Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest: Woody Plants for Arid Gardens

Like gardeners everywhere, gardeners in the Southwest want home landscapes that include lush, thriving trees and shrubs. But contending with difficult soils, three-digit summer temperatures, and minimal rainfall can pose a daunting challenge. To add to the dilemma, many plants that prosper in other parts of the country can't be grown in the Southwest without resorting to wasteful artificial irrigation.

The solution to this conundrum is choosing plants that are adapted to the rigors of …