Common name: Parry's Penstemon
Botanical name: Penstemon parryi

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1-1/2' x 1-1/2'. Blue-green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Hot pink flowers appear on spike in the spring. Reseeds easily. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds. Tender perennial at higher elevations. Native to southern Arizona and Sonora.

Common name: Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name: Agave americana

Succulent that grows quickly to10' x 13'. Wide, grey leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. Prefers full sun and well-drained situations. Prone to agave snout weevil which will eat the roots and heart of the plant. Like all agaves, after blooming, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. This is a large agave, be sure to have space.

Common name: Chilean Mesquite
Botanical name: Prosopis chilensis

Semievergreen tree can rapidly grow to 30' x 30'. Thorns are variable. Can be multitrunked. Dark coarse textured bark. Accepts reflected sun. Upright grower with wide crown. Avoid overwatering to control windstorm uprooting. Yellow-green flowers in spring.

Common name: Red Flax
Botanical name: Linum grandiflorum 'Rubrum'

Desert annual grows to 2' x 2'. Bright red flowers appaer in spring. Sow seeds in the fall for spring color. Will need to sow seeds annually.