27 Best Drought-Tolerant Trees For Your Landscape

Drought-tolerant trees are exquisite landscape additions no matter where you live. Some appreciate winter moisture, while others are drought-tolerant year-round. Take a tour of the world and discover 27 of the most drought-tolerant trees you can plant today. Join nursery tree specialist Jerad Bryant as we identify the best ones for your yard.

The Jacaranda mimosifolia is a drought tolerant tree that has feathery, fern-like leaves with a delicate, lacy appearance and produces large, cascading clusters of trumpet-shaped lavender-blue flowers that create a stunning canopy.

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Drought-tolerant trees are more popular now than they’ve ever been! Excessive droughts, high temperatures, and annual rainfall decreases are stressing common garden ornamentals past the point of no return. Plant drought-resistant ones in their place, and you’ll avoid heartache later.

Some species are evergreen, others are deciduous, and some are palms or cacti for dry and tropical regions. They vary in degrees of water needs, although most need little water after they establish themselves in their first year.

Whether you live with frosty, snowy winters or dry, rain-free ones, there are trees on this list for you. We’ll start with evergreen gymnosperms like pine trees and sago palms, then move through angiosperms like flowering, nut, and palm trees. When in doubt, plant a native tree. They adapt well to your local climate since they evolved to thrive in your region. 

There are non-native trees on this list for the exotic plant species lover—these selections behave well in North American gardens. Use a blend of native and non-native trees for peak drought tolerance and ornamental beauty if you have the space for more than one. 

Without further ado, here are 27 of the best drought-tolerant trees for your landscape!

Yew

This plant features dark green, needle-like leaves arranged in flat, horizontal sprays and produces red, berry-like fruits.
Perfect for shady spots, this evergreen fills spaces gracefully.
botanical-name botanical name Taxus ssp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 20-75’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-8

Yew trees are perfect evergreens for shady, dry spots in the garden. They grow little by little annually underneath other trees’ canopies, spreading wide and filling empty spaces. Instead of cones, these conifers sprout red berries called arils with deadly, poisonous seeds! The red flesh is edible and sweet, but the seeds, leaves, twigs, and bark of any yew are deathly poisonous. 

The native Pacific yew Taxus brevifolia is perfect for shady gardens. Although it prefers to grow in moist, dense forests, it tolerates occasional droughts when it has a healthy rootstock.

The English yew Taxus baccata is another excellent option for sunnier spots, but check to ensure you aren’t growing it in regions of North America where it is invasive. For all-around hardiness in a compact form, look for the hybrid foundation yew (Taxus x media) and its cultivars. 

Hard Pines

It has long, slender, needle-like leaves grouped in clusters and produces large, woody cones.
Pines adapt well to varied climates with their resilient needles.
botanical-name botanical name Pinus ssp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 50-180’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

Hard pines are a subsection in the pine family. They’re evergreen trees with dense wood that reach towering heights. Non-native and native species of pines tolerate droughts with their enclosed needles. Whether it’s freezing or blazing hot, their needles hold water inside as a reserve for tough times. 

Some ornamental pines stay around 50 feet, like Scotch pine Pinus sylvestris. Others reach over 125 feet in their native range, namely Ponderosa pine Pinus ponderosa. Select a pine native to your ecosystem for best results, as they adapt better to North American weather than non-native ones. 

If you’re looking for a unique, stately cultivar with variegated needles, try dragon’s eye pine, or Pinus densiflora ‘Oculus-Draconis.’ It’s hardy from USDA hardiness zones 4 through 7 and stays between 20 and 40 feet in maturity. It’ll need extra water in its first year during droughts but is tolerant of dry spells every year after that.

Juniper

The plant has scale-like leaves that overlap in dense, bushy clusters and produces small, bluish berries.
They are evergreen conifers with fragrant foliage that thrive in diverse climates.
botanical-name botanical name Juniperus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 2-60’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 2-9

Like pines and yews, junipers are evergreen conifers that resist frosts, drought, and extreme weather. They have scaly foliage that smells incredibly fragrant—use cut branches in floral arrangements to bring the aroma indoors. 

