Prepared by:
M.A. Powell
Extension Specialist, Horticultural Science
T.M. Disy
Information Specialist
Published by: North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service
Publication Number: AG 508-3
Last Electronic Revision: March 1996 (JWM)
Choosing plants is one of the most important ports of a landscape project. The plants should be compatible with the landscape design and well suited to the environment, which includes the soils and light exposure. For a wise-water-use landscape, also known as a xeriscape, the water needs of plants are also important.
Xeriscaping involves not only plant selection but also grouping plants according to water needs. If plants are grouped properly, supplemental irrigation can be applied only to the plants that need it. To help with grouping, this listing of plants includes water-use zones for each plant. The water-use zones are divided into three categories - (1) regular irrigation; (2) moderate, occassional irrigation; and (3) low, no irrigation. This information is based on observation, experience, and several cross references from notable horticultural sources. Many plants can grow in any or all of the three zones. For greatest water conservation, use plants in zones that require the least amount of water.
The condition of the planting site should match the water-use zone. Place plants that require more water in areas of the landscape that stay moist and plants that need less in areas that are naturally drier.
Hardiness zones refer to regions of North Carolina that are suitable for the plant. The map on this page indicates the zones.
It is surprising to learn how many plants can thrive without supplemental water once they are established. The following pages list plants that are easily grown and readily available to North Carolina home gardeners and landscapers. The information given for each plant will help you make plant selections thst create an attractive and water-efficient landscape.
Figure 1. not shown.
Vines | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Flower Color/Time of Bloom | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Akebia quinata Fireleaf Akebia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Not showy | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Campsis radicons Trumpet Vine |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Orange/Summer | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Clemotisponiculata Sweet Autumn Clematis |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7 | White/Summer | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Clematis hybrids Large Flowered Clematis |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Purple, pink, white/Spring | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Fatshedera lizei Fatshedera |
1,2 | 7to8 | Not showy | Medium | Evergreen | Shade/Semi-Shade |
Ficus pumila Climbing Fig |
1,2 | 7b to8 | Not showy | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Gelsemium sempervirens Carolina Jessamine |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Yellow/Spring | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Loncera sempervirens Trumpet Honeysuckle |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Orange-Red-Yellow/Spring | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Parthenocissus quinquefolia Virginia Creeper |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Greenish white/Summer | Fast | Deciduos | Sun to Shade |
Parthenocissus tricuspidata Boston Ivy |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Not showy | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Rosa banksiae Banks Rose |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | White/Spring | Fast | Semi-Evergreen | Sun |
Rosa species Climbing Rose |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Many colors/Spring | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Trachelospermum jasminoides Star or Confederate Jasmine |
1,2,3 | 7 to 8 | White/Summer | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Wisteria sinesis Chinese Wisteria |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Lilac/Spring | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Ground Covers | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Flower Color/Time of Bloom | Normal Height (in) | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Ajugareptans Carptet Bugle |
1,2 | 7a to 8 | Purple/Spring | 2-4 | Medium to Fast | Evergreen | Shade/Semi-Shade |
Euonymus fortunei 'Coloratus,' Wintercreeper Euonymus |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7a | Not Showy | 6-18 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Hedera canariensis Algerian Ivy |
1,2,3 | 8 | None | 6-~ | Medium | Evergreen | Shade/Semi-Shade |
Hadra helix English Ivy |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | None | 6-12 | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Shade |
Hypericum calycum Aaronsbeard, St. Johnswort |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Yellow/Spring | 8-12 | Medium to Fast | Semi-Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Juniperus conferta 'Blue Pacific,' Shore Juniper |
2,3 | 6b to 8 | None | 12-18 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun |
Juniperus horizontalis Creeping Juniper |
2,3 | 6b to 8 | None | 12-24 | Moderate | Evergreen | Sun |
