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| Photo Credit: David Morgan |
| An ideal tree for low-maintenance landscapes, Western soapberry is an attractive, canopy-producing tree with interesting fruit. |
The fact is, native plants can be confusing. In fact, I hear this question a lot: If a plant is a Southwestern native, isn’t it automatically drought-tolerant and water wise? Unfortunately, the answer isn’t always yes. Consider the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Much has been made of this great tree’s remarkable ability to grow successfully in a contemporary landscape, far from its native wet lowlands. But is it truly drought-tolerant? The answer is a flat no!
Like many other plants, this lovely tree will thrive in unfamiliar locations – but only if it’s given elements similar to those in its native habitat. That means plenty of irrigation for bald cypress. In fact, in a home landscape, this tree may require as much water as your turfgrass! Some other examples include native cottonwoods and sycamores. Sure, you see these plants throughout the Southwest, where little else seems to grow. But these trees aren’t truly drought-tolerant – they simply have survival mechanisms. With the first dry season, they drop their leaves to conserve water. If it gets much drier, they may even shed their branches. Survival? Yes. Drought tolerant? No. And certainly not water wise. For us gardeners, plants that retain their natural appearance under low- or minimal-maintenance conditions are truly water wise. These are the plants we really want for our gardens – true beauties that don’t need a lot of water once established and still retain their gorgeous appearance. Here are five good Southwestern trees that fit the bill: Western soapberry. Native to the southern US and Mexico, soapberry (Sapindus drummondii) was propagated by the USDA for erosion control, and it’s since proved itself a tough tree that requires little maintenance in home gardens. Initially known for its fruit used for varnish, floor wax and soap production, the species is now considered an ideal ornamental shade tree. Western soapberry grows 40 feet tall and 25 feet wide, making it acceptable for all but the smallest of landscapes. Its rounded growth habit and scaly bark provide year-round interest. During the growing season, its pest-free foliage of 10- to 12-inch-long compound leaves creates a superior canopy. Flowers are insignificant, but the fruit (yellow-orange drupes each about a half-inch in diameter) is quite showy. This tree should be grown in well-drained soil. Hardy to Zone 6, it rarely has significant disease or insect invasions.
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