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Desert & dryland

Desert and dryland plants are chosen for surviving reflected heat off stucco and pavement, not just for low water use in the brochure sense. Agave, sotol, brittlebush and creosote bush here are stocked because each has a documented heat ceiling and drought tolerance in the underlying USDA and climate data, which is what the fit check on every listing actually compares against your ZIP. Give these plants sharp drainage over anything else; more desert natives die of wet feet in a well-meaning irrigation zone than of underwatering. Pair with a native grass for ground cover that will not compete for water.

See also: Shade trees, Shrubs.

Coming soon

These are on our list to stock next, based on real search demand. Join the waitlist and we will tell you the moment any of them ship.

  • King Palm Tree
  • Palm Fruit
  • Coconut Palm
  • Palm Tree Fruit
  • Palm Tree Roots
  • California Fan Palm
  • Acai Palm
  • Desert Trees

Questions about desert & dryland

Do desert plants need any water at all once established?

Established desert natives in this category generally survive on rainfall alone in their native range, but a deep, infrequent watering during the first one to two years after planting speeds establishment and reduces transplant loss.

Why do desert plants die in irrigated landscapes?

The most common cause is root rot from summer irrigation meant for nearby lawn or ornamental beds; desert natives generally need sharp drainage and no supplemental water once established, so mixing them into a regularly irrigated zone is the single most common way to lose one.

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