Drought-Tolerant Plant Selection for Oklahoma E-1037

Page 1

Drought-Tolerant Plant Selections for Oklahoma E-1037

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Oklahoma State University



Table of Contents

About this Guide...................................................

page 2

Symbols.................................................................

page 3

Annuals..................................................................

page 4

Perennials..............................................................

page 10

Ornamental Grasses.............................................

page 20

Vines......................................................................

page 23

Groundcover.........................................................

page 25

Shrubs....................................................................

page 27

Trees.......................................................................

page 31

Turfgrasses............................................................

page 38

Index.......................................................................

page 40

Plan It!....................................................................

page 43


About this Guide

The City of Oklahoma City Utilities Department has partnered with the Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service to promote outdoor water conservation through proper outdoor watering and drought-tolerant landscaping. The plants listed in this guide are targeted for Oklahoma City specifically with many also suitable for the entire state of Oklahoma. All selections were chosen for their heat and drought tolerance as well as commercial availability. How to use this guide: This booklet is separated by annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, vines, groundcover, shrubs, trees, and turfgrasses. Each plant is listed alphabetically by its scientific name within each category. There is also an index in the back listing the plants by common name. The mature height and width are listed, which should be kept in mind when planning a landscape. The growing conditions include light, water and soil pH requirements. Each plant has the season(s) of interest shown. This list also indicates whether each plant is native within Oklahoma, continental US, or outside of the continental US. Many plants listed are considerably more drought resistant when properly mulched. Consumers should note that some listed plant materials can be toxic to pets and humans when ingested. Some plants may cause dermal reactions. People with young children or pets that may ingest landscape plants should check with their garden center or nursery professional if potential toxicity is a concern. The following plant list is not comprehensive and many other plants not listed in this booklet may be appropriate for the landscape. Authors: Courtney L. Keck Samantha J. Snyder Hannah A. Wahlmeier Malarie J. Gotcher John M. Schroeder Mike Schnelle, PhD Justin Q. Moss, PhD

The City of

OKLAHOMA CITY UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

2 | About this Guide

Photos Courtesy of: Oklahoma State University Oklahoma Proven OKPLANTid.org The Prairie Project Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center

Oklahoma State University Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service


Symbols

Water Requirements*

Light Requirements Full Sun

Moderate

Full Sun to Partial Shade

Low

Partial to Full Shade

Very Low

Soil pH Requirements

Place of Origin

Acidic (Low pH)

L

Outside of US

Not Native

Neutral (pH 7.0)

N

Continental US

Native

Alkaline (High pH)

H

Oklahoma

Season of Interest Summer

SUM

Fall

FALL

Winter

WIN

Spring

SPR

All

ALL

Plant Size Height Width 3 | Symbols

OK-Native

*Water requirements can be drastically reduced by liberal use of mulch. Some plants listed are marginally xeric in the absence of mulch. For more information about mulch go to osufacts.okstate.edu and check out L-436 and HLA-6005.


Annuals Only

Summer Snapdragon Angelonia angustifolia

12-24”

12-24”

last through one growing season

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Continuous flowers through the season, won’t flower if over fertilized. Various flower colors available.

Wax Begonia Begonia spp.

8”

12”

SUM

pH:

4 | Annuals

Asparagus spp.

18-36”

18-36”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Very tough, drought tolerant plant. Many varieties available. Plant may be brought indoors by fall to serve as a houseplant.

L

Not Native

Useful in shade and sun. Light requirements vary, depending on the selection. Blooms with minimal care.

Asparagus Fern

Ornamental Peppers Capsicum spp.

18”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Native

Works well as a garden border or in containers. Attractive fruit add color and texture to the plant. Various colors available.


Indian Paintbrush Castilleja indivisa

12”

12”

SPR

pH:

L

OK-Native

Periwinkle Catharanthus roseus

8”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Self-sows freely; deadhead to prevent volunteer seedlings next season. Commercially available from seed.

Does not perform well in cold, wet soils. Various flower colors available.

Cockscomb

Spider Flower

Celosia spp.

12”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Good for sunny, dry borders. Plumes provide a very soft texture and brilliant color throughout the summer. Various flower colors available.

Cosmos

SUM

Cosmos spp.

18”

24”

pH:

24”

36”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Taller varieties good for back of the border plantings. Flowers fully open in morning and evening.

N

OK-Native

Over fertilization and overwatering lead to fewer flowers. Various flower colors and heights available.

5 | Annuals

Cleome spp.

Silver FallsTM Dichondra Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’

2-4”

Varies

SUM

pH:

H

Native

Accent for hanging baskets and containers. Round, silver foliage provides nice contrast for mixed containers.


Diamond Frost® Euphorbia Euphorbia graminea ‘Inneuphdia’

18”

24”

SUM

pH:

N

Snow-on-the-Mountain Euphorbia marginata

36”

Native

Works well in containers, may have problems in chronically wet soils.

24”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Attracts butterflies and can reseed aggressively.

f

Blue Daze

Evolvulus pilosus ‘Blue Daze’

12”

24”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Globe Amaranth Gomphrena globosa

12”

18”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Use in a garden border, container, or as groundcover. True blue flowers until first frost.

Drought and heat tolerant. Flower heads are produced from summer until first frost. Flowers are easy to dry for “everlasting” arrangements.

Firebush

Helenium

Hamelia patens

30”

36”

SUM

Native

Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Leaves turn red during fall.

6 | Annuals

pH:

N

Helenium amarum ‘Dakota Gold’

12”

24”

FALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Works well in beds, containers, rock gardens, and as an accent. Dakota Gold is an improved selection of an Oklahoma native.


Sunflower

Helianthus annuus

2-6’

6-12”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

May repel certain insects. Taller varieties should be planted in an area that will be sheltered from strong winds.

