Arizona Rosewood

Vauquelinia californica

About the Plant

Arizona rosewood is a tall evergreen shrub native to southeastern Arizona, far southwest New Mexico, and adjacent Mexico, including Saguaro National Park-East. The dense foliage of this 15 foot x 15 foot shrub makes it an excellent choice as a screen or barrier or as a background for other plants. Clusters of showy white flowers appear at the ends of branches in late spring (May).

Arizona rosewood may grow very slowly for the first year or two after planting. After that is is a tough shrub that needs little care. It has a naturally symmetrical form so needs little pruning other than to remove the wayward branch. Gradually remove lower branches if you want to grow as a small, multi-stemmed tree. This plant will need occasional irrigation during the summer even after establishment.

This shrub has few problems, but is occasionally bothered by sucking insects such as spider mites and psyllids. Look for yellowing, spotted leaves (see photo above) and the presence of a sticky liquid (known as honeydew) on the leaves. Established plants will not be bothered by a few pests. Use a stream of water to wash them off if desired. Fallen leaves can be raked and discarded.

Wildlife value: bees enthusiastically visit flowers. Dense, evergreen foliage is shelter for birds and other animals

More Information

Weekly Plant on Arizona rosewood

Horticultural information from ASU

Map of distribution in US

Technical botanical description from SEINet

In books:

Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes by Judy Mielke, page 270

Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest by Mary Irish, page 304

ID Characteristics

This plant is in the Rosaceae - the rose family.
Arizona rosewood is tall multi-stemmed shrub that can be pruned as a small tree. The branches are densely covered with evergreen leaves, making this shrub useful as a barrier or a source of dense shade for a hot wall. This slow-growing shrub will eventually reach to 15 feet x 15 feet, with a naturally upright, slightly rounded form.
Newest twigs are green. They age to a smooth gray. The heartwood may be red to shades of brown and is said to give rise to this plant's common name.
The long, linear leaves are dark green, paler on the underside, with a 1/2-inch leaf stalk. They are stiff and leathery, up to 4 inches long and about one-half inch wide. The edges have many small teeth. The leaves are alternate.
The 1/3 inch white flowers are held in a broad, flat terminal cluster typically 3-6 inches wide. Bloom occurs in late spring, typically May into June. There are 5 petals and many stamen.
The fruit is a brown capsule less than half an inch. When mature it splits open to reveal 5 chambers. The fruit stays on the tree for at least one winter, perhaps longer, and gradually ages to dark gray (see upper photo). This adds visual interest but may not be appreciated by some.