African SumacArizona's Toughest Evergreen Shade Tree for Desert Landscapes The African Sumac (Rhus lancea) is one of Phoenix's most reliable and versatile evergreen shade trees. With a graceful, rounded canopy of fine textured willow like foliage, arching branches, and remarkable tolerance for extreme heat, wind, and drought, it has become a staple in Arizona landscapes from Scottsdale to Chandler and Mesa to Peoria. Once established, the African Sumac is nearly

Combine Orange/Red Crown of Thorns with the classic Red variety

Jet Tip Agave — A sleek compact agave with distinctive jet-black spine tips

Red berries persist into winter

Candelilla is a clumping textural plant that reads best in a row or mass

Plant slightly elevated — set the caudex base just above soil line to prevent rot

It blooms from spring through fall

Consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting improves both yield and flavor

This type of rip rap is distinguished by its captivating golden hues

It is cold-hardy in the Valley and shrugged off by deer and rabbits

It is one of the fastest-growing native shade trees available

Cactus Wrens and other native birds nest among the protective spines

with a clear 7 to 8 foot circle and set back at least 6 feet from walkways for the pointed leaf tips