Is the warmer weather inspiring you to do some yard work? The desert can be a great place to grow a variety of trees and shrubs. The city’s certified municipal arborist, Steve Glimp, walks us through which plants are good to consider for your yard.
Silver Peso Mountain Laurel
This large shrub blooms with beautiful purple flowers that smell like grape soda. It can grow up to 20 feet tall in about 10-15 years and handles our desert climate well and can handle full sun in your yard.
Foothill Palo Verde Tree
This tree offers bright yellow flowers when it blooms. It’s very drought tolerant and doesn’t require much water after two years of being planted. It reaches about 20 feet when it fully matures.
Desert Olive Tree
This tree offers great shade and is native to southern Nevada. Despite its name, it is not a true olive tree so it is not necessarily a bad choice if you suffer from allergies. The leaves will turn golden and fall off in the fall, making it a pretty choice for your yard. They grow to be about 20 feet tall.
Indian Rose Wood Tree
This tree is very fast growing, it can grow about six feet per year) and can offer quick shade for your yard. Avoid planting it near grass.
Mexican Red Bud Shrub
This bush doesn’t like the afternoon sun but its beautiful flowers make it a nice addition to your landscaping. It can be a small tree but can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Sierra Sun Bird Of Paradise Shrub
This Shrub grows to be about 15 feet tall and is a great choice if you’d like to attract wildlife like hummingbirds and bees.
Ocotillo Accent Plant
Native to southern Nevada, this bush is a showcase piece if you’re looking for unique character in your yard. It’s very drought tolerant and even has red flowers in the spring. While thorny, it requires very little pruning and can grow up to 15-18 feet tall.
Whale's Tongue Agave Accent Plant
This plant can be a nice statement piece in your landscaping. While thorny, it requires little to no maintenance and is very drought tolerant.