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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

Marsh Marigold (Caltha Palustris) — heart-shaped leaves and vibrant yellow buttercup-like flowers blooming in early spring; this species is generally pest and

Perennial

Marsh Marigold

Caltha Palustris

FullUSDA 3–7
Maryland Goldeneaster (Chrysopsis Mariana) — offering a burst of color and native charm

Perennial

Maryland Goldeneaster

Chrysopsis Mariana

FullUSDA 4–7
Mastic Tree (Pistacia Lentiscus) — Ideal for xeriscaping or as a windbreak; it's drought-tolerant, preferring well-drained soils

Shrub

Mastic Tree

Pistacia Lentiscus

FullUSDA 9–11
Matilija Poppy (Romneya Coulteri) — this perennial demands adequate space to showcase its bushy gray-green foliage and arresting flowers; perennial with white

Perennial

Matilija Poppy

Romneya Coulteri

FullUSDA 7–10
Maul Or Goldencup Oak, Canyon Live (Quercus Chrysolepis) — making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions within USDA hardiness zones 7 to 9

Shrub

Maul Or Goldencup Oak, Canyon Live

Quercus Chrysolepis

FullUSDA 7–7
Max Frei Soapwort (Saponaria Lempergii 'Max Frei') — or Saponaria x lempergii 'Max Frei'

Ground cover

Max Frei Soapwort

Saponaria Lempergii 'Max Frei'

FullUSDA 4–8
Maximilian Sunflower (Helianthus Maximiliani) — Flowers from late summer to frost, attracting pollinators

Perennial

Maximilian Sunflower

Helianthus Maximiliani

FullUSDA 3–8
May Night Meadow Sage (Salvia X Sylvestris 'May Night') — This plant prefers well-drained soil and full sun

Perennial

May Night Meadow Sage

Salvia X Sylvestris 'May Night'

FullUSDA 4–9
Mazus (Mazus Reptans) — This plant tolerates occasional foot traffic

Ground cover

Mazus

Mazus Reptans

HalfUSDA 5–8
Meadow Blazingstar (Liatris Ligulistylis) — adding a vertical accent to any landscape design

Perennial

Meadow Blazingstar

Liatris Ligulistylis

FullUSDA 3–9
Meadow Clary, Meadow Sage (Salvia Pratensis) — it attracts pollinators to the garden

Perennial

Meadow Clary, Meadow Sage

Salvia Pratensis

FullUSDA 4–8
Meadow Cranesbill (Geranium Pratense) — is a charming perennial with striking saucer-shaped blooms in hues of blue-violet

Perennial

Meadow Cranesbill

Geranium Pratense

FullUSDA 3–9
Meadow Sage (Salvia X Sylvestris) — The Meadow Sage, or Salvia x sylvestris, is a vibrant herbaceous perennial

Perennial

Meadow Sage

Salvia X Sylvestris

FullUSDA 4–9
Meadow Sage (Salvia Nemorosa 'Crystal Blue') — commonly referred to as Meadow Sage

Perennial

Meadow Sage

Salvia Nemorosa 'Crystal Blue'

FullUSDA 3–8
Mealycup Sage (Salvia Farinacea) — It\'s a member of the mint family; it reaches a mature height of 1-3 feet and spreads up to 1-2 feet wide, image 83

Annual

Mealycup Sage

Salvia Farinacea

FullUSDA 8–10
Medio-Picta Century Plant (Agave Americana Var. Medio-Picta 'Alba') — Drought-tolerant once established

Succulent

Medio-Picta Century Plant

Agave Americana Var. Medio-Picta 'Alba'

FullUSDA 8–11
Medio-Picta Century Plant (Agave americana 'Mediopicta') — These foliage blades culminate in sharp tips, reaching lengths of 18-24 inches

Succulent

Medio-Picta Century Plant

Agave americana 'Mediopicta'

FullUSDA 9–11
Mediterranean Pyracantha (Pyracantha Coccinea) — Its dense growth habit and formidable thorns; ensuring that Pyracantha coccinea remains a formidable and

Shrub

Mediterranean Pyracantha

Pyracantha Coccinea

FullUSDA 6–6
Medjool Desert Date Palm (Phoenix Dactylifera 'Medjool') — The Phoenix dactylifera 'Medjool' is a majestic palm, reaching heights of up to 75 feet

Palm

Medjool Desert Date Palm

Phoenix Dactylifera 'Medjool'

FullUSDA 10–10
Medusa's Head (Euphorbia Flanaganii) — Small, yellowish-green cyathia flowers appear in spring; resembling the mythological Gorgon's hair

Succulent

Medusa's Head

Euphorbia Flanaganii

HalfUSDA 10–11
Meerlo Lavender (Lavandula 'Meerlo') — This compact shrub reaches up to 24 inches high and spans 36 inches wide

Herb

Meerlo Lavender

Lavandula 'Meerlo'

FullUSDA 9–11
Melaleuca (Melaleuca elliptica) — appearing mainly in spring and sporadically throughout the year

Shrub

Melaleuca

Melaleuca elliptica

FullUSDA 9–11
Mellow Yellow Spirea (Spiraea Thunbergii 'Ogon') — is a vibrant deciduous shrub that captivates with its fine-textured foliage and graceful

Shrub

Mellow Yellow Spirea

Spiraea Thunbergii 'Ogon'

FullUSDA 4–8
Mendocino Reed Grass (Calamagrostis Foliosa) — and prefers well-drained soils

Grass

Mendocino Reed Grass

Calamagrostis Foliosa

FullUSDA 7–9

Photographs are credited on each plant’s page.