia farnesiana

One of the most delightfully fragrant desert trees, filling the late-winter garden with intensely sweet golden blooms.

Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Barberry

Berberis trifoliolata

A dense shrub from the Chihuahuan Desert that provides excellent forage and shelter for wildlife with its spring and summer blooms.

Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Fourwing Saltbush

Atriplex canescens

A tough, extremely drought-tolerant shrub native to western North America with prickly leaves that provide shelter and food for birds.

Very Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Woolly Butterfly Bush

Buddleja marrubiifolia

A woolly-leaved shrub from the Chihuahuan Desert that is a magnet for butterflies with its orange spring and summer blooms.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Baja Fairy Duster

Calliandra californica

A graceful shrub with delicate foliage and red powderpuff flowers that draw butterflies and hummingbirds throughout the warm season.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Natal Plum

Carissa macrocarpa

A South African shrub with fragrant white flowers, edible fruit, and medium thorns that creates a lush oasis feel in the desert landscape.

Moderate Waterpartial shade

shrub

Texas Olive

Cordia boissieri

A drought-tolerant shrub with showy white flowers that bloom from spring through fall, attracting birds and wildlife.

Very Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Bush Dalea

Dalea pulchra

An Arizona native shrub with purple blooms spanning fall through spring that attract bees and butterflies.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Hop Bush

Dodonaea viscosa

A large evergreen shrub often used as a safe oleander alternative, providing excellent screening and bird habitat.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Desert Tea

Ephedra nevadensis

A unique western US native shrub with jointed stems and red tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds in late winter and spring.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Red Eremophila

Eremophila maculata

A compact Australian shrub that attracts hummingbirds and adapts well to Arizona desert conditions.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Blue Bells

Eremophila hygrophana

A compact Australian shrub with stunning violet-blue blooms from fall through spring that attract hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Turpentine Bush

Ericameria laricifolia

A compact, fragrant Sonoran Desert native with yellow blooms in late summer and fall that support local wildlife.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Flattop Buckwheat

Eriogonum fasciculatum

A compact Sonoran Desert native with white-pink summer blooms that age to rust-red seed heads and attract bees, birds, and butterflies.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

San Marcos Hibiscus

Gossypium harknessii

A compact, very drought-tolerant shrub with yellow and red summer blooms that attract bees, birds, and butterflies.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Guayacan

Guaiacum coulteri

A striking Mexican shrub with deep violet-blue summer flowers that attract bees and butterflies.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Violet Silverleaf

Leucophyllum candidum

A silver-leaved shrub with small yellow flowers from spring through fall that attract hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Creosote Bush

Larrea tridentata

The iconic desert shrub known for its distinctive rain-triggered fragrance, supporting bees and wildlife across the Sonoran Desert.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Texas Sage

Leucophyllum frutescens

A very drought-tolerant shrub with deep violet blooms after monsoon rains that attract hummingbirds.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Chihuahuan Sage

Leucophyllum laevigatum

A fragrant silver-green shrub with lavender summer blooms that attract hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Langman's Sage

Leucophyllum langmaniae

A lush green sage with spring blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds, offering a softer look than silver-leaved varieties.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Mangle Dulce

Maytenus phyllanthoides

A large, very drought-tolerant shrub from Baja California and Sonora with white-lavender blooms that attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and birds.

Very Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Oleander

Nerium oleander

A widely used screening shrub with colorful blooms, though all parts are poisonous to humans and animals.

Moderate Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Sugar Bush

Rhus ovata

A large Arizona native shrub with orange-red spring blooms, edible fruit, and strong bee appeal.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

cactus

Native

Saguaro

Carnegiea gigantea

The towering icon of the Sonoran Desert, providing critical habitat for birds and nocturnal pollinators alike.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Hildmann's Cereus

Cereus hildmannianus

A striking columnar cactus whose large night-blooming flowers attract hawk moths under moonlight.

Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Golden Barrel

Echinocactus grusonii

A beloved golden-spined globe cactus that looks stunning planted in clusters among desert boulders.

Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Buckhorn Cholla

Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa

A native cholla that provides critical nesting habitat for desert birds and dazzling red-yellow spring blooms.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Engelmann's Hedgehog

Echinocereus engelmannii

A compact native hedgehog cactus that erupts with brilliant magenta blooms beloved by bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Argentine Hedgehog

Echinopsis huascha

A clumping Argentine cactus whose night-blooming white flowers create a magical display for nocturnal pollinators.

Low Waterpartial shade

cactus

Argentine Giant

Echinopsis candicans

A towering columnar cactus producing spectacular 6-to-8-inch fragrant white flowers that perfume the night air.

Low Waterpartial shade

cactus

Cardon Grande

Echinopsis terscheckii

A compact Argentine cactus that draws hummingbirds with its spectacular orange-red spring and summer flowers.

Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii

A widespread native prickly pear whose vivid magenta-pink spring flowers give way to edible purple fruit.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Beavertail Prickly Pear

Opuntia basilaris

A low-growing native prickly pear with distinctive blue-gray pads and cheerful yellow spring blooms that feed desert birds.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Compass Barrel

Ferocactus cylindraceus

A rugged native barrel cactus that famously tilts toward the south, crowned with yellow-orange summer blooms.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Blue Myrtle Cactus

Myrtillocactus geometrizans

A treelike blue-green cactus bearing fragrant blooms and edible purple fruits reminiscent of blueberries.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Giant Prickly Pear

Opuntia robusta

An imposing prickly pear with enormous silver-blue pads that creates an unforgettable desert focal point.

Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Mexican Fencepost

Pachycereus marginatus

A columnar cactus traditionally used as a living fence, turning a dramatic purple when cold weather arrives.

Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Purple Prickly Pear

Opuntia santa-rita

A showstopper prickly pear with vivid purple pads that intensify in winter cold, paired with bright pink spring blooms.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Indian Fig

Opuntia ficus-indica

A mostly spineless prickly pear prized for its delicious edible fruit and sculptural treelike presence.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

cactus

Spruce Cones

Tephrocactus articulatus

A spineless oddity with pine-cone-shaped segments that looks like a living sculpture in containers and rock gardens.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

cactus

Native

Organ Pipe

Stenocereus thurberi

A majestic multi-stemmed native cactus whose night-blooming flowers are pollinated by lesser long-nosed bats.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Native

Senita

Pachycereus schottii

A whiskered columnar cactus with an exclusive pollination partnership with the tiny senita moth.

Very Low Waterfull sun

cactus

Totem Pole

Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus

A smooth, spineless mutation of the senita prized for its surreal, totem-like sculptural columns.

Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

succulent

Cow's Horn Agave

Agave bovicornuta

A glossy green agave with striking decorative marginal teeth that catch the light like stained glass.

Very Low Waterpartial shade

succulent

Smooth Agave

Agave desmettiana

A fast-growing agave with a perfectly symmetrical rosette that brings effortless elegance to modern desert gardens.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Mescal Ceniza

Agave colorata

A compact blue-gray agave with beautifully banded leaves that add intricate texture to desert compositions.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Twin-Flowered Agave

Agave geminiflora

A fast-growing agave with hundreds of slender, smooth-edged leaves radiating in a perfect dense sphere.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Native

Parry's Agave

Agave parryi

A compact native agave with tightly packed blue-gray leaves forming one of the most decorative rosettes in the desert.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Weber's Agave

Agave weberi

A soft-tipped agave that attracts hummingbirds to its towering flower spike and offers winter color interest.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Octopus Agave

Agave vilmoriniana

A fast-growing, spineless agave with gracefully arching leaves that twist and curl like octopus tentacles.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Dawe's Aloe

Aloe dawei

A bold, large-scale aloe that commands attention with its impressive rosette and cheerful yellow flower spikes.

