In article , "David Hare-Scott"
wrote:

"Scott Fiore" wrote in message
...
Hi,
I live in a Sunset zone 12 (Intermediate Desert) and am looking to
plant some fast growing shade trees. Does anyone have any
suggestions? Thanks!
-Scott Fiore

Have a look at genus Eucalyptus. There are over 500 species of all sizes
suited to all kinds of condtions including very hot and fairly dry. Some are
very fast growing. If you select the right kind for the climate and soil they
can be very durable. Depending on where you are there may or may not be much
choice available for sale. I seem to recall there are some specialist vendors
in the USA.

David

But they are banned in some areas because they present an unusual fire
hazard, each tree a gigantic match waiting to ignite.

Try to get a copy of Mary Rose Duffield's PLANTS FOR DRY CLIMATES, which
tells a lot about trees that can thrive in desert climates. Some need
regular watering but don't mind the weather extremes. Others are low water
maintenance but those tend to be slow growers.

Look for information on acacia trees. At least a dozen species are in
nursery production for desert gardening, with cultivars in many
interesting forms. The genus is to desert gardening what oaks and beaches
are to temperate gardening, with endless variety available.

Scarcer but in production are Ceridium species & hybrids, with various
forms & varieties though some have the look of multi-branching shrubs
except thirtyt feet tall, and some have the most unusual (and beautiful)
pitted bark. They can be thorny but there's a thornless cultivar.

You should also track down your nearest native plants society -- I can't
imagine a region that doesn't have either a small independent organization
or a volunteer service with a government agency doing planting and salvage
work. Through such organizations you can almost always get legal access to
native species that aren't in nursery production.

-paghat the ratgirl
--
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http://www.paghat.com.html
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