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White Fir grows as low as 5,500 ft. in canyons, then in mixed conifer zone about 7,500 ft. and up to 10,500 ft. Thick limbs grow out in layers - silver blue in color and fragrant. Can be 80 ft. tall but often shorter in cultivation. Great numbers grown for Christmas trees. Fall sow or cold stratify 1 month. Zones 3-6.

Smallest of the firs, Subalpine Fir is a thin 40 ft. spire that grows near alpine meadows. Dark purple cones at the top of these trees point up and as with all the firs the cone scales fall apart to release the seeds devoured by animals and birds. The foliage is munched by mountain sheep and deer. Fall sow or cold stratify 1 month. Zones 2-6.

Large, snowball-like clusters of white, fragrant flowers on trailing stems. A perennial, Sweet Sand Verbena thrives in sandy soils. Blooms spring-summer. Very cold hardy. Sow in fall or for spring seeding scarify seed with sandpaper or soak in water 6-8 hours. Zones 4-8.

Sand Verbena is a fragrant annual with large, vibrant purple to rose-pink flowers in dense verbena-like clusters. Blankets the desert with color after winter moisture. Beautiful seed pods. Sandy soil. Difficult to germinate - try scarification. Zones 8-9.

Bigtooth Maple is a small tree to 35 ft. or multi-trunked shrub 8-12 ft. A true hardwood maple that with age can be tapped to make maple syrup! Beautiful red, orange, or yellow autumn leaves. Handsome street tree or for shade. Zones 3-7.

Yarrow is an aromatic perennial with clusters of small white or pink flowers, ferny foliage to 1 ft. or more. Invasive in wet places. Tolerates light traffic and mowing. Leaves pressed together were used to staunch wounds. Named for Achilles whose wound, sadly, could not mend. Blooms all season. Barely cover seed, light helps germination. Sow anytime. Zones 2-8.

The 1-2 ft. flowering stems of Indian Ricegrass are beautifully airy and graceful - an accent in rock gardens or borders and a great sandy soil meadow/reclamation grass. Attractive in dried arrangements. Full sun, extremely drought tolerant. Seed eating birds love it. Sow seed 1/2-1" deep in fall or winter for spring germination or cold stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Seeding rate: 1 lb. per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation: 40 lbs. per acre. Zones 4-7

A large plant with straight spikes to 5 ft. Good as an accent in meadows, close to your house or in your dried arrangements. Sleepygrass gets its name from its apparent effect on cattle; horses seem not to be affected. Most ornamental with extra water.

Hummingbirds love Wild Hyssop, a bushy 3 ft. perennial with 1" rose-purple, tubular flowers. Foliage is sweetly scented. Stunning late summer bloom. Sow anytime, well-drained soil. Zones 3-8.

Summer blooming, 2 ft. purple flower spikes. Purple Hyssop is in the mint family but without the mint odor. This perennial grows in mountain forests and meadows, but is tolerant of clay soils. Agastaches are very popular for long flowering in the garden, as cut flowers and as dried flowers. Sow anytime. Zones 3-7.

Delicate pink flowers nod 1 ft. above flat leaves in summer. Pink Nodding Onion are edible, toss the blossoms in your salad. Cold stratify for 1-2 months and sow in spring. Zones 2-7.

Serviceberry is a deciduous shrub to 20 ft. with white flowers followed by sweet, blueberry-like berries. Loved by birds. Widespread in the Rocky Mountains. Prune to a small tree or allow suckers to make a thicket. Needs shady location or extra water in arid regions. Sow seed in fall (some seeds may not germinate for a year) or cold stratify 4 months and sow in spring. Protect seedlings with shade and mulch. Zones 2-7.

Leadplant is a wow of a 5 ft. x 5 ft. drought tolerant shrub. Beautiful small, soft, gray leaves run up each stem in bean formation. The spikes of indigo flowers with tiny yellow stamens are stunning in early summer. Soak, starting in hot water, for about 8 hours and sow anytime. Zones 3-8.

Indigo Bush is a deciduous 4-8 ft. shrub. Stalks of small purple flowers with gold stamens. Butterflies love it. Needs extra moisture in dry areas. Nitrogen fixer. Soak seeds in water 6-8 hours and sow anytime. Zones 3-8.

Medium-hot & long- bearing, use for rellenos or sauces.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)   

Large, heart shaped, medium hot chile, good for rellenos, soups and salsa fresca.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)    

Big Blustem is a columnar bunchgrass to 6 ft. tall, 2 ft. or more wide. Blue-green leaves, stunning orange to maroon fall color. Wind and drought tolerant, but prefers extra moisture. In arid areas plant in low spots where moisture collects. This and Little Bluestem are the grasses that fattened up the cattle of the old West. Seeding rate: 1 lb. per 1000 sq. ft.. Reclamation: 18 lbs. per acre. Zones 3-7.

Brilliant color throughout the entire season.  These annuals are easy to grow and begin their long blooming cycle 6 weeks from sowing.  In mild winter climates, sow in fall; in colder climates, sow in spring after danger of frost.  Bachelor Buttons, Flander's Poppy, California Poppy, Scarlet Flax, Plains Coreopsis, Mexican Gold Poppy, Rocket Larkspur, California Bluebells, Pastel Poppy, Farewell-to-Spring, Blanketflower, Cosmos, and others.