Dozens of junipers are native to North America, and some originate in Europe, China, and Japan. If you live in dry regions east of the Pacific Northwest, try Rocky Mountain or western juniper. Both species, Juniperus scopulorum, and J. occidentalis, thrive with dry, windy summers and moist or frozen winters. 

East Coast gardeners should try eastern redcedar J. virginiana. It thrives in poor soils and reaches over 40 feet in maturity. If you live in the dry south-central regions of the U.S., look for alligator juniper J. deppeana. It has blue-green scaly foliage with fissured trunk bark that resembles alligator skin. 

Maidenhair Tree

This tree displays fan-shaped, bright green leaves with distinctive, deeply divided lobes.
Golden autumn leaves and ancient roots make this tree unique.
botanical-name botanical name Ginkgo biloba
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 50-80’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Maidenhair tree, or ginkgo, is a lovely historical specimen that has lived with us for millions of years. It’s the sole survivor of its genus Ginkgo, which dates back over 150 million years! Historical records show that it’s persisted by sowing its seeds in the wild, although we humans have also grown this tree for millennia for its edible leaves and seeds. 

Every autumn, ginkgo leaves turn buttery, golden yellow before falling to the ground. Although it’s deciduous, this species is a closer relative to conifers than it is to deciduous trees like magnolias or maples.

Maidenhair trees are drought tolerant once they put down sufficient roots. Give them water at least once a week during summer their first year, then once or twice a month every year thereafter. Unique cultivars like ‘Troll’ stay small and work as bonsai material. Others like ‘Princeton Sentry’ are straight and narrow in their crown, making them perfect for streets, specimen plantings, and tall screens.

Sago Palm

The low-growing palm has robust, feather-like fronds with a symmetrical arrangement.
It is an ancient evergreen with spiky fronds, perfect for warm climates.
botanical-name botanical name Cycas revoluta
sun-requirements sun requirements Partial shade
height height 3-10’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-12

Sago palms are small evergreen cycads for warm, dry regions. They, like ginkgos, are ancient plants from a family over 200 million years old. They’re native to Japan and China, although you’ll find them growing throughout California and Florida and in people’s homes as houseplants. They have long, spikey fronds and a woody trunk that reveals itself as the plants grow older.

Sago palms need some water their first year but are drought-resistant once they establish themselves. They’re tolerant of light frosts to 15°F (-9°C) but generally appreciate warm temperatures year round. Older specimens tolerate more sun than younger ones, and sites with partial shade are best. Sago palms hate standing water, so give them free-draining soil and mulch for good drainage. 

Desert Fan Palm

The palm features large, fan-shaped leaves with a distinctively ribbed texture and a trunk covered in a rough, gray-brown bark in a sunny garden with white benches and chairs in the background.
This tall palm has fan-like fronds, perfect for sunny regions.
botanical-name botanical name Washingtonia filifera
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 20-60’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

Southwest gardeners are lucky to have the desert fan palm at their disposal—this North American native palm tree grows large fan-like fronds on a trunk that reaches up to 60 feet tall and is extremely drought-tolerant! The fronds turn brown when they die and decorate the trunk like a skirt. 

Some gardeners choose to cut off the old leaves for ornamental looks. The dead foliage protects trunks from frost and fire damage, providing a barrier between the elements and the water-filled trunk. If you live where winters are mild, fires aren’t prevalent, and you prefer a naked trunk, hack away! 

Desert fan palms need warm temperatures year-round, although they are cold hardy to 20°F (-7°C). Give them little water, well-draining soil, and lots of direct sunlight. If rain is absent, they may need supplemental water once a month, but they can go without irrigation if rainfall is adequate.

Saguaro

The plants have tall, columnar stems with pleated, ribbed skin against a blue sky with white clouds.
These towering cacti thrive in desert gardens with minimal water.
botanical-name botanical name Carnegiea gigantea
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 40-60’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-11

One of the most drought-tolerant plants in the world, saguaros are desert cacti that reach tree heights of 60 feet tall. They lack leaves but use their spiny, green trunks to photosynthesize and store water. They have tiny, shallow roots that suck up rainwater quickly after it falls. 

