Low Water Use Landscaping – GIANT TREES

Chinese Pistache (Pistacia Chinensis)

Giant low water use trees can be a great asset to your Tucson Real Estate. In a large urban yard as a centerpiece of the landscape or on acreage is a great place for large trees.  My criteria for a large tree is a tree 35 feet tall and taller.  Here are some choices:

• Indian Rosewood (Dalbergia Sissoo) is a moderate water use fast growing semi-evergreen plant native to India.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 25 degrees, creates low litter, and has no thorns.  Indian Rosewood grows upright to about 40 feet tall by 30 feet across and has cream non-showy blooms in the spring.  This tree is a great large shade tree.
• Coolibah (Eucalyptus Microtheca) is a VERY low water use fast growing evergreen plant native to Australia.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has no thorns.  Coolibah grows irregular to about 35 feet tall by 25 feet across and has cream non-showy flowers in the summer.  This tree will accept lawn conditions.
• Afghan Pine (Pinus Eldarica) is a low water use fast growing evergreen plant native to Afghanistan.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has no thorns.  Afghan Pine grows irregular to about 50 feet tall by 35 feet across so be sure to consider the mature size of this tree.  This tree has brown cones and provides a Mediterranean look to your landscape.
• Chinese Pistache (Pistacia Chinensis) is a moderate water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to China and the Philippines.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has no thorns.  Chinese Pistache grows in a rounded crown to about 40 feet tall by 35 feet across and has green non-showy blooms in the spring.  This dense shade tree has a striking fall color and red fruit on female trees.
• Live Oak (Quercus Virginiana) is a moderate water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to the southeast United States.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to zero degrees, creates seasonal litter, has no thorns, and is allergenic.  Live Oak grows in a wide crown to about 40 feet tall by 50 feet across and has green non-showy blooms in the spring.  Be sure to considered the mature size of this tree when making a selection.  This tree does well in lawn conditions.
• Evergreen Elm (Ulmus Parvifolia) is a moderate water use fast growing semi-evergreen plant native to China.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has no thorns.  Evergreen Elm grows umbrella-like to about 35 feet tall and 35 feet across, has attractive bark, and green non-showy blooms in the spring.  This tree does well in lawn conditions.

These plants can be a great choice for your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape. Add your favorite giant trees in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

Low Water Use Landscaping – LARGE TREES

Ironwood (Olneya Tesota)

Large low water use trees can be a great asset to your Tucson Real Estate. In an urban yard as a centerpiece of the landscape is a great place for large trees.  My criteria for a large tree is a tree between 25 and 30 feet tall and here are some choices:

