I'm becoming a hopseed fan this year, I grew a few from seed an I like how they look. If you want something different you could try an Italian Cypress or a Shiny Xylosma.

I'm trying out sugar cane as a taller privacy plant in a small location this year. So far it seems to be a nice looking plant.

Hopbush is widely used as a hedge because it fits the job description for a desert hedge plant so well. Saying it's "over planted" here is like saying boxwood is over planted in England.

Native to this area, deep green, evergreen, thornless, not toxic, vertical growth habit, and easy to keep in bounds ... as a landscaper, I'm in love with that list of qualities. It will grow quickly if you water it deeply and regularly, and then you can slow down the growth by reducing the frequency of the watering.