- Why Use Drought-Tolerant Plants?<\/a><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Trees for Texas<\/a>
- 1. Cedar Elm<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Bald Cypress<\/a><\/li>
- 3. Texas Ash<\/a><\/li>
- 4. Texas Redbud<\/a><\/li>
- 5. Texas Mountain Laurel<\/a><\/li>
- 6. Eve\u2019s Necklace<\/a><\/li>
- 7. Mexican Palmetto<\/a><\/li>
- 8. Dwarf Palmetto<\/a><\/li>
- 9. Mediterranean Fan Palm<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Privacy Hedges and Shrubs for Texas<\/a>
- 10. Texas Sage<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Texas Ebony<\/a><\/li>
- 12. Hopbush<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Ground Covers for Texas<\/a>
- 13. Purple Heart<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Creeping Thyme<\/a><\/li>
- 15. Silver Ponyfoot<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Cacti and Succulents for Texas<\/a>
- 16. Golden Barrels<\/a><\/li>
- 17. Agave<\/a><\/li>
- 18. Yucca<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Perennials for Texas<\/a>
- 19. Blackfoot Daisy<\/a><\/li>
- 20. Purple Coneflower<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- FAQ: Drought-Tolerant Plants for Texas<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Why Use Drought-Tolerant Plants?<\/h2>
Drought-tolerant plants require less water, fertilizer, and pesticides than other plants, making them ideal for low-maintenance landscapes. Additionally, they attract hummingbirds and helpful insects, like bees and butterflies. With so many possibilities, you can design a beautiful, long-lasting, drought-tolerant landscape that meets your needs.<\/p>
Drought-Tolerant Trees for Texas<\/h2>
When choosing drought-tolerant trees for Texas, you have several options that can provide shade, beautiful flowers, or create a tropical feel for a backyard oasis. Selecting the right tree for your yard can help create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape.<\/p>
1. Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Cedar-Elm-Tree.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This deciduous tree, also known as the Texas elm, is a native plant. It is famous for its ability to withstand drought, making it a popular choice for homeowners and landscapers. It is adaptable to various soil types<\/a> and light conditions and provides ample shade to help keep homes cool during hot Texas summers.<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>6 to 9<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Adapted to most soil types, from moist to dry, and prefers alkaline soils<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous <\/strong><\/li>
- Season of Interest: <\/strong>Summer and fall \u2014 <\/strong>Fine-textured green leaves turn yellow in the fall.<\/li>
- Water needs: <\/strong>Moderate<\/li>
- Mature size: <\/strong>Trunk has a diameter of 2 to 3 feet, and the tree can grow up to 75 feet tall. Its stiff branches form a narrow, oblong crown.<\/li>
- Potential Problems: <\/strong>Common pests include aphids, powdery mildew, and mistletoe (can be a parasitic \u201cpest\u201d on woody trees). Prune low-hanging branches to avoid accidents.<\/li>
- Note: <\/strong>This native elm tree is commonly found in East Texas and gets its name from its rough, cedar scale-like leaves.<\/li> <\/ul>
2. Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Green](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/51178963690_3e0f015fb1_o-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: James St. John<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The bald cypress is a beautiful deciduous tree that enhances any landscape. Its bright green leaves turn rust-colored in the fall, and it can grow up to 50 to 70 feet tall. The foliage is also feathery and delicate, which adds a touch of sophistication. Moreover, its distinct shape and form create an intriguing silhouette in the winter.<\/p>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 4 to 10<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to part shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Prefers moist, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and can handle some flooding.<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous<\/li>
- Season of Interest:<\/strong> Needle-like leaves that are bright green during the growing season and turn orange or rusty brown in the fall.<\/li>
- Water Needs:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Mature Size: <\/strong>50 to 70 feet tall and 20 to 30 feet wide<\/li>
- Potential Problems: <\/strong>No major health issues. However, the tree may shed leaves and cones, which will require regular cleaning up.<\/li>
- Note<\/strong>: When planted near water, it develops “knees” with woody projections emerging from the water.<\/li> <\/ul>
3. Texas Ash (Fraxinus texensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Fraxinus-texensis-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Texas ash tree is a common sight throughout south and central Texas. It is known for its shade and rounded crown. Once established, it is easy to maintain because it can withstand drought and doesn’t need much fertilizer. During the fall season, the tree puts on a stunning display of colors, ranging from yellow, orange, and red to purple and maroon.<\/p>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 5 to 9<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>This plant prefers well-draining, loamy soil but can also grow in sand or clay. It can tolerate acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil.<\/li>