Sweet Potato Vine Ipomoea batatas

18”

40”

SUM

pH:

Lupinus texensis

N

Not Native

6-12”

12-15”

Texas state flower. Most readily available by seed.

7 | Annuals

SPR

pH:

Helichrysum bracteatum

24”

12”

FALL

N

pH:

Not Native

High humidity, rainy conditions, and too much watering can harm the plant. Popular in dried arrangements.

This plant works well as an annual groundcover and in containers. Grows well in heat and humidity. Foliage Availalbe in several colors.

Texas Bluebonnet

Strawflower

N

OK-Native

Lantana Lantana camara

24”

36”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Excellent performance under hot conditions; attracts butterflies. Various flower colors available.

Pentas Pentas lanceolata

24”

36”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Can take cuttings at the end of the summer and will continue to bloom in a warm, south facing window. Does well in containers. Attracts butterflies.


Mexican Bush Sage Salvia leucantha

36”

48”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Fan Flower Scaevola aemula

12”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Produces purple and white flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. May overwinter.

Very low growing. Works well in hanging baskets. Plant has glossy leaves and continuous flowers. Also available in pink and white.

Dusty Miller

Marigold

Senecio cineraria

2’

2’

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

SUM

Tagetes spp.

24”

36”

pH:

N

Not Native

Useful as an edging or in containers, may overwinter. Silver foliage useful for unique flower bed designs.

Popular choice for companion planting in vegetable gardens. Available in dwarf and tall selections.

Yellow Bells

Mexican Sunflower

Tecoma stans

4’

4’

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Tropical plant used as an annual in Oklahoma.

8 | Annuals

Tithonia rotundifolia

48”

36”

SUM

pH:

N

Native

Attracts butterflies. Very heat tolerant and makes an excellent background annual in the flower bed.


Purple Heart

Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’

16”

12”

ALL

pH:

Not Native

Drought-tolerant. Easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings can be overwintered. Container planters can be brought indoors during winter.

9 | Annuals

L

Mexican Zinnia Zinnia angustifolia

12”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Deadhead for continuous bloom. Colors available include white, yellow,pink, red or orange flowers. Does well in containers or boarders.


Perennials Plants

Yarrow

SUM

Achillea spp.

12”

that grow back every year

36”

pH:

N

OK Native

Works well as an edging or in mass grouping. Various colors available.

Parry’s Agave Agave parryi

12”

9”

ALL

Native

Plant has spines or sharp edges; site accordingly and use extreme caution when handling. Marginally winter hardy in Oklahoma.

10 | Perennials

pH:

Hyssop Agastache rupestris

24”

18”

FALL

pH:

N

Native

Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Aromatic foliage.

N

Arkansas Bluestar Amsonia hubrichtii

36”

36”

FALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Blue flowers in early summer, foliage turns yellow/orange in the fall.


Eastern Red Columbine Aquilegia canadensis

2-3’

1-1.5’

SPR

pH:

H

OK-Native

Wormwood Artemisia spp.

24”

36”

A wonderful addition to native plant gardens, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas.

Grown for its fine textured silver foliage.

Butterfly Weed

Japanese Painted Fern

Asclepias tuberosa

48”

36”

SUM

pH:

L

OK-Native

Attracts butterflies to the garden. Flowers followed by interesting seed pods.

Blue False Indigo Baptisia australis

36”

48”

ALL

pH:

11 | Perennials

12”

18”

pH:

N

Not Native

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Very low maintenance, contrasts well with many shade-loving plants.

N

OK-Native

Works well in the back of flower borders. Showy flowers followed by persistent seed pods for winter interest.

Athyrium nipponicum

FALL

Atlantic Camas Camassia scilloides

1.5’

2’

Looks best in mass plantings.

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native


American Bellflower

Campanulastrum americanum

4-6’

18-24”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Snow-in-Summer Cerastium tomentosum

6”

12”

Self-sows freely; deadhead to prevent volunteer seedlings next season.

Prefers dry soil, root rot may occur on wet soils.

Hardy Plumbago

Hairy Lipfern

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

8”

15”

FALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Cheilanthes lanosa

6”

14”

A good plant for inter-planting with spring bulbs. True blue flowers, bronze fall color. Excellent ground cover.

Works well in a rock or wall garden.

Coreopsis

Montbretia

SUM

Coreopsis spp.

18”

36”

pH:

OK-Native

Early summer blooms provide brilliant yellow color. Good for perennial borders and prairie gardens.

12 | Perennials

N

Crocosmia x curtonus ‘Lucifer’

2-4’

1-2’

SUM

pH:

N

Native

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

SUM

pH:

L

Not Native

Provides a tropical flare to the landscape. Mulch for enhanced winter hardiness.


Hardy Winter Cyclamen Cyclamen coum

12”

12”

WIN

pH:

N

Not Native

Fast growing.

Cyclamen hederifolium

4-6”

4-6”

FALL

Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens

9-12”

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

Bundleflower

Desmanthus illinoensis

2-4’

1.5-2’

ALL

Purple Coneflower

Myrtle Euphorbia

Echinacea purpurea

18”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Native to the tall grass prairie. Blooms attract birds and butterflies.

Euphorbia myrsinites

6”

12”

Excellent for rock gardens and green roofs.

pH:

N

OK-Native

Seeds are desirable for birds. Species is available by seed.

13 | Perennials

N

Not Native

This cool season plant will go dormant during hot weather and regrow in the fall.

24”

pH:

Fall bloomer, fits in well for a rock garden.

Carolina Larkspur 24-36”

Hardy Fall Cyclamen

FALL

pH:

N

Not Native


Blanket Flower Gaillardia spp.

12”

24”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Oklahoma state wildflower; attracts butterflies.

Oxeye Sunflower Heliopsis helianthoides

36-60”

24-48”

Hemerocallis spp.

12”

36”

SUM

pH:

N

30”

36”

SUM

pH:

Lenten Rose Helleborus orientalis

18”

Native

SUM

pH:

N

Native

18”

ALL

pH:

L

Not Native

Evergreen, blooms in winter.

N

Not Native

Hundreds to choose from, deadhead for rebloom. Foliage ranges from deciduous to nearly evergreen.

14 | Perennials

Gaura lindheimeri

Easily propagated by seed. Narrow foilage is quite showy.

Works well in the back of perennial borders. Deadhead for continuous bloom. Various cultivars available.

Daylily

Gaura

Red Yucca

Hesperaloe parviflora

36-48’’

24-36’’

All

pH:

Native

Heat and drought tolerant, red yucca is wonderful for rock gardens. Yellow flowering selctions also available.

N


Stonecrop Hylotelephium spectabile

18”

24”

FALL

pH:

N

36”

12”

pH:

L

Not Native

Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. Various colors and flower forms available.

Red Hot Poker Kniphofia triangularis

24”

36”

pH:

N

OK-Native

SUM

pH:

Blue Star Kalimeris

FALL

12-18”

Not Native

Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’

12-18”

pH:

N

Plants may self-seed in ideal growing conditions. Performs well in hot and humid summers.

N

Not Native

Great tolerance for drought and summer heat. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.

15 | Perennials

3-6”

SUM

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.

SUM

Iris spp.

Ipomopsis rubra

3-5’

Native

Plant alone or in combinations in borders or containers.

Iris

Red Texas Star

Prairie Blazing Star Liatris pycnostachya

24-48”

12-24”

SUM

pH:

L

OK-Native

Good tolerance for drought, summer heat, and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter. Multiple species are native to Oklahoma.


Spotted Beebalm Monarda punctata

2-3’

15-18”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Aromatic foliage.

Evening Primrose Oenothera macrocarpa

9”

12”

SUM

Penstemon digitalis

pH:

N

OK-Native

36-48”

18-24”

Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Attracts hummingbirds.

16 | Perennials

SUM

Nepeta x faassenii

24”

30”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Thrives in heat and drought once established. Aromatic foliage.

Can work as a dense foliage groundcover in shade, but won’t bloom without adequate sunlight.

Foxglove Beardtongue

Catmint

pH:

Prickly Pear Opuntia macrorhiza

6-12”

6-12”

ALL

pH:

L

OK-Native

2-3 inch spines and tufts of bristles can be harmful to humans and pets. Spineless prickly pear are commercially available.

N

OK-Native

Mexican Beardtongue Penstemon mexicali

12-24”

12-24”

SUM

pH:

H

Not Native

Good tolerance for drought, summer heat, and humidity. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.


Russian Sage Perovskia atriplicifolia

30”

24”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Useful in the back of the border. Grey-green foliage, very ornamental.

Mexican Hat Ratibida columnifera

2-3’

1-1.5’

SUM

pH:

Rudbeckia hirta

N

OK-Native

18-36”

18-36”

SUM

pH:

12-24”

12-24”

SUM

pH:

L

OK-Native

Rosemary

Rosmarinus officinalis

6’

2-4’

SPR

pH:

H

Not Native

Works well in containers, may have problems in wet soils. Very fragrant foliage.

N

OK-Native

Can decline in above average summer temperatures; attracts butterflies.

17 | Perennials

Polystichum acrostichoides

Does not tolerate heavy clay soils or standing water.

Very tough, drought tolerant plant. A good selection for wildflower or prairie gardens. Most readily available by seed in garden centers.

Black-eyed Susan

Christmas Fern

Giant Coneflower Rudbeckia maxima

5’

3’

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Attracts butterflies. Will self seed in ideal growing conditions. Flower stalks attract birds after blooming season. Dramatic, ornamental leaves.


Autumn Sage Salvia greggii

18”

SUM

18”

pH:

N

Santolina virens ‘Lemon Fizz’

18-24”

18-24”

Silphium laciniatum

4-6’

1.5-2’

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

pH:

N

Not Native

FALL

Hens and Chicks Sempervivum spp.

4”

4”

ALL

pH:

N

Native

Performs well in pots, on rock walls and foreground of perennial beds. Plant will slowly horizontally spread and thus good for filling in areas.

pH:

N

OK-Native

Compass plant has a large, woody taproot that may reach down 15 ft.

18 | Perennials

24”

SUM

Very low growing, works well in hanging baskets

Drought and heat tolerant. Compact, rounded growing habit.

Compass Plant

Santolina chamaecyparissus

24”

Native

Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies

Lemon Fizz Santolina

Lavender Cotton

Dwarf Goldenrod

Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’

12-18”

12-18”

FALL

pH:

Native

Good for erosion control, attracts butterflies. Pollen is normally not an allergen.

N


Lamb’s Ear Stachys byzantina

6-12”

12-15”

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Very tough, drought tolerant plant. Small hairs on the foliage provide a soft texture giving reason for its common name.

Verbena-on-a-Stick Verbena bonariensis

36”

24”

SUM

pH:

Viola pedata

N

Not Native

3-6”

3-6”

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.

19 | Perennials

SPR

pH:

Tradescantia ohiensis

2-3’

9-12”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

When touched in the heat of the day, the flowers shrivel.

Blender plant to fill in gaps in the flower border. Profusely reseeds so plant accordingly.

Bird’s Foot Viola

Bluejacket

Verbena Verbena canadensis

4”

12”

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Overwatering or poor air circulation will harm the plant. Various colors available.