• Willow Acacia (Acacia Salicina) is a low water use fast growing evergreen plant native to the Australia. It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates low litter, and has no thorns. Willow Acacia grows upright and open to about 30 feet tall by 15 feet across and has cream puffballs in spring. This plant is a suitable screen for narrow areas.
• Shoestring Acacia (Acacia Steinophylla) is a VERY low water use evergreen plant native to Australia.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 18 degrees, creates low litter, has no thorns, and over watering should be avoided.  Shoestring Acacia grows upright and airy to about 30 feet tall by 20 feet across and has cream puffballs from fall to winter.  This plant can be used as a tall screening tree.
• Canyon Hackberry (Celtis Reticulata) is a moderate water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to the western United States.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to zero degrees, creates seasonal litter, has no thorns, and is allergenic.  Canyon Hackberry grows sprawling to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has green non-showy blooms in the spring.  The tree has a distinctive trunk and birds love the tine orange berries.
• Blue Palo Verde (Cercidium Floridum) is a VERY low water use fast growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates seasonal liter, and has small thorns.  Blue Palo Verde grows vase-shaped to about 30 feet tall by 30 feet across and has bright yellow blooms in the spring.
• Hybrid Palo Verde or Desert Museum Palo Verde (Cercidium Hybrid) is a VERY low water use fast growing semi-evergreen horticultural selection plant.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates seasonal litter, has no thorns, and over watering may cause limbs to break.  Hybrid Palo Verde grows vase-shaped to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has yellow blooms from spring to summer.
• Palo Brea (Cercidium Praecox) is a VERY low water use fast growing semi-evergreen plant native to Mexico into South America.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 25 degrees, creates low litter, and has small thorns.  Palo Brea grows umbrella-like to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has bright yellow blooms in late spring.  This tree has a distinctive sculptural form and lime-green bark.
• Desert Willow (Chamaerops Bumilis) is a low water use fast growing deciduous plant native to the southwestern United States and Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to zero degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has no thorns.  Desert Willow grows irregular to about 25 feet tall by 20 feet across and has white, pink, and purple trumpet-shaped flowers from spring to fall.  This tree is leafless in winter and its beautiful flowers attract hummingbirds.
• Silk Floss Tree (Chorisia Speciosa) is a moderate water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to Brazil and Argentina.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 26 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has thorns on the trunk.  Silk Floss Tree grows upright to about 30 feet tall by 25 feet across and has a spectacular show of pink to red flowers in the fall.  This tree has a distinctive trunk.
• Red-Cap Gum (Eucalyptus Erythrocorys) is a VERY low water use fast growing evergreen plant native to Australia.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 24 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has no thorns.  Red-Cap Gum grows uptight to about 25 feet tall by 15 feet across and has red buds followed by yellow clusters in the summer.  This tree can create an effective screen.
• Fruitless Olive (Olea Europaea) is a low water use slow to moderate growing evergreen horticultural selection plant.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates low litter and has no thorns.  Fruitless Olive grows in a rounded crown to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has cream non-showy blooms in the spring.  This tree provides a Mediterranean look to your landscape.  (It is important to note that only pollen-less and fruitless olive trees can be legally purchased for landscape use in Arizona.)
• Ironwood (Olneya Tesota) is a VERY low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates low litter, and has thorns.  Ironwood grows in a rounded crown to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has dusty lavender flowers in late spring.  This handsome tree lends character to the landscape.
• Mexican Ebony (Pithecellobium Mexicanum) is a low water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to Sonora.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has small thorns.  Mexican Ebony grows irregular and open to about 30 feet tall by 25 feet across and has cream puffballs in the spring.
• Tenaza (Pithecellobium Pallens) is a low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to south Texas and northeast Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has thorns.  Tenaza grows shrub-like to about 25 feet tall by 12 feet across, has fragrant cream puffballs in the summer, and attractive gray bark.
• Texas Honey Mesquite (Prosopis Glandulosa v. glandulosa) is a VERY low water use fast growing deciduous plant native to Texas and Mexico.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to zero degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has large thorns (although thorn-less selections are available).  Texas Honey Mesquite grows in a wide crown to about 30 feet tall by 30 feet across, has a graceful character, and pale yellow blooms in the spring.
• Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis Species) is a VERY low water use fast growing semi-evergreen horticultural selections plant.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has variable thorns.  Chilean Mesquite grows in a wide crown to about 30 feet tall by 30 feet across and has yellow-green blooms in the spring.  Limiting water will control the rapid growth of these trees and help prevent uprooting in high winds.
• Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis Velutina) is a VERY low water use moderate to fast growing diciduous plant native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to zero degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has thorns.  Velvet Mesquite grows in a wide crown to about 25 feet tall by 25 feet across and has pale yellow blooms in the spring.  This tree may be sold as Prosopis Juliflora or Prosopis Pubescens.

These plants can be a great choice for your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape. Add your favorite large trees in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

Low Water Use Landscaping – MEDIUM TREES

Foothills Palo Verde (Cercidium Microphyllum)

Medium low water use trees can be a great asset to your Tucson Real Estate.  In a small yard, as a focal point in front of the house, and near a building are great places for medium trees.  My criteria for a medium tree is a tree between 15 and 20 feet tall and here are some choices:

