Arizona Rosewood
Vauquelinia californica
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Shrub, perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pollinators | Bees, butterflies, may also attract birds as nesting habitat |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
10-20 × 10-15 |
| Flowering Season | May-July |
| Flower Color | White |
| Minimum Temperature Range | -10 °F |
| Leaf Description | Lance shaped, leathery, slightly to heavily serrated margins, often whitish on the under (abaxial) side of the leaf. |
| Fruit | Winged seeds inside a woody, 5 chambered capsule |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 2500-5000 ft. |
| Description | For a large, evergreen, hedging shrub there are few native plants better than Arizona Rosewood. This species reaches heights of 10-20' with a beautiful pyramidal shape, and over time develops into a dense screen. In summer, clusters of white flowers appear on the branch tips and serve as a nectar source for butterflies. This plant has a reputation for slow growth, something which can be ameliorated to a certain degree by increasing soil drainage and providing ample irrigation in the summer. Keep in mind that this species is often found growing out of nearly pure bedrock in habitat, so heavy clays will likely inhibit growth. This is the best native alternative to oleanders. |