If you live in the Southwest, saguaros are perfect cacti trees for your garden. You’ll watch them reach taller and taller every year since they can take over 200 years to reach their mature size! Hardy, sun-loving, and with low water needs, saguaros are perfect for desert landscapes from California to Texas.

American Holly

It features glossy, dark green, spiny leaves and produces bright red berries in clusters.
These trees grow tall with glossy leaves and handle drought.
botanical-name botanical name Ilex opaca
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 40-60’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

All hollies are drought tolerant once they establish themselves, although they also appreciate ample moisture during winter dormancy. They’re worth the extra irrigation, as they sprout spiny, glossy-green leaves on towering trunks and branches up to 60 feet tall. Their slow-growing nature means you can plant a young specimen and watch it grow to maturity over the years.

American holly, Ilex opaca, is native to the eastern U.S. and is perfect for a large, shady space with occasional summer drought. If you lack enough space for a specimen tree, try an American holly cultivar that stays small, like ‘Clarendon Spreading’ or ‘William Hawkins.’ 

This species is dioecious, meaning male and female flowers form on separate trees. Use a female cultivar to get the characteristic red holly berries in autumn, and plant a male cultivar nearby for successful pollination. 

Madrone

The tree has glossy, dark green, elliptical leaves with a smooth edge and produces a distinctive, reddish-brown trunk with peeling bark that reveals a smooth, light green underlayer.
These trees boast evergreen leaves, striking bark, and seasonal fruit.
botanical-name botanical name Arbutus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 20-65’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-10

Madrones are stately trees in their native range—the Pacific madrone is arguably the most beautiful native tree in the Pacific Northwest! All species have leathery, evergreen leaves, strawberry tree-like fruit, and peeling brown-gray bark. They’re large trees in the landscape and hard to establish, but they’re well worth the effort.

Madrone roots are quite sensitive; transplant specimens into your garden before they grow over a foot tall. West Coast gardeners should try the Pacific madron Arbutus menziesii in an open, well-draining location. 

Southwest gardeners have two options: Texas and Arizona madrone, A. texana and A. arizonica. Whichever species you choose, you’ll have white fragrant flowers in spring, red-orange fruits in autumn, and peeling bark with evergreen leaves all year. 

California Lilac

The plant has dense, evergreen foliage with small, leathery leaves and produces clusters of small, fragrant, blue flowers.
These hardy shrubs bloom vibrantly from fall through spring.
botanical-name botanical name Ceanothus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 2-25’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

California lilacs are excellent drought-tolerant trees or large shrubs for dry, warm gardens. They originate from the West Coast, where they thrive on rocky, poor soils with seasonal rains. If you live in California, you’ll see them blooming from fall through spring on freeway slopes and medians. 

In the garden, this species tolerates summer droughts, and some species are frost tolerant. Try blueblossom Ceanothus thyrsiflorus from hardiness zones 5 through 9. Western U.S. growers in zones 7 through 10 can also choose from spiny or feltleaf ceanothus, C. spinosus, and C. arboreus

Left to grow, these three species form tall, dense shrubs. Prune smaller branches close to the ground and leave ones on top to create a tree shape. Although gardeners use them in hedges and borders, consistent trimming can shorten their lifespans. Let them grow naturally with minimal pruning so they last as long as possible. 

Arizona Walnut

This tree features large, pinnate leaves with numerous leaflets and produces round, green fruits.
These walnuts thrive on natural rainfall and offer edible nuts.
botanical-name botanical name Juglans major
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 36-48’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-11

Most walnut trees are drought resistant, although Arizona walnut is one of the hardiest. It’s one of the few walnuts native to North American desert ecoregions, alongside others like Texas walnut Juglans microcarpa. Arizona walnut thrives with natural rainfall, meaning you’ll only have to water it during extended dry periods.

