Gardening Guides
Flowers and Plants
10 Essential Native Trees for Southwestern Gardens
Add beauty and welcome shade to arid gardens with one or more of these trees from the region
The shade and beauty that trees add to our outdoor spaces make them an integral part of the residential plant palette. For those who call the Southwest home, trees are especially valued, providing relief from long, hot summers and intense sunshine.
Of the 10 trees native to the Southwest described here, some provide filtered shade with smaller leaves. Others have the more typical broadleaf foliage that creates denser shade. Colorful flowers, seedpods and thorns are also characteristics of several of these native trees.
Not in the Southwest? Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
Of the 10 trees native to the Southwest described here, some provide filtered shade with smaller leaves. Others have the more typical broadleaf foliage that creates denser shade. Colorful flowers, seedpods and thorns are also characteristics of several of these native trees.
Not in the Southwest? Browse plants native to other regions of the U.S.
2. Texas Ebony
(Ebenopsis ebano)
Native to southern Texas and adjoining areas in Mexico
This Texas native’s dark green foliage is highly prized in southwestern landscapes, where the native plant palette is made up largely of muted shades of green. Small, glossy green leaflets are arranged in pairs of three to five on thorny branches and remain on the tree year-round. Large, dark brown seedpods follow the creamy puffball flowers in late spring.
Texas ebony creates a dense shade and can cool homes in the summer. It is a rather slow-growing tree, so you may want to start out with a larger specimen. Or start small and enjoy seeing it grow into a particularly beautiful tree that will grace the landscape for years to come.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 15 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 30 feet wide
See how to grow Texas ebony
(Ebenopsis ebano)
Native to southern Texas and adjoining areas in Mexico
This Texas native’s dark green foliage is highly prized in southwestern landscapes, where the native plant palette is made up largely of muted shades of green. Small, glossy green leaflets are arranged in pairs of three to five on thorny branches and remain on the tree year-round. Large, dark brown seedpods follow the creamy puffball flowers in late spring.
Texas ebony creates a dense shade and can cool homes in the summer. It is a rather slow-growing tree, so you may want to start out with a larger specimen. Or start small and enjoy seeing it grow into a particularly beautiful tree that will grace the landscape for years to come.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 15 to 40 feet tall and 15 to 30 feet wide
See how to grow Texas ebony
3. Desert Willow
(Chilopsis linearis)
Native to arid regions of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and into Mexico
Desert willow decorates summer landscapes with the pink blossoms hanging from its branches. Bright green willow-like foliage is lightly aromatic and adds a visually cooling element to the garden. This deciduous tree is best used in areas where it will be enjoyed throughout its long bloom season, from spring into early fall.
There are several varieties with flower colors ranging from white to dark magenta. Narrow seedpods are produced after flowering and don’t fall off when the leaves do. However, some of the newer varieties, such as Art’s Seedless, don’t produce seedpods.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (Zone 6)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide
See how to grow desert willow
(Chilopsis linearis)
Native to arid regions of Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and into Mexico
Desert willow decorates summer landscapes with the pink blossoms hanging from its branches. Bright green willow-like foliage is lightly aromatic and adds a visually cooling element to the garden. This deciduous tree is best used in areas where it will be enjoyed throughout its long bloom season, from spring into early fall.
There are several varieties with flower colors ranging from white to dark magenta. Narrow seedpods are produced after flowering and don’t fall off when the leaves do. However, some of the newer varieties, such as Art’s Seedless, don’t produce seedpods.
Where it will grow: Hardy to minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 23.3 degrees Celsius (Zone 6)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to filtered shade
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide
See how to grow desert willow
4. Honey Mesquite
(Prosopis glandulosa)
Native throughout the southwestern U.S. as well as Kansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana
Vibrant light-green leaves herald the arrival of spring for this deciduous tree, which adds a fresh green glow to the landscape. The leaves of this fast-growing tree are compound, made up of 10 to 12 small leaflets that are each approximately 1 inch long.
Fragrant pale yellow catkin flowers appear in spring, followed by long brown seedpods. Most honey mesquite trees are grown as multitrunk specimens and have a particularly beautiful branch architecture. The branches do have thorns, but the variety Maverick is thornless.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 30 feet tall and wide
(Prosopis glandulosa)
Native throughout the southwestern U.S. as well as Kansas, Oklahoma and Louisiana
Vibrant light-green leaves herald the arrival of spring for this deciduous tree, which adds a fresh green glow to the landscape. The leaves of this fast-growing tree are compound, made up of 10 to 12 small leaflets that are each approximately 1 inch long.