L

OK-Native

Yucca

Yucca filamentosa

48”

36”

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Adds unique vertical element to design. Evergreen foliage and seed pods offer winter interest.


Ornamental Grasses

Big Bluestem Andropogon geradii

3’

4’

and related species

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Purple Three Awn Aristida purpurea

12-24”

12-24”

FALL

Good for erosion control; seeds attract song birds, good habitat for wildlife.

Sideoats Grama

Blue Grama

SUM

1.5-2.5’

OK-Native

1.5-2’

pH:

Often found growing with Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Does Not compete well with very tall grasses.

20 | Ornamental Grasses

H

Bouteloua gracilis

8- 24”

1.5-2’

N

OK-Native

Works as a tall background or a screen, cut back in the spring before new growth starts.

Bouteloua curtipendula

pH:

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

An important component of the Great Plains shortgrass prairie.


Northern Sea Oats Chasmanthium latifolium

24”

36”

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

One of the more shade tolerant ornamental grasses, may self-seed.

Blue Fescue Festuca glauca

6-10”

6-10”

ALL

pH:

Juncus effusus

2’

1.5’

N

Not Native

2-3’

2-3’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Blue Oat Grass Helictotrichon sempervirens

24-36”

24-36”

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Best blue color in dry soils. Tolerates light shade but performs best in full sun.

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Not a true grass, this species requires little maintenance other than watering.

21 | Ornamental Grasses

Eragrostis elliottii

Excellent erosion control. Very fine-textured foliage and airy seed heads give this plant excellent movement from even light wind.

Good accent plant. May go dormant in hot summers.

Corkscrew Rush

Love Grass

Blue Lyme Grass Leymus arenarius

24”

36”

Spreading grass best used in containers or large masses.

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native


Maiden Grass Miscanthus sinensis

4’

3’

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Great as specimen or in groupings. Can spread quickly and become a nuisance if not maintained.

Switchgrass Panicum virgatum

3’

3’

SUM

pH:

Sorghastrum nutans

N

OK-Native

3’

3’

FALL

22 | Ornamental Grasses

18”

12”

ALL

pH:

N

Native

Little Bluestem Schizachyrium scoparium

2’

3’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Works well as a background plant or in mass planting.

pH:

N

OK-Native

Cut back in late winter or early spring. Many cultivars available.

Nassella tenuissima

Remove the top third of the plant in the spring. Will reseed each growing season and can spread vigorously if not maintained..

Useful as a screen, very vigorous plant. Many selections available.

Indiangrass

Mexican Feather Grass

Prairie Dropseed Sporobolus heterolepsis

24-48”

24-48”

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Foliage maintains a golden-bronze color through winter. Flowers are noted for unique fragrance in late summer-fall.


Vines A

Crossvine Bignonia capreolata

50’

50’

climbing or trailing plant

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

Evergreen, blooms in spring, grows very quickly and may need to be pruned.

Carolina Jessamine Gelsemium sempervirens

20’

20’

SPR

pH:

Campsis radicans

35’

35’

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Extremely vigorous, should be pruned frequently, can become weedy; attracts hummingbirds.

N

Native

Attracts butterflies. Early-blooming vine provides bright yellow flowers in early spring.

23 | Vines

Trumpet Vine

Trumpet Honeysuckle Lonicera sempervirens

10-20’

10-20’

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

Flowers are not fragrant. Tolerates some shade but blooms more prolifically in full sun.


Virginia Creeper Parthenocissus quinquefolia

30-50’

30-50’

FALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Vigorous vine and easily grown. Red fall color and showy fruit.

Climbing Roses Rosa spp.

20’

20’

Needs good air circulation to prevent disease.

24 | Vines

SPR

Boston Ivy Parthenocissus tricuspidata

30-50’

30-50’

FALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Turns scarlet in the fall. Will clasp onto structures such as brick and concrete walls.

pH:

Native

N

American Wisteria Wisteria frutescens

15’

15’

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

The bean-like seed pods can be showy and very numerous.


Groundcover Low-growing,

Bugleweed Ajuga reptans

6-8”

6-12”

spreading plants

SPR

pH:

N

Not Native

Plants may be mowed after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy their appearance. Plants have blue flowers.

Creeping Juniper Juniperus horizontalis

8”

24”

Some cultivars will turn purple in the winter.

25 | Groundcover

ALL

pH:

Native

Winecup Callirhoe involucrata

6-12”

1-3’

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Fits well into both formal garden areas as well as wild/naturalized areas. White flowering form available.

N

Monkey Grass Liriope spp.

6”

Varies

Mow in the early spring to remove old growth.

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native


Creeping Phlox Phlox stolonifera

6”

12”

SPR

pH:

L

Portulaca umbraticola

6”

9-12”

SUM

Portulaca grandiflora

6”

Native

Works well in rock gardens. White and pink flowering varieties also available.

Wingpod Purslane

Rose Moss

12”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Not hardy but may self-seed the following year. Various colors available. Some varieties have flowers that remain open all day.

pH:

N

OK-Native

Sedum

FALL

Sedum spp.

4-6”

Varies

pH:

N

Native

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Good selection for trailing container plant or hanging basket. Various colors available.

Approximately 400 species. Growing requirements differ between species in terms of cold hardiness and heat tolerance. Works for green roofs.

Creeping Thyme

Dwarf Periwinkle

Thymus serpyllum

1”

12”

ALL

pH:

Not Native

Very low growing, flowers in late spring and early summer. Aromatic foliage.

26 | Groundcover

N

Vinca minor

4-6”

12”

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Mowing the patch low after blooming every couple of years will help to keep it thick and weed resistant. Semi-evergreen foliage.


