Skip to content
Log inStart trial

The database

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

California Fescue (Festuca Californica) — which means it can provide year-round interest in the landscape

Grass

California Fescue

Festuca Californica

FullUSDA 4–10
California Fuchsia (Zauschneria Californica) — flaunting fiery red-orange tubular flowers from summer through fall

Perennial

California Fuchsia

Zauschneria Californica

FullUSDA 8–11
California Fuchsia (Epilobium Canum) — plant it in well-drained soil and position it where it can receive full sun to partial shade; noted for its, image 116

Perennial

California Fuchsia

Epilobium Canum

FullUSDA 8–11
California Goldenrod (Solidago Californica) — Solidago californica is a water-wise choice for drought-tolerant landscapes

Perennial

California Goldenrod

Solidago Californica

HalfUSDA 6–10
California Gray Rush (Juncus Patens) — This hardy native prefers full sun to partial shade

Grass

California Gray Rush

Juncus Patens

FullUSDA 4–9
California Honeysuckle (Lonicera Hispidula) — providing lush vertical interest or used to stabilize hillsides and embankments

Shrub

California Honeysuckle

Lonicera Hispidula

FullUSDA 8–10
California Island Oak (Quercus Tomentella) — manifesting itself as a vital part of the coastal ecosystem

Tree

California Island Oak

Quercus Tomentella

FullUSDA 10–11
California Juniper (Juniperus Californica) — showcasing dense blue-green foliage and reddish-brown bark; the plant\'s irregular growth habit and attractive

Conifer

California Juniper

Juniperus Californica

FullUSDA 3–11
California Lilac (Ceanothus 'Gloire De Versailles') — This deciduous shrub matures to about 6 feet in height and spread, demanding full sun for optimal

Shrub

California Lilac

Ceanothus 'Gloire De Versailles'

FullUSDA 7–10
California Melic (Melica Californica) — it's hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and offers seasonal interest with minimal maintenance

Grass

California Melic

Melica Californica

FullUSDA 5–10
California Milkweed (Asclepias Californica) — adding a touch of elegance to the landscape design.<br><br>Thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 7-10

Perennial

California Milkweed

Asclepias Californica

FullUSDA 8–11
California Monarch Milkweed (Asclepias Eriocarpa) — The California Monarch Milkweed (Asclepias eriocarpa) flourishes in USDA zones 7-10

Perennial

California Monarch Milkweed

Asclepias Eriocarpa

FullUSDA 8–11
California Nutmeg (Torreya Californica) — While the California Nutmeg is slow-growing; creating a unique visual interest

Conifer

California Nutmeg

Torreya Californica

FullUSDA 2–9
California Pepper (Schinus Molle) — pinnately compound leaves which emit a distinctive fragrant aroma when crushed; pink flowers in the garden, image 68

Tree

California Pepper

Schinus Molle

FullUSDA 8–10
California Phacelia (Phacelia Californica) — commonly referred to as California phacelia; drought-tolerant once established

Perennial

California Phacelia

Phacelia Californica

FullUSDA 9–10
California Privet (Ligustrum Ovalifolium) — Following the flowering period

Shrub

California Privet

Ligustrum Ovalifolium

FullUSDA 5–8
California Ruellia (Ruellia Californica) — is a resilient perennial shrub native to California's desert regions

Shrub

California Ruellia

Ruellia Californica

FullUSDA 9–10
California Sagebrush (Artemisia Californica) — such as butterflies and small birds; attracting wildlife while requiring minimal maintenance once established

Shrub

California Sagebrush

Artemisia Californica

FullUSDA 3–3
California Scrub Oak (Quercus berberidifolia) — Its dark green, holly-like leaves and acorns offer food and shelter for wildlife

Shrub

California Scrub Oak

Quercus berberidifolia

FullUSDA 8–9
Callery Pear (Pyrus Calleryana) — commonly known as the Callery Pear

Tree

Callery Pear

Pyrus Calleryana

FullUSDA 4–10
Camperdown Elm (Ulmus Glabra 'Camperdownii') — reaching heights up to 25 ft

Tree

Camperdown Elm

Ulmus Glabra 'Camperdownii'

FullUSDA 3–10
Campfire Crassula (Crassula Capitella 'Campfire') — propeller-like leaves that transition from bright green to fiery red

Succulent

Campfire Crassula

Crassula Capitella 'Campfire'

FullUSDA 9–11
Camphor Dune Tansy (Tanacetum Camphoratum) — This tansy thrives in well-drained soil and full sun

Perennial

Camphor Dune Tansy

Tanacetum Camphoratum

FullUSDA 8–10
Canadale Gold Wintercreeper (Euonymus Fortunei 'Canadale Gold') — each artistically splashed with bright yellow centers and dark green margins

Broadleaf Evergreen

Canadale Gold Wintercreeper

Euonymus Fortunei 'Canadale Gold'

FullUSDA 5–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.