Liriope muscarii Liriope |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Purple/Summer | 8-15 | Mdium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Liriope spicata Spreading Liriope |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Purple/Summer | 8-15 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ophiopogon Japonicus Dwarf Lilyturf or Mondograss |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Not showy | 5-6 | Mdium | Evergreen | Shade |
Phlox subulata Moss Phlox or Thrift |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Pink, White, Purple/Spring | 3-4 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Vinca minor Common Periwinkle |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7b | Purple/Spring | 5-6 | Fast | Evergreen | Shade |
Vinca major Large Periwinkle |
1,2 | 7 to 8 | Purple/Spring | 12-24 | Moderate | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ornamental Grasses | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Height and Spread | Panicle Length | Exposure |
Arundo donax var. vericolor Varigated Giant Reed |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | 9 ft/30 ft | 24 in | Sun |
Calamagrostis x acutiflora 'stricta,' Feather Reed Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 5 ft/3 ft | 12 in | Sun |
Carex morrowii Japanese Sedge Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to8 | Fine | 1 ft/ 1ft | 3 in | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Chasmanthum latifolium Northern Sea Oats |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 3 ft/2 ft | 8 in | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Cortaderia selloeana Pampas Grass |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Fine to Medium | 8 ft/6 ft | 20 in | Sun |
Elymus glauous Blue Wild Rye |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | 5 ft/4 ft | 10 in | Sun |
Erianthus ravennae Ravenna Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium to Coarse | 9 ft/4 ft | 20 in | Sun |
Miscanthus sinensis Chinese Silver Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | 6 ft/3 ft | 10 in | Sun |
Miscanthus sinensis 'Gracillimus,' Maiden Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 6 ft/3 ft | 11 in | Sun |
Miscanthus sinensis 'Strictus,' Porcupine Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | 7 ft/4 ft | 12 in | Sun |
Miscanthus sinensis 'Varigatus,' Varigated Equalia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 6 ft/3 ft | 11 in | Sun |
Miscanthus sinensis 'Zebrinus,' Zebra Grass |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 6 ft/3 ft | 12 in | Sun |
Pennisetum alopecuroides Australian Fountain Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 3 ft/2 ft | 3 in | Sun |
Pennisetum setaceum Fountain Grass |
1,2 | Use Like an annual | Fine | 4 ft/4 ft | 12 in | Sun |
Pennisetum setaceum 'Rubrum,' Crimson Fountain Grass |
1,2 | Use like an annual | Fine | 4 ft/4 ft | 12 in | Sun |
Pennisetum villosum Feathertop Grass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 3 ft/2 ft | 3 in | Sun |
Phalaris arundinacea 'Picta,' Ribbongrass |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | 2 ft/3 ft | 6 in | Light Shade |
Small Shrubs (2 to 5 feet) | ||||||||
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Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Form | Normal Height | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Aucubajaponica Dwarf Aucuba |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Oval | 3-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Shade/Semi-Shade |
Azaleas, Hybrids | 1, 2 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright | 3-5 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Berberis thunbergii Japanese Barberry |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Oval | 3-5 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Buxus microphylla var. jaonica Japanese Boxwood |
1,2,3 | 7a to 8 | Fine | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Deutzia gracilis Slender deutsia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine | Mounded | 2-4 ft | Medium | Semi-Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Gardenia radicans Creeping Gardenia |
1,2 | 7a to 8 | Fine | Spreading | 2-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Hydrongea arborescens 'Annabelle' Smooth Hydrangea |
1, 2 | 6b to 8 | Coorse | Rounded | 3-5 ft | Fast | Semi-Evergreen | Sun |
Ilex cornuta 'Carissa' Carissa Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda' Dwarf Chinese Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex crenata 'Compacta' Compact Holly |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Fine to Medium | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex crenata 'Green Lustre' |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine to Medium | Rounded | 3-5 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex crenata 'Helleri' (Heller) Japanese holly |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Fine | Spreading | 2-3 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Ilex cranata 'Hetzi' Hetz Holly |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Fine to Medium | Rounded | 4-5 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' Dwarf Yaupon Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Rounded | 3-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Itea virginica Virginia Sweetspire |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8b | Medium Branching | Upright | 3-5 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Jaminum floridum Showy Jasmine |