Very Low Waterpartial shade

succulent

Cape Aloe

Aloe ferox

A towering South African aloe whose fiery orange-red winter blooms draw hummingbirds and create a lush oasis feel.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Medicinal Aloe

Aloe vera

The classic healing aloe whose soothing gel has been used for centuries, while its blooms support bees and butterflies.

Very Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

accent

Native

Desert Milkweed

Asclepias subulata

A vital native butterfly host plant with rush-like stems that supports monarch and queen butterfly populations.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Yellow Bulbine

Bulbine frutescens

A low-growing succulent ground cover with cheerful yellow flower spikes that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

accent

Grass Tree

Dasylirion quadrangulatum

A sculptural accent with twisting narrow leaves that cascade like a living fountain from atop a slender trunk.

Low Waterfull sun

accent

Sago Palm

Cycas revoluta

A prehistoric-looking cycad that adds tropical elegance to desert landscapes, but all parts are highly poisonous to pets and people.

Low Waterpartial shade

accent

Native

Desert Spoon

Dasylirion wheeleri

An exceptional native specimen with a dense sphere of blue-gray leaves and a towering summer flower spike.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Candelilla

Euphorbia antisyphilitica

A waxy-stemmed Chihuahuan native with delicate pink-white blooms, historically harvested for its natural candle wax.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Slipper Flower

Euphorbia lomelii

A quirky succulent bearing tiny red slipper-shaped flowers that hummingbirds love to visit.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Blue Euphorbia

Euphorbia rigida

A blue-gray Mediterranean succulent that lights up winter gardens with bright chartreuse flower clusters.

Very Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

succulent

Firestick

Euphorbia tirucalli

A pencil-branched succulent that transforms from green to blazing orange-red in winter, but beware its highly toxic sap.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Giant Hesperaloe

Hesperaloe funifera

A statuesque hesperaloe that sends up towering flower spikes attracting bees by day and nocturnal pollinators by night.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora

One of the toughest and most rewarding desert plants, sending up arching coral-red flower spikes that hummingbirds adore.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

accent

Native

Beargrass

Nolina microcarpa

A graceful native grass-like accent that softens harsh desert hardscape with its flowing cascade of narrow leaves.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Partridge Breast Aloe

Gonialoe variegata

A diminutive variegated aloe with striking banded leaves that thrives in containers and tight garden spaces.

Very Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

accent

Native

Soaptree Yucca

Yucca elata

A treelike native yucca that depends on the tiny yucca moth for pollination, creating a timeless desert silhouette.

Very Low Waterfull sun

accent

Paleleaf Yucca

Yucca pallida

A compact pale blue-green yucca perfectly sized for containers and small garden spaces, pollinated by yucca moths.

Very Low Waterfull sun

succulent

Elephant's Food

Portulacaria afra

A dense, shrubby South African succulent with tiny round leaves that makes an excellent informal hedge or security barrier.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

accent

Native

Banana Yucca

Yucca baccata

A rugged native yucca bearing dramatic white blooms and fleshy banana-shaped fruit once prized by indigenous peoples.

Very Low Waterfull sun

groundcover

Trailing Acacia

Acacia redolens

A tough Australian groundcover valued for erosion control on banks with fragrant small yellow flowers in early spring.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Trailing Desert Broom

Baccharis hybrid (male)

A male hybrid groundcover that thrives in tough conditions and produces no allergenic seed fluff.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Native

Trailing Indigo Bush

Dalea greggii

A native groundcover with silvery foliage and lavender-purple spring blooms, excellent for erosion control on slopes.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Bush Morning Glory

Convolvulus cneorum

A fast-growing European groundcover with showy white flowers against silvery foliage that demands well-drained soil.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Trailing Gazania

Gazania rigens

A South African groundcover with brilliant yellow daisy-like flowers that may die if overwatered.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Myoporum

Myoporum parvifolium

A fast-growing fragrant Australian groundcover that attracts butterflies but can be a skin irritant.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Trailing Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis Prostratus

A prostrate form of rosemary with aromatic foliage and butter yellow flowers, perfect for borders and containers.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Creeping Germander

Teucrium chamaedrys Prostratum

A fragrant creeping groundcover with pale pink flowers that thrives in well-drained soil.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

vine

Lilac Vine

Hardenbergia violacea

A fast-growing Australian vine prized for its purple flowers that provide winter color in well-drained soil.

Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

vine

Catclaw Vine

Dolichandra unguis-cati

A vigorous fast-growing vine with large yellow trumpet flowers that can damage walls if not managed.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

vine

Lady Bank's Rose

Rosa banksiae

A thornless climbing rose with showy lightly fragrant pink flowers, ideal for arbors and walls.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

A fast-growing versatile native bunch grass with lush flower plumes that dries to an attractive tan.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Bamboo Muhly

Muhlenbergia dumosa

A native grass that resembles bamboo, perfect for containers and adding a lush tropical texture to the landscape.

Moderate WateranyPool Safe

perennial

Native

Desert Marigold

Baileya multiradiata

A cheerful Southwestern native that blankets the landscape with sunny yellow daisies nearly every month of the year.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Chocolate Flower

Berlandiera lyrata

A delightful native perennial whose sunny yellow flowers release an irresistible chocolate fragrance in the morning sun.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Damianita

Chrysactinia mexicana

A compact, fragrant perennial that fills courtyards with golden blooms and aromatic foliage through spring and fall.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Blackfoot Daisy

Melampodium leucanthum

A tough little native that produces a constant show of crisp white daisies with almost no water at all.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Moss Verbena

Glandularia tenera

A low-spreading perennial from South America that weaves a vibrant purple carpet beloved by butterflies.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Rock Penstemon

Penstemon baccharifolius

A compact penstemon that tucks into rocky niches and rewards with cherry red blooms irresistible to hummingbirds.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Firecracker Penstemon

Penstemon eatonii

A vivid Southwestern native that lights up late winter gardens with scarlet spikes hummingbirds cannot resist.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Parry's Penstemon

Penstemon parryi

A stunning Sonoran Desert native whose hot pink flower spikes make spring landscapes unforgettable.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Coral Penstemon

Penstemon superbus

Tall spikes of bright coral flowers rise from the Chihuahuan Desert floor, beckoning every hummingbird in the neighborhood.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Paperflower

Psilostrophe cooperi

A resilient desert native whose papery yellow blooms intensify with the monsoon rains and last for months.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Canyon Penstemon

Penstemon pseudospectabilis

Rose-purple flower spikes and unique clasping leaves make this Southwestern native a showstopper in spring gardens.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Jerusalem Sage

Phlomis fruticosa

Bold whorls of intense yellow flowers crown this Mediterranean native, adding Old World charm to desert gardens.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Chaparral Sage

Salvia clevelandii

One of the most intensely fragrant sages, filling the garden with heavenly scent while feeding bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

A compact sage that blooms prolifically from spring through fall, keeping hummingbirds and bees happily fed.

Moderate Waterpartial shadePool Safe

perennial

Native

Globe Mallow

Sphaeralcea ambigua

A rugged Southwestern native available in a palette of orange, white, pink, and lavender that thrives on neglect.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Native

Mt. Lemmon Marigold

Tagetes lemmonii

An Arizona mountain native whose fragrant foliage and orange-yellow blooms brighten the garden when little else is flowering.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Rain Lily

Zephyranthes candida

Magical white blooms pop up seemingly overnight after summer rains, earning this charming bulb its evocative name.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Angelita Daisy

Tetraneuris acaulis

A tiny powerhouse that produces golden yellow daisies nearly every day of the year in an impossibly compact form.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

palm

Date Palm

Phoenix dactylifera

Classic desert oasis palm that brings resort-style elegance to any landscape.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

succulent

Native

Century Plant

Agave americana

Bold architectural succulent that makes a dramatic statement in any landscape.

Very Low Waterfull sun