Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus ledifolius

Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus ledifolius

by | Aug 1, 2018 | Evergreen Shrubs, Shrubs

Full Sun
Low Water

Mature Size: 10’X 6’
Blooming Season: Early Spring
Flower Color: Yellowish

A shrub-like tree that’s native to dry mountain slopes between 4,000 and 9,000 feet in elevation. Because it is very slow growing, it can make an excellent hedge or small character tree. Small flowers appear briefly in spring, then yield to seeds with 2- to 3-inch-long plumes. The bark is light gray, almost white, and the small leathery leaves are dark green above and fuzzy white below. Water to establish, then the tree can go unirrigated except in the hottest, driest weather.

Cliff Fendlerbush, Fendlera rupicola

Cliff Fendlerbush, Fendlera rupicola

by | Aug 1, 2018 | Deciduous Shrubs, Shrubs

Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water

Mature Size: 6’ X 4’
Blooming Season: Spring
Flower Color: White

Cliff Fendlerbush grows wild in rock outcrops where it is a pleasantly compact shrub with small pale green leaves. Plant it near a window or patio where you can observe its pink buds as they open to pure white flowers. It is an elegant complement to summer flowering plants. Some plants shout out their presence, but Cliff Fendlerbush whispers that it’s finally spring.

Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii

Autumn Sage, Salvia greggii

by | Aug 1, 2018 | Deciduous Shrubs, Shrubs

Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water

Mature Size: 24”X 36”
Blooming Season: May-September
Flower Color: Red

Autumn Sage (sometimes called Cherry Sage for its cherry-red blossoms) is a valued xeric plant for its twiggy mounded form and its profusion of flowers that begin in early summer. Culturally undemanding, Autumn Sage tolerates a wide range of soils as long as they are quick draining. Just a bit of extra water during dry spells encourages more flowers.

Yellow Bird of Paradise, Caesalpinia gilliesii

Yellow Bird of Paradise, Caesalpinia gilliesii

by | Aug 1, 2018 | Deciduous Shrubs, Shrubs

Full Sun
Rainwater Only

Mature Size: 10’X 10’
Blooming Season: Summer
Flower Color: Yellow with thread-like red stamens

Yellow Bird of Paradise is a favorite of hummingbirds and provides months of color with a miserly amount of water. Plant it where it receives extra runoff from a canale or gutter downspout, and within a few growing seasons, you can put away the hose and enjoy the show.

Three-Leaf Sumac, Rhus trilobata

Three-Leaf Sumac, Rhus trilobata

by | Aug 1, 2018 | Deciduous Shrubs, Shrubs

Full Sun, Part Shade
Low Water

Mature Size: 3-6’X 3-6’
Blooming Season: April
Flower Color: Yellowish-green

An ornamental native shrub that is well adapted to a wide range of soils from sandy to rock to heavy clay. Three-Leaf Sumac is a moderate to fast grower, depending on how much water it receives. The unremarkable tiny flowers are followed by tart, red berries that are much sought after by wild birds. A good choice for screening and wind breaks, its leaves turn glorious shades of red and orange in the fall.