Common name:Mohave Yucca
Botanical name:Yucca schidigera
Trunk-forming yucca grows to 20' tall. Can sometimes form small clumps with branched trunks. Probably one of the most drought tolerant of yuccas, requiring only intermittent watering even in most arid climates. Dense clusters of purple-white flowers appear in spring followed by fleshy green fruit. Accepts full sun. Needs good drainage. Tough gray green leaves with curling fibers on edges and a sharp point at the end. Birds love seeds. Native to the Mojave Sonoran deserts.
Common name:Desert Bigelov Nolina
Botanical name:Nolina bigelovii
Large shrub-like succulent. Dull blue-green leaves 1" wide & up to 4' long form rosettes. White filaments form on the edges of leaves. Flowers appear May-June and are cream colored and small. Accepts full sun. Very drought tolerant. Some additional water in summer. Good choice for mixing with agaves, yuccas, cacti and other desert plants. Native to Arizona and California.
Common name:Deer Grass
Botanical name:Muhlenbergia rigens
Mounding grass that grows quickly to 4' x 4'. Leaves are medium green and turns tan in fall. Tall flower spikes appear in fall they start out green and dry to tan. Accepts full sun or partial shade. Very frost tolerant. This is a versatile grass with lush foliage and interesting flowers. Great for softening a landscape. Native to the southwest U.S. and Mexico.
| Designer: El Paso Desert Botantical Gard | El Paso Desert Botantical Gardens 20 |
Photographer: GardenSoft |
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:
Drip and other smart irrigation delivers water directly to roots, allowing no excess water for weeds.