This medium-sized tree also produces edible walnuts that you can harvest and process if you’re a nut lover. They aren’t as sweet as butternuts or English walnuts, but they’re nutritious and delicious. If you don’t like walnuts, the birds and mammals that live near you do! Grow Arizona walnuts for their sake, as they produce flowers and nuts that they like to eat. 

Hickory

It has compound leaves with multiple leaflets arranged along a central stalk and produces hard, woody nuts encased in a green husk.
These hardy trees produce flavorful nuts and thrive in dry soils.
botanical-name botanical name Carya spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 50-100’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Hickory trees are hardy North American species that thrive in eastern states. Some like moist soils near streambanks, but two native species appreciate dry soils. Mockernut and pignut hickories, Carya tomentosa, and C. glabra are drought-tolerant hickories for gardeners with freezing winters and dry, hot summers. 

Hickories sprout edible nuts that birds, mammals, and us humans love! The commercial pecan is a variety of Carya, but it needs moist soils more than mockernut and pignut varieties. These two varieties also sprout edible nuts that you can try for yourself, like pecans. They’re hard to extract, but their nutty flavor is worth the work!

Tanoak

The branch displays leathery, evergreen leaves with a dark green color and finely jagged edges.
Lush foliage and acorns make these trees great for wildlife.
botanical-name botanical name Notholithocarpus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 20-40’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Tanoaks are not true oak trees, although they behave similarly. They’re hardy, drought-tolerant trees that appreciate free-draining soil. They grow bitter acorns that are a boon to wildlife. Although the California tanoak reaches over 100 feet tall in its native range, these trees rarely grow over 40 feet tall in gardens and landscapes.

Aside from the common tanoak native to California and Oregon, there are two other drought-tolerant species for dry gardens. Use Henry tanbark oak for partial shade sites; look for its scientific name Lithocarpus henryi. For a tropical flair and lush green leaves, try the Japanese stone oak, L. edulis. 

Oak

This tree has broad, lobed leaves and produces acorns encased in a cup-like shell.
They are versatile trees with diverse foliage and acorns for every climate.
botanical-name botanical name Quercus spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 15-100’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-10

Oak trees are longtime garden favorites, partially because they’re incredibly tolerant of lengthy droughts. Hundreds of species exist worldwide, with many originating from North America. Most are deciduous, but some in warm winter zones are evergreen. They sprout flowers on catkins and delicious acorns, and some have spines on their leaves. 

Oaks have two main groups, red and white ones. The red types have spiny leaves and bitter, slow-maturing acorns, while the white ones have fewer spines on their leaves and sweet acorns. Choose a species that grows in your ecoregion for best results, as they’re often hardier than non-native species. 

Try California or Oregon white oak in the West, and the common white oak Quercus alba in the East. Up North, look for northern red oak acorns to plant, and in the South, try laurel or live oak types. Other unique varieties exist throughout the U.S.—use the ones here as a starting point since you probably have endemic species that grow better in your ecoregion.

Sweetgum

It features star-shaped, lobed leaves that change color to rich red-purple hues and produces spiky, spherical fruits.
Thriving in tough conditions, they offer vibrant fall colors.
botanical-name botanical name Liquidambar styraciflua
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 60-100’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5-9

Sweetgums are hardier than most other deciduous trees! They resist fire, drought, intense heat, and poor soils. In spring, they sprout flowers that morph into spiky seed capsules, or “gumballs.” They litter the floor in autumn and hurt if you step on them! Although many growers despise these trees, they’re native to eastern North America, and they’re immensely hardy.

Some cultivars exist now that remove sweetgums’ less-than-ideal characteristics. ‘Rotundiloba’ lacks spiky seed balls and turns brilliant red or golden yellow in fall. ‘Aurea’ and ‘Variegata’ have yellow-green leaves with variegation and make perfect specimen trees in open landscapes. Grow any sweetgum away from your house, as their shallow roots sometimes invade foundations. 

