Tohono O'odham Ramada

Common name:Engelmann's Prikly Pear
Botanical name:Opuntia engelmannii

Evergreen shrublike cactus grows at a moderate rate to 4' x 8'. Pads are medium green and covered in white-gray spines. Showy yellow flowers appear spring to early summer and are followed by dark red fruits. Birds relish the fruits. Accepts reflected sun. Native to the Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts.

Common name:Sonoran Palo Verde, 'AZT'
Botanical name:Parkinsonia praecox 'AZT'

This semievergreen tree grows at a moderate to fast rate to 30' x 30'. It has beautiful dark-blue green leaves and an attractive multi-trunked shape. Yellow, funnel-shaped petals appear in spring and are followed by a few light tan pods. Accepts full sun. Can be weaned off of supplemental irrigation once it reaches desired size. Lush appearance makes it a highly adaptable tree for patios, walkways and for shade. Small thorns do not seem to be a problem. - Arid Zone Trees

Soils and Compost:

Practice grass-cycling by leaving short grass clippings on lawns after mowing, so that nutrients and organic matter are returned to the soil.

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.

Integrated Pest Management:

Remove irrigation water and fertilizer from areas where you don't want weeds to grow.