Common name:Century Plant, Maguey
Botanical name:Agave americana

This plant is fast growing to about 6'-10' tall and 8'-13' wide. Wide gray leaves have stiff terminal spines and recurved teeth on margins. It prefers full sun and well-drained situations. After blooming, which could take several years, it will die but will send up new pups from around the base. Some people are allergic to the sap. Removal is difficult if unwanted.

Common name:New Zealand Flax, Wings of Gold
Botanical name:Phormium 'Wings of Gold'

The Phormium is a dwarf, growing to only 2'-3' tall. The stiff, vertical leaves are olive green in color with a yellow margin. It should be grown under full to part sun.

Common name:Silver Cloud Violet Silverleaf
Botanical name:Leucophyllum candidum 'Silver Cloud'

Leucophyllum candidum 'Silver Cloud' is an evergreen shrub. It grows to 5' high and wide, with small white leaves and deep, purple flowers. You will see more blooms after rainfall. This shrub has an irregular shape but looks good in mass plantings if you want contrasting foliage and blooms. It is susceptible to Texas root rot so plant in well drained soil.

Common name:Mexican Palo Verde, Jerusalem Thorn
Botanical name:Parkinsonia aculeata

The Mexican Palo Verde has prickly stems. This tree is very fast growing with sparse foliage and very long narrow leaves. Yellow flowers with orange red throats bloom sporadically. It is very messy, thorny, weedy and short-lived. This tree is usually found on limestone soils in areas with moisture but is strongly drought tolerant. It can withstand saline conditions. It can be cold or drought deciduous. It is beautiful in form being light and airy looking, with green bark.