37 Tough Desert Plants for Your Garden

The desert seems like an unwelcoming place for plants, yet so many are willing to flourish in its harshness. Intense heat, endless sun, scarce water, high winds, and poor soils are no match for these rugged botanical wonders that have evolved to survive in the roughest conditions. 

If you live in a drought-prone area or garden in the deserts of the American West, your landscape selections are not confined to cacti and hardscaping. These 37 tough desert plants are as charming as they are resilient. From iconic saguaro cacti and ocotillos to the vibrant-flowered brittlebush and ironwood, let’s dig into the best plant species for arid environments.

What Makes Desert Plants So Tough?

Rugged and reliable, desert plants can make any gardener look like they have a green thumb. As long as they have well-drained soil and lots of sunshine, these desert plants are adapted to take care of everything else on their own. A few key desert adaptations include:

Waxy or Seasonal Leaves

The stems and leaves of desert plants are typically coated with a waxy coating to keep them cool and conserve moisture. Some plants have large succulent leaves to retain water. Others only grow small leaves during the wet season and drop them when it gets dry. 

Sharp Spikes

Cacti and spined desert species use their sharp spikes to stop winds from drying out their stems. Even desert plant roots are accustomed to spreading out shallow and wide to capture as much moisture as possible when it rains. If there is a way to save water, these clever plants have evolved to do it!

A Special Type of Photosynthesis

All plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to photosynthesize, allowing them to create glucose and fuel plant growth. But desert plants photosynthesize and respire differently than most. They must adapt to extremely sparse amounts of water, which means they must conserve every bit of moisture they possibly can. 

To do this, desert plants use a special water-saving process called CAM photosynthesis. Via the crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) pathway, these plants can “inhale” all the carbon dioxide they need only at night.

They achieve this by closing their stomata (leaf pores) during the day and only opening the stomata to take up CO2 at night when temperatures are cooler and the sun won’t suck out their precious stores of moisture. Basically, they keep their pores closed during the day so they can stay hydrated!

37 Ultra Resilient Plants for Desert Gardens

Whether you’re creating a xeriscape, filling a sandy yard, or aiming to expand your cactus collection, these resilient plants are perfect for a dry, desert climate. This list is sorted into four main categories:

1. Top picks (for resilience and uniqueness)
2. Desert trees and shrubs
3. Cacti and succulents
4. Desert wildflowers

Keep in mind that almost all desert plants need extremely well-drained soil and full sun exposure. In the most extreme desert climates, it is recommended to grow native plants as often as possible.

Endemic species are the most adapted to your region’s weather and soil. They are capable of surviving without supplemental irrigation or fertilizer, just like they do in the wild.

Top Picks: Most Resilient and Unique Desert Landscaping Plants

For a striking drought-tolerant landscape that offers fragrant smells, dazzling blooms, and exotic forms, do not skip these special desert plants.

Creosote Bush (Larrea tridentata)

	height 6-12 ft
	spacing 6-12 ft
	hardiness zones 7-11

If you live in southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, or west Texas, you cannot miss the unmistakable smell of creosote bush after it rains. It is the perfume of the desert! Also known as greasewood, these evergreen shrubs are among the most prominent and rugged species in the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts. 

Creosote bushes have resinous leaves, which grow in pairs of two leaflets that are joined at the base. In spring and summer, plants produce bright yellow flowers with five petals and noticeably protruding stamens with yellowish-orange pollen. 

For the most low-maintenance desert garden possible, plant creosote shrubs in front of a wall or simple backdrop. The plants do not need pruning, but you can use the naturally dramatic form to shape them into rounded hedges.

In fire-prone landscapes, it’s important to regularly remove fallen deadwood from the base of the creosote bushes. The shrubs naturally produce suckers from their roots and clone themselves over time. Some wild growths of creosote can be traced to an original root system over 10,000 years old!

Giant Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)

	height Up to 50 feet
	spacing UP to 25 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

Can you really grow a giant saguaro in your yard? If you live in a desert environment in zones 8-11 and under 4,000 feet elevation, the answer is yes. But beware that planting a saguaro is a lot like planting a tree. These slow-growing plants live for up to 250 years or more, meaning you won’t experience the cactus in its tallest glory in your lifetime.

They grow a whopping one inch per year. Still, these unique columnar-shaped cacti (often with arms!) are a joy to have around, even if they stay small in a yard or patio pot. Plants can handle cold down to 25°F (-4°C) for short periods but clearly prefer warm desert heat. 

Saguaros need extra sandy, gravelly soil and abundant sunlight. The roots are very shallow and spread out as far underground as the plant is tall. They bloom in summer with stunning yellow and white flower clusters at the top of their giant prickly arms. However, the blossoms only open after night and close in late morning. The flowers attract bats, bees, and doves. The fruit is giant, fleshy, red, and edible. Birds nest in holes in the saguaro trunks!

Beware that removing a saguaro from the wild is highly illegal. Only source this cactus from a reputable nursery or find a friend with a saguaro and ask if you can root one of the “arms” like a cutting. This will give you a much quicker reward than growing from seed.

Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens)

	height Up to 20 feet
	spacing 5-10 feet
	hardiness zones 7-11

The splendid spindly growth of Fouquieria splendens is a welcoming sight in the Southwest! The ocotillo plant often looks like a wild bundle of crooked sticks. But when it is in bloom, the curious torch-like red flowers are a striking display. Hummingbirds are the primary pollinators of the succulent clusters of red blossoms. These flowers provide essential nectar resources for northern migration of spring hummingbirds through southern Arizona. 

Ocotillos are incredibly adaptable desert plants that can withstand the hottest, driest conditions in the U.S. They branch profusely from the base and keep their stems leafless most of the time to conserve water.

But after a rain, the plants grow beautiful oval green leaves along the stems. The leaves may fall off and grow back 4-5+ times per year, depending on the amount of rain. When the plant doesn’t have leaves, it photosynthesizes through its green spiny stems! In other words, ocotillos make the best out of any situation. They also add an impressive dimension to a desert garden. 

The plants are cold tolerant to about 10°F (-12°C) and grow best in zones 8-11. Be sure to give this otherworldly spiny shrub plenty of room, as they can spread up to 10 feet wide!

Spiral Aloe (Aloe polyphylla)

	height 1-2 feet
	spacing 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 9-12

With fractals of geometric leaves and a compact growth habit, this rare aloe species is a highly coveted garden succulent. Only native to Lesotho, Africa, spiral aloe is an enchanting cousin of Aloe vera.

The stout succulent naturally grows in a psychedelic spiralized pattern with sharp spikes lining the leaf margins. It is more adapted to cool regions than other succulents and performs excellently in rock gardens of the desert west. 

This endangered species only needs occasional moisture and exceptional drainage. It loves gravelly, rocky soil. It is best to propagate by seed because this rare plant is difficult and expensive to purchase. Once you have an established plant, you can divide the offsets (pups) year after year for a stunning spiralized desert garden planting.

Palmer’s Penstemon (Penstemon palmeri)

	height 3.5-7 feet
	spacing 2 feet
	hardiness zones 4-9

This showy upright desert wildflower is native to arid regions of the desert west, from Wyoming to New Mexico to California. A member of the Plantaginaceae (plantain) family, the plant produces giant elongated flowering stalks with clusters of two-lipped tubular flowers. The cotton-candy-like scent will allure you in like a native bee.

Also known as beardtongue, Palmer’s Penstemon is a Southwestern wildflower staple. Once established, this herbaceous perennial thrives on sparse watering (as little as once per month).

The gigantic blooms occur in pinkish-white to blue, purple, red, and yellow. It is an important food source for the common buckeye and Edith’s checkerspot butterfly.

Joshua Tree (Yucca brevifolia)

	height Up to 15-30 feet
	spacing Up to 15-30 feet
	hardiness zones 6-10

You don’t have to live in Joshua Tree National Park to appreciate this distinctive species of the Mojave desert. Native to southern California, Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, Joshua trees are actually giant members of the Yucca genus. They are part of the Asparagaceae family, along with agaves and hostas. Joshua trees thrive in open desert areas with minimal moisture an full sun.

Young plants have a conical columnar shape, while older plants develop recognizable shaggy trunks with rosettes of narrow pointed leaves like fluff balls on top of each branch. Like ocotillos and saguaros, Joshua trees can create some unique and hilarious shapes with their branches. 

The fibrous, rough bark is part of the plant’s adaptation to store extra water reserves. This is the perfect specimen plant for rock gardens and xeriscapes. It doesn’t mind extreme temperature variations in regions as cold as zone 6. Always wear gloves when handling! 

Desert Trees and Shrubs

Many desert plants grow far apart and low to the ground so they can spread their roots wide and capture as much water as possible. However, in a domesticated landscape, there is more opportunity to shape and train larger plants to fit the space you have. 

Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata)

	height 6-25 feet
	spacing 12-25 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

The Mexican palo verde tree is fast-growing and extremely adaptable. Drought, limestone, salty soil, sand, rocks, or gravel— this tree can handle it! Palo verde trees are distinctive thanks to their green bark on the trunk and stems, which they use to aid in photosynthesis. 

The thorny spines can be a nuisance, so you don’t want to plant this tough species near walkways or areas where children play. Still, palo verde is a perfect filler plant for landscapes with even the poorest soils.

They bloom showy yellow flowers sporadically in wet weather, and the leaves have a wispy appearance that looks whimsical in a breeze. The tree will hold its leaves for more of the year if it receives slight irrigation. Otherwise, it will shed them to expose the green stems and trunk.

Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)

	height Up to 30 feet
	spacing 20-30+ feet
	hardiness zones 7-9

Have you noticed the desert trees with long, slender, pea-looking pods? The mesquite is a member of the Fabaceae (pea and bean) family, which means it works symbiotically with bacteria to fix nitrogen in the soil! These trees have fine, pinnately compound leaves that are bright green and feathery in nature. 

The shape of a mesquite is attractive because the crown spreads about an equal distance to its height. Like most desert plants, honey mesquite trees have sharp thorns up to two inches long. The thorns are often bigger on young plants. You can find thornless cultivars at select nurseries.

Soaptree (Yucca elata)

	height 6-20 feet
	spacing 8-10 feet
	hardiness zones 6-11

Add an exotic flair to your landscape with a towering tree-like yucca. Named for the soapy substance created from its roots, soaptree has bluish-green grassy leaves with white margins that grow atop trunk-like stems covered in fibrous, shaggy old leaves.

Soaptree is the state flower of New Mexico and thrives throughout the Southwest with very little water. The cream-colored flowers are shaped like gorgeous bells and emerge from a giant three to seven foot stalk in summer. Due to its palm-like appearance, this tree is often called palmilla in Spanish, which means “small palm.” 

Brittlebush (Encelia farinosa)

	height 2-4 feet
	spacing 2-4 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

The vibrant yellow daisy-like flowers of brittlebush are integral to any desert landscape. This mounding perennial tolerates sand, rock, and decomposed granite. In full sun, brittlebush leaves are strikingly silver. When grown in partial shade with more moisture, they appear greener. 

This is a very common shrub in the Sonoran desert, with a native range throughout Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Southern California, and Baja California. It thrives on dry, gravelly slopes and exposed areas. Once established, brittlebush roots can withstand temperatures down to 5°F (-15°C). You may need to prune it back if the foliage dies during cold spells. They should return in warmer weather.

Brittlebush is commonly called incienso due to the resinous, aromatic sap that oozes from its central stems. Native people used it to make incense and as a medicinal gum.

Cassia (Senna artemisioides)

	height 4-6 feet
	spacing 4-6 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

If you want a large, rounded shrub as a focal part of your front yard, feathery cassia is the perfect drought-tolerant ornamental. This tough, leguminous shrub has yellow pea-like flowers that bloom throughout the year and form pretty flattened pea pods in summer.

The plant is very drought-tolerant and doesn’t like too much water. The evergreen leaves stay beautiful even in intense heat and drought.

Desert Sage (Salvia dorrii)

	height 1-3′
	spacing 2-4′
	hardiness zones 5-9

The sage genus is full of small shrubs with aromatic leaves and spectacular flowers. These plants are known for their resilience to heat and drought. Desert sage is a popular species native to the Great Basin deserts of the western U.S.

It has stunning purple flower spikes in spring, blooming heavily even in rugged conditions. Desert sage reliably grows in even the most sun-drenched, poor soil sites and deters feeding from deer or rabbits. It is perfect for cooler, high desert xeriscapes.

Sticks on Fire (Euphorbia tirucalli)

	height 20-30 feet
	spacing 6-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-12

Sometimes called the red pencil tree, ‘Sticks on Fire’ is a striking succulent that looks exactly like its name. The thickets of vertical stems are about the thickness of pencils and turn reddish-gold for much of the year.

This succulent Euphorbia species grows eagerly in full-sun areas without frost. It does best in poor, rocky soil and dry to medium moisture.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

	height 15-40 feet
	spacing Up to 25 feet
	hardiness zones 7-11

The slender twigs of desert willow often stem from a twisting, leaned trunk and wispy, willow-like green leaves. Funnel-shaped blossoms appear in late summer and smell like violet after summer rains.