1,2,3 | 8 | Medium | Upright | 3-5 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Jasminum nudiflorum Winter Jasmine |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Mounded Spreading | 3-4 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Juniperus davurica 'Expansa' Parsons Juniper |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Spreading | 2 ft | Medium to Fast | Conifer | Sun |
Juniperus hoirizontalis 'Plumosa,' Andorra Juniper |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Spreading | 2 ft | Slow | Conifer | Sun |
Kerria japonica Japanese Kerria |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright Arching | 3-5 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Lonicera pileata Privet Honeysuckle |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Oval | 2-3 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Nandina domestica 'Harbour Dwarf' or 'Gulf Stream' |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright layered | 2-3 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Pittosporum tobira 'Nana,' Dwarf Pittosporum |
1,2 | 7b to 8 | Medium | Spreading | 3-4 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Pyracantha koidzumii 'Santa Cruz' |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Medium | Prostrate Spreading | 2-3 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Rhaphiolepis indica Indian Hawthorne |
1,2,3 | 7 to 3 | Medium | Spreading | 2-4 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun |
Spirea x burmalda Bumald Spirea |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine | Mounded | 2-3 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Spirea nipponica 'Snowmound' |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine | Mounded | 3-5 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Spirea thunbergii Thunberg Spirea |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Irregular | 3-4 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Medium Shrubs (5 to 8 feet) | ||||||||
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Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Form | Normal Height | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Abelia x grandiflora Abelia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Irregular | 3-4 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Aucubajaponica Japanese Aucuba |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Upright | 6-8 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Berberis julianae Wintergreen Barberry |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 5-6 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Buxus sempervirens Common Boxwood |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7a | Fine to Medium | Rounded | 5-8 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Cytissus scoparius Scotch Broom |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine | Upright Open | 5-6 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Forsythia intermedia, hybrids Border Forsythia |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Irregular | 5-7 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Hydrangea macrophylla Bigleaf Hydrangea |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Course | Rounded | 5-8 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Semi-Sun |
Hydrangea quercifolia Oakleaf Hydrangea |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Upright | 6-8 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Ilex cornuta, 'Burfodii Nana' Dwarf Buford Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium to Coarse | Rounded | 5-6 ft | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex glabra Inkerry Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 6-8 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Kalmia latifolia Mountain Laurel |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Upright | 5-8 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Lespedeza thunbergii Thunberg Lespedeza |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Upright Arching | 5-6 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Mahonia bealei Leatherleaf Mohonia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7b | Coarse | Upright | 6-7 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Nandina domestica Nandina or Heavenly Bamboo |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright | 5-6 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Southern Indian Azalea | 1,2 | 7a to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 5-8 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Spiraea prunifolia, 'Plena' Bridalwreath Spirea |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine to Medium | Rounded | 5-7 ft | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Spiraea vanhouttei Vanhoutte Spirea |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7b | Medium | Rounded | 5-7 ft | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Yucca filamentosa Adam's Needle Yucca |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Upright | 5-6 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Large Shrubs (8 feet and up) | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Form | Normal Height | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Buddleia davidii Butterfly Bush |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright, Oval | 10-15 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Calycanthus floridus Sweetshrub |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Broad, Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Camellia japonica Camellia |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium to Coarse | Rounded to Oval | 8-10 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Camellia sansanqua Sansanqua Camellia |