Rocky Mountain Columbine is Colorado's state flower. 2-3" flowers with 2" spurs. Summer blooming. Attracts hummingbirds. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1 month and sow in spring. Zones 3-7.

Golden-Spurred Columbine are native to the canyons of New Mexico, Colorado, Texas and Arizona. Perennial to 3 ft. covered with fragrant flowers. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1 month and sow in spring. Zones 4-7.

Kinnikinnick or Indian Tobacco is an evergreen carpet of glossy, dark green leaves. Small, waxy, pinkish flowers. Brilliant red berries. Needs enriched garden soil. Does not take intense heat. Sow in fall or cold stratify 2 months. Zones 2-7.

Every part of White Prickly Poppy is prickly except the extraordinary giant 4" white crinkled blooms. Perennial 2-3 ft. Flowers all summer. Sow in fall or cold stratify. Zones 3-8.

Purple Threeawn is a small bunchgrass to 1 ft. tall, less than 1 foot wide. In summer, the seedheads form a cloud of purple. The seedhead that carries the seed is 3-spoked (3-awned) pinwheel hence the name threeawn. The seed can lodge in pets' paws or ears, so this isn't the grass to use near them. Extremely drought tolerant. Zone 4-8.

Silver Sage is a freely branching shrub 3-5 ft. with fragrant leaves. That Artemisia fragrance is the West. Classic silver-grey foliage covered with fine hairs. Flowers are yellow but inconspicuous; borne in late summer. Found natively in the Sierra Nevada of California, throughout the Southwest, as far north as Oregon and up into Canada. Very drought tolerant. Sow in fall or spring. Zones 3-7.

Sand Sage is a fragrant, silver-gray, evergreen shrub to 4 ft. with tiny narrow leaves and graceful swirling branches. Tolerates both sandy and clay soils. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Fringed Sage is a mat-forming perennial to 1 ft. with fragrant, fine-textured, silver-grey foliage. Prune to keep mat-like or allow flower stalks to shoot up. Very hardy. Sow anytime. Zones 3-7.

Prairie Sagebrush is a sage-fragrant perennial to 2 ft. that spreads by rhizomes, making it great for erosion control. Leaves used in Native American ceremonies. Sow anytime. Zones 2-8.

Big Sage is a silver-grey evergreen shrub 3-4 ft. tall in New Mexico, up to 6 ft. tall in its northern range. Very rugged. The picture of the Old West. Strongly aromatic foliage. A handsome specimen or foliar accent in your unwatered or watered garden. Inconspicuous flowers. Sow in fall or spring. Zones 3-7.

Showy Milkweed is a hardy 2-3 ft. perennial. The largest wild milkweed, with 3" round clusters of showy, pink flowers in summer. Attracts monarch and other butterflies. Can be invasive in damp areas. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Zones 3-7.

Butterflyweed is a strong perennial to 3 ft. with vivid orange flowers. Butterflies love it! Difficult to transplant with its long, tuberous root. Sow in fall or cold stratify 2 months and sow in spring. Zones 3-7.

Four-Wing Saltbush is an intricately branched shrub 4-6 ft. tall and broad. Grey foliage. Needs no extra water once established. Female plants produce lots of curious four-winged fruits. Use as wildlife habitat (loved by quail), a specimen plant, a screen or a windbreak. Sow in fall or cold stratify 2-3 months. Zones 4-8.

Shadscale is a handsome gray shrub about 3 ft. tall. The female plant carries the seed through the winter. Great bird habitat and food. Dry plains and mesas. North Dakota to Oregon and south to Mexico. Sometimes in pure stands in Northern Arizona. Sow in fall or cold stratify 2-3 months. Zones 4-8.

Dancing yellow daisies - because of their long, 1-2 ft., thin stems. Roadsides and meadows at elevations of 5,500-9,500 ft. Annual or biennial. Bahia is cheerful and easy. Sow anytime. Zones 4-7.

Showy, bright yellow, 2" daisies borne on long stalks well above white, woolly leaves. A 1- 1 1/2 ft. biennial. Desert Marigold blooms profusely all summer - carpets fields and roadsides. Sow anytime. Zones 6-9.

Chocolate Flower is a must for chocolate lovers! Opens in the morning, filling the air with the fragrance of chocolate. Nods in the afternoon heat. Cheerful perennial grows 1 1/2 ft. tall and wide with coarse leaves and pale yellow flowers with maroon centers. Blooms in summer. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Large, mild-medium, 8" long fruit, thick walled, ideal for rellenos.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate.           (100 seeds)   

Silver Beardgrass is an ornamental bunchgrass 2-3 ft. tall, 2 ft. wide. Bright green leaves turn orange in the fall. Shimmering drifts appear in late summer when the fluffy white seed heads emerge. Beautiful in meadows or along the driveway or garden. Zones 4-8.

