Native Plants
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Wednesday - November 07, 2007
From: PHOENIX, AZ
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Fast growing shade tree for Phoenix, Arizona
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Would you recommend a fast growing shade tree for Phoenix, AZ that will grow at least 30 ft. high and with a similar canopy in clay soil?ANSWER:
Here are some possibilities for shade trees in Phoenix. You, of course, realize that even though they all tolerate dry soils, they will need irrigation to establish themselves. All the trees listed below are native to Maricopa County, Arizona.Acer negundo (boxelder), 35-50 feet
Fraxinus velutina (Arizona ash) or Fraxinus velutina 'Fan tex' (Fan-tex ash), 30-50 feet
Prunus serotina (black cherry), 50 to 80 feet
Chilopsis linearis (Desert willow), 6-30 feet
Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii (western soapberry), 10-50 feet
The next two trees are generally found in riparian settings—along the banks of streams or lakes and would probably require deep watering if not in such a location.
Platanus wrightii (Arizona sycamore), 60-80 feet
Populus fremontii (Fremont cottonwood), up to 90 feet
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