Living in the desert or a semi-arid region does not condemn you to the use of landscaping that is drab and uninspired. You can have a yard that is colorful, lush, and abundantly shaded without resorting to water-guzzling plants. The application of xeriscape principles when planning your outdoor area will allow you to use drought-tolerant or low-water use plants to create attractive surroundings that minimize water needs (and accompanying expenses) and reduce maintenance requirements.

Your area Cooperative Extension Office is likely to have a list of attractive low water use plants suitable for your climate. Some of the most helpful or comprehensive Internet listings are linked below:

Arizona

State-wide - from Arizona Department of Water Resources
Provides fairly comprehensive lists for numerous areas within the state of Arizona (includes Phoenix, Tucson, Pinal County, Prescott, and Santa Cruz County).

Tucson area - from Office of Arid Lands Studies, University of Arizona

Yavapai County (5,500 ft. elevation) - from City of Prescott

California

Mediterranean climates - from Marin Municipal Water District
(applies to some areas of California)

Nevada

Western Nevada - from University of Nevada Reno Cooperative Extension

New Mexico

State-wide - from Xeriscape Council of New Mexico
Includes lists for Albuquerque, High Country, Verde Valley, Sedona, and Mesilla Valley regions.

Texas

Trans-Pecos area and Western Edwards Plateau - from Texas Cooperative Extension

El Paso area - from Texas A&M Research and Extension