Shrubs

A woody plant smaller than a tree, with several main stems arising from the ground

Compact Coral Barberry

Berberis x stenophylla ‘Corallina compacta’

36”

48”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana

4-6’

4-6’

Low-growing, compact plant. Good choice for a low hedge or used as an accent in larger planting beds.

Fruits provide fall to early winter beauty.

Blue Mist Spirea

Roughleaf Dogwood

Caryopteris x clandonensis

24”

36”

SUM

pH:

Not Native

Attracts bees and hummingbirds. True blue flowers all summer long.

27 | Shrubs

N

Cornus drummondii

5-18’

25’

WIN

pH:

L

OK-Native

SPR

pH:

L

OK-Native

This is a very adaptable plant and is found in nature in a variety of wet to dry situations, but best in wet soils


Red-twig Dogwood Cornus sericea

3-6’

3-6’

ALL

pH:

N

Cotoneaster dammeri

24”

48”

Cotinus coggygria

10’

Native

10’

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Tiny flowers in large fuzzy clusters give the plant a smoky appearance. Plants are available in various summer leaf colors.

Bright red stems in the winter are particularly showy.

Bearberry Cotoneaster

Smoke Tree

FALL

pH:

N

Rose of Sharon Hibiscus syriacus

12’

Not Native

Slow growing evergreen. Effective in rock gardens or as groundcover. Fall foliage has a purple tinge that is complimented by small red berries.

8’

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Works well as a border or screen, yearly pruning in early spring will improve flowering. Sterile selections are available to prevent re-seeding.

.

Deciduous Holly Ilex decidua

8’

6’

WIN

pH:

OK-Native

Red berries on female plants in late summer. Plants also available with orange or yellow fruits.

28 | Shrubs

L

Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria

Varies

Varies

WIN

pH:

L

OK-Native

Very durable and adaptable, needs to be pruned two or three times a year to maintain a neat appearance. Available in dwarf and weeping varieties.


Winter Jasmine Jasminum nudiflorum

6’

8’

WIN

pH:

N

Not Native

Juniper Juniperus chinensis

Varies

Varies

ALL

pH:

L

Not Native

Great covering for steep slopes, spilling over a wall or planted in groups. Starts blooming during cold weather before the new year.

Very hardy, many different cultivars available ranging in size, shape and color.

Japanese Kerria

Crapemyrtle

Kerria japonica

4’

5’

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Species blooms well and is more drought resistant in partial shade. Single flowered varieties also available.

Lagerstroemia indica

ALL

Varies

Not Native

Varies

pH:

N

Available in a wide range of heights and flower color, severe pruning can stimulate basal sprouting which may be a nuisance.

d

Nandina Nandina domestica

ALL

Varies

Not Native

Varies

pH:

N

Low maintenance shrub, prune once a year in the winter to keep it from looking leggy. Many different selections are commercially available.

29 | Shrubs

Ninebark Physocarpus opulifolius

6’

5’

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

Exfoliating bark provides some winter interest. Several cultivars have striking reddish, purple foliage.


Mugo Pine

WIN

Pinus mugo

3-20’

3-12’

pH:

N

Not Native

Fragrant Sumac Rhus aromatica

5’

4’

ALL

pH:

OK-Native

Slow growing. Can be yellowish-green in winter. Dwarf varieties available.

Males and females are separate plants, fruit is only produced if a male plant is available. Dwarf selections available.

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac

Shrub Roses

Rhus typhina

10’

12’

FALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Spreads by root suckers, creating a colony. Exceptional fall color.

Koreanspice Viburnum Viburnum carlesii

4-6’

4-6’

SPR

6’

6’

SUM

pH:

N

Native

Several varieties and cultivars available ranging in bloom color, size, and disease resistance. Very few thornless options are available.

pH:

N

Not Native

Slow-growing, symmetrically rounded shrub.Very fragrant flowers that give way to non-showy dark blue berries in late summer.

30 | Shrubs

Rosa spp.

L

Chaste Tree Vitex agnus-castus

10’

15’

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Flowers attract bees. Flowers appear on new growth. Can be pruned to the ground in early spring and maintained as a herbaceous perennial.


Trees A

Red Maple

FALL

Acer rubrum

60’

tall woody perennial plant, typically having a single main trunk

40’

pH:

L

OK-Native

Caddo Sugar Maple Acer saccharum ‘Caddo’

50-60’

20-35’

FALL

pH:

OK-Native

Its rapid growth and red fall color makes Red Maple a popular shade tree.

Very drought tolerant, sensitive to over watering. Attractive fall color.

Shantung Maple

Chittamwood

Acer truncatum

20’

25’

ALL

pH:

Not Native

Excellent small tree for urban areas. New leaves emerge in red and purple hues throughout the growing season.

31 | Trees

N

Bumelia lanuginosa

40-50’

L

SUM

25-35’

Young plants often require training to create a tree-like form.

pH:

Native

N


Sugarberry Celtis laevigata

50-70’

50-60’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Common Hackberry Celtis occidentalis

40-80’

40-50’

ALL

Can develop galls on leaves. Bark is very coarse in texture and resembles small warts or ridges of cork-like layers.

Oklahoma Redbud

Desert Willow

20-30’

25-35’

SPR

pH:

N

OK-Native

A cultivar of Oklahoma’s state tree. Best known for its pink to purple blooms that occur in early spring.

Arizona Cypress Cupressus arizonica

40’

30’

ALL

pH:

Native

Pyramidal in form resembling a Juniper. Foliage is bluish-gray. Works very well as a screen or windbreak. Attractive cones and showy bark.

32 | Trees

Chilopsis linearis

20-30’

15-25’

N

OK-Native

Small berries attract birds; bark is thin and easily damaged by mechanical impact.

Cercis canadensis var. texensis ‘Oklahoma’

pH:

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Works well as a wide screen. Does not tolerate over watering.