This tree is not actually related to willow trees but is a cousin of catalpa trees and trumpet vines. The exotic blooms and rapid growth make it worth growing in any desert landscape. Avoid too much moisture or fertilizer, as this can weaken the plant and reduce the amount of blooms. Desert willow tolerates clay but won’t grow as quickly or as large.

Boojum Tree (Fouquieria columnaris)

	height 40-70+ feet
	spacing 1-5 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11

Add an intriguing and playful essence to your desert garden with Baja Mexico’s iconic boojum tree, also known as the cirio. The long, strange stalks emerge up to 70 feet tall and twirl into strange, goofy shapes. The plants are related to ocotillos and only grow their small, scale-like leaves during periods of moisture. Nursery-grown plants can be very expensive due to their rarity.

This extremely drought-tolerant plant stores tremendous amounts of water in its trunk, particularly at the base, where cirios typically have a bulbous shape like bull kelp. However, water is helpful for establishment during the first few weeks. While boojums look barren in winter, their tremendous tubular flowers and green leaves paint the spring desert landscape with a Dr. Seuss-style fun.

Desert Ironwood (Olneya tesota)

	height 10-30 feet
	spacing 5-20 feet
	hardiness zones 8-12

This spiny evergreen is another Fabaceae (pea) family member with the capacity to work with symbiotic bacteria to fix soil nitrogen. Its pea-shaped purple flowers appear in late spring, adding a gentle touch to the spiny, wide-spreading crown.

The species name tesota comes from the Spanish word tieso, meaning “stiff.” This is one of the heaviest desert woods, hence the name ironwood. It makes excellent wood for burning and building, which is rare in the desert.

Desert Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

	height 15-40 feet
	spacing 5-10 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

Sometimes referred to as Utah juniper, these ultra-hardy trees are extremely common in the Great Basin deserts of the arid West. They are a climax species important for wildlife, including owls, hawks, and wild elk. The volatile oils in the needles give juniper a pleasant scent, and the attractive bluish-silver berries can be harvested for making teas or gin. 

This is a slow-growing tree, but it is long-lived and extremely drought-tolerant. It cannot grow in the shade, so be sure to give junipers full sun exposure and space away from larger desert trees.

Cacti and Succulents

The moisture-retaining leaves and stems of cacti and succulents make them the most drought-resilient plants in the plant kingdom. Their prickly spines and fleshy leaves are not only for indoor succulent gardens! In fact, many species are more cold-hardy than you’d imagine. In high desert regions, be sure to prioritize native succulent species that are adapted to cooler winters.

Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus spp.)

	height 3-10 feet
	spacing 1-4 feet
	hardiness zones 9-12

The squat cylindrical shape of barrel cactus makes it look like a spike-covered barrel. This genus includes several species native to the desert West. The plants look gorgeous in a xeriscape or rock garden and thrive in rocky or sandy soil and full sun exposure.

The bright yellow or red flowers reliably appear every year on the top of the plant like a crown. The fruits are edible and shaped like miniature pineapples. 

Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi)

	height 15-20 feet
	spacing 3-12 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11

The organ pipe cactus has striking olive-green columns that grow in big branched clusters from a central base. Spiky ribs run up each branch in clusters that look like little stars. This slow-growing cactus is cold-sensitive and can only withstand temperatures down to 25°F (-4°C).

Bumpy or wavy areas on the columns indicate that the plant is fighting against the cold. If you live on the margins of its growing zone, plant closer to the south side of a warm building and surround it with plenty of warmth-absorbing rocks. 

Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia spp.)

	height 1-20 feet
	spacing 2-15 feet
	hardiness zones 3-11

The classic prickly pear is essential for any drought-prone garden. Its giant broad paddles hold an impressive amount of water, and the clumping multi-branching form is very attractive. The winter and spring-blooming flowers come in a rainbow of pastel colors and provide important nectar for desert pollinators.

Prickly pears are edible and prized in many cultures. In Mexico and Central America, the pads are called nopales and have been a diet staple for millennia. Of course, the thorns must be carefully removed with a sharp carving knife. The ripe prickly pear fruits make a delicious juice or agua fresca.

Most species cannot handle frost, however, some cold-hardy species, such as Opuntia humifusa can be grown in regions as cold as zone 3. 

Mexican Fence Post Cactus (Lophocereus marginatus)

	height 5-20 feet
	spacing 6-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11

This handsome column-shaped cactus is adequately named, as it does make a great living fence. Its tall trunks and minor spines also make it perfect for the backdrop of a rock garden with lower-growing succulents in front.

