10 Drought-Resistant Plants for your Landscape

Managing your landscape during months of drought is challenging, however incorporating native, drought-resistant plants into your garden ensures thriving greenery and conserves water. Here are 10 plants that are intended to thrive in drought conditions, requiring less water and maintenance than most shrubs (according to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center):

Cardinal’s Feather (Acalypha radians)- A low, clump-forming plant that blooms nearly half of the year in its native Texas. Plants grow 6-8 inches tall with red flower spikes.

Hummingbird Bush (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. Wrightii) - As the name suggests, this Texas-native shrub can attract hummingbirds to your yard and grows well in heat and drought. They can be up to 5 ft tall, and typically bloom in the summer and fall.

Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) - This shrub is native to the Southwest region of the U.S. and thrives in hot, arid climates. They grow prune-like fruit that are edible and atract many birds and mammals. These trees typically grow to be around 15 feet tall, but can reach heights of 30 feet.

Chocolate Daisy (Berlandiera lyrata) - A low, coarse shrub with yellow velvet flowers that emit a chocolate smell. The plants are native to Texas deserts and bloom from summer to fall.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) - A small tree with dark pink or purple funnel-shaped flowers. These trees need minimal water and bloom during the months of May, June, and July.

Texas kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana) - An airy, fragrant shrub that can grow to be between 3 and 10 feet tall. It has small white flowers and leaves of varying sizes. The shrub is native to south Texas and blooms in the summer months.

Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides) - A plant native to west Texas, this tree can grow between 6 and 12 feet tall, even during droughts. Its delicate white flowers resemble orchids and attract many butterflies and bees.

Cedar Sedge (Carex planostachys) - This plant is typically grown underneath Cedar (Juniper) trees and amongst taller grass. These can also be incorporated into your garden amongst other shrubs to add a layer of greenery. These plants are known for thriving in arid conditions and requiring minimal maintenance.

Damianita (Chrysactinia mexicana) - A drought-tolerant bush that has long stems and flat yellow flowers. They bloom during the summer months and thrive in dry soil and high temperatures.

Texas Oak (Quercus texana) - A tree native to Texas that is drought resistant and medium in size. The leaves turn bright red during the fall months. Its sturdy branches are habitats to different mammals and birds.