Kentucky Coffeetree

This tree displays pinnate leaves with large, compound leaflets and produces large, elongated, greenish-gray seed pods that contain beans.
Grow a coffee-like drink and support wildlife with this tree.
botanical-name botanical name Gymnocladus dioicus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 60-80’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-8

Make homegrown coffee by planting a Kentucky coffeetree! This deciduous shade tree originates in the eastern and central U.S. where it survives droughts, floods, and plenty of direct sunlight. If you have the space for a 60-foot or taller specimen, try Kentucky coffeetree. It’s also on the decline in wild spaces, so when you plant one in your landscape, you help bolster the species and promote biodiversity

Kentucky coffeetrees, like holly plants, have male and female types. Plant a male to avoid having seed pods to clean up, but plant the female if you don’t mind the pods and want to attract wildlife with their fragrant flowers. Female trees also form nuts you can roast, grind, and brew to make a coffee-like drink.

Catclaw Acacia

This tree has small, fern-like leaves with a delicate, feathery appearance and produces clusters of yellow, ball-shaped flowers.
This small tree thrives in desert heat and attracts pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Senegalia greggii
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 11-18’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-10

Desert gardeners rejoice at the sight of catclaw acacia—it’s native to southern states in desert ecoregions and thrives with intense heat, sunlight, and a lack of proper irrigation. Catclaw acacia stays small in maturity, reaching no taller than 18 feet. Acacia-like foliage sprouts of thorny twigs that hurt if you touch them; wear gloves while pruning or handling this tree to stay safe.

Gardeners within zones 9 and 10 in North American deserts can use this native species as a border, backdrop, or to fill in space in the landscape. Water it if you’d like it to grow extra this year. Otherwise, let it thrive off of natural rainfall. When happy, it’ll sprout creamy yellow flowers in spring that attract native pollinators.

Mesquite

This plant features small, finely divided leaves and produces small, leguminous pods containing seeds.
These trees thrive in desert heat, offering fragrant flowers and seeds.
botanical-name botanical name Neltuma juliflora
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 3-39’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Like catclaw acacia, mesquite trees arm themselves with prickly thorns! These thorns protect the young saplings from hungry grazers, and they mean you’ll want to wear gloves while you prune or transplant. Mesquite trees love hot, dry climates throughout the South and Southwest. Give them well-draining soil and direct sunlight, and they’ll grant you green-white fragrant flowers that morph into seed pods.

Mesquites are very drought-tolerant trees that survive desert conditions alongside other species like saguaros and catclaw acacia. They bolster biodiversity in their natural range by providing valuable seed pods, pollen and nectar-rich flowers, and habitat for small mammals and birds. However, they will grow aggressively in some areas, even in their native range. If you live in the ever-disappearing prairie, opt for a native prairie grass or forb instead.

These desert growers are immensely drought-tolerant once they establish themselves but may need additional irrigation their first year in your landscape. Water them when their soil dries, then cut back all extra water their second year unless rainfall is lower than normal.

Redbud

The tree produces small, pea-like pink flowers that completely cover the thin, bare branches with purple-brown bark.
Witness stunning purple-pink blooms that attract early-season pollinators.
botanical-name botanical name Cercis spp.
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 16-50’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Everyone must witness a redbud bloom at least once—these deciduous trees sprout purple-pink flower clusters on bare twigs and branches from late winter through early spring. They provide valuable nectar and pollen to hungry pollinators early in the growing season.

Two valuable redbuds originate on the continent, the American redbud Cercis canadensis and western redbud C. occidentalis. The American redbud loves growing from zones 4 through 9, while the western one is cold hardy down to zone 6. 

Try American redbud in the eastern regions and the western one along the West Coast. Other cultivars of these two species exist with special attributes; ‘Ruby Falls’ is a drooping, cascading variety with a gorgeous fall color, while ‘Forest Pansy’ sprouts red new sprouts while mature leaves are green. Look to your local nursery to see what redbuds are new and popular!

Thornless Honeylocust

This tree features small, compound leaves with oval leaflets of golden-green color.
Enjoy graceful, thornless trees that thrive in warm, dry climates.
botanical-name botanical name Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 30-70’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4-9

Honeylocusts are stellar trees, but they have prickly thorns like mesquite and catclaw acacia. Thornless honeylocust takes the graceful elements of normal honeylocusts, but they lack the thorny stems that make pruning, transplanting, and spring cleanup dangerous tasks! This native species may reach well over 60 feet, so grow it where it has space to spread up and out.