• Guajillo (Acacia Berlandieri) is a low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to southern Texas and Mexico. It can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates moderate litter, and variable thorns. Guajillo grows vase-shaped to about 15 feet tall by 15 feet across and has cream puffballs in spring. This lush-looking plant can be grown as a screening shrub or an attractive tree.
• Sweet Acacia (acacia Farnesiana) is a low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native from the southern United States into South America.  It can tolerate full sunshine, is hardy to 10 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has small thorns.  Sweet Acacia grows vase-shaped to about 20 feet tall by 20 feet across and has sweet-scented golden yellow puffballs from late winter to spring.  This plant will provide good winter color for your yard.
• Palo Blanco (Acacia Willardiana) is a VERY low water use slow to moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to the southern Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 25 degrees, creates very little litter, and has no thorns.  Palo Blanco grows upright and airy to about 20 feet tall by ten feet across and has blooms that look like cream-colored spikes in the spring.  This plant has striking white peeling bark and is a great accent tree.
• Mexican Blue Palm (Brabea Armata) is a low water use very slow growing evergreen plant native to Baja California.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates low litter, and has thorns.  Mexican Blue Palm grows upright with fan-like fronds to about 15 feet tall by eight feet across and has cream garlands in the summer.  This is a bold tropical palm and is well suited to containers.
• Cascalote (Caesalpinta Cacalaco) is a low water use slow to moderate growing evergreen plant native to Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates low litter, and has medium thorns.  Cascalote grows vase-shaped to about 15 feet tall by 15 feet across and has showy yellow flower spikes from winter to spring.  The stunning winter flowers are followed by colorful seed pods.
• Foothills Palo Verde (Cercidium Microphyllum) is a VERY low water use slow growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates seasonal litter, and has thorns.  Foothills Palo Verde grows shrub-like to about 15 feet tall by 15 feet across and has sulfur yellow flowers in mid to late spring.
• Kidneywood (Eysenbardtia Orthocarpa) is a low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to southern Arizona and Sonora.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates low litter, and has no thorns.  Kidneywood grows shrub-like to about 15 feet tall by ten feet across and has white flower spikes in the summer.
• Feather Bush (Lysiloma Microphylla n. Thomberi) is a low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to Arizona and Sonora.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 25 degrees, creates high litter, and has no thorns.  Feather Bush grows shrub-like to about 15 feet tall by 15 feet across and has cream puffballs from late spring to early summer.  This lush plant can be grown as a shrub or tree.
• Mastic Tree (Pistacia Lenliscus) is a low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates low litter, and has no thorns.  Mastic Tree grows shrub-like to about 15 feet tall by 20 feet across and has green non-showy flowers in the spring.  This plant is great for screening.
• Texas Ebony (Pitbecellobium Flexicanle) is a VERY low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to south Texas and Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has thorns.  Texas Ebony grows irregular to about 20 feet tall by 15 feet across and has cream to yellow flowers in late spring to early summer.  This plant has rich green foliage and the bark can sunburn it the tree is overpruned.
• Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus) is a moderate water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to southern Europe.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, creates moderate litter, and has no thorns.  Chaste Tree grows shrub-like to about 20 feet tall by 20 feet across and has fragrant lavender flower spikes summer to fall.  The seeds of this tree can be hazardous on sidewalks.

These plants can be a great choice for your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape. Add your favorite medium trees in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

Low Water Use Landscaping – SMALL TREES

Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops Huilis)

Small low water use trees can be a great asset to your Tucson Real Estate. In a small patio area, in a tight entry courtyard, and under power lines or low-hanging eves are great places for small trees.  My criteria for a small tree is a tree under 12 feet tall and here are some choices:

• White Thorn Acacia (Acacia Constricta) is a VERY low water use slow growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. It can tolerate full sunlight, is hardy to 5 degrees, creates moderate litter, and medium thorns. White Thorn Acacia grows multi-trunked to about ten feet tall by 15 feet across and has yellow puffballs from spring to summer. This plant attracts birds.
• Leather-Leaf Acacia (Acacia Craspedocarpa) is a VERY low water use slow to moderate growing evergreen plant native to Australia. It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to five degrees, has low litter, and no thorns. Leather-Leaf Acacia grows rounded to about ten feet tall by eight feet across and has yellow puffs from spring to summer.  This plant is great for small spaces or for planting in large containers.
• Blackbrush Acacia (Acacia Rigidula) is a VERY low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter, and medium thorns. Blackbrush Acacia grows shrub-like to about 12 feet tall by 12 feet across and has light yellow spikes in the spring. This plant is effective as a barrier and has attractive gray bark.
• Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia Lunarioides) is a low water use slow to moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert. It can tolerate full sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter, and no thorns. Anacacho Orchid Tree grows shrub-like to about eight feet tall by six feet across and has white or pink flower clusters from spring to summer. This plant is a great small tree for your patio and has leaves that are shaped like butterflies.
• Mediterranean Fan Palm (Chamaerops Huilis) is a medium water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Mediterranean area and Africa.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter, and thorns on the leaves.  Mediterranean Fan Palm grows multi-trunked with fan-like fronds to about ten feet tall by ten feet across and has cream blooms in the summer (I’ve never seen that on mine).  This plant is a great accent plant and grows well in small areas and containers.
• Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia Speciosa) is a low water use slow growing deciduous plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 5 degrees, has seasonal litter, and no thorns.  Mexican Buckeye grows shrub-like to about ten feet tall by ten feet across and has rose-pink fragrant flowers in spring.  This plant can be grown as a large shrub or a small patio tree.