N

Winterberry Euonymus Euonymus bungeanus

20-24’

15-18’

WIN

pH:

N

Not Native

Can be grown as a tree or shrub, depending on pruning. Good tolerance for urban conditions.


Green Ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica

60’

40’

FALL

pH:

H

OK-Native

Gleditsia triacanthos var inermis

30-50’

30-50’

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Tolerant of small planting pits in concrete, making it a good choice for urban environments or as a street tree.

Golden-Rain Tree Koelreuteria paniculata

25-40’

25-40’

30-50’

30-50’

pH:

N

Not Native

ALL

pH:

Kentucky Coffee Tree Gymnocladus dioica

60-75’

40-50’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Grows slowly, female trees produce pods. Male (seedless) selections are commercially available.

N

Not Native

Produces small yellow flowers. Flowers give way to yellowish-brown seed pods that resemble small lanterns.

33 | Trees

ALL

Ginkgo biloba

Select male trees, female fruit may be messy. Rich yellow fall color.

Deep-green summer foliage turns yellow in fall.

Thornless Honeylocust

Ginkgo

Osage Orange Maclura pomifera

40-60’

40-60’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Produces large, grapefruit-sized fruit which can be a problem in residential areas, but there are male thornless, fruitless cultivars.


Crabapple

Malus ‘Prairiefire’

15-25’

20-25’

ALL

pH:

L

Not Native

Hundreds of cultivars available with various colored fruit and growth habits. Look for disease resistant cultivars.

Pinyon Pine Pinus edulis

20-30’

20-30’

ALL

pH:

Pinus echinata

N

OK-Native

50’

30’

ALL

L

OK-Native

This is the hardiest and most adaptable of the southern pines.

34 | Trees

pH:

Parrotia persica

20-40’

20-35’

ALL

pH:

N

Not Native

Yellow, red, or orange fall color. Exfoliating bark adds interesting color and texture. Partial shade may also be desirable.

Does not tolerate shade or overwatering. Tolerant of poor soil conditions. Seeds are as pine nuts and edible. Performs best in Western OK.

Shortleaf Pine

Persian Parrotia

Japanese Red Pine

ALL

20-30’

Not Native

Pinus densiflora

20-25’

pH:

L

Fairly open growth, often has a crooked trunk. Showy orange to red bark/ limbs.

Ponderosa Pine Pinus ponderosa

70-80’

70-80’

ALL

pH:

N

OK-Native

Very tall and broad, may not be suitable for residential areas


Loblolly Pine Pinus taeda

60-100

30-50’

ALL

pH:

N

Prunus mexicana

20’

15’

ALL

pH:

Quercus macrocarpa

H

OK-Native

60-80’

70-80’

ALL

pH:

35 | Trees

pH:

N

Not Native

Sawtooth Oak Quercus acutissima

35-45’

35-50’

FALL

pH:

L

Not Native

Foliage has a serrated edge, giving reason for its descriptive common name.

L

OK-Native

Very slow growing. Foliage remains on the tree late into the fall after leaves have turned. Has very attractive acorns almost 2” in diameter.

25-35’

FALL

Bright red, yellow or orange fall color. Female trees have red to blue berry-like fruits that appear in fall.

This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds and is drought-tolerant. White blooms and edible fruits make this a good addition in orchards.

Bur Oak

Pistacia chinensis

25-35’

Native

Excellent pine that tolerates Oklahoma’s adverse conditions, including poorly drained soils and drought.

Mexican Plum

Chinese Pistache

Chinkapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii

40-60’

50-60’

SPR

pH:

L

OK-Native

Acorns very desirable to wildlife. Under utilized shade tree.


Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii

40-60’

40-60’

SUM

pH:

L

OK-Native

Western Soapberry Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii

40-50’

30-40’

SUM

pH:

OK-Native

Requires less maintenance than some other oak trees. More resistant to yellow foliage (chlorosis) than Pin Oak.

Has a yellow fruit that matures in mid-fall. Showy bark and yellow fall color.

Sassafras

Japanese Tree Lilac

Sassafras albidum

45’

30’

SUM

pH:

L

OK-Native

Syringa reticulata

15-25’

15-25’

If root suckers are not removed, tree will spread and look like a large shrub. Interesting leaf shapes and striking fall color. Best for Eastern OK.

Produces large white flowers, has showy bark.

Bald Cypress

Cedar Elm

Taxodium distichum

50-75’

50-75’

ALL

pH:

L

OK-Native

Not an evergreen, needles fall off in the fall. Grows very well in wet soils or near water. Dwarf selection available.

36 | Trees

Ulmus crassifolia

50-70’

30-40’

N

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

SUM

pH:

N

OK-Native

Withstands heavy, poorly drained soils. Dark foliage and “winged” branches add to ornamental appeal.


Lacebark Elm Ulmus parvifolia

50-70’

50-60’

ALL

N

Not Native

Exfoliating bark is a noteworthy feature of this tree. Tree has small, refined leaves.

37 | Trees

pH:


Turfgrasses A

layer of matted earth formed by grass and plant roots

Buffalograss Bouteloua dactyloides

SUM

Mowing Height

OK-Native

3”

pH:

N

Common Bermudagrass Cynodon dactylon

SUM

Mowing Height 1-2”

Not Native

pH:

Warm-season grass, drought resistant. May be hard to establish in areas formerly bermudagrass. For recommended cultivars see CR-6609* (pg 39)

Warm-season grass, drought resistant, common cultivars- ‘Yukon’ and ‘Riviera’ For more information see HLA-6419**.

