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Drought-tolerant plants

Once established, these plants need little watering: good for dry climates, water-wise gardens and hot, exposed spots.

51 plants

Flowers

Aloe Vera

  • Part sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 10–11

Aloe Vera is a succulent perennial plant belonging to the genus Aloe and is well-known for its fleshy, thick, and spiky leaves that…

Bluebonnet

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

The Bluebonnet (Lupinus texensis) is a vibrant and iconic wildflower native to Texas and a symbol of the state. This annual or perennial…

California Poppy

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

The California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a perennial wildflower native to the western United States and Mexico, though often…

Coreopsis

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Coreopsis, commonly known as tickseed, is a perennial or annual flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is notable for its…

Cosmos

  • Full sun
  • Low water

Cosmos is a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, known for their vibrant blooms and ease of cultivation. Native to Mexico…

Crown of Thorns

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 10–11

Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia milii) is a fascinating succulent native to Madagascar. Known for its hardy nature and distinctive appearance…

Desert Rose

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 10–11

The Desert Rose, scientifically known as Adenium obesum, is a striking succulent plant characterized by its thick, swollen stem and…

Echeveria

  • Part sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 10–11

Echeveria is a captivating genus of succulent plants belonging to the Crassulaceae family, primarily indigenous to Mexico and Central…

Lavender

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

Lavender, belonging to the genus Lavandula, is a popular aromatic herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae). Known for its vibrant purple…

Queen Anne’s Lace

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Queen Anne's Lace, scientifically known as Daucus carota, is a biennial flowering plant belonging to the Apiaceae family. It is often…

Grains

Millet

  • Full sun
  • Low water

Millet is a group of small-seeded grasses, belonging to the family Poaceae, that are cultivated primarily as food crops. Known for their…

Herbs

Oregano

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Oregano (Origanum vulgare) is a perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae), widely prized for its aromatic leaves and…

Rosemary

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a hardy, aromatic evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It belongs to the mint family…

Sage

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Sage (Salvia officinalis) is a perennial herb belonging to the Lamiaceae family, which also includes other culinary and aromatic herbs…

Thyme

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is a versatile, aromatic perennial herb belonging to the mint family (Lamiaceae). Originally native to the…

Shrubs

Barberry

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–8

Barberry, belonging to the Berberis genus, is a group of deciduous or evergreen shrubs native to various regions, including parts of North…

Broom

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Broom, primarily referring to the genus Cytisus in the legume family (Fabaceae), is a group of flowering shrubs known for their bright…

Caragana

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 2–7

Caragana, commonly known as Siberian peashrub or pea shrub, is a deciduous shrub belonging to the legume family (Fabaceae). Native to Asia…

Caryopteris

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

Caryopteris, commonly known as bluebeard or blue mist shrub, is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. This…

Ceanothus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 7–10

Ceanothus, commonly known as California lilac, is a genus of flowering shrubs native to North America, particularly abundant in…

Cistus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Cistus, commonly known as rockrose, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cistaceae. Native to the Mediterranean region, Cistus…

Colutea

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–8

Colutea, commonly known as bladder senna, is a genus of flowering plants within the legume family (Fabaceae). This genus is native…

Elaeagnus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Elaeagnus, commonly known as oleaster or silverberry, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Elaeagnaceae. This versatile genus…

Garrya

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 7–9

Garrya, commonly known as the silk tree or the winter flowering shrub, is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees belonging to the…

Juniper

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Junipers belong to the genus Juniperus, which is part of the cypress family (Cupressaceae). These coniferous plants are prevalent in…

Lavender Cotton

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Lavender Cotton, scientifically known as Santolina chamaecyparissus, is a perennial shrub valued for its aromatic foliage and vibrant…

Rockrose

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Rockrose, scientifically known as Helianthemum, is a genus of flowering plants in the Cistaceae family, native to regions such as Europe…

Santolina

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Santolina, commonly known as lavender cotton or cotton lavender, is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the Asteraceae family…

Sumac

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–9

Sumac refers to a diverse genus of flowering plants known scientifically as Rhus. These plants are commonly found in temperate and…

Sweetfern

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 2–6

Sweetfern (Comptonia peregrina) is a deciduous shrub native to northeastern North America, characterized by its unique aromatic leaves and…

Tamarix

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–9

Tamarix, commonly known as tamarisk, is a genus of flowering plants in the family Tamaricaceae, consisting of about 75 species. These…

Teucrium

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

Teucrium, commonly known as germander, is a diverse genus of flowering plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae). It comprises around 300…

Ulex

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Ulex, commonly known as gorse or furze, is a genus of spiny, flowering shrubs belonging to the family Fabaceae. Native to Europe and parts…

Vitex

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Vitex, commonly known as chaste tree or monk's pepper, belongs to the Lamiaceae family. This deciduous shrub or small tree can grow…

Yucca

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–10

Yucca plants are members of the Agave family and are native to arid regions of North and Central America. They are characterized by their…

Ziziphus

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Ziziphus, commonly referred to as jujube or red date, is a genus of flowering plants in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae). There are about…

Trees

Australian Sandalwood

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 9–11

Australian Sandalwood, scientifically known as Santalum spicatum, is a semiparasitic evergreen tree native to the arid and semi-arid…

Baobab

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 10–12

The Baobab, known scientifically as Adansonia, is a remarkable tree native to Madagascar, Africa, and Australia. Often referred to as the…

Black Locust

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 3–8

Black Locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a deciduous tree native to the southeastern United States, though it has been widely planted across…

Bristlecone Pine

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–7

The Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) is one of the longest-living tree species, found primarily in the high mountains of California…

Cork Bristlecone Pine

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 4–7

The Cork Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) is a fascinating evergreen tree native to the mountainous regions of the southwestern United…

Cork Juniper

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 6–9

Cork Juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus oxycedrus, is a hardy evergreen conifer native to the Mediterranean region. Renowned for…

Cork Oak

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

The Cork Oak (Quercus suber) is a tree species native to the Mediterranean region, particularly found in Portugal, Spain, and northern…

Cork Tree

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 8–10

The Cork Tree, scientifically known as Phellodendron amurense, is a deciduous tree native to Asia, particularly found in regions of China…

Holm Oak

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 7–10

The Holm Oak, scientifically known as Quercus ilex, is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean region. It is characterized by its…

Post Oak

  • Full sun
  • Low water
  • Zones 5–9

The Post Oak (Quercus stellata) is a medium to large deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, particularly…

Vegetables

Fonio

  • Full sun
  • Low water

Fonio (Digitaria exilis), often referred to as the “miracle grain,” is an ancient cereal crop indigenous to West Africa. It is a member of…

Horse Gram

  • Full sun
  • Low water

Horse Gram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) is a leguminous plant widely cultivated in India and other parts of Asia, primarily for its nutritious…

Moth Bean

  • Full sun
  • Low water

The Moth Bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is a drought-resistant leguminous plant primarily cultivated in arid and semi-arid regions of South…

Purslane

  • Full sun
  • Low water

Purslane, scientifically known as Portulaca oleracea, is a succulent annual plant native to various regions worldwide, particularly in…

Tepary Bean

  • Full sun
  • Low water

The Tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius) is a drought-resistant legume native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Unlike…