# Plants That Keep Water
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Prickly Pear
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Prickly pear (Opuntia spp.) is a member of the cactus family. It is an ornamental in landscapes where the weather is hot and dry. Outdoor plants can grow as tall as 5 feet and spread 15 feet wide. The prickly pear stores water in its stems. Because it has pods instead of leaves, the plant does not use its stored water. The waxy skin on the pods is another biological advantage helping the prickly pear seal and retain moisture. The prickly pear is an edible plant harvested in September and used to make prickly pear jelly. The fruits called tunas and is a source of vitamin C and potassium.
Jade
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Jade plants (Crassula ovata) are a good indoor choice for an easy-to-grow plant that holds water. Jades are succulents and store water in their fleshy leaves and root system. With proper care, they live for years and grow as tall as 5 feet. A well-maintained, mature plant blooms with white flowers in the winter. The biggest concern is giving them too much or too little water, or planting them in soil that does not well draining. This can result in root rot and kill the plant. Check the soil with your finger to make sure that it is moist but never wet and soggy. Keep a bowl underneath the plant container for drainage and remove any standing water. Cultivars for indoor growing include the Jade Tree, Silver Jade and Copper Jade.
Creosote Bush
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The creosote bush (Larrea tridentate) is a perennial shrub adding interest, fragrance and color to landscapes. The leaves have a coating that helps the plant keep water. When the weather is dry, older leaves will drop off, so that younger and new leaves get a chance to thrive. The roots also hold water providing the plant with an ongoing supply.
Mesquite
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One tree that stands out for its water retention capabilities is the mesquite (Prosopis). Mesquite is a phreatrophyte. It developes a long root system, which keeps growing downward into the soil to feed from the underground water table. Biologists have recorded mesquite tree roots as deep as 80-feet. Mesquite trees grow thrive throughout the Southwestern desert areas of the United States, where they are native. Mesquite trees bear bright-yellow flowers in the spring. Varieties include the Chilean, the Argentine, Velvet and Texas Honey.
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