Hybrid Bermudagrass

Tall Fescue

Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis

Mowing Height 1-2”

SUM

N

Not Native

Warm-season grass, drought resistant, cultivars- ‘Latitude 36’, ‘Northbridge’, and ‘Patriot’.For more information see HLA-6419**

38 | Turfgrasses

pH:

Festuca arundinacea

Mowing Height 3”

FALL

pH:

N

N

Not Native

Cool-season grass, best suited for shaded areas where bermudagrass or buffalograss won’t grow. For more information see HLA-6419**


Zoysiagrass Zoysia spp.

Mowing Height 1-2”

SUM

pH:

N

Not Native

Warm-season, similar maintenance to bermudagrass, but is slower growing and requires more water. For more information see HLA-6419**

*CR-6609. Current Report 6609, “2012 Commercial Sources of Buffalograss Seed, Sod and Plugs.” **HLA-6419. Horticulture and Landscape Architecture Fact Sheet 6419. “Establishing a Lawn in Oklahoma.” Available at OSUFacts.okstate.edu

39 | Turfgrasses


Index All

plants are listed under each category by their common name

Summer Snapdragon-

Annuals Asparagus Fern- Asparagus spp. Blue Daze- Evolvulus pilosus ‘Blue Daze’ Cockscomb- Celosia spp. Cosmos- Cosmos spp. Diamond Frost Euphorbia -Euphorbia graminea ‘Inneuphdia’ ®

Dusty Miller- Senecio cineraria Fan Flower- Scaevola aemula Firebush- Hamelia patens Globe Amaranth- Gomphrena globosa Helenium- Helenium amarum ‘Dakota Gold’ Indian Paintbrush- Castilleja indivisa Lantana- Lantana camara Marigold- Tagetes spp. Mexican Bush Sage- Salvia leucantha Mexican Sunflower- Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican Zinnia- Zinnia angustifolia Ornamental Peppers- Capsicum spp. Pentas- Pentas lanceolata Periwinkle- Catharanthus roseus Purple Heart- Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’ Silver Falls Dichondra-

Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’

Snow-on-the-Mountain- Euphorbia marginata Spider Flower- Cleome spp. Strawflower40 | Index

Helichrysum bracteatum

Sunflower-

Angelonia angustifolia

Helianthus annuus

4 6 5 5 6 8 8

Sweet Potato Vine-

6 6 6 5 7 8 8 8 9 4 7 5 9 5 6 5 7

Arkansas Bluestar-

Texas BluebonnetWax BegoniaYellow Bells-

Ipomoea batatas Lupinus texensis

Begonia spp.

Tecoma stans

4 7 7 7 4 8

Perennials American BellflowerArtemisia-

Amsonia hubrichtii

Artemisia spp.

Atlantic CamasAutumn Sage-

Camassia scilloides

Salvia greggii

Bird’s Foot Viola-

Viola pedata

Black-eyed SusanBlanket FlowerBluejacket-

Rudebeckia hirta

Gaillardia spp.

Blue False Indigo-

Baptisia australis

Tradescantia ohiensis

Blue Star KalimerisBundleflower-

Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’

Desmanthus illinoensis

Butterfly Weed-

Asclepias tuberosa

Carolina LarkspurCatmint-

Campanulastrum americanum

Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens

Nepeta x fassenii

Christmas Fern

Polystichum acrostichoides

Compass PlantCoreopsis-

Silphium laciniatum

Coreopsis spp.

12 10 11 11 18 19 17 14 11 19 15 13 11 13 16 17 18 12


Daylily-

14 Verbena-on-a-Stick- Verbena bonariensis

Hemerocallis spp.

Dwarf Goldenrod-

Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’

Eastern Red Columbine-

Aquilegia canadensis

Evening Primrose- Oenothera macrocarpa Foxglove BeardtongueGaura-

Penstemon digitalis

Gaura lindheimeri

Giant ConeflowerHairy Lipfern-

Rudbeckia maxima

Cheilanthes lanosa

Hardy Fall CyclamenHardy Plumago-

Cyclamen hederifolium

Ceratostigma plumbaginoides

Hardy Winter CyclamenHens and Chicks-

Sempervivum spp.

Hummingbird MintHyssopIris-

Cyclamen coum

Agastache rupestris

Agastache rupestris

Iris spp.

Japanese Painted FernLamb’s Ear-

Stachys byzantina

Lavender CottonLenten Rose-

Santolina chamaecyparissus

Helleborus orientalis

Mexican BeardtongueMexican HatMontbretiaMugwort-

Athyrium nipponicum

Penstemon mexicali

Ratibida columnifera

Crocosmia x curtonus ‘Lucifer’

Artemisia spp.

Myrtle Euphorbia-

Euphorbia myrsinites

Oxeye Sunflower- Heliopsis helianthoides Parry’s Agave-

Agave parryi

Prairie Blazing Star-

Liatris pycnostachya

Prickly Pear- Opuntia macrorhiza Purple Coneflower- Echinacea purpurea Red Hot Poker- Kniphofia triangularis Red Texas Star-

Ipomopsis rubra

Red Yucca-

Hesperaloe parviflora

Rosemary-

Rosmarinus officinalis

Russian Sage-

Perovskia atriplicifolia

Santolina Lemon Fizz- Santolina virens ‘Lemon Fizz’ Snow-in-Summer-

Cerastium tomentosum

Spotted Beebalm-

Monarda punctata

Stonecrop-

Hylotelephium spectabile

WormwoodVerbena41 | Index

Artemisia spp.