These plants can be a great choice for your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape. Add your favorite small trees in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

Low Water Use Landscaping – SUCCULENTS & ACCENTS

Grass Tree (Dasylirion Longissimum)

Here are some possible choices in Succulents and Accents to beautify your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape:

• Desert Milkweed (Asclepias Subulata) is a VERY low water use moderate growing plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight and is hardy to 20 degrees.  Desert Milkweed grows to about three feet tall by three feet across and its white flower clusters bloom spring through fall.
• Yellow Bulbine (Bulbine Frutescens) is a fast growing low water use plant native to South Africa.  It prefers partial shade and is hardy to 15 degrees.  Yellow Bulbine grows to about one foot tall by two feet across and its blooms are yellow or orange spikes that arrive winter to spring.
• Grass Tree (Dasylirion Longissimum) is a low water use slow growing plant native to northeast Mexico.  This plant does well in full sun and is hardy to 15 degrees.  Grass Tree grows to about five feet tall by five feet across and its white to cream flowers bloom in summer.
• Desert Spoon (Dasylirion Wheeleri)is a low water use moderate growing plant that is native to southern Arizona and the Chihuahuan Desert.  Desert Spoon grows to about four feet tall by four feet across, has tall stalks with cream flowers in late spring to summer, can tolerate full sun, and is hardy to zero degrees.  For shady areas try Dasylirion Acrotriche.
• Candelilla (Euphorbia Antisyphilitica) is a VERY low water use moderate growing plant that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  Candelilla grows to about one foot tall by two feet across, is evergreen, has pink and white flowers in spring to summer, does well with full reflected sunlight to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees and does well in containers.
• Ocotillo (Fouquieria Splendens) is a VERY low water use slow growing deciduous plant that is native to the Sonoran, Chihuahuan and Mohave deserts.  This plant does well in direct sunlight and is hardy to 10 degrees.  Although it loses its leaves in the winter and has small thorns, the Ocotillo always has a striking silhouette. Ocotillo grows to about 12 feet tall by ten feet across and has red to orange clusters of flowers in the spring that attract hummingbirds.  This is one of my very favorite accent plants.
• Beargrass (Nolina Microcarpa) is a VERY low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the southwest United States and Mexico.  It grows to bout three feet tall by four feet across and the pale green to cream flowers bloom in late spring to early summer.  Beargrass can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to zero degrees and does well in containers.
• Slipper Flower (Pedilanthus Macrocarpus) is a VERY low water use and moderate growth rate plant native to Baja California and Sonora.  It is evergreen, grows to about three feet tall by three feet across, can tolerate of full sun to partial shade, and is hardy to 25 degrees.  Red slipperlike flowers bloom in late spring to summer and attract hummingbirds.
• Elephant’s Food (Portulacaria Afra) is moderate growing plant native to South Africa.  This low water use evergreen sprawling shrub does well in full sun to full shade and is hardy to 25 degrees.  Elephant’s Food grows to about three feet tall by four feet across.

These plants can be a great choice to accent your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape. Add your favorite accent plants in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.

