Common name: Big Bend Yucca
Botanical name: Yucca rostrata
This Yucca has blue leaves, a tall narrow trunk, and a spectacular summer display of cream white flowers. It is one of the most attractive tree Yuccas. It slowly forms a trunk to 10' tall. The young are usually unbranched; the older have a few branches. Narrow blue leaves can grow up to 2' long and .5" wide with a sharp term spine. This Yucca prefers full sun or very light shade and rocky, well drained soil. It is susceptible to grubs.Old leaves persist.
Common name: Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name: Echinocactus grusonii
Golden Barrel Cactus has a globe shaped trunk and vertical ribs lined with thick rows of golden spines. It grows slowly to 3' tall. It looks handsome in containers. It can thrive in full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. This cactus prefers well drained soil and rots with poor drainage.
Common name: Trailing Lantana
Botanical name: Lantana montevidensis
Lavender flowers accent the trailing growth habit of this Lantana. It is excellent for spilling over walls or down banks. Eventually, it will reach about 2' tall by 6' wide; size is controlled by pruning and severity of winter. It does best in full sun and is drought tolerant. It grows rapidly, even in heat, smog and poor soil. It is cold hardy to 25 degrees F, but recovers quickly. Fruit is poisonous. Butterflies are attracted to Lantana.
Common name: Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name: Echinocactus grusonii
Golden Barrel Cactus has a globe shaped trunk and vertical ribs lined with thick rows of golden spines. It grows slowly to 3' tall. It looks handsome in containers. It can thrive in full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. This cactus prefers well drained soil and rots with poor drainage.
Common name: Bougainvillea cultivars
Botanical name: Bougainvillea cvs.
The large amount of flamboyant color on this species creates a wonderful accent in a garden. Varieties can be in bush or vine form; colors vary. Once established, they tend to be carefree. All varieties are susceptible to frost damage. The 'Barbara Karst' variety blooms bright red in full sun; more crimson if in shade. It blooms early and long.
Common name: Texas Honey Mesquite
Botanical name: Prosopis glandulosa
This attractive deciduous tree grows 30' tall and wide. Blooms in spring with pale yellow flowers followed by long, narrow bean pods in summer. Foliage is finely divided and compound, creating light shadows. Branches have 2" long thorns. Bark is reddish brown, rough looking with fissures. Taproots are considered invasive in some areas. It does best in full sun and tolerates most any kind of soil as long as it's not soggy. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant. Wood from this tree is used for furniture and cooking on a grill or open fire for food flavoring. It is also used for bonsai. Thornless varieties available.