- Foliage: <\/strong>Deciduous <\/li>
- Season of Interest:<\/strong> Spring, summer, and fall \u2014 yellow, orange, and purple leaves.<\/li>
- Water Needs:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Mature Size: <\/strong> 30 to 40 feet tall<\/li>
- Potential Problems: <\/strong>Emerald ash borers can affect younger trees, and ash tree diseases<\/a> are a common risk.<\/li>
- Note<\/strong>: Texas ash is one of the few ash trees that will grow here.<\/li> <\/ul>
4. Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis L. var. texensis<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Cercis_canadensis_var._Texensis_Texas_Redbud_26563694564-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Plant Image Library<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This small to medium-sized native tree blooms with stunning pink and purple flowers in early spring. Known for its heart-shaped leaves, the Texas redbud can be found all over Texas. The tree is not only beautiful and useful for ornamental purposes and light shade, but it is a great option if you\u2019re interested in building a pollinator garden<\/a>.<\/p>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong> 6 to 9<\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Alkaline and <\/strong>well-draining soil, but can tolerate a range of soil types<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Deciduous<\/li>
- Bloom time: <\/strong>Early spring<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Moderate<\/li>
- Mature Size:<\/strong> 20 to 30 feet tall and wide<\/li>
- Potential Problems:<\/strong> Stem cankers are a common problem.<\/li>
- Note<\/strong>: The nectar of this plant attracts butterflies, bees, and other pollinators. Birds eat the seeds.<\/li> <\/ul>
5. Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"Texas](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/image-153.jpeg\")
Photo Credit: William Herron<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The Texas mountain laurel is a slow-growing evergreen tree that produces purple-blue flowers in late winter and early spring. It attracts pollinators, requires little maintenance, and is drought tolerant, making it a great option for busy homeowners who want a beautiful, low-maintenance tree.<\/p>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-9<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained soil<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Evergreen<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Late winter and early spring<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Mature Size:<\/strong> 10-20 feet tall on average but can reach 30 feet tall and wide<\/li>
- Potential Problems:<\/strong> All parts of the Texas mountain laurel are toxic if ingested, so use cautiously around small children and pets.<\/li>
- Note:<\/strong> Plant a few together for a privacy screen, or use one as a focal point in your front yard landscaping<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>
6. Eve\u2019s Necklace (Sophora affin<\/em>is)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Eves-Necklace-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Southwest Region<\/a> \/ Flickr \/ Public Domain<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> This small to medium-sized tree is a Texas native plant<\/a>. In the spring, Eve\u2019s necklace produces fragrant white flowers, followed by seed pods that resemble long bead necklaces. Children often use these seed pods for crafts. In addition to being a beautiful ornamental tree, Eve’s necklace is also a valuable food source for local wildlife.<\/p>
- Plant Type:<\/strong> Tree<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 6-9<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained, rocky, or sandy soils<\/li>
- Foliage:<\/strong> Green, pinnate leaves<\/li>
- Bloom time:<\/strong> Spring<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Mature Size:<\/strong> Up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide<\/li>
- Potential Problems:<\/strong> None known<\/li>
- Note:<\/strong> The seed pods of Eve’s necklace are edible and were used by Native Americans for food and medicine.<\/li> <\/ul>
7. Mexican Palmetto (Sabal mexicana<\/em>)<\/h3>
![\"closeup](\"https:\/\/www.lawnstarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/Sabal-mexicana-1.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Whitney Cranshaw, Colorado State University, United States<\/a> \/ Wikimedia Commons \/ CC BY 3.0 US<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> - USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 6-9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 7-9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong> 6 to 9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 5 to 9<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone:<\/strong> 4 to 10<\/li>
- USDA Hardiness Zone: <\/strong>6 to 9<\/li>
- 20. Purple Coneflower<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li>
- 17. Agave<\/a><\/li>
- 14. Creeping Thyme<\/a><\/li>
- 11. Texas Ebony<\/a><\/li>
- 2. Bald Cypress<\/a><\/li>
- Drought-Tolerant Trees for Texas<\/a>