Explore Plants

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
    
 

Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

rate this answer
1 rating

Monday - October 29, 2007

From: North Las Vegas, NV
Region: Rocky Mountain
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Plants for privacy hedge in North Las Vegas
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

My lot is in North Las Vegas. Looking to plant something that will be a privacy hedge. Full sun with horrible soil. Local nursery suggested the following: Green Cloud and Gray Cloud Texas Sage, Feathery and Sickle Leaf Cassia, Arizona Rosewood and Pineapple Guava. I want fast growing and for it to grow to at least 5 ft high. Your recommendations please.

ANSWER:

Certainly, the natives, Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas sage) and Vauquelinia californica (Arizona rosewood), are both good choices. However, both Cassia artemisiodes (Feathery cassia) and Cassia phyllodinea (silvery, or sickle leaf, cassia) are native to Australia and, since our focus here at the Wildflower Center is on plants native to North America, we wouldn't recommend that you plant them. Additionally, Feijoa sellowiana (pineapple guava) is a non-native from South America and is also reported to be slow growing.

Here are three other native plants that would be suitable for a hedge and will grow in full sun and in poor soil:

Atriplex canescens (fourwing saltbush)

Cercocarpus montanus (alderleaf mountain mahogany)

Shepherdia argentea (silver buffaloberry)

 

 

 

More Privacy Screening Questions

Privacy screen for wet area in Florida
February 08, 2010 - What are the best type of bushes/trees to plant in a low-lying area which is very wet--has sitting water after rainfall and drains slowly that is fast growing and serve as a good privacy border near f...
view the full question and answer

Evergreen shrub for hedge in pasture in California
August 15, 2012 - I am looking at putting in a hedge along a pasture between my neighbor and me. I was considering a podacarpus plant about every 4' for 100'. is this a fast growing, full thickness, tall evergreen bu...
view the full question and answer

Privacy screen for pool in Round Rock, TX
February 09, 2009 - We have a pool in our backyard and neighbors quite close on both sides. There is only a cedar fence between yards and we are desperate for some privacy! We are looking for a fast grower that will gr...
view the full question and answer

Fast-growing evergreens for privacy in Center, TX
March 30, 2010 - I live in East Texas and am looking for a fast growing evergreen for a privacy screen around my backyard. The area gets partial sun and the soil has a lot of clay in it.
view the full question and answer

Native evergreen for privacy screen
May 15, 2008 - I want to incorporate a tree in my landscaping near my house (10-15 feet) for privacy, what are the best trees that don't shed their leaves and have nice flowers and their roots wont destroy my found...
view the full question and answer

Smarty Plants's Facebook profile Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.

Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends.