Drought-Tolerant Plant Selections for Oklahoma

Published Apr. 2020|Id: HLA-6444

By Courtney Keck, Mike Schnelle, John Schroeder, Justin Moss, Samantha Snyder, Malarie Gotcher

See Extension Circular E-1051 for plant photographs and more information. The plants listed 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.

This list 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. The mature height and width are listed, which should be kept in mind when planning a landscape. Each plant has the season(s) of interest shown and light requirements. 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 guide may be appropriate for the landscape.

Annuals

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Summer Snapdragon	Angelonia angustifolia	12-24’’x 12-24’’	Sun	SUM	Continuous flowers through the season, won’t flower if over fertilized. Various flower colors available.
Asparagus Fern	Asparagus spp.	18-36’’x 18-36’’	Sun	SUM	Very tough, drought tolerant plant. Many varieties available. Plant may be brought indoors by fall to serve as a houseplant.
Wax Begonia	Begonia spp.	8’’x12’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Useful in shade and sun. Light requirements vary, depending on the selection. Blooms with minimal care.
Ornamental Peppers	Capsicum spp.	18”x12’’	Sun	SUM	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”x12’’	Sun	SPR	Self-sows freely; deadhead to prevent volunteer seedlings next season. Commercially available from seed.
Periwinkle	Catharanthus roseus	8”x12’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Does not perform well in cold, wet soils. Various flower colors available.
Cockscomb	Celosia spp.	12”x12’’	Sun	SUM	Good for sunny, dry borders. Plumes provide a very soft texture and brilliant color throughout the summer. Various flower colors available.
Spider Flower	Cleome spp.	24”x36’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Taller varieties good for back of the border plantings. Flowers fully open in morning and evening.
Cosmos	Cosmos spp.	18”x24’’	Sun	SUM	Over fertilization and overwatering lead to fewer flowers. Various flower colors and heights available.
Silver Falls Dichondra	Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’	2-4’’x varies	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Accent for hanging baskets and containers. Round, silver foliage provides nice contrast for mixed containers.
Diamond Frost Euphorbia®	Euphorbia graminea ‘Inneuphdia’	18”x24’’	Sun	SUM	Works well in containers, may have problems in chronically wet soils.
Snow-on-the-Mountain	Euphorbia marginata	36”x24’’	Sun	SUM	Attracts butterflies and can reseed aggressively.
Blue Daze	Evolvulus pilosus ‘Blue Daze’	12”x24’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Use in a garden border, container, or as groundcover. True blue flowers until first frost.
Globe Amaranth	Gomphrena globosa	12”x18’’	Sun	SUM	Drought and heat tolerant. Flower heads are produced from Summer until first frost. Flowers are easy to dry for “everlasting” arrangements.
Firebush	Hamelia patens	30”x36’’	Sun	SUM	Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Leaves turn red during fall.
Helenium	Helenium amarum ‘Dakota Gold’	12”x24’’	Sun	FALL	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’x6-12’	Sun	SUM	May repel certain insects. Taller varieties should be planted in an area that will be sheltered from strong winds.
Strawflower	Helichrysum bracteatum	24”x12’’	Sun	FALL	High humidity, rainy conditions, and too much watering can harm the plant. Popular in dried arrangements.
Sweet Potato Vine	Ipomoea batatas	18”x40”	Sun	SUM	This plant works well as an annual groundcover and in containers. Grows well in heat and humidity. Foliage available in several colors.
Lantana	Lantana camara	24”x40”	Sun	SUM	Excellent performance under hot conditions; attracts butterflies. Various flower colors available.
Texas Bluebonnet	Lupinus texensis	6-12”x 12-15”	Sun	FALL	Texas state flower. Most readily available by seed.
Pentas	Pentas lanceolata	24”x 36”	Sun	SUM	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”x 48”	Sun	SUM	Produces purple and white flower spikes that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. May overwinter.
Fan Flower	Scaevola aemula	12”x 12”	Sun	SUM	Very low growing. Works well in hanging baskets. Plant has glossy leaves and continuous flowers.Also available in pink and white.
Dusty Miller	Senecio cineraria	24”x 24’’	Sun	ALL	Useful as an edging or in containers, may overwinter. Silver foliage useful for unique flower bed designs.
Marigold	Tagetes spp.	24”x 36”	Sun	SUM	Popular choice for companion planting in vegetable gardens. Available in dwarf and tall selections.
Yellow Bells	Tecoma stans	4’x 4’	Sun	SUM	Attracts butterflies and hummingbirds. Tropical plant used as an annual in Oklahoma.
Mexican Sunflower	Tithonia rotundifolia	48”x 36”	Sun	SUM	Attracts butterflies. Very heat tolerant and makes an excellent background annual in the flower bed.
Purple Heart	Tradescantia pallida ‘Purpurea’	16”x 12”	Sun	ALL	Drought-tolerant. Easily propagated by cuttings. Cuttings can be overwintered. Container planters can be brought indoors during winter.
Mexican Zinnia	Zinnia angustifolia	12”x 12”	Sun	SUM	Deadhead for continuous bloom. Colors available include white, yellow, pink, red or orange flowers. Does well in containers or borders.

Perennials

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Yarrow	Achillea spp.	12”x36”	Sun	SUM	Works well as an edging or in mass grouping. Various colors available.
Hyssop	Agastache rupestris	24”x18”	Sun	FALL	Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies. Aromatic foliage.
Parry’s Agave	Agave parryi	12”x9”	Sun	ALL	Plant has spines or sharp edges; site accordingly and use extreme caution when handling. Marginally winter hardy in Oklahoma.
Arkansas Bluestar	Amsonia hubrichtii	36”x36”	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Blue flowers in early summer, foliage turns yellow/orange in the fall.
Eastern Red Columbine	Aquilegia canadensis	24-36”x 12”	Shade	SPR	A wonderful addition to native plant gardens, woodland gardens, cottage gardens, or naturalized areas.
Mugwort	Artemisia spp.	24”x36”	Sun	FALL	Grown for its fine textured silver foliage.
Butterfly Weed	Asclepias tuberosa	48”x36”	Sun	SUM	Attracts butterflies to the garden. Flowers followed by interesting seed pods.
Japanese Painted Fern	Athyrium nipponicum	12”x18”	Shade	SUM	Very low maintenance, contrasts well with many shade-loving plants.
Blue False Indigo	Baptisia australis	36”x48”	Sun	ALL	Works well in the back of flower borders. Showy flowers followed by persistent seed pods for winter interest.
Atlantic Camas	Camassia scilloides	30’’x24’’	Full sun to partial shade	SPR	Looks best in mass plantings.
American Bellflower	Campanulastrum americanum	4-6’x 18-24’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Self-sows freely; deadhead to prevent volunteer seedlings next season.
Snow-in-Summer	Cerastium tomentosum	6”x12”	Sun	SUM	Prefers dry soil, root rot may occur on wet soils.
Hardy Plumbago	Ceratostigma plumbaginoides	8”x15”	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	A good plant for inter-planting with spring bulbs. True blue flowers, bronze fall color. Excellent ground cover.
Hairy Lipfern	Cheilanthes lanosa	6”x12”	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Works well in a rock or wall garden.
Coreopsis	Coreopsis spp.	18”x36”	Sun	SUM	Early summer blooms provide brilliant yellow color. Good for perennial borders and prairie gardens.
Montbretia	Crocosmia x curtonus ‘Lucifer’	2-4’x1-2’’	Sun	SUM	Provides a tropical flare to the landscape. Mulch for enhanced winter hardiness.
Hardy Winter Cyclamen	Cyclamen coum	12”x12”	Full sun to partial shade	WIN	Fast growing.
Hardy Fall Cyclamen	Cyclamen hederifolium	4-6”x 4-6”	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Fall bloomer, fits in well for a rock garden.
Carolina Larkspur	Delphinium carolinianum ssp. virescens	24-36”x 9-12”	Sun	SPR	This cool season plant will go dormant during hot weather and regrow in the fall.
Bundleflower	Desmanthus illinoensis	2-4’x 1.5-2’	Sun	ALL	Seeds are desirable for birds. Species is available by seed.
Purple Coneflower	Echinacea purpurea	24”-18”	Sun	SUM	Native to the tall grass prairie. Blooms attract birds and butterflies.
Myrtle Euphorbia	Euphorbia myrsinites	6”-12”	Sun	FALL	Excellent for rock gardens and green roofs.
Blanket Flower	Gaillardia spp.	12”x24”	Sun	SUM	Oklahoma state wildflower; attracts butterflies.
Gaura	Gaura lindheimeri	30”x36”	Sun	SUM	Easily propagated by seed. Narrow foliage is quite showy.
Oxeye Sunflower	Heliopsis helianthoides	4-5’x2-4’	Sun	SUM	Works well in the back of perennial borders. Deadhead for continuous bloom. Various cultivars available.
Lenten Rose	Helleborus orientalis	18”x18”	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Evergreen, blooms in winter.
Daylily	Hemerocallis spp.	12”x36”	Sun	SUM	Hundreds to choose from, deadhead for rebloom. Foliage ranges from deciduous to nearly evergreen.
Red Yucca	Hesperaloe parviflora	36-48”x 24-36”	Sun	ALL	Heat and drought tolerant, red yucca is wonderful for rock gardens. Yellow flowering selections also available.
Stonecrop	Hylotelephium spectabile	18”x 24”	Sun	FALL	Plant alone or in combinations in borders or containers.
Standing Cypress	Ipomopsis rubra	3-5’x3-6’	Sun	SUM	This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and birds.
