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Drought-tolerant plants

Low- and very-low-water plants for dry gardens, Mediterranean climates, and water-wise design.

2,235 plants

Drought-tolerant plants in the database

Butterfly Bush (Buddleia 'Inspired Violet') — is a deciduous shrub revered for its vibrant violet blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds

Shrub

Butterfly Bush

Buddleia 'Inspired Violet'

FullUSDA 5–10
Butterfly Rose (Rosa 'Mutabilis') — Fresh blossoms start as a soft apricot-yellow; with its enchanting blossoms and graceful form, image 46

Shrub

Butterfly Rose

Rosa 'Mutabilis'

FullUSDA 7–10
Butterfly Weed (Asclepias Tuberosa) — Butterfly Weed (Asclepias tuberosa) is a vibrant perennial native to the US

Perennial

Butterfly Weed

Asclepias Tuberosa

FullUSDA 3–9
Butternut (Juglans Cineria) — providing seasonal interest.<br><br>Spring brings forth inconspicuous yellow-green catkins

Tree

Butternut

Juglans Cineria

FullUSDA 3–7
Button Fern (Pellaea Rotundifolia) — though it will flourish best if protected from frost

Fern

Button Fern

Pellaea Rotundifolia

Deep ShadeUSDA 9–11
Cabbage Palm (Sabal Palmetto) — When planning the garden layout; hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 11, it thrives under full sunlight but can withstand partial

Palm

Cabbage Palm

Sabal Palmetto

FullUSDA 8–10
Cajeput (Melaleuca Quinquenervia) — tree with white blooms; gardeners should note the potential for invasiveness in some regions

Tree

Cajeput

Melaleuca Quinquenervia

FullUSDA 9–11
Calamondin Orange (Citrofortunella Mitis) — Its fragrant, white flowers bloom intermittently throughout the year, though peak blossoming occurs in spring

Tree

Calamondin Orange

Citrofortunella Mitis

FullUSDA 9–11
Caley's Banksia (Banksia Caleyi) — Banksia caleyi, commonly known as Caley's Banksia, is an alluring shrub reaching up to 10 feet in height

Shrub

Caley's Banksia

Banksia Caleyi

FullUSDA 9–11
Calibanus (Calibanus Hookeri) — Although the flowers are not particularly showy

Grass

Calibanus

Calibanus Hookeri

FullUSDA 8–11
California Aster (Lessingia Filaginifolia) — this aster species provides a pleasing; to the garden.<br><br>Ideally suited for a water-wise landscape or a

Ground cover

California Aster

Lessingia Filaginifolia

FullUSDA 8–11
California Beach Poppy (Eschscholzia Californica V. Maritima) — Eschscholzia californica var

Perennial

California Beach Poppy

Eschscholzia Californica V. Maritima

FullUSDA 9–9
California Black Oak (Quercus Kelloggii) — the California Black Oak provides ample shade and is an excellent focal point for larger spaces

Tree

California Black Oak

Quercus Kelloggii

FullUSDA 6–11
California Brittlebush (Encelia Californica 'El Dorado') — is a drought-tolerant perennial thriving in USDA zones 8-10

Shrub

California Brittlebush

Encelia Californica 'El Dorado'

FullUSDA 9–10
California Buckeye (Aesculus Californica) — but this characteristic is a natural response to its environment and not a sign of ill health; this, image 75

Shrub

California Buckeye

Aesculus Californica

FullUSDA 8–10
California Buckwheat (Eriogonum Fasciculatum) — drought-tolerant perennial establishes itself with ease; is a durable evergreen shrub

Shrub

California Buckwheat

Eriogonum Fasciculatum

FullUSDA 9–10
California Buttercup (Ranunculus Californicus) — This plant blooms generously from early spring into midsummer

Perennial

California Buttercup

Ranunculus Californicus

FullUSDA 9–10
California Coffeeberry (Frangula Californica) — with mature dimensions of 6-8 feet in height and spread

Shrub

California Coffeeberry

Frangula Californica

FullUSDA 8–10
California Copper Leaf (Acalypha Californica) — The California Copper Leaf, Acalypha californica, is a native perennial shrub standing 1.5-3 ft tall

Ground cover

California Copper Leaf

Acalypha Californica

FullUSDA 8–11
California Cudweed (Pseudognaphalium Californicum) — making it an ideal choice for groundcover or as an accent in a border.<br><br>Distinguished by its

Biennial

California Cudweed

Pseudognaphalium Californicum

FullUSDA 8–10
California Desert Milkweed (Asclepias Erosa) — Its stout, erect stems are adorned with thick, oblong leaves that span about 4 to 8 inches long

Perennial

California Desert Milkweed

Asclepias Erosa

FullUSDA 8–11
California Evening Primrose (Oenothera californica) — "evening primrose."<br><br>For optimal growth

Ground cover

California Evening Primrose

Oenothera californica

FullUSDA 9–10
California False Indigo Bush (Amorpha Californica) — It thrives in USDA zones 7-10, preferring well-drained soils

Shrub

California False Indigo Bush

Amorpha Californica

FullUSDA 6–10
California Fan Palm (Washingtonia Filifera) — is a robust palm native to the desert oases of California; scientifically known as Washingtonia filifera

Palm

California Fan Palm

Washingtonia Filifera

FullUSDA 8–10

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.