Scores each plant on how well it should hold up as Las Vegas gets hotter, with warmer nights and more drought.
What it contains
282 species and rose varieties now grown for valley plantings, plus 26 recommended additions. Wildflowers, shrubs, trees, cacti and succulents, grasses, vines, and roses.
What it shows
Scores from 0 to 3 for heat, warm nights, drought and establishment; a local-fit score; 2030 and 2040 climate scores; a 2040 program score and an action (Expand, Hold, Trial / caution, Phase down); confidence, lifespan and how well a stand reseeds.
Also included
An update of the 2005 University of Nevada, Reno tree booklet (39 trees), and a cross-check of the Nevada Division of Forestry species list (26 plants).
Rates how much water each plant needs beyond rain, based on the climate where the species grows wild.
What it contains
208 trees, shrubs, wildflowers, cacti and succulents, and vines, each traced to its home climate and habitat.
What it shows
A water group from IRR-0 (no extra water) to IRR-5 (over 16 inches a year), plus groundwater plants (IRR-P); typical extra water in inches a year; the rain season where the plant grows wild; where the plant comes from.
The rule behind it
Minimum extra water = lowest yearly rain in the plant’s home range − 2.1 inches, the usable rain in the driest parts of the valley.
Start with the climate matrix to choose plants that will still do well in 2030 and 2040. Then check the water matrix to plan how much to water each one and in which season. A plant can score well for heat and still need a lot of water, or the other way around.
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