Drought-Tolerant Plants for North Carolina Landscapes


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.


Tables

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

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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

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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

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Small Shrubs (2 to 5 feet)
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

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Medium Shrubs (5 to 8 feet)
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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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