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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

Cat Thyme (Teucrium Marum) — Cat Thyme should be pruned back in early spring to encourage a bushy habit and prevent woodiness at the base

Perennial

Cat Thyme

Teucrium Marum

FullUSDA 7–10
'Catwalk Queen' Catmint (Nepeta hybrid) — Its mounded habit reaches 10-12 inches tall and spreads 18-20 inches

'Catwalk Queen' Catmint

Nepeta hybrid

Full
Caucasian Stonecrop (Sedum spurium) — scientifically known as Phedimus spurium

Ground cover

Caucasian Stonecrop

Sedum spurium

FullUSDA 5–10
Ceanothus Snowball (Ceanothus Rigidus 'Snowball') — which burst forth in late spring

Shrub

Ceanothus Snowball

Ceanothus Rigidus 'Snowball'

FullUSDA 8–10
Cecile Brunner Rose (Polyantha) (Rosa 'Cecile Brunner') — providing extended visual interest.<br><br>In terms of climate adaptability

Vine

Cecile Brunner Rose (Polyantha)

Rosa 'Cecile Brunner'

FullUSDA 7–10
Cedar Elm (Ulmus Crassifolia) — tree with green and yellow blooms

Tree

Cedar Elm

Ulmus Crassifolia

FullUSDA 2–9
Cedros Island Snapdragon (Gambelia Juncea) — scientifically named Gambelia juncea

Shrub

Cedros Island Snapdragon

Gambelia Juncea

FullUSDA 9–11
Cedros Island Verbena (Verbena Lilacina) — The Cedros Island Verbena (Verbena lilacina) is a perennial shrub

Perennial

Cedros Island Verbena

Verbena Lilacina

FullUSDA 7–10
Celeste Fig (Ficus Carica 'Celeste') — growing 7-10 ft tall with a spread of 5-7 ft

Tree

Celeste Fig

Ficus Carica 'Celeste'

FullUSDA 7–9
Celsii Agave (Agave Celsii) — also known as 'Celsii Agave,' is a striking succulent featuring rosettes of green

Succulent

Celsii Agave

Agave Celsii

FullUSDA 8–10
Century Plant, Maguey (Agave Americana) — commonly known as Century Plant or Maguey

Succulent

Century Plant, Maguey

Agave Americana

FullUSDA 8–11
Cha Cha Cordyline (Cordyline 'Cha Cha') — The Cordyline 'Cha Cha' is a vibrant perennial featuring variegated leaves in a blend of yellow

Shrub

Cha Cha Cordyline

Cordyline 'Cha Cha'

FullUSDA 8–11
Chalk Dudleya (Dudleya Pulverulenta) — Hardy to USDA Zone 9, it can tolerate temperatures as low as 25&deg;F to 30&deg;F for brief periods

Succulent

Chalk Dudleya

Dudleya Pulverulenta

FullUSDA 10–11
Chamise, Greasewood (Adenostoma Fasciculatum) — This California native typically reaches 4-10 ft in height

Shrub

Chamise, Greasewood

Adenostoma Fasciculatum

FullUSDA 9–10
Channel Islands Powder Rosettes (Dudleya Greenei) — powdery white bloom that helps reflect sunlight and conserve moisture

Succulent

Channel Islands Powder Rosettes

Dudleya Greenei

FullUSDA 9–11
Chaparral Currant (Ribes Malvaceum) — This resilient and versatile plant typically reaches a height of 3 to 6 feet and spreads equally wide

Shrub

Chaparral Currant

Ribes Malvaceum

HalfUSDA 7–10
Chaparral Honeysuckle (Lonicera Subspicata) — The Chaparral Honeysuckle (Lonicera subspicata) is a durable

Shrub

Chaparral Honeysuckle

Lonicera Subspicata

FullUSDA 10–11
Chaparral Mallow (Malacothamnus Fasciculatus) — making it a smart choice for water-wise gardens

Shrub

Chaparral Mallow

Malacothamnus Fasciculatus

FullUSDA 6–9
Chaparral Whitethorn (Ceanothus Leucodermis) — The Chaparral Whitethorn (Ceanothus leucodermis) is an evergreen shrub, native to California's coastal ranges

Shrub

Chaparral Whitethorn

Ceanothus Leucodermis

FullUSDA 10–11
Chapel Hill Yellow Lantana (Lantana 'Chapel Hill Yellow') — Reaching up to 18 inches tall and 36 inches wide

Shrub

Chapel Hill Yellow Lantana

Lantana 'Chapel Hill Yellow'

FullUSDA 7–11
Chenille Plant (Acalypha hispida) — commonly known as the Chenille Plant or Plush Plant; it creates visual interest with its ornate textures and produces

Succulent

Chenille Plant

Acalypha hispida

FullUSDA 9–11
Cherrybark Oak (Quercus Pagoda) — this oak thrives in zones 6-9; although it can adapt to a range of soil conditions, image 51

Tree

Cherrybark Oak

Quercus Pagoda

FullUSDA 7–11
Cherry Chocolate Chip Manfreda (Manfreda Undulata 'Cherry Chocolate Chip') — The Cherry Chocolate Chip Manfreda presents a striking blend of burgundy speckles

Succulent

Cherry Chocolate Chip Manfreda

Manfreda Undulata 'Cherry Chocolate Chip'

FullUSDA 8–11
Cherry Skullcap (Scutellaria Suffrutescens) — some afternoon shade is beneficial.<br><br>Given its low maintenance nature

Perennial

Cherry Skullcap

Scutellaria Suffrutescens

FullUSDA 7–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.