What kind of plants do well in an arid environment?

I recently moved to southern Nevada and the front and back yards are looking pretty drab. There's some landscaping, but all of the plants are kind of boring. Does anyone know of any drought tolerant plants and trees (the last trees didn't make it through the summer) that will survive in this kind of climate, without violating the water rationing laws?

What kind of plants do well in an arid environment?
Try the website below for great tips and instructions about xeriscaping (landscaping with drought tolerant plants). I live in FL and incorporating xeriscaping into existing landscapes is recommended by gardening experts and county extension agencies.
Reply:I definitely would go for cacti. They are drought resistant and there are about 2000 to choose from. They also have beautiful flowers. The second choice will go to the other succulents such as Agave, Yucca, Hechtia, Echeveria, Kalanchoe, Pachypodium, Adenium, Graptopetalum etc. You can have several different kinds and build a pretty rock garden. Lucky you for living in such a nice place. Wishing you more luck.
Reply:Hmm, interesting problem. If you don't mind lots of cactuses and plains grasses, many of those will grow in very dry environments. Basically, anything that's already growing there should continue to grow, so if you like any of it you can plant it near your house if you want. You can also try asking some people who work at nurseries and see if they have any advice.