Sideoats Grama is one of our most popular grasses for meadows and reclamation. Use also along walks and with flowers. Seeds are borne in two parallel rows on one side of the flowering stalk, hence its name Sideoats. Easy to establish, drought tolerant, remarkably tenacious on rocky slopes. To 2 ft.tall. Sow anytime up to 2 months before the first fall frost. Seeding rate: 2-3 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation: 30 lbs. per acre. Zones 4-8.

This warm season grass, native to the High Plains, is a wonderful alternative lawn - the most drought tolerant lawn grass we offer. It is a low-growing bunch grass, (1-1 1/2 ft. with the seed heads) that is part sod-forming and can be grown as a tight turf. The blades are thin, so the texture of this grass is very fine. Easy to establish, cold hardy, pest and disease free, tolerant of poor soil. The seed is borne in flags that curl back gracefully when dry. You can leave it unmowed or mow 2 or 3 times a season. We use this grass more than any other in our landscaping. Blue Grama is adaptable and useful throughout the arid West. Fills out well in one season. Sow anytime up to 2 months before the first fall frost. Seeding rate for a lawn: 3-4 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation: 30 lbs. per acre. Zones 3-7.

Buffalograss is one of the finest grasses available for lawns and meadows in arid regions. Low growing (4-6"). It spreads along the surface of the soil with runners that root as they grow, stabilizing and binding the soil. It makes a durable, sage-green lawn that tolerates drought, cold winters and poor soil, takes traffic and is immune to pests and diseases unless fed and watered too much. Mow twice a year so the runners don't pile up on the surface. Buffalo is a warm season grass, beige from early fall to late spring. It may also go dormant in the summer if extremely hot and dry; it bounces back on its own when rain comes or a little water will keep it green. Does not compete well with weeds and aggressive grasses like bluegrass and bermuda, so be sure to get rid of those before sowing. Slow growing because the seed germinates in stages over a period of time, but very durable once established. Sow in spring, summer or fall. Seeding rate for lawns: 3-4 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation: 40 lbs. per acre. Zones 3-7.

Lots of solitary, wine-colored, cup-shaped flowers bloom all summer on this 2-3 ft. wide perennial. Wine Cup or Poppy Mallow is a native to the sandy, gravelly soils of the Texas prairies, woodlands and roadsides but thrives everywhere we've tried it. Cold hardy. Sow in fall or soak seed 6-8 hours in water and sow in spring. Zones 3-8.

Owl's Clover is a many-branched annual to 1 1/2 ft. tall with small bright rose-purple flowers. Whole hillsides turn purple with this wildflower. Beautiful with California Poppy. From the deserts of Arizona, California and Mexico. Blooms May to August. Sow in spring. Zones 8-9.

Hot, short, slender, best dried & ground for red-hot sauces.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)   

Basketflower is a tall, sturdy, biennial to 5 ft., with many long-lasting, long-stemmed flowers, summer through fall. The thistle-like flowers have pale centers and petals that become pink-blue at the tips. They open to 5" across. Seed heads resemble woven baskets. Sow in fall or stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Germinates slowly and in flushes. Zones 3-8.

Tiny, ornamental, purple to white to red simultaneously (named for flag's colors).  Upward-growing pods are edible at all stages and hot!  Delightful houseplant.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)   

Curl-Leaf Mahogany is an evergreen shrub, 5-15 ft. Small, dark green, leathery leaves are white beneath. Slow growing. Inconspicuous flowers; long, twisted, plume-tailed fruits catch the sunlight in the fall. Hardy and undemanding. Sow in fall or soak seed 8 hours in hydrogen peroxide, stratify for 2-3 months and sow in spring. Zones 4-7.

Small, wedge-shaped, dark green leaves grow in a dense branching pattern on Mountain Mahogany-- this 6-20 ft. shrub or small tree. Deciduous. Leaves are russet colored and plumed tails emerge from the seed heads in fall. Hardy. Sow seed in fall or soak seed 8 hours in hydrogen peroxide, stratify for 2-3 months and sow in spring. Zones 4-7.

Baby White Aster is a little, 2-8 inch, creeping plant that you can't find and then it's there with its tiny white daisies, yellow centered, in the harshest places. Hopi, Navajo and Zuni got help from Baby White for toothache and rheumatism. Perennial. Sow anytime. Zones 5-8.

Fernbush is a tall shrub to 8 ft., and just as broad, with fragrant, fern-like leaves. Columns of small white flowers in midsummer. Attracts bees. Evergreen in warm climates, deciduous in cold climates but releafs in February. Extra water helps but very drought tolerant when well established. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Do not cover the tiny seed. Zones 4-8.

This rhizomatous perennial bears spikes of large, orchid pink, 4-petaled flowers. Fireweed is a vigorous 4 ft. plant that blooms all summer. Found along mountain streams, clearings and disturbed areas at high elevations. In your garden it will need extra water. Sow in fall or stratify 2 months and sow in spring. Zones 2-6.

Desert Willow is a graceful, deciduous, shrubby tree 10-25 ft. tall and 10-15 ft. wide. Willow-like leaves and showy pink to purple, trumpet-shaped flowers followed by a multitude of long, thin pods. Tolerates heat and drought but occasional deep watering gives better flowering and faster growth. Sow in a well-drained, warm soil. Zones 6-9.

