Common name:Italian Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus sempervirens

Native to southern Europe, western Asia. With its narrow columnar habit of growth, this evergreen forms tall, dark green columns 40' to 60' in height. Leaves are dark green and scalelike. Can reach 3' to 10' wide. Does best in full sun. Established plants need little water. Tolerates most soil types as long as it's well draining. A fast growing tree that generally does not require pruning or maintenance. Dry conditions of the Southwest can cause problems with spider mites in early spring. If tree appears 'dusty', washing the tree down with a jet of water can help. This washing needs to be repeated five days later to control mites.

Common name:Mexican or Texas Needle Grass
Botanical name:Nassella tenuissima

The Mexican Fan Grass is a beautiful, fine, airy grass that is emerald green in color. It has many soft yellow-beige flower stalks in the spring. This grass grows 1' x 2' and is drought tolerant.

Common name:Improved Lantana
Botanical name:Lantana hybrid

Mounding trailing groundcover grows quickly to 2' x 3'. Leaves are medium green. Leaves and sap may irritate skin. Vibrant summer color. Attracts butterflies. Full sun. Flowers year-round in frost-free weather. If hit by frost wait until spring to prune back. Many hybrids, look for a variety of flower colors.

Common name:Superstition Mallow
Botanical name:Abutilon palmeri

Herbaceous shrub with velvety, heart-shaped leaves. Grows quickly to 4' x 3'. Good for subtropical effect. Plant it next to a patio to enjoy soft texture. Takes full sun or partial shade. Cup-shaped, apricot-colored blooms on and off during warm months.

Common name:Chinese Pistache
Botanical name:Pistacia chinensis

Deciduous tree with rounded crown 40' x 35'. Its leaves have 10-16 leaflets, and the striking fall coloring arrives in beautiful shades of reds and orange. Dense shade tree. Red fruit on female trees. Native to China and the Philippines.