Evergreen Sumac

You might not think of using our native Whitethorn Acacia for landscaping, but it is worth considering. This plant has very low water requirements. Flowers are scented, and appear in the summer, especially after monsoon rains. As the name implies, there are white thorns, but the plant will trick you as sometimes there are no thorns at all.The Texas Mountain Laurel is a lovely evergreen shrub for desert landscapes, reaching very slowly up to 10 feet tall and wide. New growth is bright green, whereas older leaves are darker. Clusters of purple flowers appear in the spring, and smell like grape bubble-gum. A silver-leafed variety is also available. View the list »
There are many Texas Ranger species available. This is a fairly fast growing shrub, and depending on the variety, they grow to anywhere from 3 feet to 8 or more. The largest of the species is Leucophyllum frutescens. Both the cultivars ‘White cloud’ and ‘Green cloud’ mature into large shrubs of 6 feet or more.

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Evergreen Sumac is a large shrub native to the desert southwest. This slow-growing broadleaf evergreen eventually reaches 8 feet tall and 10 feet wide. It is suitable for the higher elevations around Tucson and Green Valley. Although this shrub can handle full sun with proper water, it prefers part shade, however, at lower elevations.

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The dark green leaves are glossy. In the spring, white clusters of flowers appear, later turning into red berries.

Use Evergreen Sumac for an informal screen or background plant. This shrub must have good drainage to perform well, so do not plant in areas with heavy clay or when caliche clay is a problem. This is a low maintenance shrub, so as long as you plant it where it can reach mature size without pruning, only occasionally shaping may be required.

Other large shrubs for desert landscapes include the Texas Mountain Laurel, Whitethorn Acacia and certain Texas Ranger species.

Reference: Mountain States Wholesale Nursery and Gregg Starr Nursery Plant Info Sheet, 1999.

View the list
  • There are many Texas Ranger species available. This is a fairly fast growing shrub, and depending on the variety, they grow to anywhere from 3 feet to 8 or more. The largest of the species is Leucophyllum frutescens. Both the cultivars ‘White cloud’ and ‘Green cloud’ mature into large shrubs of 6 feet or more.
  • The Texas Mountain Laurel is a lovely evergreen shrub for desert landscapes, reaching very slowly up to 10 feet tall and wide. New growth is bright green, whereas older leaves are darker. Clusters of purple flowers appear in the spring, and smell like grape bubble-gum. A silver-leafed variety is also available. 
  • You might not think of using our native Whitethorn Acacia for landscaping, but it is worth considering. This plant has very low water requirements. Flowers are scented, and appear in the summer, especially after monsoon rains. As the name implies, there are white thorns, but the plant will trick you as sometimes there are no thorns at all.
View the list

, Tucson Gardening Examiner

This author has lived in Arizona since 1972 and has been gardening for more than 28 years. A landscape architect and certified arborist, Linda teaches classes for everyone in desert plant care for Green Valley Recreation, and provides services in landscape design. Contact her at Linda...

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