Native Sonoran perennial. Little 1/2" spheres, thin fleshed. Blasting, quick-to- pass heat. Very good in salsas, stews, and for flavoring vinegar. Good houseplant. Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (50 seeds)   

Perennial, single, gold-centered 3" white flowers. Shasta Daisy is long blooming, splendid in borders and as cut flowers. Easy to grow from seed. Likes regular water. Sun to partial shade.

Dwarf Chamisa or Rabbitbrush is a knee high, compact shrub with pale green stems and ivory-yellow flowers in autumn. For any tough spot. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Chamisa or Rabbitbrush is a silver-blue, narrow-leaved, deciduous shrub, 3-5 ft. tall and wide. Pungent, yellow flowers in fall. Can prune strongly - blooms on new growth. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Rocky Mountain Clematis is an elegant small vine to 10 ft. with spring blooming, almost translucent blue-purple flowers. Clusters of plumed seed in fall. Grows on trees and shrubs in forests and forest clearings. Needs water and likes good soil. Sow in fall or cold stratify and sow in spring. Zones 2-7.

Virgin's Bower is an exuberant vine climbing to 20 ft. on trees, fences, trellises (or along the ground). Sprays of small star-shaped flowers bloom in spring. Seeds with silky plumes catch the light of fall. Deciduous, but tendrils give good blockage in winter. Direct seed in fall or cold stratify 2 months. Germination is slow. Zones 3-7.

A 3-5 ft. annual with pale pinkish to purple flowers at the tops of the stems. The flowers have long, protruding stamens, giving them a "spidery" appearance. The black dye made from this plant is used for the designs on SW pottery. The boiled down Beeplant is used as a binder to hold the paint on pots. Attracts bees and hummingbirds. Blooms in summer. Sow in fall or soak seed 6-8 hours in hot water and sow in spring. Seed needs light to germinate. Cover very lightly or not at all. Zones 3-7.

Elegant flowers with sky blue petals and a long green pouch below from which a new flower emerges each day, hence dayflower. Birdbill Dayflower blooms late in the season to 1 ft. tall. Woodlands and open meadows. Zones 5-7.

Lanceleaf Coreopsis is a long-lived perennial to 2 ft. with gold, 2 1/2" daisies on long stalks above the foliage. Lovely cut flower. Does well in any garden soil. Sow anytime. Zones 3-7.

Plains Coreopsis is a delicate, yellow daisy with red-maroon banding to 3 ft. in height, this annual blooms all summer. Sow in fall in the south and in spring in the north. Cover seed lightly. Zones 2-8.

Dogwood is a deciduous shrub, 3-6 ft. tall and wide, with clusters of tiny white flowers and white berries in the fall. Bright red branches - great winter accent. Pliable stems used in basketry. Sow in fall or cold stratify 3 months. Zones 3-7.

Arizona Cypress grows in Mexico coming north in canyons to Arizona and New Mexico 3,500 - 8,000 ft. Its leaves are tiny scales. It has a wonderful inch-round cone with armor plates that open to release a hundred small seeds. Beautiful blue tree to 40 ft., reddish bark checkering with age. Drought tolerant. Related to Monterey Cypress and Italian Cypress. Fall sow or cold stratify 1 month. Zones 5-8.

Feather Dalea is a compact woody shrub 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide with delicate feathery leaves and tiny bicolored pea flowers - purple and yellow and fuzzy all at once. Grows in dry rocky or sandy soils from 3,000 to 7,000 feet. Very drought tolerant but water deeply occasionally if the rains don't come. Sow in fall or cold stratify. Zones 5-9.

Little yellow-turning-orange pea flowers emerge from fuzz on a 4-6" drought tolerant rhizomatous grasslands beauty. This perennial blooms opportunistically with moisture in spring and summer. James Dalea can be difficult to germinate. Perfect in a rock garden. Fall sow or cold stratify 1 month and sow in spring. Zones 5-8.

Purple Prairie Clover is a slender airy perennial to 2 ft. with bright purple flowers. Wonderful dried, keeps its color. Nitrogen fixer. Deep rooted. Very drought tolerant. Wildlife food and habitat; attracts beneficial insects. Blooms midsummer. Soak seed 6-8 hours in hot water and sow in spring. Zones 3-8.

Shrubby Cinquefoil is covered by small, yellow flowers all summer. Native to the mountains, this 3 ft. deciduous shrub has found its way into landscaping all over the world at every elevation. Improved soil, regular water. Fall sow or cold stratify 2 months and sow in spring. Zones 2-7.

Sotol or Desert Spoon has ribbon-like leaves to 3 ft. edged with hooked thorns. Creamy white flowers in May and June on a spike that can grow to 12 ft. and looks wonderful all season. Pulling off leaves at the base gives you the "desert spoon." Sow in spring. Zones 6-9.

This large, shrub-like, herbaceous perennial grows 3-4 ft. high and just as broad. Enormous, white, 8" trumpet flowers bloom in the evening, often lasting until the next morning. Sacred Datura or Jimsonweed is a truly stunning plant! Blooms in summer. Tolerant of poor soil. Native to the Four Corners region, Texas and California. Note: Datura can be poisonous if taken internally, and don't rub your eyes if you've handled Datura. Soak seed in water overnight and sow in spring or summer. Zones 5-8.

