Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Wednesday - November 07, 2007
From: PHOENIX, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Fast growing shade tree for Phoenix, Arizona
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Would you recommend a fast growing shade tree for Phoenix, AZ that will grow at least 30 ft. high and with a similar canopy in clay soil?ANSWER:
Here are some possibilities for shade trees in Phoenix. You, of course, realize that even though they all tolerate dry soils, they will need irrigation to establish themselves. All the trees listed below are native to Maricopa County, Arizona.Acer negundo (boxelder), 35-50 feet
Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash) or Fraxinus velutina 'Fan tex' (Fan-tex ash), 30-50 feet
Prunus serotina (black cherry), 50 to 80 feet
Chilopsis linearis (Desert willow), 6-30 feet
Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii (western soapberry), 10-50 feet
The next two trees are generally found in riparian settings—along the banks of streams or lakes and would probably require deep watering if not in such a location.
Platanus wrightii (Arizona sycamore), 60-80 feet
Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood), up to 90 feet
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Groundcover for part shade in Albany NY
July 02, 2014 - Hello! I'm looking for: a native ground cover, mostly shade with only some morning sun, on a slope, edible is preferred but not necessity, mostly clay type soil for the Albany, NY area. Thanks for yo...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen drought-tolerant screening plant for shade
May 13, 2010 - I am renting my place and looking for a screening, green all year, native plant or shrub. I plan to grow it in large planters along my street and to create privacy in my back yard. It has to be a non...
view the full question and answer
Landscaping north facing wall
November 08, 2010 - We live in the Dallas area and have a north facing home with a large, bare wall. I would like to plant a tall, flowering shrub that will look nice all year round. Or are there flowering vines that a...
view the full question and answer
Native flowers and ground cover for damp, shady area in Wisconsin
May 11, 2006 - I would like to plant some flowers and ground cover in the front of my yard near my home. This spot is usually damp and nearly always shaded. Any suggestions?
Also I'm looking for blue flowering pla...
view the full question and answer
Deer-resistant shade shrubs for Lago Vista, TX.
June 24, 2010 - I purchased a home in Lago Vista, Tx. It has a very shady front yard. I want to plant some blooming shrubs that THE DEER WON'T EAT! I would prefer native plants for the area. What should I look f...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |