Pet-Safe Plants for Arizona Yards

Dog- and cat-friendly Arizona landscape plants — non-toxic species for backyards where pets roam. Curated by Outdoor Dream Builders.

191 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

tree

Anacacho Orchid Tree

Bauhinia lunarioides

A charming small tree with delicate orchid-like white and pink blooms that draw bees and butterflies to the garden.

Low Waterpartial shadePool 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

Floss Silk Tree

Ceiba speciosa

A stunning tropical tree that erupts in spectacular pink-red blooms in fall, with a distinctive thorny green trunk.

Moderate Waterfull sun

tree

Native

Canyon Hackberry

Celtis reticulata

A tough native shade tree prized for its wildlife value, producing berries that attract birds and mammals.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

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

Native

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

A graceful native tree with orchid-like blooms in white, pink, or purple that attract hummingbirds throughout the warm season.

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

Native

Kidneywood

Eysenhardtia orthocarpa

A fragrant native tree with delicate white flower spikes that attract a cloud of bees and butterflies in summer.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Native

Feather Bush

Lysiloma watsonii

A lush native tree with feathery, fern-like foliage that gives a tropical feel to Sonoran Desert gardens.

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

Tenaza

Havardia pallens

A narrow, upright tree with sweetly fragrant cream puffball flowers and a graceful canopy.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Palo Blanco

Mariosousa willardiana

A sculptural tree with striking white peeling bark that creates an elegant, luminous presence in the desert landscape.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

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

Native

Blue Palo Verde

Parkinsonia florida

Arizona's beloved state tree with blue-green photosynthetic bark and a dazzling canopy of bright yellow spring blooms.

Very Low Waterfull sun

tree

Hybrid Palo Verde

Parkinsonia hybrid

A thornless palo verde hybrid combining the best traits of native species with an urban-friendly, clean form.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Native

Foothills Palo Verde

Parkinsonia microphylla

A sculptural Sonoran native with luminous lime-green bark and a canopy of bright yellow blooms that lights up the spring desert.

Very Low Waterfull sun

tree

Palo Brea

Parkinsonia praecox

A compact palo verde relative with smooth green bark and cheerful sulfur-yellow spring blooms from the Baja region.

Very Low Waterfull sun

tree

Native

Texas Honey Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

A spreading native mesquite that provides generous shade and critical habitat for bees, birds, and wildlife.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

South American Mesquite

Prosopis hybrid

A robust mesquite hybrid offering expansive shade and attracting bees and birds to the landscape.

Low Waterfull sun

tree

Native

Velvet Mesquite

Prosopis velutina

A quintessential Sonoran Desert shade tree with soft velvety foliage and deep roots that support a thriving wildlife community.

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

Chaste Tree

Vitex agnus-castus

A fragrant summer bloomer with spires of lavender flowers that draw bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds from across the garden.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

tree

Native

Whitethorn Acacia

Vachellia constricta

A tough, compact native acacia with cheerful yellow puffball blooms that provide essential food for desert bees and birds.

Very 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

tree

Blackbrush Acacia

Vachellia rigidula

A dense, thorny acacia with light yellow spring blooms, ideal as an impenetrable barrier that also supports pollinators.

Very Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Superstition Mallow

Abutilon palmeri

A subtropical shrub with velvety leaves and orange-yellow flowers that attract bees and butterflies throughout the warm season.

Moderate Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Triangleleaf Bursage

Ambrosia deltoidea

A compact Sonoran Desert native shrub with low litter and excellent pollinator value for butterflies and hummingbirds.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Bee Brush

Aloysia gratissima

A fragrant shrub from the Chihuahuan Desert that attracts abundant bees and butterflies with its scented orange-red flowers.

Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Flame Honeysuckle

Anisacanthus quadrifidus

A compact, very drought-tolerant shrub with vibrant orange-red flowers that draw bees and butterflies from summer through late fall.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

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

Native

Golden Eye

Bahiopsis parishii

A compact Sonoran Desert native with cheerful yellow daisy flowers that attract butterflies in spring and summer.

Very 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

Native

Pink Fairy Duster

Calliandra eriophylla

A compact southwestern native with charming pink powderpuff flowers in spring that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

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

Native

Desert Hackberry

Celtis pallida

A large Arizona native shrub prized for its excellent wildlife value, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Moderate Waterfull sun

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

Little Leaf Cordia

Cordia parvifolia

A versatile Sonoran Desert native shrub with white flower clusters, ideal for screening and low-water landscapes.