Verbena canadensis

18 Yarrow- Achillea spp. 11 16 16 14 17 12 13

Yucca-

12 13 18 10 10 15 11 19 18 14 16 17 12 11 13 14 10 15 16 13 15 15 14 17 17 18 12 16 15 11 19

Blue Oat Grass-

19 10 19

Yucca filamentosa

Ornamental Grasses Big Bluestem-

Andropogon geradii

Blue Fescue-

Festuca glauca

Blue Grama-

Bouteloua gracilis

Blue Lyme Grass-

Helictotrichon sempervirens

Corkscrew RushIndiangrass-

Leymus arenarius

Juncus effusus

Sorgastrum nutans

Little BluestemLove Grass-

Schizachyrium scoparium

Eragrostis elliottii

Maiden Grass-

Miscanthus sinensis

Mexican Feather GrassNorthern Sea OatsPrairie Dropseed-

Switchgrass-

Chasmanthium latifolium

Sporobolus heterolepsis

Purple Three AwnSideoats Grama-

Nassella tenuissima

Aristida purpurea

Bouteloua curtipendula

Panicum virgatum

20 21 20 21 21 21 22 22 21 22 22 21 22 20 20 22

Vines American WisteriaBoston Ivy-

Wisteria frutescens

Parthenocissus tricuspidata

Carolina JessamineClimbing RosesCrossvine-

Gelsemium sempervirens

Rosa spp.

Bignonia capreolata

Trumpet HoneysuckleTrumpet Vine-

Lonicera sempervirens

Campsis radicans

Virginia Creeper-

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

24 24 23 24 23 23 23 24

Ground Cover Bugleweed-

Ajuga reptans

Creeping JuniperCreeping Phlox-

Juniperus horizontalis

Phlox stolonifera

Creeping Thyme-

Thymus serpyllum

Dwarf Periwinkle-

Vinca minor

Lilyturf-

Liriope spp.

Monkey Grass-

Liriope spp.

25 25 26 26 26 25 25


Rose MossSedum-

Portulaca grandiflora

Sedum spp.

Winecup-

Callirhoe involucrata

Wingpod Purslane-

Portulaca umbraticola

26 Crabapple- Malus ‘Prairefire’ 26 Desert Willow- Chilopsis linearis

34 32

25 Ginkgo- Ginkgo biloba 26 Golden-Rain Tree- Koelreuteria paniculata

33

Green Ash-

Shrubs American Beautyberry-

Callicarpa americana

Bearberry CotoneasterBlue Mist SpireaChaste Tree-

Cotoneaster dammeri

Caryopteris x clandonensis

Vitex agnus-castus

Compact Coral Barberry-Berberis x stenophylla ‘Corallina Compacta’ Crapemyrtle-

Lagerstroemia indica

Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac-

Rhus typhina

Deciduous Holly-

Ilex decidua

Fragrant Sumac-

Rhus aromatica

Koreanspice ViburnumJapanese KerriaJuniper-

Viburnum carlesii

Kerria japonica

Juniperus spp.

Mugo PineNandinaNinebark-

Pinus mugo

Nandina domestica Physocarpus opulifolius

Red-twig DogwoodRose of Sharon-

Cornus sericea

Hibiscus syracus

Roughleaf DogwoodShrub RosesSmoke Tree-

Cornus drummodii

Rosa spp.

Cotinus coggygria

Winter JasmineYaupon Holly-

Jasminum nudiflorum

Ilex vomitoria

Trees Arizona CypressBald CypressBur Oak-

Cupressus arizonica

Taxodium distichum

Quercus macrocarpa

Caddo Sugar MapleCedar Elm-

Ulmus crassifolia

Chinese PistacheChinkapin OakChittamwood-

Pistacia chinensis

Quercus muehlenburgii

Bumelia lanuginosa

Common Hackberry42 | Index

Acer saccharum Caddo

Celtis occidentalis

Fraxinus pennsylvanica

Japanese Red Pine- Pinus densiflora 27 Japanese Tree Lilac- Syringa reticulata 28 Kentucky Coffee Tree- Gymnocladus dioica 27 Lacebark Elm- Ulmus parvifolia 30 27 29 30 28 30 30 29 29 30 29 29 28 28 27 30 28 29

Loblolly Pine-

Pinus Taeda

Mexican Plum-

Prunus mexicana

Oklahoma RedbudOsage Orange-

Maclura pomifera

Persian ParrotiaPinyon Pine-

Sassafras-

Parrotia persica

Pinus edulis

Ponderosa PineRed Maple-

Cercis canadensis var texensis ‘Oklahoma’

Pinus ponderosa

Acer rubrum

Sassafras albidum

Sawtooth Oak-

Quercus acutissima

Shantung Maple-

Acer truncatum

Shortleaf Pine-

Pinus echinata

Shumard Oak-

Quercus shumardii

Sugarberry-

Celtis laevigata

Thornless Honeylocust-

Gleditsia triacanthos var inermis

Western Soapberry- Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii Winterberry Euonymus-

Euonymus bungeanus

33 33 34 36 33 37 35 35 32 33 34 34 34 31 36 35 31 34 36 32 33 36 32

Turf

28 Buffalograss-

Bouteloua dactyloides

Common Bermuda-

Cynodon dactylon

32 Hybrid Bermuda- Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis 36 Tall Fescue- Festuca erundinacea 35 Zoysiagrass- Zoysia spp. 31 36 35 35 31 32

38 38 38 38 39


Plan It! Design

your own landscape

Create your design plan using the graph paper below. To begin planning, conduct a site evaluation and draw an aerial of your property. Include features of the site such as fences, trees, structures or walkways. Appropriately place plant symbols according to sun and water requirements. Plan to use mulch to help retain soil moisture, prevent erosion, and control weed growth. Examples can be found using Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service leaflet L-437.

43 | Plan It!


The City of

OKLAHOMA CITY UTILITIES DEPARTMENT

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service

Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion, disability, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Director of Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma. This publication is printed and issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the Vice President, Dean, and Director of the Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources and has been prepared and distributed at a cost of $1.75 per copy. 0214 JS


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.