Iris	Iris spp.	36”x12”	Sun	SUM	Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. Various colors and flower forms available.
Blue StarKalimeris	Kalimeris incisa ‘Blue Star’	12-18”x 12-18”	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Plants may self-seed in ideal growing conditions. Performs well in hot and humid summers.
Red Hot Poker	Kniphofia triangularis	24”x36”	Sun	SUM	Great tolerance for drought and summer heat. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.
Prairie Blazing Star	Liatris pycnostachya	24-48”x 12-24”	Sun	SUM	Good tolerance for drought, summer heat, and humidity. Intolerant of wet soils in winter. Multiple species are native to Oklahoma.
Spotted Beebalm	Monarda punctata	24-26”x 12-18”	Sun	SUM	Deadhead flowers to prolong summer bloom. Aromatic foliage.
Catmint	Nepeta x fassenii	24”x30”	Sun	SUM	Thrives in heat and drought once established. Aromatic foliage.
Evening Primrose	Oenothera macrocarpa	9”x12”	Sun	SUM	Can work as a dense foliage groundcover in shade, but won’t bloom without adequate sunlight.
Prickly Pear	Opuntia macrorhiza	6-12”x 6-12”	Sun	ALL	2- to 3-inch spines and tufts of bristles can be harmful to humans and pets. Spineless prickly pear is commercially available.
Foxglove Beardtongue	Penstemon digitalis	36-48”x 18-24”	Sun	SUM	Avoid wet, poorly drained soils. Attracts hummingbirds.
Mexican Beardtongue	Penstemon mexicali	12-24”x 12-24”	Sun	SUM	Good tolerance for drought, summer heat, and humidity. Avoid wet, poorly drained soils.
Russian Sage	Perovskia atriplicifolia	30”x24”	Sun	SUM	Useful in the back of the border. Grey-green foliage, very ornamental.
Christmas Fern	Polystichum acrostichoides	12-24”x 12-24”	Shade	SUM	Does not tolerate heavy clay soils or standing water.
Mexican Hat	Ratibida columnifera	24-36”x 12-30”	Sun	SUM	Very tough, drought tolerant plant. A good selection for wildflower or prairie gardens. Most readily available by seed in garden centers.
Rosemary	Rosmarinus officinalis	6’x2-4’	Sun	SPR	Works well in containers, may have problems in wet soils. Very fragrant foliage.
Giant Coneflower	Rudbeckia maxima	5’x3’	Sun	SUM	Can decline in above average summer temperatures; attracts butterflies.
Blackeyed Susan	Rudebeckia hirta	18-36’’x 18-36’’	Sun	SUM	Attracts butterflies. Will self-seed in ideal growing conditions. Flower stalks attract birds after blooming season. Dramatic, ornamental leaves.
Autumn Sage	Salvia greggii	18”x18”	Sun	SUM	Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies
Lavender Cotton	Santolina chamaecyparissus	24”x24”	Sun	SUM	Very low growing, works well in hanging baskets.
Santolina Lemon Fizz	Santolina virens ‘Lemon Fizz’	18-24”x 18-24”	Sun	SUM	Drought and heat tolerant. Compact, rounded growing habit.
Hens and Chicks	Sempervivum spp.	4”x4”	Sun	ALL	Performs well in pots, on rock walls and foreground of perennial beds. Plant will slowly horizontally spread and thus good for filling in areas.
Compass Plant	Silphium laciniatum	4-6’x 30-24”	Sun	FALL	Compass plant has a large, woody taproot that may reach down 15 ft.
Dwarf Goldenrod	Solidago sphacelata ‘Golden Fleece’	12-18”x 12-18”	Sun	FALL	Good for erosion control, attracts butterflies. Pollen is normally not an allergen.
Lamb’s Ear	Stachys byzantina	6-12”x 12-15”	Sun	ALL	Very tough, drought tolerant plant. Small hairs on the foliage provide a soft texture giving reason for its common name.
Bluejacket	Tradescantia ohiensis	24-36”x 9-12”	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	When touched in the heat of the day, the flowers shrivel.
Verbena-on-a-Stick	Verbena bonariensis	36”x24”	Sun	SUM	Blender plant to fill in gaps in the flower border. Profusely reseeds so plant accordingly.
Verbena	Verbena canadensis	4”x12”	Sun	SUM	Overwatering or poor air circulation will harm the plant. Various colors available.
Bird’s Foot Viola	Viola pedata	3-6”x 3-6”	Full sun to partial shade	SPR	This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds.
Yucca	Yucca filamentosa	48”x36”	Sun	ALL	Adds unique vertical element to design. Evergreen foliage and seed pods offer winter interest.