1,2 | 7 to 8 | Medium | Irregular to Upright | 8-10 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Chaenomeles speciosa Flowering Quince |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 8-10 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Cupressocyparis lylandii Leyland Cypress |
1,2,3 | 6b to8 | Fine | Upright | 60-70 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Elaeagnus x ebbingii Elaegnus |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Irregular | 8-10 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Euonymus alatus Winged Euonymous |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Mounded | 15-20 ft | Slow | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Hamamllis vernalis Vernal Witchhazel |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Dense, Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Hibiscus syriacus Shrub Althea (Rose of Sharon) |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Ilex x attenuata 'Fosteri,' Foster Holly |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright | 8-10 ft | Slow | Evergreen to Medium | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex cornuta 'Burfordii,' Buford Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7b | Coarse | Oval to Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium to Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex vomitoria Yaupon Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright | 8-12 ft | Medium to Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Juniperus Chinesis 'Hetzi,' Hetz Juniper |
2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright | 15 ft | Fast | Conifer | Sun |
Juniperus chinensis 'Pfitzeriana,' Pfitzer Juniper |
2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Broad, Upright | 8-10 ft | Fast | Conifer | Sun |
Leucothoe populufolia Fetterbrush |
1,2 | 7a to 8 | Medium | Upright, Arching | 8-12 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Coarse | Dense/Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ligustrum lucidum Waxleaf Privet |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Medium to Coarse | Rounded | 10-20 ft | Medium to Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ligustrum sinense Chinese Privet |
1,2,3 | 7a to 8 | Medium | Dense, Rounded | 10-15 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ligustrum x vicaryi Vicary Golden Privet |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 10-12 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Magnolia stellata Star Magnolia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Coarse | Rounded | 10-15 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Myrica cerifera Southern Waxmyrtle |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8b | Medium | Upright, Rounded | 8-10 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Osmanthus fortunei Fortunes Osmanthus |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 8-10 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Semi-Shade |
Philadelphis coronarius Sweet Mockorange |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Rounded | 10-12 ft | Medium | Deciuous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Pittosporum tobira Japanese Pittosporum |
1,2 | 7b to 8b | Medium | Rounded | 8-10 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Podocarpus macrophyllus var maki Southern Yew |
1,2 | 7a to 8b | Medium | Upright | 8-12 ft | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Pyrancantha species Firethorn |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Irregular | 10-12 ft | Fast | Evergreen | Sun |
Rhododendron austrinum Florida Azalea (Red flower) |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Rounded | 8-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Rhododendron calendulaceum Flame Azalea (Yellow-pink flower) |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Rounded | 10-15 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Rhododendron canescens Piedmont Azalea (Rosy Purple Flower) |
1,2 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Rounded | 10-15 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Semi-Shade/Shade |
Rhus typhina Staghorn Sumac |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Open, Spreading | 15-25 ft | Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ternstoemia gymnathera Cleyera |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright | 8-10 ft | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Viburnum lantana Wayfaringtree, Viburnum |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Coarse | Round, Spreading | 10-15 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Viburnum opulus European, Cranberrybush, Viburnum |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Coarse | Upright, Spreading | 8-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Viburnum plicatum var. tomentosum Doublefile Viburnum |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Coarse | Round, Spreading | 8-10 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Viburnum x pragense Prague Viburnum |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Oval | 10-12 ft | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Small Trees (10 feet to 30 feet tall) | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Form | Height/Spread (ft) | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Acerbuergeranun Trident Maple |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 20-25/10-15 | Slow | Deciduous | Sun |