Low Water Use Landscaping – ALOE

Partrige Breast Aloe (Aloe Variegata)

Aloe, much like Agave, are VERY low water use plants. In addition to the water savings, some of the Aloe I will discuss in this post are missing the sharp tips that are characteristic of these type of plants in general. Here are some Aloe choices:

• Dawe’s Aloe (Aloe Dawei) will grow at a moderate rate and is native to central Africa. It is more shrublike, likes full to partial sun and is hardy to 25 degrees. In the winter the striking red spike blooms will attract hummingbirds.  Dawe’s Aloe grows to about two feet tall by three feet across and the leaves have soft tips.
• Cape Aloe (Aloe Ferox) is native to South Africa. Growing at a moderate rate, this plant prefers partial shade and is hardy to 25 degrees. The showy candelabra-shaped orange-red flower spikes will attract hummingbird from winter to spring.  Cape Aloe grows to about five feet tall by three feet across and the leaves have sharp tips.
• Partrige Breast Aloe (Aloe Variegata) has a beautifully variegated leaf structure and is native to South Africa. This moderate growing Aloe prefers partial shade and is hardy to 20 degrees. The salmon colored spikes bloom from wither to spring. This plant is good for small spaces and containers.  Partrige Breast Aloe grows to about one foot tall by one foot across and has no thorns or sharp tips.
• Medicinal Aloe (Aloe Vera) is a horticultural selection that may be sold as Aloe Barbadensis. The fast growing Medicinal Aloe can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 25 degrees and has yellow bloom spikes in the spring that attract hummingbirds. This plant gets its name because it is thought to help speed the healing of wounds and cuts the sting from insect bites, sunburn, cuts, scraps, etc.  Medicinal Aloe grows to about two feet tall by five feet across and the leaves have soft tips.

Aloe can be a great choice to accent your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape.

Low Water Use Landscaping – YUCCA

Red Yucca (Hesperaloe Parviflora)

Yuccas are some of my favorite VERY low-water use accent plants.  Here are some choices that may be just what you need for your special Tucson Real Estate l0w-water-use landscape:

• Banana Yucca (Yucca Baccata) is native to the southwest United States and grows at a moderate rate.  It prefers full sun, is hardy to zero degrees and has a striking show of white flower clusters on tall stalks in the spring and summer.  Banana Yucca grows to about three feet tall by five feet across and is an effective security plant when strategically placed.
• Soaptree Yucca (Yucca Elata) has a moderate growth rate and is native to the southwest United States and Mexico.  This treelike yucca prefers full sun and is hardy to zero degrees.  Soaptree Yucca grows to about ten feet tall by four fee across and in late spring there will be white flower clusters on tall stalks.
• Paleleaf Yucca (Yucca Pallida)  is native to Texas and grows at a moderate rate.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade and is hardy to zero degrees.  White flower cluster on tall stalks bloom in late spring to summer.  Paleleaf Yucca grows to about two feet tall by four feet across and is good for small spaces and containers.
• Blue Yucca (Yucca Rigida) grows at a moderate rate and is native to the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico.  With a striking bluish color this Yucca makes a great accent.  It prefers full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, grows to about 12 feet tall by five feet across, and has tall stalks with white flower clusters in late spring through summer.
• Giant Hesperaloe (Hesperaloe Funifera) is a moderate growth rate plant native to northeastern Mexico that can tolerate full and reflected sun and is hardy to 10 degrees.  Giant Hesperaloe grows to about five feet tall by five feet across and has greenish white flowers on tall stalks in the late spring to summer that attract butterflies.
• Red Yucca (Hesperaloe Parviflora) is fast growing and native to western Texas and northeastern Mexico.  This plant tolerates tough conditions including direct reflected sunlight and temperatures to 10 degrees.  Red Yucca grows to about three feet tall by five feet across and the coral-red or yellow flower spikes in the spring and summer attract hummingbirds.

Since I am not a horticultural expert, a couple of the Yuccas that I have chosen may be mis-categorized.  Feel free to correct me and add any input in the comments.

Yucca can be a great choice to accent your Tucson Real Estate’s low-water-use landscape.

Low Water Use Landscaping – AGAVE

Weber’s Agave (Agave weberi)

When discussing low water use plants, it is impossible to ignore Succulents.  Besides Cactus, Succulents are probably the most commonly recognized desert plant.  I will break the Succulents down into four posts: Agave, Aloe, Yucca and Succulents & Accents.