Ghost Delphinium is an enchanting perennial with clustered lavender blooms and long darker nectar guides. This graceful tall plant usually ranges in height from 1-2 ft. but can reach 3 ft. Although scarce, it can be found on rocky slopes in grassland areas and canyons. Flowers May through June, spring to summer. Sow any time. Zones 5-7.

This legume is a valuable addition to any meadow or cut flower garden. Bundleflower is a perennial, drought tolerant, nitrogen fixer to 3 ft. Delicate, lacy foliage. Flowers are white puffs followed by red-brown pods twisted together into bundles. Use seedheads in dried flower arrangements. Soak seed in water 6-8 hours before planting in spring. Zones 3-7.

Succulent, round, blue clusters of flowers on 2 ft. slender stems. Lily-like foliage from a small corm. Blue Dicks or Wild Hyacinth is a native perennial from the Pacific coast to the High Desert. Easy from seed; easy to naturalize. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Spectacle Pod is an upright annual 1-3 ft. tall. Heads of white flowers with changing center colors to tell pollinators what's new. The pods are spectacles indeed, spiraling around the stem with such precision you feel you're reading the mathematical language of the world, and if you look down the stem from above, there is the primal vortex. Seeds prefer cool, sandy soil. Sow in fall or cold stratify 30 days and sow in spring. Zones 5-8.

The name Shooting Star saves me from further extravagances about the pink whipped-back petals where the filaments come firing out. Mountain perennial. Loves moisture. 6-12" tall with long leaves. Sow in fall or cold stratify and sow in spring. Zones 2-7.

Multi-purpose blend of native grasses for ornamental meadows, home landscapes, dryland pasture, forage, reclamation. Adapted to varied soils & terrain in areas receiving 10-25" of moisture per year. Contains Blue Grama, Sideoats Grama, Indian Ricegrass, Streambank Wheatgrass, Galleta, Alkali Sacaton, Sheep Fescue & Little Bluestem. For a truly colorful & ornamental effect, add a Wildflower Meadow Mix. Height: 2-3 ft. Sow anytime except 2 months before first fall frost. Seeding rate for a meadow: 2 lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation seeding: 30 lbs. per acre.

Purple Coneflower is an upright perennial, 2-3 ft. tall with lavender-purple daisies and downward curving petals. Blooms in summer. Great cut flower. Prefers good garden soil. Sow anytime. Zones 3-8.

Slender Wheatgrass is a cool season bunchgrass +/- 2 feet tall. Salt tolerant, fast growing and shortlived (3-5 years). Widely used for reclamation in western U.S. because of its quick cover and persistence until other grasses take hold. Food and cover for birds and small mammals (and Elk at higher elevations). 10 pounds per acre.

Brittlebush or Incienso is a compact drylander to 3 ft. high and 4 ft. wide. Gray-green to white foliage feels like flannel. The flowers are brilliant yellow daisies borne well above the foliage in early spring. After flowering, cut back and water for repeat bloom. Older plants develop strong character and produce resin which the early Spanish padres used for incense. Not hardy in cold desert areas. Sow in spring. Zones 5-9.

Engelmann Daisy is a cheerful Texas roadside wildflower. Opens in the evening, closes in the heat of the day. Upright or spreading 3 ft. perennial bears 3-5 flowers at the top of each stem; blooms all season. Sow anytime. Zones 5-8.

Mormon Tea is a slow-growing shrub (1-2 ft. x 2-4 ft.) with bright green almost leafless stems, tiny leaves and yellow male cones. Fine landscape plant and for making tea. Not hardy above 7,000 ft. Fall sow or cold stratify 1 month. Zones 5-9.

Sand Lovegrass is a beautiful bunchgrass 2-4 ft. tall with airy seed heads summer and autumn. Dense, deep roots. A sandy soil specialist growing in New Mexico, Texas, Colorado and further east to about 5,000 ft. elevation. Very palatable. 1/4 lb per 1000 sq. ft., 6 lbs per acre. Zones 4-8.

Annual Buckwheat is a grey, woolly plant 1-5 ft. with sprays of minute white flowers at the top. Interesting yet gawky as a single plant. In groups, it is lace over the landscape and as the plants turn pink in the autumn the appearance is beguiling. This drought tolerant annual freely sows itself in sandy soils, but can be difficult to get started. Cold stratifying for 1-2 months may improve germination. Zones 5-8.

Summer blooming off-white lace over 2 ft. woody branches that turn maroon-red in autumn. Buckwheatbrush is a very drought tolerant attractive shrubby perennial. Sow anytime. Cold stratifying for 1-2 months may improve germination. Zones 6-8.

Sulfur Buckwheat is a mat-forming perennial to 2 ft. tall. Clusters of bright yellow summer flowers that hold their color when dried. Foliage, smooth and green above, woolly underneath, dark red-green in winter. Wonderful for meadows and borders. A good bee plant for strong honey. Sow in fall or soak in hydrogen peroxide 6 hours and cold stratify. Zones 3-8.