Ornamental Grasses and Related Species

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Big Bluestem	Andropogon geradii	36”x48”	Sun	ALL	Works as a tall background or a screen, cut back in the spring before new growth starts.
Purple Three Awn	Aristida purpurea	12-24”x 12-24”	Sun	FALL	Good for erosion control; seeds attract song birds, good habitat for wildlife.
Sideoats Grama	Bouteloua curtipendula	18-30”x 18-30”	Sun	SUM	Often found growing with Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium). Does not compete well with very tall grasses.
Blue Grama	Bouteloua gracilis	8-24”x 30-24”	Sun	SUM	An important component of the Great Plains shortgrass prairie.
Northern Sea Oats	Chasmanthium latifolium	24”x36”	Sun	ALL	One of the more shade tolerant ornamental grasses, may self-seed.
Love Grass	Eragrostis elliottii	24-36”x 24-36”	Sun	ALL	Excellent erosion control. Very fine-textured foliage and airy seed heads give this plant excellent movement from even light wind.
Blue Fescue	Festuca glauca	6-10”x 6-10”	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Good accent plant. May go dormant in hot summers.
Blue Oat Grass	Helictotrichon sempervirens	24-36”x 24-36”	Sun	ALL	Best blue color in dry soils. Tolerates light shade but performs best in full sun.
Corkscrew Rush	Juncus effusus	24”x30”	Sun	ALL	Not a true grass, this species requires little maintenance other than watering.
Blue Lyme Grass	Leymus arenarius	24”x36”	Sun	SUM	Spreading grass best used in containers or large masses.
Maiden Grass	Miscanthus sinensis	48”x36”	Sun	ALL	Great as specimen or in groupings. Can spread quickly and become a nuisance if not maintained.
Mexican Feather Grass	Nassella tenuissima	18”x12”	Sun	ALL	Remove the top third of the plant in the spring. Will reseed each growing season and can spread vigorously if not maintained.
Switchgrass	Panicum virgatum	36”x36”	Sun	SUM	Useful as a screen, very vigorous plant. Many selections available.
Little Bluestem	Schizachyriumscoparium	24”x36”	Sun	ALL	Works well as a background plant or in mass planting.
Indiangrass	Sorgastrum nutans	26”x36”	Sun	FALL	Cut back in late winter or early spring. Many cultivars available.
Prairie Dropseed	Sporobolus heterolepsis	24-48”x 24-48”	Sun	ALL	Foliage maintains a golden-bronze color through winter. Flowers are noted for unique fragrance in late summer-fall.