Agaves are beautiful and formidable plants, typically sporting sharp spikes at the tips.  They are nearly always VERY low water use plants that need almost no water to survive.  Here are some possible choices in Agave to accent your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape:

• Lechuguilla Verde (Agave Buvicurnuta) also known as Cow’w Horn Agave is native to Sonora and Chihuahua. This moderate growing Agave will grow to about three feet high by three feet across, prefers partial sun, and is hardy to 20 degrees. Yellow blooms can be found late winter to early spring and it’s reddish brown marginal teeth are highly decorative.
• Mescal Ceniza (Agave Clorata) is native to Sonora. It prefers full sun and is hardy to 15 degrees and has a moderate growth rate. Mescal Ceniza grows to about three feet tall by three feet across and has striking banded leaves, distinctive toothed margins, and yellow blooms in the spring.
• Smooth Agave (Agave Desmettiana) is a horticultural selection with very attractive smooth leaf margins. This fast growing plant prefers partial to full shade, is hardy to 25 degrees and blooms bright yellow in the spring.
• Twin-Flowered Agave (Agave Geminiflora) is native to west central Mexico. This fast growing plant likes full to partial sun, is hardy to 25 degrees and blooms yellow in the winter. Twin-Flowered Agave grows to about three feet tall by three feet across and the symmetrical slender leaves with smooth margins give this Agave the look of an ornamental grass with the VERY low water use of an Agave.
• Parry’s Agave (Agave Parryi) is native to Arizona and the Chihuahuan Desert. This slow growing Agave prefers full sun and is hardy to 15 degrees. Parry’s Agave grows to about two feet tall by two feet across with distinctive leaf impressions and bright yellow blooms in the summer, this plant is particularly decorative.
• Octopus Agave (Agave Vilmoriniana) is native to northwest Mexico. This plant likes full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 20 degrees and blooms yellow in the spring. Octopus Agave grows to about four feet tall by five feet across and the name tells you all you need to know about the appearance of this Agave.
• Weber’s Agave (Agave Weberi) is a horticultural selection that does well in full sun or partial shade, is hardy to 12 degrees and blooms yellow in the spring and summer. Weber’s Agave grows to about six feet tall by six feet across and you can expect this plant to grow at a moderate rate.

Let me be clear, I am not a horticultural expert.  I just know what I like and am able to research what I like.  Some of the plants I discuss may not be categorized exactly right but I do the best that I can with my research.  Please feel free to correct any mistakes I make and add your own favorites in the comments of these posts.  Agave can make a great accent to your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape.

Low Water Use Landscaping – DENSE/SCREENING SHRUBS

Hop Bush (Dodonaea Viscosa)

Dense/screening low water use shrubs can be a great substitute for a fence or shade screen, can be used to hide unsightly things from sight like a neighbors shed or utility boxes, and will add a lush foliated look to your Tucson Real Estate.  My criteria for a dense/screening shrub is a shrub that grows tall (between six and ten feet) and has very dense foliage.  Here are some interesting dense/screening low water use shrubs that you could choose from:

• Desert Hackberry (Celtis Pallida) is a VERY low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the Southwestern deserts of the United States.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and thorns.  Desert Hackberry grows upright & dense to about eight feet tall by ten feet across, has medium green foliage and white (non-showy) flowers in the spring.  This shrub produces attractive orange berries and is an excellent wildlife plant.
• Texas Olive (Cordia Boissieri) is a moderate water use slow to moderate growing evergreen plant native to south Texas and northern Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 20 degrees, has moderate litter and no thorns.  Texas Olive grows upright & dense to about ten feet tall by ten feet across, has gray-green foliage and white showy flowers from spring to fall.  This shrub can be grown as a small tree.
• Hop Bush (Dodonaea Viscosa) is a low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native to warm regions worldwide.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Hop Bush grows upright & dense to about ten feet tall by eight feet across, has bright green foliage and yellow-green (non-showy) flowers in the spring.  This shrub is a great Oleander alternative and its decorative papery fruit attracts birds.
• Pomegranate (Punica Granatum) is a moderate water use moderate growing deciduous plant native to southern Asia and the Mediterranean.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 10 degrees, has moderate litter and no thorns.  Pomegranate grows upright & dense to about eight feet tall by six feet across, has dark green foliage and orange to red showy flowers in the spring, which attract hummingbirds.  This plant produces a colorful and edible fruit.
• Sugar Bush (Rhus Ovata) is a moderate water use slow growing evergreen plant native to Arizona and Baja California.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Sugar Bush grows rounded & dense to about six feet tall by six feet across, has dark green foliage and red buds followed by cream clusters in the spring.  This shrub makes an attractive screen or informal hedge.
• Jojoba (Simmondsia Chinensis) is a VERY low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 20 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Jojoba grows mounding & dense to about six feet tall by six feet across, has gray-green foliage and yellow-green (non-showy) flowers in the spring.  This shrub is good for use in naturalistic landscapes,  for screening, or as an informal hedge.
• Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora Secundiflora) is a low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 5 degrees, has lo litter an no thorns.  Texas Mountain Laurel grows upright & dense to about eight feet tall by six feet across, has dark green foliage and purple clusters of fragrant flowers in the spring.  This plant can be grown as a small tree.
• Arizona Rosewood (Vauquelinia Californica) is a low water use slow growing evergreen plant native to the Sonoran Desert.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 15 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Arizona Rosewood grows upright & dense to about ten feet tall by eight feet across, has dark green foliage and white flower clusters in early summer.  This plant can be grown as a small tree and is a native alternative to Oleander.