Orange to yellow flowers blooming from April to September at higher elevations. Western Wallflower is a slender, branching plant to 2 1/2 ft. tall, with masses of blooms. Each blossom is actually a cluster of tiny, 4-petaled flowers. Sow this biennial anytime for bloom the following year. Zones 3-8.

Intense, bright orange flowers borne above finely divided, blue-green leaves. California Poppy is exceptionally cheerful. Blooms spring to fall. This short-lived perennial is usually treated as an annual. Excellent in borders, rock gardens and meadows. Sow anytime. Zones 6-8.

Pincushion cactus is a small cactus 8" with red and white spines that blooms in summer with big yellow centered, pink petaled, lustrous flowers. Charming for us and open house for little nectar collectors. Sow outdoors anytime or indoors in bright light in sand or sandy loam, covering very lightly. Slow growing. Zones 4-9.

Snow-on-the-Mountain is an annual with stunning variegated leaves. Stems 1-2 ft. tall with tiny flowers on top. Milky sap. Easy from seed. Sow spring or fall. Zones 5-8.  Limited quantity, 2 packets per customer.

White-rose flowers cover this plant in the summer. Beautiful, pink, plumed, silky seed heads form afterwards. Apache Plume is a deciduous, multi-branched shrub from 3-6 ft. tall. Drought tolerant & hardy. Excellent ornamental. Takes pruning - blooms on new growth. Fall sow or cold stratify. Zones 4-8.

Cliff Fendlerbush is a delicate shrub to 6 ft. with many sweet-scented, white, 2" flowers in spring. Rupicola means lover of rocks - it grows along rocky hillsides and in canyons. Browsed by deer. Heat tolerant. Sow in fall or stratify for 1-2 months and sow in spring. Zones 4-7.

Sheep Fescue is a low growing (to 1 ft.) cool season grass, green almost year-round with some watering. Being a bunch grass, it will not make a smooth turf. Though clumpy, it makes a fine, dark green lawn alternative. Tolerant of a wide variety of soil types and can take partial shade. Easy to establish spring, summer or fall. Seeding rate for small areas: 3-5 lbs per 1,000 sq. ft. Reclamation: 20 lbs. per acre. Zones 2-6.

Creeping Red Fescue is a native to Eurasia. A beautiful cool season turf grass. Very shade tolerant. Can grow to 2.5 ft. tall. Needs water at least 3 times a week. Good soil helps as does regular fertilizing. Plant (and feed) in spring or fall. Seeding rate: 5lbs. per 1,000 sq. ft.

New Mexico Privet is a deciduous shrub to 20 ft. with delicate leaves turning yellow in fall. Pruning creates an open, airy tree form; if left to sprout at the base, it fills out for dense screening that can be hedged to any height. Pest resistant. Tiny yellow flowers bloom before leaves emerge. Both male and female plants are needed for berries to form. Attracts birds. Sow seed in fall or cold stratify. Zones 4-8.

This hardy 2 ft. perennial bears masses of large, red daisies with yellow tips. Firewheel hrives in hot, dry places and blooms all summer. A fine cut flower, keep cutting for more blossoms. Sow anytime. Easy! Zones 3-8.

Blanketflower is a delicate red and yellow annual daisy. Blooms all summer, 2 ft. Sun loving, any soil type. A good cut flower. Sow in fall in the south, spring in cold winter areas. Zones 3-8.

This is a physical Plants of the Southwest gift card that will be mailed to you. It can be used in our Albuquerque and Santa Fe stores ONLY, not online.  Please call us at 1-800-788-7333 (SEED) if you would like to order a gift card with a personalized message.

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Loads of purple-blue flowers in spring and summer on a low growing mound 8" high and 2 ft. across. Short-lived perennial. Purple Verbena is a delightful carpet for denuded areas. Drought tolerant. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Zones 4-8.

HOTTEST! Lantern shaped, lime green to orange fruit, aromatic & distinctive, good in sauces or pickled.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (50 seeds)   

A robust annual to 10 ft. with heart-shaped leaves and many 4" yellow sunflowers. Ancestor of the cultivated varieties. Its seeds are loved by birds. Annual Sunflower blooms summer into fall. Sow spring or fall. Zones 3-8.

New Mexico Sunflower or Maximilian's Daisy is a broad perennial 5-8 ft. tall with 3" flowers along the stalk, like a hollyhock. Bursts into bloom in late fall, and its seeds bring in lesser goldfinches. Cut to the ground each winter. Sow anytime. Zones 4-8.

Cheerful yellow daisies appear in profusion on these easy to grow perennials. Long lasting cut flowers. Rounded plants to 3 ft. Lance-shaped leaves give an airy appearance. Use Showy Golden Eye in your garden or meadow. Sow anytime. Zones 5-8.

Needle-and-Thread Grass is a drought tolerant 3 ft. clump grass used in reclamation. Named for the sharp needle, the seed, and the 6 long thread. It is fascinating to take the seed head from the plant, stick the needle into the ground and watch the thread drill in the seed (it is a hygroscopic drill). The long threads also disperse the seeds in the wind, and while still attached to the plant they catch the light making silvery waves. Note: The seed could poke or lodge in your pet's skin. Zones 4-6.

