Common name:Desert Ironwood
Botanical name:Olneya tesota

Evergreen tree grows slowly to 25' x 25'. It has attractive gray bark and the stems are armed with thorns. In late spring there are masses of dusty lavender pea-like flowers. This handsome tree lends character to the landscape. Native to the Sonoran Desert.

Common name:Firecracker Penstemon
Botanical name:Penstemon eatonii

This perennial grows at a moderate rate to 1' x 1-1/2'. Bright green leaves form a rosette at the base of the plant. Scarlet spikes of flowers appear late winter to spring. Reseeds easily. Plant in fall for spring flowers. Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Accepts full sun to partial shade. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico. Similar to Penstemon barbatus but eatonii is earlier and more compact.

Common name:Lechuguilla
Botanical name:Agave lechuguilla

A small green to light green species. Lightly toothed on upright sharp tipped leaves with downward slanting teeth. Will form large colonies. Also dies upon flowering but forms large clumps. Can be invasive and not very refined looking. Considered an indicator plant for the Chihuahuan desert. Has one of the largest ranges occuring on rocky limestone slopes 2-6500'. Flower spike in late spring of purplish or yellow flowers.