Common name:Arizona Cypress
Botanical name:Cupressus arizonica

This Arizona native conifer tree grows to 40 feet tall and 20 feet wide. Color and form can vary from sea green to silvery blue, pyramidal to rounded. It prefers full sun and can tolerate heat, wind, and drought. However, it is listed as a USDA Zone 6, so it might not be suited to our east-bench areas. Bark is reddish brown and furrowed. Leaves are tiny and scale like. Cones appear in fall.

Common name:Krauter Vesuvius Purple-leaf Plum
Botanical name:Prunus cerasifera 'Krauter Vesuvius'

'Krauter Vesuvius' is a deciduous, small tree with a dense, twiggy, oval crown, growing to about 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. It has light pink, fragrant flowers that emerge before the leaves. Leaves emerge a deep red and mature to a reddish purple; it retains this reddish color best in full sun. Small, red, edible fruit ripen July and August. Autumn leaf color is golden yellow to orange. Naturally low branching, and so place where that isn't an issue.

Common name:Serbian Spruce
Botanical name:Picea omorika

Serbian spruce is a slow-growing evergreen conifer with a narrow, pyramidal habit, reaching (eventually) 40 to 60 feet tall but only 15 to 20 feet wide. It has glossy, dark green needles that have a silvery white band on the underside, giving it a subtle bi-colored effect. Young cones are egg-shaped, about 2 inches in length, and are purple, maturing to a reddish brown. Use singularly as a specimen or in groups.

Common name:Giant Dropseed or Sacaton
Botanical name:Sporobolus wrightii

Giant dropseed is both taller and wider than most other dropseeds, reaching 6 to 8 feet tall and wide. It has an upward arching and mounding habit. Grey to blue-green foliage is narrow, giving it a fine texture; foliage turns yellow in fall and then beige. Pinkish flowers are tall and large, and are present Aug thru Oct. The overall effect is very architectural and striking. Stunning cut flowers.