Arizona’s unique climate and diverse ecosystems support a variety of native shrubs and bushes. These plants are well-adapted to the state’s arid conditions, making them excellent choices for sustainable landscaping and gardening. Here are some native shrubs and bushes that thrive in Arizona:
Desert Regions
- Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)
- Description: A rounded shrub with grayish-green leaves and bright yellow flowers.
- Habitat: Common in desert landscapes and rocky slopes.
- Uses: Erosion control, wildlife habitat, and decorative purposes.
- Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)
- Description: Evergreen shrub with resinous leaves and small yellow flowers.
- Habitat: Dominant plant in desert flats and slopes.
- Uses: Windbreaks, erosion control, and medicinal purposes.
- Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
- Description: Deciduous shrub or small tree with narrow leaves and trumpet-shaped flowers in various colors.
- Habitat: Found along desert washes and streambeds.
- Uses: Ornamental landscaping, attracts hummingbirds.
- Fairy Duster (Calliandra eriophylla)
- Description: Low-growing shrub with fern-like leaves and pink or red powder-puff flowers.
- Habitat: Common in desert scrub and open woodlands.
- Uses: Ornamental, attracts pollinators.
Grasslands and Woodlands
- Turpentine Bush (Ericameria laricifolia)
- Description: Aromatic shrub with needle-like leaves and small yellow flowers.
- Habitat: Found in grasslands and woodlands.
- Uses: Erosion control, decorative purposes.
- Apache Plume (Fallugia paradoxa)
- Description: Shrub with white, rose-like flowers and feathery seed heads.
- Habitat: Common in grasslands and rocky slopes.
- Uses: Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat.
- Fourwing Saltbush (Atriplex canescens)
- Description: Shrub with silvery-gray leaves and small yellow flowers, followed by four-winged seeds.
- Habitat: Found in arid and semi-arid regions.
- Uses: Erosion control, forage for livestock, wildlife habitat.
Riparian Areas
- Seep Willow (Baccharis salicifolia)
- Description: Tall shrub with narrow, willow-like leaves and small white or yellow flowers.
- Habitat: Common along streams and rivers.
- Uses: Erosion control, wildlife habitat.
- Jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis)
- Description: Evergreen shrub with leathery leaves and small, greenish flowers.
- Habitat: Found in desert washes and slopes.
- Uses: Oil production, ornamental, erosion control.
- Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida)
- Description: Thorny shrub with small, green leaves and orange berries.
- Habitat: Common in desert washes and arroyos.
- Uses: Wildlife habitat, edible fruit, ornamental.
Montane Regions
- Manzanita (Arctostaphylos spp.)
- Description: Evergreen shrub with smooth, red bark and clusters of white or pink flowers.
- Habitat: Found in montane and chaparral regions.
- Uses: Ornamental, erosion control, wildlife habitat.
- Serviceberry (Amelanchier spp.)
- Description: Deciduous shrub with white flowers and edible blue-black berries.
- Habitat: Common in montane woodlands and forest edges.
- Uses: Edible fruit, ornamental, wildlife habitat.
Tips for Planting Native Shrubs and Bushes
- Site Selection: Choose a location that mimics the plant’s natural habitat for optimal growth.
- Soil Preparation: Amend the soil as needed to match the preferred conditions of the chosen plants.
- Watering: While native plants are drought-tolerant, they may require supplemental watering during establishment.
- Maintenance: Prune as necessary to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased branches.
Using native shrubs and bushes in your Arizona landscape can enhance its beauty while promoting biodiversity and sustainability.