These plants can be a great choice as a back drop or to screen your Tucson Real Estate’s low water use landscape.  Let me know if there are any shrubs you would add to this list or if there are any descriptions that you would change.

Low Water Use Landscaping – LARGE SHRUBS

Creosote Bush (Larrea Tridentata)

Large low water use shrubs can be a great focal point for your Tucson Real Estate.  Where you might plant a tree, in the center of a yard and in front of a bare wall of your house are all good places to grow large shrubs.  My criteria for large shrubs is a shrub over five feet tall and here are some choices:

• Bee Brush (Aloysia Gratissima) is a VERY low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert and South America.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has moderate litter and very small thorns.  Bee Brush grows upright & open to about six feet tall by six feet across, has fragrant foliage and scented white to pale purple flowers from spring to fall which attract butterflies (and maybe bees?).
• Yellow Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Gilliesii) is a low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to Argentina.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Yellow Bird of Paradise grows upright & open to about six feet tall by five feet across and has exotic yellow flowers with red stamens from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Mexican Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Mexicana) is a moderate water use moderate to fast growing evergreen plant native to Mexico.  It can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 15 degrees, has moderate litter and no thorns.  Mexican Bird of Paradise grows upright & open to about ten feet tall by eight feet across and has yellow flower spikes from spring to fall which attract hummingbirds.
• Red Bird of Paradise (Caesalpinia Pulcherrima) is a moderate water use fast growing deciduous plant native to the West Indies and Mexico.  I can tolerate full sun, is hardy to 30 degrees, has low litter and prickly stems.  Red Bird of Paradise grows rounded & open to about six feet tall by six feet across and has yellow or orange & yellow flowers late spring to fall which attract butterflies and hummingbirds.
• Little-Leaf Cordia (Cordia Parvifoia) is a VERY low water use moderate growing semi-evergreen plant native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 18 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Little-Leaf Cordia grows to about six feet tall by six feet across and has rose-purple flower clusters in fall to early winter.
• Desert Lavender (Hyptis Emoryi) is a VERY low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the southwestern deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 25 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Desert Lavender grows to about six feet tall by four feet across and has tiny lavender blooms in the spring which attract hummingbirds.
• Creosote Bush (Larrea Tridentata) is a VERY low water use moderate growing evergreen plant native to the North American deserts.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 5 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Creosote Bush grows to about six feet tall by six feet across and has small yellow blooms from spring to fall.  The foliage is fragrant after rain.
• Texas Sage (Leucophyllum Frutescens) is a VERY low water use fast growing evergreen plant native to the Chihuahuan Desert.  It can tolerate full reflected sunlight, is hardy to 10 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Texas Sage grows to about six feet tall by sex feet across and has white, pink or purple flowers in the summer to fall.
• Cape Honeysuckle (Tecomaria Capensis) is a moderate water use fast growing evergreen plant native to South Africa.  It can tolerate full sun to partial shade, is hardy to 28 degrees, has low litter and no thorns.  Cape Honeysuckle grows to about six feet tall by five feet across and has vivid orange-red blooms year round in frost-free weather.

These plants can be a great choice for your Tucson Real Estate’s low-water-use landscape. Add your favorite large shrubs in the comments and be sure to let me know if you see anything that you would describe differently.