Fragrant pale yellow catkin flowers appear in spring, followed by long brown seedpods. Most honey mesquite trees are grown as multitrunk specimens and have a particularly beautiful branch architecture. The branches do have thorns, but the variety Maverick is thornless.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 30 feet tall and wide
5. Feather Bush
(Lysiloma watsonii)
Native to Arizona
Wherever feather bush is planted, its lovely fern-like foliage adds a soft, feathery texture. Semideciduous and thornless, this desert native is a lovely light shade of green and can be grown as a medium-size tree or large shrub.
Its compound leaves are made up of small leaflets that create the appearance of a fern and provide great texture contrast when planted near the spiky shapes of agave and cactus. Cream-colored puffball flowers appear in spring, followed by long brown seedpods.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.6 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 20 feet tall and wide
(Lysiloma watsonii)
Native to Arizona
Wherever feather bush is planted, its lovely fern-like foliage adds a soft, feathery texture. Semideciduous and thornless, this desert native is a lovely light shade of green and can be grown as a medium-size tree or large shrub.
Its compound leaves are made up of small leaflets that create the appearance of a fern and provide great texture contrast when planted near the spiky shapes of agave and cactus. Cream-colored puffball flowers appear in spring, followed by long brown seedpods.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.6 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 20 feet tall and wide
6. Texas Mountain Laurel
(Callia secundiflora)
Native to New Mexico, Texas and on into Mexico
Vivid purple flowers draw in passersby with a fragrance that recalls grape soda. Flowering occurs in spring, followed by tan seedpods that contain bright red seeds that are poisonous if ingested.
Grown as a large shrub or small tree, Texas mountain laurel is prized for its attractive evergreen foliage, which provides a much-needed spot of green throughout the year, even in winter. In spring, the new growth on this slow-growing tree can attract caterpillars, which a strong jet of water or the organic pesticide Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) can help get rid of.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 15 feet tall and wide
See how to grow Texas mountain laurel
(Callia secundiflora)
Native to New Mexico, Texas and on into Mexico
Vivid purple flowers draw in passersby with a fragrance that recalls grape soda. Flowering occurs in spring, followed by tan seedpods that contain bright red seeds that are poisonous if ingested.
Grown as a large shrub or small tree, Texas mountain laurel is prized for its attractive evergreen foliage, which provides a much-needed spot of green throughout the year, even in winter. In spring, the new growth on this slow-growing tree can attract caterpillars, which a strong jet of water or the organic pesticide Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) can help get rid of.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 10 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 12.2 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun to partial shade
Mature size: 15 feet tall and wide
See how to grow Texas mountain laurel
7. Ironwood
(Olneya tesota)
Native to the Sonoran Desert regions of southeastern California, Arizona and Mexico; can also be found growing in the Baja region of Mexico
Good things come to those who wait, and that is especially true for those who have mature specimens of ironwood growing in their landscape. Gnarled branches made of heavy wood twist and turn as they slowly reach toward the sky. Its small curved thorns can accidentally prick those who aren’t careful.
Gray-green compound leaves are made up of up to 10 leaflets and remain on the tree throughout the year, unless temperatures dip into the low 20s. In spring, ironwood trees take on the appearance of being surrounded by a pinkish haze, as clusters of small rose-pink to lavender flowers appear, which are followed by fuzzy brown seedpods in early summer.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Very low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 30 feet tall and wide
See how to grow ironwood
(Olneya tesota)
Native to the Sonoran Desert regions of southeastern California, Arizona and Mexico; can also be found growing in the Baja region of Mexico
Good things come to those who wait, and that is especially true for those who have mature specimens of ironwood growing in their landscape. Gnarled branches made of heavy wood twist and turn as they slowly reach toward the sky. Its small curved thorns can accidentally prick those who aren’t careful.
Gray-green compound leaves are made up of up to 10 leaflets and remain on the tree throughout the year, unless temperatures dip into the low 20s. In spring, ironwood trees take on the appearance of being surrounded by a pinkish haze, as clusters of small rose-pink to lavender flowers appear, which are followed by fuzzy brown seedpods in early summer.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 6.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Very low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 30 feet tall and wide
See how to grow ironwood
8. Palo Blanco
(Mariosousa willardiana)
Native to Arizona and Mexico
Nicknamed “white stick” in Spanish, palo blanco trees are prized for their white decorative bark. Grown as both single and multitrunk trees, this Arizona native stands out with bright green wispy foliage and a pendulous growth habit reminiscent of willow trees.
The leaves of this tree are called phyllodes, which are elongated petioles (leafstalks) that have small leaflets at the ends. Palo blanco trees are small and semideciduous, with a narrow spread, making them a great choice for areas that have little room for outward growth, such as side yards.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
See how to grow palo blanco
(Mariosousa willardiana)
Native to Arizona and Mexico
Nicknamed “white stick” in Spanish, palo blanco trees are prized for their white decorative bark. Grown as both single and multitrunk trees, this Arizona native stands out with bright green wispy foliage and a pendulous growth habit reminiscent of willow trees.
