In riparian communities, giant reed competes with cottonwood and
willow
trees for soil moisture and suppresses
native seedlings. Giant reed provides less shade which increases
water temperatures and alters aquatic wildlife habitat.
Arizona rosewoodVauquelinia californica
Grows into an erect shrub up
to 20 ft tall that can also be pruned into a tree.
Rosewood is a good hedge for privacy and wind
control. The bark is gray to reddish and leaves are
evergreen. It blooms in late spring with a 3 in
cluster of tiny white flowers. Rosewood is a superb
alternative to oleander as well.
Hop bush
Dodonaea viscosa
At maturity, this evergreen
shrub can reach 10 ft tall and wide. Small yellow
flowers develop into attractive winged fruits that
turn purplish in the fall. Quail and doves relish
hop bush seeds. When planted 6-8 ft apart, hop bush
creates an informal screen.
Quail bush
Atriplex lentiformis
A fast growing, rounded shrub
up to 8 ft tall and 12 ft wide. Blue-gray leaves of
variable shape offset clusters
of tiny greenish flowers that appear in late winter
through spring. The fruit and seeds attract birds.
Quail bush grows in most soil types and can be used
for screening.