Very Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Black Dalea

Dalea frutescens

A compact shrub with rose-purple blooms in fall and early winter that attract butterflies and quail.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

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

Weeping Dalea

Dalea versicolor

A graceful Sonoran Desert native with a weeping form and violet blooms in winter and spring that attract 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

Brittlebush

Encelia farinosa

An iconic Sonoran Desert native with silver foliage and bright yellow daisy flowers that support bees, butterflies, birds, and mammals.

Very 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

Little Leaf Ash

Fraxinus greggii

A compact Chihuahuan Desert shrub with pale pink-white spring flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and moths.

Moderate 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

Native

Desert Lavender

Hyptis emoryi

An aromatic Sonoran Desert native shrub with wooly gray foliage and small lavender-blue flowers that draw bees and hummingbirds over a long season.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Firebush

Hamelia patens

A very drought-tolerant shrub with vibrant red-orange summer flowers that are irresistible to hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Chuparosa

Justicia californica

A large Sonoran Desert native shrub with fragrant orange-red flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds in winter and spring.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Red Justicia

Justicia candicans

A compact Arizona native shrub with vivid bright red flowers from fall through spring that are a favorite of hummingbirds.

Moderate Waterpartial shadePool 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

Native

Wolfberry

Lycium fremontii

A Sonoran Desert native shrub with lavender summer blooms that attract butterflies and 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

Pomegranate

Punica granatum

An ornamental and productive shrub prized for its edible fruit, white summer blooms, and value to birds.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

White Plumbago

Plumbago zeylanica

A compact Arizona native shrub with distinctive red buds that open to cream-colored flowers, attracting butterflies in spring.

Moderate Waterpartial shadePool Safe

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

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

accent

Native

Ocotillo

Fouquieria splendens

An unmistakable desert icon whose thorny canes erupt with fiery red-orange blooms that hummingbirds cannot resist.

Very Low Waterfull sun

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

Trailing Lantana

Lantana montevidensis

A fast-spreading trailing groundcover ideal for slopes, with lavender, yellow, or white blooms year-round.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Tufted Evening Primrose

Oenothera cespitosa

A fragrant dusk-blooming groundcover with white flowers that fade to pink, attracting hawk moths and birds.

Low 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

Saltillo Primrose

Oenothera stubbei

A fast-spreading Mexican primrose with sweet-scented dusk flowers that attract hawk moths.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

groundcover

Katie Ruellia

Ruellia simplex Katie

A fragrant purple-flowering groundcover that attracts bees and pollinators throughout the warm season.

Moderate 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

Queen's Wreath

Antigonon leptopus

A fast-growing vine with cascades of bright pink flowers that attracts bees and birds, dying back in winter and regrowing vigorously.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

vine

Bougainvillea

Bougainvillea spectabilis

A spectacular vine available in many colors and forms, bearing large thorns and producing high litter.

Low Waterfull sun

vine

Yellow Orchid Vine

Callaeum macropterum

An unusual vine with yellow orchid-like flowers and decorative paper-like seed pods native to Baja California and Sonora.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

vine

Native

Grape Ivy

Cissus trifoliata

A native vine ranging from Arizona to Florida that gracefully drapes over walls and fences.

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

Yuca Vine

Merremia aurea

A Baja California vine with bright yellow summer flowers that dies back in winter and returns each year.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

vine

Baja Passion Vine

Passiflora arida

A striking Sonoran vine with exotic white and purple flowers that serves as a host plant for Gulf Fritillary butterflies.

Low 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

vine

Pink Trumpet Vine

Podranea ricasoliana

A fast-growing South African vine with delicate pale trumpet flowers that requires little maintenance.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Sideoats Grama

Bouteloua curtipendula

A fast-growing native range grass with distinctive sidelong seed spikes that attract birds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Blue Grama

Bouteloua gracilis

A fast-growing native grass with charming eyelash-shaped seedheads, ideal for meadow-style plantings.

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

Pink Muhly

Muhlenbergia capillaris

A fast-growing ornamental grass with stunning pink plumes that glow when backlit by the sun in fall.

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

Hummingbird Trumpet

Epilobium canum

A fiery late-season bloomer whose tubular orange-red flowers are an essential fuel stop for migrating hummingbirds.

