10 Native Ground Covers for Southwestern Landscapes

Ground covers add beauty at soil level and keep surroundings cool by preventing ground heating in hot summers. These low-growing Southwestern natives attract pollinators (birds, bees) and suppress weeds. Whether you live in a bungalow, adobe, or ranch home, these drought-tolerant natives will benefit your garden.

Not in the Southwest? Browse plants native to other U.S. regions.

1. Tufted Evening Primrose (Oenothera caespitosa)

Native to higher elevations (>4,500 ft) of western U.S. and Canada. At dusk, large white flowers unfurl over dark green foliage, lightly fragrant, attracting night pollinators. Each lasts one day, fading to pink. Long bloom: spring to late summer. Plant where you can enjoy evening/morning blooms.

Hardiness: −20°F / −28.9°C (Zone 5)
Water: Low to moderate
Light: Full sun (filtered shade in low desert)
Size: 1 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

See how to grow tufted evening primrose

2. Lyreleaf Greeneyes (Berlandiera lyrata)

Native to Central Plains and Southwest. Chocolate-scented yellow flowers with maroon centers bloom spring to fall. Fragrance peaks in morning—plant where you’ll enjoy it and visiting butterflies. Prune late winter to rejuvenate.

Hardiness: −25°F / −31.7°C (Zones 4–9)
Water: Low; supplemental in low desert
Light: Full sun (filtered shade in low desert)
Size: 12–14 in tall, 12–16 in wide

See how to grow lyreleaf greeneyes

3. Trailing Indigo Bush (Dalea greggii)

Native to Texas and Mexico. Lacy gray-green foliage year-round; soft mounded habit; light purple flowers in spring. Thrives in full sun and reflected heat near sidewalks/streets. Stems root where they touch soil, spreading to 6 ft wide.

Hardiness: 10°F / −18°C (Zone 7)
Water: Low to moderate
Light: Full, reflected sun
Size: 1–2 ft tall, 2–6 ft wide

See how to grow trailing indigo bush

Yellow pineleaf penstemon ‘Mersea Yellow’ with common orange variety.

4. Pineleaf Penstemon (Penstemon pinifolius)

Native to Arizona, New Mexico, Mexico. Bright green pine-needle-like foliage; tubular orange summer flowers delight hummingbirds. Forest-native—extremely cold-hardy yet handles 100°F+.

Hardiness: −30°F / −34.4°C (Zones 4–9)
Water: Low
Light: Full sun (filtered shade in low desert)
Size: 2 ft tall and wide

See how to grow pineleaf penstemon

5. Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)

Native to Central Plains, Southwest, northern Mexico. Dark green foliage dotted with 1-inch white daisies (golden centers). Heat and cold don’t bother it. Blooms spring/fall in low desert; summer at higher elevations.

Hardiness: −20°F / −28.9°C (Zone 5)
Water: Low
Light: Full, reflected sun (filtered shade in low desert)
Size: 12 in tall, 18 in wide

See how to grow blackfoot daisy

6. Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana)

Native to high desert regions of AZ, UT, CO, NM, TX, Mexico. Unassuming dark green needle-like foliage when not blooming. Spring and fall: vibrant yellow blossoms nearly cover aromatic foliage.

Hardiness: 0°F / −17.8°C (Zone 7)
Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: 1–2 ft tall, 2 ft wide

See how to grow damianita

7. Southwestern Mock Vervain (Glandularia gooddingii)

Native to desert Southwest (AZ, CA, NV, UT, NM, CO, OK, TX, Baja CA, Sonora). Pale pink to lavender flowers winter/spring in low desert; spring/summer higher up. Butterflies love them. Gray-green leaves/stems from tiny white hairs reflecting sun. Short-lived but self-seeds.

Hardiness: 0°F / −17.8°C (Zone 7)
Water: Low to moderate
Light: Full sun
Size: 1 ft tall, up to 3 ft wide

See how to grow southwestern mock vervain

8. Angelita Daisy (Tetraneuris acaulis)

Native across western U.S. into Canada. Zone 8+: nearly continuous bloom, including winter. Colder zones: late spring to early fall. Extremely cold/heat-tolerant. Best along entry paths or by boulders for welcoming yellow color. Self-seeds for natural wildflower look.

Hardiness: −20°F / −28.9°C (Zone 5)
Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: 1 ft tall and wide

See how to grow Angelita daisy

9. Germander Sage (Salvia chamaedryoides)

Native to Chihuahuan Desert. Vivid blue flowers attract hummingbirds and attention—blue is rare in gardens. Gray-green foliage backdrop; blooms primarily spring and fall.

Hardiness: 15°F / −9.4°C (Zone 8)
Water: Low
Light: Full sun to part shade (filtered shade best in low desert)
Size: 1–2 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide

10. Hartweg’s Sundrops (Calylophus hartwegii)

Native to AZ, NM, TX, Mexico. Spring brings large yellow flowers, lasting one day, fading to pale orange with pink hint. Blooms through summer into early fall. Flowers open at night, fade by late afternoon. Narrow leaves add bright green; great by boulders, steps, raised beds trailing over edges. Prune to 6 inches early spring to rejuvenate.

Hardiness: −20°F / −28.9°C (Zone 5)
Water: Low
Light: Full sun
Size: 12–18 in tall, 2 ft wide