Arizona Cypress do well in dry areas and are planted as wind-breaks. The literature I've read said they need 12-15" of rainfall. If you're prepared to water, there should be several fruit trees that do ok. Didn't see your exact zone. Mexican Plum is a wild fruiting tree that is listed as drought resistant, has interesting bark and showy flowers, as well as some leaf color in the fall.

Thanks for the suggestion. I do have an area that I want conifers and will definiately consider the Arizona Cypress for that! They would go on the north side of my property and it is okay if they are all the same type of tree and evergreen. But for the south side of my property I am needing decidious for sun in the winter and during the winter the wind doesnt blow much along that side. It only blows from the south or south west in the summer (when they would be in leaf). I am hoping for fall color in the trees on the south side (with the original post was about) and variety in form, like columnar and wide heads for shade with different colors. Thanks!

Wildflowers should be planted in the same habitat where they naturally grow. Jacks, Dutchman's breeches and wild phlox naturally grow in moist, rich, humusy forest soil under broadleaved deciduous trees that allow lots of sun in the early spring and fall and provide dense shade in summer. They will not thrive and will likely die in dry, sandy soil in year round shade. Coneflowers come in many types, some like dry soil, some like moist, some can tolerate light shade. They are all native to the prairie which provides deep soil and little shade. They will fare worse than the woodlanders in the dense shade of a pine forest. there are plants adapted to all conditions, but you will find few showy flowering plants that like to grow in dense shade. Take a walk through natural pine forests in your area in all seasons and observe what plants are growing. These are the plants that you can consider for your woods. Check the link below for the Illinois Native Plant Society and see if there is a chapter near you. Their members will be able to help you find suitable plants. Here is a link that might be useful: Illinois native plants

I love your cactus and succulents! I have horrible luck with them. Very pretty landscaping. I guess I am being unrealistic. I have looked over the internet over and over. I love flowers, I don't really care for the typical desert landscape. So I think I am going to stick to fall/spring flowers. and let the beds sit empty during summer. I have horrible luck with cacti. Oh well :-) .