Thornless Plants for Arizona

Thorn-free Arizona plants — safe around kids, pets, walkways, and pools without sacrificing desert character.

150 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

Live Oak

Quercus virginiana

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

Moderate Waterfull sun

tree

Mexican Buckeye

Ungnadia speciosa

A large deciduous tree with showy pink spring flowers and interesting seed pods, offering generous shade.

Low Waterpartial shadePool Safe

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

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

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

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

Red Bird of Paradise

Caesalpinia pulcherrima

A tropical-looking shrub with showy red powderpuff blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from spring through fall.

Moderate 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

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

Yellow Bird of Paradise

Erythrostemon gilliesii

A showy shrub with striking yellow flowers and prominent red stamens that attract butterflies and hummingbirds from spring through fall.

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

Oleander

Nerium oleander

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

Moderate 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lantana

Lantana hybrid

A vibrant year-round bloomer in yellow, orange, and gold that attracts butterflies but is a skin irritant.

Moderate 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

Myoporum

Myoporum parvifolium

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

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

groundcover

Yellow Dot

Sphagneticola trilobata

A fast-spreading tropical groundcover with cheerful yellow daisy flowers that can be invasive and is a skin irritant.

Moderate WateranyPool 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

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

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

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

Desert Bluebells

Phacelia campanularia

Intensely blue bell-shaped flowers make this desert annual one of the most striking wildflowers you can grow from seed.

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

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