Here in Phoenix, Arizona, where the climate is hot and arid, it’s essential to choose the right kind of plants for your home. Some people may not know this, but there’s a wide variety of large, blooming desert plants to choose from, beyond the cliche cactus or a typical palm. There’s a number of desert trees that can thrive in our unique environment that also provide various benefits. Here’s 10 beneficial trees that are well-suited for planting in Phoenix.
1. Palo Verde (Parkinsonia species)
The Palo Verde is a native tree to the region and is well-adapted to the desert environment. It has greenish-blue bark and beautiful yellow flowers. Palo Verde trees provide dappled shade and contribute to the local ecosystem by supporting wildlife.
2. Desert Museum Palo Verde (Parkinsonia x ‘Desert Museum’)
This is a hybrid variety of Palo Verde that offers the best features of different Palo Verde species. It has attractive greenish-blue bark, vibrant yellow flowers, and longer flowering periods compared to other varieties. The Desert Museum Palo Verde is relatively fast-growing and provides excellent dappled shade.
3. Mesquite (Prosopis species)
Another native tree, the Mesquite, is known for its ability to tolerate drought and extreme heat. It has delicate, feathery foliage and provides a good amount of shade. The Mesquite also produces edible pods that are historically significant to the indigenous peoples of the area.
4. Chilean Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis)
Similar to the native Mesquite, the Chilean Mesquite is an excellent choice for its ability to thrive in Phoenix’s climate. It offers light, filtered shade and has a slightly weeping appearance.
5. Tipu Tree (Tipuana tipu)
Originally from South America, the Tipu Tree has become popular in arid regions due to its heat and drought tolerance. It has feathery, bright green foliage and produces vibrant golden blooms during the summer, creating a visually striking appearance. The Tipu Tree can provide shade and is relatively fast-growing.
6. Ironwood (Olneya tesota)
The Ironwood tree is a native desert species that can handle harsh conditions. It has dense wood, attractive purple flowers, and can offer substantial shade once mature.
7. Arizona Ash (Fraxinus velutina)
The Arizona Ash is a deciduous tree that can grow well in Arizona’s climate. It offers a more substantial shade canopy than some other desert trees and has lovely golden fall foliage. While it does require some watering, it can thrive with proper care and is a popular choice for urban landscapes.
8. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Although not a true willow, the Desert Willow gets its name from its willow-like leaves. This tree produces beautiful, trumpet-shaped flowers and can add a touch of elegance to your landscape.
9. Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano)
Texas Ebony is a visually striking tree with dark green foliage and attractive white flowers. It can withstand the heat and is relatively low-maintenance.
10. Acacia (Acacia species)
Several Acacia species are suitable for the Phoenix climate. They are hardy, drought-tolerant trees with unique, feathery foliage and often produce vibrant yellow flowers.
Before planting any desert trees, ensure you research their specific care requirements. Different tree species have differing watering needs, and planting native and drought-tolerant trees are generally more suitable for the Arizona climate and will help conserve water while contributing positively to the local ecosystem. Additionally, consider the placement and location of the trees, including the eventual size, spacing requirements and potential shade they will provide to ensure they will thrive.Additionally, with large, blooming desert plants such as the Tipu or Desert Willow they’ll quickly become both a beautiful and functional part of your landscape you’ll enjoy for years.