Gossypium thurberi, commonly known as Arizona wild cotton, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the Sonoran Desert and semi-arid regions in northern Mexico and southern Arizona. It typically grows up to 10 feet tall and can spread equally wide. The plant features palmate, lobed green leaves that turn maroon in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the landscape. Arizona wild cotton blooms in the summer, producing creamy-white flowers with a purplish center, followed by seed capsules that resemble domestic cotton.

Arizona wild cotton is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, dry climates, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and desert gardens. It requires minimal water once established and prefers well-drained soils. Full sun is ideal for this plant to flourish. In cultivation, it is used for its ornamental foliage and flowers, as well as for its ecological role as a larval food plant for the royal moth. Gardeners should note that while it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests like aphids and whiteflies.CC BY-SA 4.0