It also looks gorgeous in front of a tall wall. Mexican fencepost cactus blooms tubular pinkish flowers in spring. The plant thrives in well-drained soil and enjoys occasional watering during the driest months, but the soil should completely dry out between watering. 

Rose Pincushion Cactus (Mammillaria zeilmanniana)

	height 12-20 inches
	spacing 4-5 inches
	hardiness zones 9-11

This small globe-shaped cactus is a popular houseplant that grows lots of bulbetts from its base. The central spines are sharp and hooked, while the side spines are more hair-like. In an outdoor xeriscape, they look beautiful when grown in clusters.

The plant produces stunning bright pink flowers as long as it is grown in full sun. In colder regions, it’s best to keep it in a pot that you can bring indoors for the winter.

Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus)

	height 2-16 inches
	spacing 4-6 inches
	hardiness zones 8-11

This medium-sized cylindrical cactus includes many species native to the Western U.S. Each cactus grows quite small and low to the ground, with prickly gray stems like a hedgehog.

The small arms form pretty low-growing clusters that look gorgeous in a rock garden. They can grow in partial sun or full sun. If you want to preserve an endangered species, plant the Arizona hedgehog cactus (Echinocereus arizonicus).

Buckhorn Cholla (Cylindropuntia acanthocarpa)

	height 3-13 feet
	spacing 4-5 feet
	hardiness zones 5-11

For a larger, open-branched cactus specimen, the buckhorn cholla is eager to thrive in even the hottest, driest gardens. As long as the soil is well drained, cholla cacti require almost no maintenance.

The unique flowers range from yellow to bright orange and grow in early summer atop the greenish-gray woody stems. This cholla is native to the Sonoran, Mojave, and Colorado deserts. It is a popular nesting site for native birds.

Century Plant (Agave americana)

	height 3-6 feet
	spacing 6-10 feet
	hardiness zones 8-11

This massive blue-toned agave is the perfect centerpiece for a desert landscape. It has a sculptural rosette form with majestic spiny-edged leaves that grow up to six feet long. It is highly tolerant of salty soils, drought, and gravelly soil. Give these games plenty of space to spread or grow in decorative pots away from walkways. The tips and edges of the leaves are spiny.

Century plant got its name because people once believed it took over 100 years for mature plants to flower, but we now know that it is closer to 10-25 years. The main plant dies after flowering, so you can enjoy the young plants for over a decade before they send up their giant telephone-pole-like flower stalks.

Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

	height 1-3 feet
	spacing 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 9-11

We all know and love aloe vera for its skin-soothing and health-promoting properties. This plant is a pleasure to have around your house, and it thrives with virtually no maintenance in a desert environment. Gravelly, sandy, well-drained soil is essential, and full sun is best. However, if you are moving an aloe vera outdoors after it has grown inside your home, it’s very important to acclimate it slowly and protect it from harsh changes in lighting.

Aloe leaves are highly succulent and filled with medicinal gel, making it perfect for areas with drought. You very rarely need to water this plant. When you do, it’s important to let it dry out between irrigations. Unfortunately, the aloe plant is not frost-tolerant, so cold-climate gardeners must grow it in a container that you can bring indoors.

Blue Agave (Agave tequilana)

	height 2-8 feet
	spacing 3-10 feet
	hardiness zones 9-10

This giant agave is prized for making tequila, but it also makes a stunning garden focal point. This hardy evergreen is extremely tough and grows quickly in Southwestern landscapes.

Its thick, fleshy leaves and bluish-silver rosette look gorgeous when spaced in the middle section of a xeriscape, in front of taller trees but behind low-growing cacti. It’s essential to give the plant at least 5 feet of space in each direction and supplemental water during establishment. 

If you want to try your hand at making tequila, you will have to wait 7-12 years for the plant to mature so you can harvest the piña, which is the central heart of the plant that is fermented and distilled. 

Gopher Plant (Euphorbia rigida)

	height 1-2 feet
	spacing 2-5 feet
	hardiness zones 7-11

Although it isn’t technically a succulent, this unique euphorbia species adds grayish-silver tones to the landscape and blooms in pretty yellow blooms that fade to red in fall.

Sometimes called silver spurge, gopher plant grows best in full sun and only needs very sparse watering. It is highly resistant to browsing from deer or rabbits, and it is poisonous to pets. This plant is a smart choice for a firewise landscape or anywhere with very minimal access to water.