Vines

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Crossvine	Bignonia capreolata	50’x50’	Sun	SPR	Evergreen, blooms in spring, grows very quickly and may need to be pruned.
Trumpet Vine	Campsis radicans	35’x35’	Sun	SUM	Extremely vigorous, should be pruned frequently, can become weedy; attracts hummingbirds.
Carolina Jessamine	Gelsemium sempervirens	20’x20’	Sun	SPR	Attracts butterflies. Early-blooming vine provides bright yellow flowers in early spring.
Trumpet Honeysuckle	Lonicera sempervirens	10-20’x 10-20’	Sun	SPR	Flowers are not fragrant. Tolerates some shade but blooms more prolifically in full sun.
Virginia Creeper	Parthenocissus quinquefolia	30-50’x 30-50’	Sun	FALL	Vigorous vine and easily grown. Red fall color and showy fruit.
Boston Ivy	Parthenocissus tricuspidata	30-50’x 30-50’	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Turns scarlet in the fall. Will clasp onto structures such as brick and concrete walls.
Climbing Roses	Rosa spp.	20’x20’	Sun	SPR	Needs good air circulation to prevent disease.
American Wisteria	Wisteria frutescens	15’x15’	Sun	SPR	The bean-like seed pods can be showy and very numerous.

Ground Cover

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Bugleweed	Ajuga reptans	6-8”x 6-12”	Sun	SPR	Plants may be mowed after blooming in order to remove spent flower spikes and to tidy their appearance. Plants have blue flowers.
Winecup	Callirhoe involucrata	6-12”x 12-36”	Sun	SUM	Fits well into both formal garden areas as well as wild/naturalized areas. White flowering form available.
Creeping Juniper	Juniperus horizontalis	8”x24”	Sun	ALL	Some cultivars will turn purple in the winter.
Lilyturf	Liriope spp.	6”x varies	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Mow in the early spring to remove old growth.
Creeping Phlox	Phlox stolonifera	6”x12”	Full sun to partial shade	SPR	Works well in rock gardens. White and pink flowering varieties also available.
Rose Moss	Portulaca grandiflora	6”x12”	Sun	SUM	Not hardy but may self-seed the following year. Various colors available. Some varieties have flowers that remain open all day.
Wingpod Purslane	Portulaca umbraticola	6”x9-12”	Sun	SUM	This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies, and birds. Good selection for trailing container plant or hanging basket. Various colors available.
Sedum	Sedum spp.	4-6”x varies	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Approximately 400 species. Growing requirements differ between species in terms of cold hardiness and heat tolerance. Works for green roofs.
Creeping Thyme	Thymus serpyllum	1”x12”	Sun	ALL	Very low growing, flowers in late spring and early summer. Aromatic foliage.
Dwarf Periwinkle	Vinca minor	4-6”x12”	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Mowing the patch low after blooming every couple of years will help to keep it thick and weed resistant. Semi-evergreen foliage.