Hairy Golden Aster is a 4-8" fuzzy-leaved perennial that blooms with little, yellow, daisy-flowers all summer. Unassumingly persists and spreads in poor soils even when walked on or driven over. Sow anytime. Zones 5-8.

Make the desert bloom spring through fall.The High Desert (3,000-6,000 ft.) has hot, dry summers & cold winters, often with strong, dry winds & 5-18 in. of rainfall per year (China Lake, Prescott, Albuquerque, Las Vegas). Purple Aster, Desert Marigold, Rocky Mt. Beeplant, Plains Coreopsis, Broom Dalea, Mexican Gold Poppy, Firewheel, Blanketflower, Blue Flax, Desert Four O'Clock, Mexican Evening Primrose, Sand Penstemon, Pink Wild Snapdragon, California Bluebells, Mexican Hat and Yellow Prairie Coneflower. Height 2-3 ft.

The High Plains flowers are caught like jewels in swales, on ridgelines, next to a low tree or rocky place. Or they burst up in multitudes after rains come. This mix belongs in Flagstaff, Denver, Santa Fe & great stretches of land from 4,000-8,000 ft., with 15 in. (± 6") annual precipitation. Spotted Gayfeather, Lanceleaf Coreopsis, Plains Coreopsis, California Poppy, Firewheel, Skyrocket, Western Blue Flag, Blue Flax, Desert 4 O'Clock, Pink Wild Snapdragon, Rocky Mt. Penstemon, Mexican Hat, Yellow Prairie Coneflower, Chocolate Flower, and Rocky Mountain Beeplant. To 2+ ft., wonderful color all season. Ounce covers 400 sq. ft., Half Pound covers 3,200 sq. ft., One Pound covers 6,400 sq. ft.

Cliff Spirea is a mountain shrub to 7 ft. with sprays of white flowers in spring. Grows in rocky or gravelly soils. Widely used ornamental. Fall sow or cold stratify 2-4 months. Zones 4-7.

This chile is usually pickled and served as a condiment. The peppers are medium hot and round in shape, about 2" wide on full and bushy plants.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)   

Orange Mountain Daisy is a big orange perennial common in subalpine meadows. Grows to 3 ft., with long, smooth leaves. Popular in English flower gardens but neglected in the U.S. Blooms early to mid-spring. Sow anytime. Zones 2-8.

Bush Morning Glory is a sturdy perennial with narrow leaves on bushy, mound-shaped plants 3 ft. high by 5 ft. wide. Pink flowers in summer are 3" across and 4" long with dark throats. Flowers open in the morning and close before noon. W. Great Plains to Rocky Mountains. Very cold hardy and drought tolerant. Soak seed 6-8 hours in water and sow in spring. Difficult to transplant. Zones 4-9.

Airy annual. Tall stems and pale, blue, narrow trumpet flowers with star shaped ends. Long-Flowered Gilly looks like windswept hair. Sow spring or fall. Zones 4-8.

This biennial is hard to believe. It is an unbranched 6 ft. column of screaming scarlet flowers in the summer. Hummingbirds adore Skyrocket or Standing Cypress. Sow in fall in the south or in late spring in the north. Does not transplant well. Zones 6-9.

Delicate blue-purple to lilac flowers with a dark yellow-orange stripe down the middle of the petal. Western Blue Flag is a rhizomatous perennial to 2 ft., blooms in spring. Sow late fall or cold stratify 3 months and sow in spring. Several years for bulbs and flowers to form. Zones 2-8.

Dark green, almost black, 3" long pepper, hot & good fresh or pickled.  Sow indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting or direct sow in long warm-season areas.  Sow 1/4" deep, 12-14" apart.  Requires steady warmth and moisture to germinate. (100 seeds)   

Dry hills 4,500-8,000 ft. elevation, growing 20-40 ft. tall. If its trunk is more than 3 ft. in diameter it may have seen the last millennium. Beautiful plated bark. Dense foliage. Please plant Alligator Juniper for the next millennium. Gordon planted two at our office 20 years ago. They are 15 ft. already. Fall sow or cold stratify 1-4 months. Zones 5-8.

One-Seed Juniper grows at 3,500 - 7,000 ft. elevation in N. Arizona and New Mexico often with pinon pine. Tough, deep rooted tree. The main source of early spring pollen allergies but since the sexes are on different trees only half the trees (male) offend. Used by more ingenious, earlier peoples for everything - medicine, gum, dye, blankets, shoes, food and fuel. Fall sow or cold stratify 1-4 months. Zones 5-9.

Rocky Mountains west to Nevada, east to Oklahoma and the Dakotas. Upright to weeping, elegant 20 - 30 ft. tree with blue foliage, edible berries for us and other wildlife, and wood that lasts forever as posts and is fragrant in the fire. Plant Rocky Mountain Juniper outside for nature to follow its course; germination is improved with 3 months in warm, just damp soil followed by 3 months cold stratification. Zones 3-8.

Junegrass is a pretty, narrow bladed 2 ft. tall bunchgrass with a shimmery, tight seed spike. Grows on prairies, rocky slopes, woodlands and open forests 4,000 - 9,000 ft. elevation. Very broad geographical range. Good summer forage. Zones 4-7.

