Common name:Blue Palo Verde
Botanical name:Cercidium floridum

This desert tree has an upright habit and can reach 30' high and wide. It can grow moderately fast with irrigation, however, it can be considered drought tolerant. Trees bloom profusely in spring with clusters of golden-yellow blossoms.

Common name:Mexican Blue Sage
Botanical name:Salvia chamaedryoides

Low mounding perennial with long bloom spreads by underground runners. Produces a small, silvery foliage which serves as a background for bright blue flowers. Bruised leaves have spicy fragrance. Native to eastern Mexico 7-9000' in desert habitat Grows to mature size of 2' tall and wide. Heaviest bloom in spring and early fall, intermittent throughout the rest of the season. Full sun, well drained site. No fertilizer. Drought tolerant.

Common name:Octopus Agave
Botanical name:Agave vilmoriniana

Arching twisted leaves give it its name. Light green & fleshy. No thorns or spines. Good for high traffic areas. Quickly forms loose, open, single rosette to 6' tall & wide. Full sun on coast, some shade in desert best. Flower show is spectacular. Somewhat subject to weevils. After flowering, many bulbils are formed. Native in NW Mexico 2-5000' on volcanic cliffs.Terminal spine may be twisted. No reflected heat. 6-8 years to bloom. A little frost sensitive < 25f

Common name:Black Sage
Botanical name:Salvia mellifera

This woody shrub has fragrant, dark green leaves with blue, white, or lilac flowers that bloom in the spring and summer.

Common name:Golden Barrel Cactus
Botanical name:Echinocactus grusonii

Golden Barrel Cactus has a globe shaped trunk and vertical ribs lined with thick rows of golden spines. It grows slowly to 3' tall. It looks handsome in containers. It can thrive in full sun but prefers some shade in low desert. This cactus prefers well drained soil and rots with poor drainage.

Managing Your Soil

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a vibrant landscape. It provides oxygen and nutrients vital to plant growth and sustenance. It provides protection from the sun and stability for root systems.

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