Desert Wildflowers

A tough growing environment doesn’t mean you must go without flowers. These beautiful desert species reliably produce rainbow floral shows in spite of heat, drought, or poor soils.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

	height 6-12 inches
	spacing 6-8 inches
	hardiness zones 6-10

The classic California state flower is one of the easiest wildflowers you can grow, and it prolifically self-sows every year but won’t become invasive. The beautiful orange blossoms have silky petals and grow from low mounds of foliage that tend to form pretty groundcover clumps.

Sandy to poor soil and full sun are great. A little bit of water after seeding is ideal, but the plants typically subsist only on rainfall.

Firecracker Penstemon (Penstemon eatonii)

	height 1-3 feet
	spacing 1-3 feet
	hardiness zones 4-8

This herbaceous perennial is native to the West, from California to the Rocky Mountains. It grows in many environments and produces tubular flowers that hummingbirds and butterflies love. It is called “firecracker” because the flowers are vivid scarlet-red and reliably bloom in harsh conditions.

Penstemon only needs supplemental irrigation once a month or less if there is rainfall. It tolerates partial shade but flowers best in full sun and grows abundantly even in poor soils.

Arizona Lupine (Lupinus arizonicus)

	height 3-20 inches
	spacing 12-18 inches
	hardiness zones 6-11

Arizona lupine is commonly found in Death Valley, hinting at its extraordinary resilience. This annual wildflower is a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family, related to western lupines and Texas bluebonnets. It thrives in sandy soil and open spaces, producing pretty spikes of purple or blue pea-shaped flowers for much of the summer.

The flowers are important for many butterflies and native bees. The adorable leaves look like widespread hands. Lupines will self-sow and return each year.

Desert Marigold (Baileya multiradiata)

	height 12-18 inches
	spacing 4-12 inches
	hardiness zones 7-10

This short-lived native perennial produces so many bright yellow daisy-like flowers that it often looks like a solid yellow mound! You may see desert marigolds blanketing the sides of desert highways, a testament to their easygoing nature. The wooly, gray foliage is almost always covered in long-lasting staggered blooms.

This wild Asteraceae (daisy) family member is a cousin of garden marigolds (Tagetes spp.). It is prone to crown rot if the soil is too wet, so be sure to plant in a well-drained area.

Lance Leaf Coreopsis (Coreopsis lanceolata)

	height 1-2 feet
	spacing 12-18 inches
	hardiness zones 3-8

Also known as tickseed, these small clumping plants naturally form big colonies that look like a sea of yellow flowers. This native wildflower grows almost everywhere in the South and West U.S., thriving in disturbed soils.

Unlike many other desert plants on this list, it will tolerate clay soil. This plant self-sows and can become weedy, so keep it on your garden margins or deadhead in summer. 

Rocky Mountain Bee Plant (Cleome serrulata)

	height 2-5 feet
	spacing 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 2-10

If you love bees and hummingbirds, this ruggedly tough wildflower deserves a place in your garden. It is a showy annual that thrives along dry roadsides in poor soils. It produces an abundance of stunning pink flowers, each with long, pretty stamens.

The bloom season is exceptionally long, often flowering for the entire summer and into the fall. The fruits are pod-shaped and often dangle from an expired stalk while new flowers bloom above. 

Rocky Mountain bee plant is sometimes called stinkweed because it has a somewhat unpleasant smell, so you may want to keep it farther from the house. The plants are extremely low-maintenance and thrive on neglect.

Yellow Spider Flower (Cleome lutea)

	height 1-5 feet
	spacing 1-3 feet
	hardiness zones 3-8

This relative of the Rocky Mountain bee plant is another extremely durable wildflower native to the Western states. It grows very quickly and produces long racemes with similarly shaped flowers but in hues of yellow and gold.

Yellow spider flower tolerates prolonged drought and blooms for the entire season. It is perfect for naturalized wildflower areas and medium-textured dry soils. Beware that this plant can form large colonies, but it is easy to remove the seed pods if you want to stop it from self-sowing.

Desert Bells (Phacelia campanularia)

	height 1-2 feet
	spacing 1-2 feet
	hardiness zones 5-10

The charming foliage and bell-shaped flowers of desert bells have earned them a place in ornamental gardens throughout the U.S., but most don’t realize it is native to the Sonoran and Mojave deserts.

This annual mounding plant has toothed maple-shaped leaves with striking reddish stems. The hairy flower clusters emerge from a coiling cyme, producing deep bluish-purple blooms from winter through spring. The plant only needs moisture when established and grows happily alongside creosote, ocotillos, and palo verde.