Winterfat is a 1-3 ft. tall shrub with ornamental woolly, white seed heads in the fall - exciting in dried arrangements. Attracts birds and is an excellent winter feed for livestock. Tolerates alkaline soils. Do try this plant - it's an eye-catcher. Sow seed in fall or early spring. Zones 3-8.

Creosotebush is an evergreen desert shrub from 4-8 ft. high and wide with bright green, glossy foliage. One of the most abundant plants of the Southwest. Extremely drought tolerant. Useful as a screen or windbreak. Attracts honey bees. Sow in spring. Nick seed coat with a knife or puncture with a needle to allow water in and soak 8 hours. Germination is erratic. Put a handful of leaves in the shower for their fragrance. Zones 7-9.

Mounding Peppergrass is a summer annual to 1 ft. tall and 2 ft. wide. Forms a solid mound of white flowers in summer and early fall. Likes disturbed areas and easily reseeds. Good bee plant. Sow seed in spring. Zones 4-8.

Knee-high perennial bears dense purple spikes of small, intricate, fringed flowers. More flower stalks form over the years. Taproots to 15 ft. long help the plants cope with drought. Spotted Gayfeather blooms in late summer and fall. A wonderful cut or dried flower. Difficult to transplant. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-3 months and sow in spring. Zones 3-8.

Spiked Gayfeather is similar to the Spotted Gayfeather, but taller and thirstier. Native to the Great Plains. Its stiff, cylindrical flowering stalks grow to 3 ft. A good dried or cut flower. This perennial will add stunning variety, texture and beauty to your border or meadow. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-2 months and sow in spring. Needs light to germinate. Zones 3-8.

Sitting Bull Falls Pink Cardinal Flower is a perennial to 3 ft. with stalks of showy, deep pink tubular flowers in summer. Attracts hummingbirds. A bog plant - needs constant moisture during the growing season. Ours are not the usual blood-red form. Sow seed in fall or cold stratify. Zones 4-8.

Jemez Red Cardinal Flower is a perennial to 3 ft. with stalks of showy red tubular flowers in summer. Attracts hummingbirds. A bog plant needs constant moisture during the growing season. Zones 4-8.

Spectacular annuals and perennials of warm Southwest areas.  In Los Angeles and mild winter areas sow in fall; in El Paso and colder winter areas sow in spring.  Rain is a key factor in bloom time but gives wonderful color all season.  California Poppy, Lindley's Blazing Star, California Bluebells, Pink Wild Snapdragon, Desert Marigold, Mexican Evening Primrose, Succulent Lupine, Arizona Poppy, Pale Evening Primrose, Owl's Clover, and Mexican Gold Poppy.

Silver Lupine is a silvery grey perennial to 2 ft. with sweet pea-like flowers, lilac to violet in color. A nitrogen-fixing legume thriving on well-drained, poor, sandy soils. Blooms early to midsummer. Difficult to transplant because of its long roots. Sow in the fall or cold stratify 1-2 months. Zones 5-7.

Bluebonnet is a showy annual to 1 ft., with stalks of blue sweet pea-like flowers in spring. Excellent cut flower. A nitrogen-fixing legume that likes well-drained, poor, sandy soils. Sow in fall. Hard to transplant. Not hardy below 0 F. Scarify or soak seed in water 6-8 hours to improve germination. Zones 6-8.

Wolfberry is a thorny, twisty shrub, 3-6 ft. tall and wide. Indicates ancient campsites. Green-lavender blooms, hawkmoth pollinated, become edible (to us, birds, wolves etc.) orange berries. Very drought tolerant but would thrive on a little extra water. Cold stratify 2 months. Zones 4-8.

Wolftail is a 2 ft. tall bunchgrass with a thin wolftail seed spike. Foliage like Blue Grama grass with which it grows. Rocky slopes, gravelly areas and prairies 4,000 - 8,000 ft. elevation. A good looking, valuable range grass. Zones 4-7.

Purple Aster is an annual or biennial to 3 ft. or much lower if cut or mowed to branch laterally. Lilac profusion in autumn. Abundant and spectacular along roadsides with Chamisa- a wonderful color combination. Plant anytime, early fall is best. Zones 3-8.

Desert Holly or Redberry Mahonia is a holly-like evergreen shrub, 12 ft. tall and wide. Very cold hardy. A host of fragrant yellow flowers, then stunning coral red berries in fall for jelly and birds. Fine wildlife habitat. Sow in fall or cold stratify. Zones 4-9.

Creeping Mahonia is a water-loving to start, drought-tolerant once established, evergreen shrublet to 1 ft. with holly-like leaves that are purple-maroon in winter. Yellow, bell-shaped flowers and edible berries. Sow in fall or cold stratify 1-3 months. Zones 3-8.

Snapdragon Vine is a climbing or trailing vine to 3 ft. or more. The 1" flowers are red or purple, turning to white inside the tube. Heart shaped, 1/2" leaves. Use along a fence or arbor. Blooms all season. Beautiful and unusual. Sow anytime. Slow to germinate. Treat as an annual above 6,000 ft. Zones 5-9.