Some Native Shrub Suggestions

Here in Utah, there are some very attractive native shrubs and small trees to consider in the landscape. Some are more drought tolerant than others, but for the right conditions, these plants can add vitality to your landscape and provide natural habitat for the critters in your neighborhood. Here are some of my recommendations. (Picture- hedge of curl-leaf mahagony and new mexican privet)

Cercocarpus ledifolius (curl-leaf mahogany)- A member of the rose family, this small tree to large shrub has glossy, dark green leaves and once it is established, requires minimal water to keep it going. A terrific tree for a windbreak, the leaves are designed to handle the windy environment I live in, and I only have to go a half mile to find them growing wild in the foothills above my house. This tree/shrub is actually an evergreen broad-leafed tree that will carry leaves all winter and will drop leaves periodically adding a carpet of yellow below the plant, while maintaining a full set of leaves. It produces a long-hairy seed that adds visual interest to the plant. I have planted several that I purchased from nurseries, and I have also grown them successfully from seed. So here you have it, a drought tolerant, attractive native shrub that is tolerant of wind and even browsing from deer.

Cowania Stansburiana (stansbury cliffrose)- This is another member of the rose family and a close relative of curleaf mahogany. However, this small shrub has grayish green leaves and striking and wonderfully fragrant yellow flowers. I have grown only one from seed successfully, and have not found any at nurseries though I see them in the hills above my house. I will be trying for more of these next year, as I’ve harvested some seeds. This shrub is very drought tolerant, low-growing and the fragrance has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The deer will eat some of this shrub, and it’s close cousin purshia tridentata (antelope bitterbrush), but not to the point where you will generally lose the shrub. I wish more nurseries carried this wonderful plant.

Forestiera neomexicana (New Mexican privet)- This native member of the olive family looks and acts a lot like its ash (fraxinus) relatives, except it grows nicely into a shrub and it has a small blue olive-like fruit that some birds will snack on. Like other olive relatives, forestiera neomexicana is dioecious, meaning there are male and female plants. You’ll generally need three or more plants to ensure you get some of the little blue fruits that will show up on the females.

Salix exigua (Coyote willow)- This native willow was highly used by native people. It grows along streambeds and though it is not drought tolerant, it is very conducive to living comfortably in your typical suburban landscape. The only difference, is this willow will be attractive to native habitat including several species of Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and therefore attractive to birds which prey on these critters. This shrub produces beautiful catkins which leads some to call these plants native pussy-willows. Unlike many willows, this shrub will not shed branches promiscuously with the wind. It will sucker and can be propagated from cuttings. My goal is to create a small pond, surrounded by coyote willows. I’ve got the willows. I just need the pond.