Carpinus caroliniana American Hornbean (Ironwood) |
1,2,3 | 6b to 5 | Medium | Loose,Rounded | 20-30/15-25 | Slow | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Cercis canadensis Redbud or Judas Tree |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 25-30/20-28 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Shade |
Chionanthus virgincus Fringe Tree or Grancy Gray-beard |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Irregular | 10-20/15-20 | Slow to Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Continus coggygria Common Smoketree |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Upright, Spreading | 10-15/10-15 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Cupressocyparis leyiandii Leyland Cypress |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright | 60-70 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Eriobotrya Japonica Loquat |
1,2 | 7b to 8 | Coarse | Rounded | 10-20/8-12 | Medium to Fast | Evergreen | Sun |
Halesia carolina Silverbell |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Spreading | 20-30/15-20 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex x attenuata 'Savannah,' Savannah Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Pyramidal | 25-30/10-15 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ilex decidua Possumhaw |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Loose, Rounded | 20-30/15-20 | Medium | Deciuous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Ilex latifolia Lusterleaf Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Pyramidal | 20-25/15-20 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ilex x 'Nellie R. Stevens' Nellie R. Stevens, Holly |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Pyramidal | 15-25/10-15 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Ilex opaca American Holly |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium to Coarse | Pyramidal | 20-30/15-20 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Koelreuteria paniuclata Goldenraintree |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Rounded | 20-30/10-15 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Lagerstroemia indica Crape Myrtle |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Upright | 20-30/10-15 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Maclura promifera Osage-orange |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded, Irregular | 20-30/20-30 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Magnolia x soulangiana Saucer Magnolia |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Rounded | 20-30 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Malus species Flowering Crab |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded to Upright | 15-30/15-30 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Oxydendrum arboreum Sourwood |
1,2,3 | 6b, 7a | Medium to Coarse | Upright | 30-40/15-20 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Pinvs virginiana Virginia Pine |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Fine | Conical | 15-30/10-30 | Slow | Evergreen | Sun |
Prunus caroliniana Carolina Laurel, Cherry |
1,2,3 | 7 to 8 | Medium | Oval | 20-30/15-20 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun/Shade |
Prunus serrulata (many cultivars) Japanese Flowering Cherry |
1,2 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Oval, Spreading, Weeping | 20-30/20-30 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Prunus x yedoensis Yoshino Cherry |
1,2 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Oval, Spreading | 10-15/20-25 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Pyrus calleryana 'Bradford,' Bradford Pear |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright, Rounded | 35-40/15-20 | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Vitex agnus-castus Chastetree |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 15-20/10-15 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Large Trees (30 feet and taller) | ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Texture | Form | Height/Spread (ft) | Growth Rate | Group | Exposure |
Acer floridanum Florida Maple or Southern Sugar Maple |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 40-50/20-25 | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Acer rubrum Red Maple |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 40-50/25-35 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Acer saccharum Sugar Maple |
1,2 | 6b to 7a | Medium | Oval | 60-80/25-40 | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Betula nigra River Birch |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Oval | 40-70/40-60 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Carya illinoesis Pecan |
1,2 | 7a to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 50-60/30-40 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Cunninghamia lanceolata Common Chinafir |
1,2 | 7b to 8 | Fine | Conical | 30-75/10-30 | Slow | Evergreen | Sun/Semi-Shade |
