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Texas Ecoregion

Trans-Pecos (Chihuahuan Desert)

4 native plants suited to the Trans-Pecos of Texas.

The Trans-Pecos is the West Texas portion of the Chihuahuan Desert, west of the Pecos River. It is the driest part of Texas, with elevations from 2,500 to over 7,000 feet, alkaline rocky soils, and dramatic temperature swings. Native plants here are adapted to extremes: low rainfall, intense sun, sparse cover.

Conditions: Alkaline rocky soils over limestone or igneous bedrock, less than 15 inches annual rainfall in lowlands, hot dry summers, cold winters at higher elevations.

Cities and areas: El Paso, Marfa, Alpine, Fort Stockton, Big Bend.

4 Native Plants for the Trans-Pecos

All non-toxic per the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center plant database. Click a plant for full ecoregion-specific maintenance and HOA-friendly notes.

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Autumn Sage

Salvia greggii

full sunlow water
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Desert Willow

Chilopsis linearis

full sunlow water
Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii)

Flame Acanthus

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii

full sunlow water
Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Texas Ranger

Leucophyllum frutescens

full sunlow water

Plan a yard for the Trans-Pecos

Pollinator Patch helps you put together a native plant plan tuned for the soil, climate, and HOA expectations of your specific Texas ecoregion.

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