Another naturally occurring honeylocust hybrid that lacks spines is the Texas honeylocust Gleditsia x texana. Try either in southern ecoregions with warm, dry growing seasons. Texas honeylocusts may need more water than the thornless ones in maturity, but they’re drought-resistant once they root in your garden. Texas honeylocust is one of those trees that will proliferate aggressively on prairie land. Instead of planting one of these, opt for grasses and forbs.

Chinese Pistache

This tree has a rounded, spreading canopy with pinnate leaves that turn vibrant red and orange.
Enjoy vibrant seasonal colors and resilient growth in harsh conditions.
botanical-name botanical name Pistacia chinensis
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 30-35’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Chinese pistache is a common street tree because it grows despite harsh conditions found in urban environments. They’re drought, pollution, and heat resistant, with strong roots that anchor onto loose soils. If most other trees tucker out and die, Chinese pistache may be the next option for you to try. But if you’re in Texas, opt for a native soapberry, as Chinese pistache is invasive there.

This species offers four seasons of interest, with red fall color, peeling bark in the winter, flowers in spring, and red berries with green leaves in summer. Birds love the berries, and some pollinators appreciate the nectar their flowers offer. Grow Chinese pistache alongside other sun-loving trees, as a specimen, or near an entryway for seasonal shade.

Staghorn Sumac

The tree has a broad, spreading canopy with large, pinnate leaves and produces dense, upright clusters of fuzzy, red seed heads.
Enjoy vibrant fall color and striking red berry clusters.
botanical-name botanical name Rhus typhina
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 8-25’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Sumacs are lovely trees or thicket-forming shrubs, depending on how you train them. Staghorn sumac forms a medium tree if you pull its suckers annually. Leave a central trunk and it’ll form a dense crown up to 25 feet tall. The green leaves turn red in fall, and flowers bloom into bright red clusters of berries in late spring. 

Staghorn sumac spreads naturally throughout the eastern U.S., although it’ll also grow in other states from zones 3 through 9. Ensure they get lots of sunlight, good draining soil, and some water their first year. They’ll thrive with little care or maintenance, save for plucking suckers as you see them. 

Omeo Eucalyptus

The tree has a tall, upright growth habit with narrow, lance-shaped leaves of silver-green color and smooth, gray bark.
It is a hardy evergreen with fragrant leaves and frost resistance.
botanical-name botanical name Eucalyptus neglecta
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 7-20
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 7-10

Omeo eucalyptus, or Omeo gum, tolerates drought and hard frosts! It’s one of the hardiest eucalyptus species alive, tolerating temperatures as low as 0°F, with some reports of it surviving in zone 5. It’s an evergreen tree with fragrant leaves you can use in your shower or bathroom for a relaxing aroma. 

Native to Australia, Omeo eucalyptus grows on rocky crags and cliffs near streams. It appreciates some moisture but is drought-resistant as an adult after its first year. For a smaller specimen, grow this tree in a large container with lots of free-draining soil. Transplant it into a larger pot every three to five years as it reaches up and out. 

This eucalyptus is a stately tree in the landscape. It needs well-draining soil but appreciates some organic matter. Give it a layer of compost or mulch each year to help it survive droughts, freezes, and excess water. Omeo gum is susceptible to root rot in wet soils, so start it off right by incorporating compost, sand, or an amendment like perlite at planting.

Fringetree

The tree features a broad, rounded canopy with large, glossy, dark green leaves and produces cascading clusters of white, fringe-like flowers that resemble delicate, lacy tresses.
White fringe flowers and bright fall colors make it stand out.
botanical-name botanical name Chionanthus virginicus
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 12-30’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3-9

Fringetree is so ornamental it’s a common landscaping tree throughout North America. It’s a medium deciduous tree with bright green leaves that turn sunflower yellow in fall. In spring, white fringe flowers emerge below freshly sprouting leaves on all the branches. 