Franxius pennsylvanica Green Ash |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Upright, Spreading | 50-60/20-30 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Ginko biloba Ginko or Maiden Tree |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Irregular | 50-70/30-40 | Very Slow | Deciduous | Sun |
Liriodendron tulipifera Tuliptree (Yellow Poplar) |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Broad, Rounded | 70-90/35-50 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Liquidambar styraciflua American Sweetgum |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Broad, Rounded | 60-75/30-40 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Magnolia grandiflora Southern Magnolia |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Course | Upright, Pyramidal | 60-80/40-50 | Slow to Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Metasequoia glyptosfroboides Dawn Redwood |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Conical | 40-50/20-25 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Pinus elliottii Slash Pine |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Medium | Horizontal Branching | 80-100/15-20 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun |
Pinus strobus White Pine |
1,2 | 6b to 7a | Medium | Pyramidal | 80-100/25-40 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Pinus taeda Loblolly Pine |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Horizontal Branching | 80-100/20-30 | Fast | Evergreen | Sun |
Quercus acutissima Sawtooth Oak |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | medium | Broad, Oval | 35-45/35-45 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Quercus falcata Southern Red Oak |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Coarse | Rounded | 70-80/30-40 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Quercus nigra Water Oak |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 80-90/40-50 | Medium to Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Quercus palustris Pin Oak |
1,2 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Pyramidal | 70-80/40-50 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Quercus phellos Willow Oak |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Rounded | 80-100/40-50 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Quercus shumardii Shumard Oak |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Pyramidal 40-60/40-60 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun | |
Quercus virginiana Live Oak |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 60-80/50-60 | Medium | Evergreen | Sun |
Sophora japonica Japanese Pagedatree |
1,2,3 | 6b to 7 | Medium | Upright, Spreading 50-75/50-60 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun | |
Taxodium distichum Common Baldcypress |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Fine | Conical | 50-70/20-30 | Medium | Deciduous | Sun |
Ulmus parvifolia True Chinese Elm (Lacebark Elm) |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Medium | Rounded | 40-50/30-40 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Zelkova serrata Japanese Zelkova |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8a | Medium | Broad, Oval | 50-80/50-60 | Fast | Deciduous | Sun |
Annuals | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | Height (in) | Color | Suggested Planting Time | Exposure |
Ageratum houstonianum Ageratum |
1,2 | 24 | Foliage | Spring/Summer | Partial Shade |
Anthirrhinum majus Snapdragon |
1,2 | 6-36 | All but B | Spring/Fall | Sun/Partial Shade |
Begonia x semperflorens Wax Begonia |
1,2 | 6-12 | WPR | Spring/Summer | Partial Shade/Shade |
Brassica oleracea Ornamental Kale |
1,2 | 6 | Foliage | Early Fall/Late Winter | Sun |
Calendula officinalis Calendula |
1,2 | 12-24 | YGO | Early Fall/Late Winter | Sun |
Capiscum annum Ornamental Pepper |
1,2,3 | 6-12 | Fruit | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Catharanthus roseus Madagascar Periwinkle |
1,2,3 | 6-18 | WPL | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Celosia critata Cockscomb |
1,2,3 | 6-30 | All but B | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Cleome hasslerana Spider Plant |
1,2,3 | 36-60 | WPL | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Coleus x hybridus Coleus |
1,2 | 12-36 | Foliage | Spring/Summer | Partial Shade/Shade |
Cosmos bipinnatus, C. x sulphureus Gosmos |
1,2 | 48 | YGP | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove |
1 | 12-60 | All but B | Fall/Spring | Sun/Partial Shade |
Escholzia californica California Poppy |
1,2,3 | 12-24 | All | Early Fall/Late Winter | Sun/Partial Shade |
Gaillardia pulchella Blanket Flower |
1,2,3 | 12-30 | YGR | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Gomphrena globosa Globe Amaranth |
1,2 | 8-24 | WPL | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Impatiens wallerana Impatiens |
1 | 6-36 | All but B | Spring/Summer | Partial Shade/Shade |
Limonium sinuatum Statice |
1,2,3 | 12-24 | All but R | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Lobularia maritima Sweet Alyssum |
1,2 | 4,8 | WPL | Early Fall/Late Winter | Sun/Partial Shade |
Melampodium paludosum Melampodium |
1,2,3 | 24-36 | Y | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Nicotiana alata Flowering Tobacco |
1,2 | 12-36 | All but B | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Pelargoniumxhortorum Geranium |
