Recent research in the development of bioenergy crops for arid and semiarid regions has stressed the objective of increasing biomass productivity in order to improve energetic and economic returns. However, an examination of the constraints on arid-adapted plant species indicates that a preferable approach to biocrude feedstock development is one that emphasizes quality, rather than quantity, of biomass. This conclusion is illustrated by economic and energetic comparisons of 4 potential biocrude feedstocks. The species with the greatest economic potential are those with high biocrude contents and moderate or low annual yields.