Shrubs

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Compact Coral Barberry	Berberis x stenophylla ‘Corallina Compacta’	36”x48”	Sun	SUM	Low-growing, compact plant. Good choice for a low hedge or used as an accent in larger planting beds.
American Beautyberry	Callicarpa americana	4-6’x4-6’	Full sun to partial shade	WIN	Fruits provide fall to early winter beauty.
Blue Mist Spirea	Caryopteris x clandonensis	24”x36”	Sun	SUM	Attracts bees and hummingbirds. True blue flowers all summer long.
Roughleaf Dogwood	Cornus drummodii	5-18’x25’	Shade	SPR	This is a very adaptable plant and is found in nature in a variety of wet to dry situations, but best in wet soils.
Redtwig Dogwood	Cornus sericea	3-6’x3-6’	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Bright red stems in the winter are particularly showy.
Smoke Tree	Cotinus coggygria	10’x10’	Sun	SUM	Tiny flowers in large fuzzy clusters give the plant a smoky appearance. Plants are available in various summer leaf colors.
Bearberry Cotoneaster	Cotoneaster dammeri	24”x48”	Sun	FALL	Slow growing evergreen. Effective in rock gardens or as groundcover. Fall foliage has a purple tone that is complimented by small red berries.
Rose of Sharon	Hibiscus syracus	12’x8’	Sun	SUM	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’x6’	Sun	WIN	Red berries on female plants in late summer. Plants also available with orange or yellow fruits.
Yaupon Holly	Ilex vomitoria	Varies x Varies	Sun	WIN	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’x8’	Sun	WIN	Great covering for steep slopes, spilling over a wall or planted in groups. Starts blooming during cold weather before the new year.
Juniper	Juniperus spp.	Varies x Varies	Sun	ALL	Very hardy, many different cultivars available ranging in size, shape and color.
Japanese Kerria	Kerria japonica	4’x5’	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	Species blooms well and is more drought resistant in partial shade. Single flowered varieties also available.
Crapemyrtle	Lagerstroemia indica	Varies x Varies	Sun	ALL	Available in a wide range of heights and flower color, severe pruning can stimulate basal sprouting which may be a nuisance.
Nandina	Nandina domestica	Varies x Varies	Sun	ALL	Low maintenance shrub, prune once a year in the winter to keep it from looking leggy. Many different selections are commercially available.
Ninebark	Physocarpus opulifolius	6’x5’	Full sun to partial shade	SPR	Exfoliating bark provides some winter interest. Several cultivars have striking reddish, purple foliage.
Mugo Pine	Pinus mugo	3-20’x 3-12’	Sun	WIN	Slow growing. Can be yellowish-green in winter. Dwarf varieties available.
Fragrant Sumac	Rhus aromatica	5’x4’	Sun	ALL	Males and females are separate plants, fruit is only produced if a male plant is available. Dwarf selections available.
Cutleaf Staghorn Sumac	Rhus typhina	10’x12’	Sun	FALL	Spreads by root suckers, creating a colony. Exceptional fall color.
Shrub Roses	Rosa spp.	6’x6’	Sun	SUM	Several varieties and cultivars available ranging in bloom color, size, and disease resistance. Very few thornless options are available.
Koreanspice Viburnum	Viburnum carlesii	4-6’x4-6’	Full sun to partial shade	SPR	Slow-growing, symmetrically rounded shrub. Very fragrant flowers that give way to non-showy dark blue berries in late summer.
Chaste Tree	Vitex agnuscastus	10’x15’	Sun	SUM	Flowers attract bees. Flowers appear on new growth. Can be pruned to the ground in early spring and maintained as a herbaceous perennial.