1,2 | 12-24 | All but B,Y | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Petunia x hybrida Petunia |
1,2,3 | 6-12 | All | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Porhuala grandiflora Rose Moss |
1,2,3 | 1-3 | ALl but B | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Salvia splendens, S. farinacea Salvia |
1,2,3 | 10-30 | RWB | Spring/Summer | Sun/Parital Shade |
Senecio cineraria Dusty Miller |
1,2,3 | 6-12 | Foliage | Spring to Fall | Sun |
Tagetes erecta, T. patula Marigold |
1,2 | 6-36 | YGRO | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Verbena Verbena |
1,2,3 | 6-12 | All | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Viola x wittrockiana Pansy |
1,2 | 6 | All | Fall/Winter | Sun/Partial Shade |
Zinnia elegans Zinnia |
1,2 | 6-36 | All but B | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Zinnia linearis Creeeping Zinnia |
1,2,3 | 8-10 | y | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Herbaceous Perennials | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | Height | Color | Time of Bloom | Exposure |
Achillea miilefolium Yarrow |
1,2,3 | 2-4 ft | W,P,Y,G | Summer | Sun |
Aquilegia Columbine |
1,2 | 2-3 ft | W,P,B,Y | Spring | Partial Shade |
Ajuga reptans Carpet Bugle |
1 | 2-3 in | B,W,P | Spring | Sun/Shade |
Aster sp. Aster |
1,2,3 | 1-5 ft | All | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Ascelpeas tuberosa Butterfly Weed |
1,2,3 | 1-2 ft | O,Y | Summer | Sun |
Astibe japonica Astibe |
1 | 1-3 ft | W,P,R | Spring | Partial Shade/Shade |
Baptisia australis Baptisia |
1,2,3 | 3ft | B | Spring | Sun/Partial Shade |
Chrysanthemum x morifolium Garden Chrysanthemum |
1,2 | 1-3 ft | B | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Chrysanthemum x suberbum Shasta Daisy |
1,2 | 1-3 ft | W | Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Coreopsis grandiflora C. Janceolata, C. verticillata Coreopsis |
1,2 | 1-3 ft | Y,G | Summer | Sun |
Echinacea purpurea Purple Coneflower |
1,2 | 3-5 ft | L,P | Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Gaillardia x grandiflora Gaillardia |
1,2,3 | 1-2.5 ft | Y,R,O | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Gerbera jamesonii Gerbera Daisy |
1,2 | 1 ft | B | Spring/Fall | Sun/Partial Shade |
Gypsophila paniculata Baby's Breath |
1,2 | 2-4 ft | W | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Helleborus orientalis Lenten Rose |
1,2 | 12-15 in | W,P,L | Winter/Spring | Partial Shade/Shade |
Hemerocallis Daylily |
1,2,3 | 1-4 ft | 13 | Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Heuchera americana Coral Bells |
1,2,3 | 6-12 in | W,P,R | Spring/Summer | Shade |
Hosta sp Hosta, Plaintain Lily |
1,2 | 1-3 ft | Foliage | Spring/Summer | Partial Shade/Shade |
Iberis sempervirens Evergreen Candytuft |
1,2 | 12 in | W | Spring | Sun/Partial Shade |
I. kaempferi, I. tectorum, I. danfordae, I. reticulata, I. crestata Iris |
1,2 | 2-4 ft | All | Spring/Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Kniphofia uvaria Tritoma (Red Hot Pocker) |
1,2,3 | 2-4 ft | R,O,Y | Summer | Sun |
Liatris scariosa Gayfeather |
1,2 | 2-6 ft | L,P | Summer/Fall | Sun/Partial Shade |
Monarda didyma Beebalm |
1,2,3 | 2-3 ft | W,R,P | Spring/Summer | Sun |
Paeonia lactiflora Peony |
1,2 | 3-4 ft | W,P,R | Spring | Sun/Partial Shade |
Phloxpaniculata, ~s~ulata, P. divaricata Phlox |
1,2 | 1 in-3 ft | All | Spring/Summer | Sun/Shade |
Rudbeckia hirta, R. hybrida Rudbeckia |
1,2 | 2-3 ft | Y,O,G | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Salvia farinacea Blue Salvia |
1,2,3 | 1/2-5 ft | W,B,R,L | Summer/Fall | Sun/Partial Shade |
Sedum spectabile Sedum |
1,2,3 | 1 in-2ft | W,P,R | Spring/Fall | Sun |
Solidago hybrids Goldenrod |
1,2,3 | 1-3 ft | Y | Summer/Fall | Sun |
Stokesia Gyanea Stokes Aster |
1,2 | 12-15 ft | B | Summer | Sun |
Verbena canadensis, V. tensuisecta Verbena |
1,2,3 | 6 in | W,B,L | Spring/Fall | Sun |
Veronica spicuta Speedwell |
1,2 | 1 in-2 ft | B,W | Summer | Sun/Partial Shade |
Turfgrasses | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Botanical Name and Common Name | Water Use Zone | NC Hardiness Zone | Shade Tolerance | Propagation | Green Foliage | When to Plant |
Axonopus affinis Carpet Grass |
1,2,3 | 7b to 8 | Fair | Seed | Spring, Summer, Fall | May-July |
Cynodon dactylon Common Bermuda |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Poor | Sprigs or Seed | Spring, Summer, or Fall | May-July |
Cynodon dactylon hybrids 'Tifway,' 'Tifgreen,' Bermuda |
1,2,3 | 6b to 8 | Poor | Springs, Plugs, Sod | Summer,Fall | |
Eremochloa ophiuroides Centipede |
1,2,3 | 7 to 8 | Fair | Sprigs, Seeds, Plugs, Sod | Summer, Fall | May-July |
Festuca arundinacea Tall Fescue |
1,2,3 | 6b, 7b | Good | Seed, Sod | Most of Year | Sept-Oct |
Poa pratensis Kentucky Bluegrass |
1,2 | 6b | Good to Fair if in Shade | Most of Year | Sept-Oct | |
Stenotaphrum secundatum St. Augustine |
1,2,3 | 8 | Excellent | Springs, Plugs, Sod | Spring, Summer, Fall | May-July |
Zoysia hybrids 'Emerald~, Meyer~, Matrella' Zoysia |
1,2 | 6b to 8 | Good | Sprigs, Plugs, Sod | Spring, Summer, Fall | May-July |
Distributed in furtherance of the Acts of Congress of May 8 and June 30, 1914. Employment and program opportunities are offered to all people regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. North Carolina State University, North Carolina A&T State University, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments cooperating.
AG 508-3