Moderate 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

Native

Goodding's Verbena

Glandularia gooddingii

A fragrant Southwestern native that carpets the ground with lavender-pink blooms, drawing butterflies from across the garden.

Moderate 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

Maximilian Sunflower

Helianthus maximiliani

A towering native sunflower whose golden fall spires provide a feast for butterflies and seed-loving birds.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Gaura

Oenothera lindheimeri

Graceful wands of white and pink butterfly-like flowers dance above the foliage from summer through fall.

Low 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

Mexican Hat

Ratibida columnifera

Whimsical cone-shaped flowers in yellow and maroon nod above the foliage, spreading freely through wildflower meadows.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Purple Ruellia

Ruellia simplex

Rich purple blooms open fresh each morning from spring to fall, making it a reliable source of garden color and cut flowers.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

perennial

Mealy Cup Sage

Salvia farinacea

Elegant spikes of blue-purple flowers rise above silvery foliage, drawing hummingbirds and butterflies all season long.

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

Mexican Bush Sage

Salvia leucantha

Soft, velvety flower spikes in shades of purple, red, pink, and white make this Mexican native a textural standout.

Moderate 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

Desert Senna

Senna covesii

A velvety Sonoran Desert native that draws bees and butterflies with its bright yellow blooms from late spring through fall.

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

Orange Zexmenia

Wedelia acapulcensis

Cheerful orange-yellow daisies blanket this heat-loving perennial through the hottest months of summer.

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

annual

Garden Cosmos

Cosmos bipinnatus

Airy, feathery foliage topped with cheerful daisy blooms in shades of white and pink that bees and butterflies adore.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Spreading Fleabane

Erigeron divergens

A prolific Southwestern native that scatters tiny daisy-like flowers in white, pink, purple, and red across the landscape.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Desert Coreopsis

Coreopsis bigelovii

Sheets of golden yellow wildflowers transform the desert floor in early spring, attracting butterflies by the dozen.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Owl's Clover

Castilleja exserta

Dense spikes of rose-pink to purple blooms paint the desert floor in spring, creating a wildflower spectacle.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Mexican Gold Poppy

Eschscholzia californica mexicana

Silky golden cups open in the late winter sun, carpeting desert hillsides in one of Arizona's most beloved wildflower displays.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Blanket Flower

Gaillardia pulchella

Vivid bicolor blooms in yellow and maroon blanket the garden from late spring through fall, thriving in desert heat.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Arizona Poppy

Kallstroemia grandiflora

Bright red flowers burst into bloom with the summer monsoons, transforming barren ground into a vivid desert carpet.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Red Flax

Linum grandiflorum Rubrum

Silky scarlet-red petals shimmer atop wiry stems, adding a delicate Mediterranean touch to summer gardens.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Arroyo Lupine

Lupinus succulentus

Stately spikes of violet-blue flowers rise above lush palmate foliage, signaling the arrival of desert spring.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Five Spot

Nemophila maculata

Each delicate white petal is tipped with a distinctive purple spot, creating an enchanting pattern in spring gardens.

Moderate Waterpartial shadePool Safe

annual

Shirley Poppy

Papaver rhoeas

Tissue-paper thin petals in red, pink, and white flutter on slender stems, bringing classic poppy charm to desert gardens.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Blue Flax

Linum lewisii

Delicate sky-blue flowers open fresh each morning on wiry stems, reseeding generously to return year after year.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Moss Rose

Portulaca grandiflora

Jewel-toned blooms in rose, red, yellow, and white open each sunny day above fleshy succulent leaves.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Chia

Salvia columbariae

The original superfood plant of the Southwest, producing whorls of blue flowers followed by the famous nutritious seeds.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

annual

Native

Golden Dyssodia

Thymophylla pentachaeta

A diminutive desert gem that covers itself in tiny golden daisies from late spring through fall, attracting butterflies all season.

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

palm

Date Palm

Phoenix dactylifera

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

Moderate Waterfull sunPool Safe

shrub

Native

Yellow Bells

Tecoma stans

Arizona native that produces masses of trumpet-shaped yellow flowers from spring through fall.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Purple Fountain Grass

Pennisetum setaceum Rubrum

Dramatic ornamental grass with burgundy foliage and feathery purple plumes.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe