Top 20 Most Common Trees in Arizona

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Top 20 Most Common Trees in Arizona

Arizona, United States, with its unique climate and soil dynamics, provides a fertile ground for native trees to thrive. Among these are Saguaro, Corn plant, and Yellow trumpetbush. These trees hold significant symbolic, cultural, and ecological importance within the state. Their presence not only enriches the landscape but also contributes to the overall ecological balance and preservation of Arizona's natural heritage.

Most Common Trees

Saguaro

Saguaro (*Carnegiea gigantea*) is a well-known perennial cactus that grow in arid desert plains. Native Americans ate the fruit from the saguaro and made fences and shelters out of the cactus body. Owls and other birds make nests in this species.

Corn plant

Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans) is an evergreen, slow-growing perennial shrub native to tropical Africa. Also, it is a classic houseplant, grown in Europe since the 1800s. Its glossy green foliage that resembles corn leaves grow on top of a thick cane, which is why the plant is sometimes called “false palm tree.”

Oleander

Nerium oleander, colloquially known as oleander, is a shrub or a small tree, known for its majestic pink five-lobed flowers and deep green lanceolate leaves. Oleander is one of the most poisonous popular decorative garden plants, so it is advised to keep small children and pets away from it.

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Yellow trumpetbush

4. Yellow trumpetbush

Although the yellow trumpetbush have beautiful and bright flowers that can be pleasing to look at, this plant is considered an invasive weed in multiple countries. A native of the southern United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, Peru and Ecuador, this plant is often found on roadsides, riparian areas, disturbed sites, and other wasteland areas.

Peacock flower

5. Peacock flower

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Fiddle-leaf fig

6. Fiddle-leaf fig

As its name implies, the fiddle-leaf fig has leaves that are shaped like a violin. Wildly popular as a houseplant, the Ficus lyrata makes an architectural statement with its unique and lush leaves. However, please be aware that this plant is finicky and can be hard to keep alive.

Rubber tree

Rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a large tree with wide, oval, glossy leaves. Its milky white latex was used for making rubber before Pará rubber tree came into use, hence the name. Rubber tree is an ornamental species, often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates.

Lemon

Lemon is a cultivated small evergreen tree known for its yellow, juicy, sour fruits full of citric acid. Its origins are unknown, but it was probably first created in India, China, or Burma as a hybrid of sour orange (Citrus × aurantium) and citron (Citrus medica). It is commercial fruit cultivated in warm regions around the world.

Indian Laurel

9. Indian Laurel

Indian Laurel (Ficus microcarpa) is a fig tree originating in China. The indian Laurel attracts the fig wasp pollinator. In some east Asian cultures, it is believed the indian Laurel is a meeting place for spirits.

Desert willow

10. Desert willow

Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis) isn’t really a willow, although it sure looks like one. It’s actually a member of the catalpa family. It’s native to southwestern North America and is often seen along streambeds and dry creeks. The genus name comes from the Greek word “cheilos” meaning “lip,” and “opsis” meaning “resembling,” because some people think the flowers look like lips.

Velvet mesquite

11. Velvet mesquite

Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree native to Mexico, Texas, and Arizona. Its fruits are edible and its leaves close up at night. The tree can live from 50 to 150 years. It can be aggressively invasive in areas outside its native range.

Pencil cactus

12. Pencil cactus

Pencil cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli) is a small tree shrub that grows best in warm arid climates and is named for its pencil-sized succulent branches. Pencil cactus is native to black clay soils in Africa and can be poisonous if ingested. It produces a latex compound that can be poisonous and cause blindness.

Money tree

Money tree (Pachira glabra) can regularly be found in stores sold in small pots as braided Bonsai plants. Their showy trunk will stay hued with green throughout maturity. The wood is sometimes used for objects of light use, such as toys and boxes. It's often mistaken with the Malabar chestnut (Pachira aquatica), which doesn't develop a mature bulbous base like the money tree.

Mulberry

A unique and easy-to-grow edible landscaping plant, the mulberry is prized for its tasty fruits as well as its exquisite ornamental appeal. Originally native to China, this plant was valued for its role in silk production: silkworms will only eat the leaves of mulberry trees, making them crucial for the product's creation. Ultimately, the trees were sold around the world and are used today in different countries that produce silk.

Desert ironwood

15. Desert ironwood

The common name desert ironwood refers to the fact that this species grows in and around deserts. Also, the wood of this tree is unusually dense and solid—like iron. Native Americans roasted the seeds, which taste like peanuts. It’s native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

African sumac

16. African sumac

Searsia lancea is a highly drought tolerant shade tree native to Africa. It can withstand hot and cold temperatures and will tolerate heavy pruning. This evergreen tree can be planted as a windshield or hedge.

Red frangipani

17. Red frangipani

Red frangipani (Plumeria rubra) is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to Central and South America. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical climates. All parts of the plant are toxic when ingested due to their high alkaloid content.

Jerusalem thorn

18. Jerusalem thorn

Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata) is a plant species that can also be commonly known as palo verde, palo de rayo or jerusalem thorn. The common name jerusalem thorn is a mistranslation of the word girasole, which means turning toward the sun.

Jumping cholla

19. Jumping cholla

With its unusual growth form and branches densely covered with spines, jumping cholla looks like a tree-cactus. At the end of each stem hangs a fleshy fruit, which becomes spineless over time and can remain attached to the stem for several years.

Pomegranate

20. Pomegranate

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is a deciduous shrub or small tree, native to western and southern parts of Asia. It has a long history of cultivation and rich symbolism in polytheistic religions. Fruits of pomegranate play an important role in many West Asian cuisines. Aside from culinary uses, this fruit-bearing shrub is also cultivated for ornamental purposes.

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