The leaves of this tree are called phyllodes, which are elongated petioles (leafstalks) that have small leaflets at the ends. Palo blanco trees are small and semideciduous, with a narrow spread, making them a great choice for areas that have little room for outward growth, such as side yards.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 25 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 3.9 degrees Celsius (Zone 9)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 20 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet wide
See how to grow palo blanco
9. Arizona Ash
(Fraxinus velutina)
Native to California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas
For those who desire a more traditional-looking tree with broadleaf foliage, Arizona ash is a great choice. Dark green foliage clothes the branches in spring through fall, creating a dense shade. The leaves on this deciduous tree turn yellow before falling in winter.
Arizona ash can be found growing along canyons and riverbanks in its native habitat, and it easily handles growing in the middle of a lawn, something many desert trees can struggle with. The trunk of this ash tree is susceptible to sunburn on its west-facing side. To avoid this, allow the tree’s canopy to grow out so that it will provide enough shade to prevent the trunk from becoming sunburned.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 40 feet tall and wide
(Fraxinus velutina)
Native to California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Texas
For those who desire a more traditional-looking tree with broadleaf foliage, Arizona ash is a great choice. Dark green foliage clothes the branches in spring through fall, creating a dense shade. The leaves on this deciduous tree turn yellow before falling in winter.
Arizona ash can be found growing along canyons and riverbanks in its native habitat, and it easily handles growing in the middle of a lawn, something many desert trees can struggle with. The trunk of this ash tree is susceptible to sunburn on its west-facing side. To avoid this, allow the tree’s canopy to grow out so that it will provide enough shade to prevent the trunk from becoming sunburned.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 17.7 degrees Celsius (Zone 7)
Water requirement: Moderate
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 40 feet tall and wide
10. Desert Museum Palo Verde
(Parkinsonia ‘Desert Museum’)
Garden hybrid from trees native to the Southwest
With its long flowering season, dark green bark and fast growth rate, it’s easy to see why this palo verde hybrid is rapidly becoming popular with homeowners throughout the Southwest. Although not a true native, ‘Desert Museum’ palo verde is a hybrid of three native palo verde trees, showcasing the best traits of each of its parents. Three characteristics make it especially desirable compared to other palo verde species: It is thornless, has a longer bloom season and grows quickly during its first few years in the ground.
The foliage of ‘Desert Museum’ is made of tiny leaves, which create a light, filtered shade that is perfect for plants that appreciate a little protection from the sun. Like most palo verdes, this hybrid does best when trained as a multitrunk tree. Avoid the temptation to prune the canopy too high up, which can lead to weak limbs that are susceptible to wind damage. Instead, allow the lower branches to remain for a few years, which will help the lower trunks increase in size and strength.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide
Learn more about ‘Desert Museum’ palo verde
More: Browse plants native to your region
(Parkinsonia ‘Desert Museum’)
Garden hybrid from trees native to the Southwest
With its long flowering season, dark green bark and fast growth rate, it’s easy to see why this palo verde hybrid is rapidly becoming popular with homeowners throughout the Southwest. Although not a true native, ‘Desert Museum’ palo verde is a hybrid of three native palo verde trees, showcasing the best traits of each of its parents. Three characteristics make it especially desirable compared to other palo verde species: It is thornless, has a longer bloom season and grows quickly during its first few years in the ground.
The foliage of ‘Desert Museum’ is made of tiny leaves, which create a light, filtered shade that is perfect for plants that appreciate a little protection from the sun. Like most palo verdes, this hybrid does best when trained as a multitrunk tree. Avoid the temptation to prune the canopy too high up, which can lead to weak limbs that are susceptible to wind damage. Instead, allow the lower branches to remain for a few years, which will help the lower trunks increase in size and strength.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (Zone 8)
Water requirement: Low
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 25 feet tall and wide
Learn more about ‘Desert Museum’ palo verde
More: Browse plants native to your region
1. Blue Palo Verde
(Parkinsonia florida)
Native to the Sonoran Desert regions of southeastern California, southern Arizona and northern Mexico
Blue palo verde is an iconic tree of the southwestern desert, with its green trunk and branches with feathery ends that are covered in small bluish-green leaves. Like the leaves of many other desert trees, blue palo verde’s may fall in response to short periods of drought and then grow back once water becomes available. In addition to its leaves, blue palo verde’s green trunk and branches carry on the process of photosynthesis.
The branches are interspersed with small thorns and are covered in lightly fragrant yellow blossoms beginning in late spring and lasting into early summer. The flowers attract bees, with seedpods following after they fade.
Where it will grow: Hardy to 15 degrees Fahrenheit, or minus 9.4 degrees Celsius (USDA Zone 8; find your zone)
Water requirement: Low once established
Light requirement: Full sun
Mature size: 15 to 30 feet tall and wide
See how to grow blue palo verde