Fringetree makes a statement wherever it grows, and it attracts pollinators and wildlife. It originates in the eastern and central regions of the U.S. but thrives in many ecoregions outside its native range from zones 3 through 9. This North American species tolerates clay soils and long periods of low rainfall, making it an ideal drought-tolerant tree.

Fringetrees naturally create multi-stem structures over time, with many branches extending from their root zone. Prune extraneous sprouts if you want a single-trunk tree, or let them grow for a more natural multi-stem structure.

Crepe Myrtle

This tree has a spreading, dense canopy with smooth, dark green leaves and a trunk covered in mottled, peeling bark, producing large, showy clusters of vibrant pink flowers.
Giant, colorful blooms and dark leaves create striking contrasts.
botanical-name botanical name Lagerstroemia indica
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 6-30’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 6-9

Crepe myrtles are a favorite flowering tree worldwide, and for good reason! They bloom giant flower panicles of many hues, from purple, pink, red, white, and deep velvet. Some have dark green almost black leaves that contrast beautifully with red flowers. Crepe myrtles originate in China, the Philippines, and Nepal but are common throughout eastern, southern, and western U.S landscapes.

Dozens of crepe myrtle cultivars exist with various attributes, and there are plenty of options for us gardeners. ‘Tuscarora’ sprouts bright pink clusters with lush green foliage, and ‘Natchez’ has pure white flowers. ‘Dallas Red’ is red, as the name suggests, but is also more cold-hardy than most others. 

Crepe myrtles need well-draining soil, full sun conditions, and some water their first year to establish themselves. Water them when the soil dries from spring through fall, then cut back on irrigation when they lose their leaves and enter dormancy in winter.

Jacaranda

This tree features finely divided, bright green foliage resembling ferns and is adorned with vibrant clusters of tubular, lavender-blue flowers that cover the branches.
Purple blooms on bare branches create a stunning seasonal display.
botanical-name botanical name Jacaranda mimosifolia
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 25-50’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9-13

If you live in California, you know to appreciate a jacaranda tree. Although this variety originates in Argentina and Bolivia, it’s a common street and landscaping species for California and Florida gardeners. Grow it for its dry soil tolerance, low water needs, and easy maintenance.

A jacaranda blooms hundreds of purple flowers in bunches throughout its canopy—they morph into seed pods with seeds inside. Start the seeds for new saplings, or let the squirrels and birds get to them. The leaves are sometimes evergreen, although they typically fall to the ground in fall or winter. The purple flowers emerge on bare branches and twigs after leaf drop, making a spectacular show for anyone walking by.

Although jacarandas appreciate moist soils, they tolerate the dry ground that is common throughout Southern California. Water them while they put down roots their first few years, then cut back to once a month or more if needed during the growing season. Mature trees may not need any additional irrigation, especially in coastal regions.

Olive

This tree features a compact, rounded canopy with silvery-green, oval leaves and a trunk with a smooth, gray bark, producing small, olive-like fruits.
Gray-green foliage and black fruits enhance Mediterranean-style landscapes.
botanical-name botanical name Olea europaea
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun
height height 20-30’
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 8-10

Olive trees are the same species that give us olive oil, green and black canned olives, and delicious kalamata olives. They originate in Mediterranean regions from Europe to Africa and China. Olives spread on slopes, hillsides, and valleys, gracing landscapes with their gray-green foliage and black fruits.

These fruiting trees, especially the species type Olea europaea, may prove invasive in warm winter regions. They’re extremely tolerant of droughts, though, and so breeders now have types that lack flowers or fruit and aren’t invasive. Try ‘Wilsoni’ for no flowers or fruit, or ‘Bonita’ for a few small fruits. If you’re growing olives for fruit, you’ll need two trees so they can cross-pollinate.

Olives handle rocky, poor soils in their native range, and are similarly tough in North America. Grow them in sites where lavender, rosemary, and wormwood thrive since they appreciate similar conditions. They’re excellent low-maintenance trees for xeriscaping, Mediterranean-style gardens, or wild spaces.

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Trees

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Trees

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Trees

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Trees

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Trees

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