Trees

Common Name	Scientific Name	Height X Width (in)	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Red Maple	Acer rubrum	60’x40’	Full sun to partial shade	FALL	Its rapid growth and red fall color makes Red Maple a popular shade tree.
Caddo Sugar Maple	Acer saccharum Caddo	50-60’x 20-35’	Sun	FALL	Very drought tolerant, sensitive to over watering. Attractive fall color.
Shantung Maple	Acer truncatum	20’x25’	Sun	ALL	Excellent small tree for urban areas. New leaves emerge in red and purple hues throughout the growing season.
Chittamwood	Bumelia lanuginosa	40-50’x 25-35’	Sun	ALL	Young plants often require training to create a tree-like form.
Sugarberry	Celtis laevigata	50-70’x 50-60’	Sun	ALL	Small berries attract birds; bark is thin and easily damaged by mechanical impact.
Common Hackberry	Celtis occidentalis	40-80’x 40-50’	Sun	SPR	Can develop galls on leaves. Bark is very coarse in texture and resembles small warts or ridges of cork-like layers.
Oklahoma Redbud	Cercis canadensis var texensis ‘Oklahoma’	20-30’x 25-35’	Sun	SUM	A cultivar of Oklahoma’s state tree. Best known for its pink to purple blooms that occur in early spring.
Desert Willow	Chilopsis linearis	20-30’x 15-25’	Sun	ALL	Works well as a wide screen. Does not tolerate over watering.
Arizona Cypress	Hesperocyparis arizonica	40’x30’	Sun	SUM	Pyramidal in form resembling a Juniper. Foliage is bluish-gray. Works very well as a screen or windbreak. Attractive cones and showy bark.
Winterberry Euonymus	Euonymus bungeanus	20-24’x 15-18’	Sun	WIN	Can be grown as a tree or shrub, depending on pruning. Good tolerance for urban conditions.
Green Ash	Fraxinus pennsylvanica	60’x40’	Sun	FALL	Deep-green summer foliage turns yellow in fall.
Ginkgo	Ginkgo biloba	30-50’x 30-50’	Sun	ALL	Select male trees, female fruit may be messy. Rich yellow fall color.
Thornless Honeylocust	Gleditsia triacanthos var inermis	30-50’x 30-50’	Sun	SUM	Tolerant of small planting pits in concrete, making it a good choice for urban environments or as a street tree.
Kentucky Coffee Tree	Gymnocladus dioica	60-75’x 40-50’	Sun	ALL	Grows slowly, female trees produce pods. Male (seedless) selections are commercially available.
Golden-Rain Tree	Koelreuteria paniculata	25-40’x 25-40’	Sun	ALL	Produces small yellow flowers. Flowers give way to yellowish-brown seed pods that resemble small lanterns.
Osage Orange	Maclura pomifera	40-60’x 40-60’	Sun	ALL	Produces large, grapefruit-sized fruit which can be a problem in residential areas, but there are male thornless, fruitless cultivars.
Crabapple	Malus ‘Prairefire’	15-25’x 20-25’	Sun	ALL	Hundreds of cultivars available with various colored fruit and growth habits. Look for disease resistant cultivars.
Persian Parrotia	Parrotia persica	20-40’x 20-35’	Sun	ALL	Yellow, red, or orange fall color. Exfoliating bark adds interesting color and texture. Partial shade may also be desirable.
Japanese Red Pine	Pinus densiflora	20-30’x 20-25’	Sun	ALL	Fairly open growth, often has a crooked trunk. Showy orange to red bark/limbs.
Shortleaf Pine	Pinus echinata	50’x30’	Full sun to partial shade	ALL	This is the hardiest and most adaptable of the southern pines.
Pinyon Pine	Pinus edulis	20-30’x 20-30’	Sun	ALL	Does not tolerate shade or over watering. Tolerant of poor soil conditions. Seeds are as pine nuts and edible. Performs best in Western OK.
Ponderosa Pine	Pinus ponderosa	70-80’x 70-80’	Sun	ALL	Very tall and broad, may not be suitable for residential areas.
Loblolly Pine	Pinus taeda	60-100’x 30-50’	Sun	ALL	Excellent pine that tolerates Oklahoma’s adverse conditions, including poorly drained soils and drought.
Chinese Pistache	Pistacia chinensis	25-35’x 25-35’	Sun	FALL	Bright red, yellow or orange fall color. Female trees have red to blue berry-like fruits that appear in fall.
Mexican Plum	Prunus mexicana	20’x15’	Sun	ALL	This plant attracts bees, butterflies, and birds and is drought-tolerant. Has white blooms and edible fruits.
Sawtooth Oak	Quercus acutissima	35-45’x 35-50’	Sun	FALL	Foliage has a serrated edge, giving reason for its descriptive common name.
Bur Oak	Quercus macrocarpa	60-80’x 70-80’	Sun	ALL	Very slow growing. Foliage remains on the tree late into the fall after leaves have turned.
Chinkapin Oak	Quercus muehlenburgii	40-60’x 50-60’	Sun	SPR	Acorns very desirable to wildlife. Underutilized shade tree.
Shumard Oak	Quercus shumardii	40-60’x 40-60’	Sun	SUM	Requires less maintenance than some other oak trees. More resistant to yellow foliage (chlorosis) than Pin Oak.
Sassafras	Sassafras albidum	45’x30’	Sun	SUM	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.
Western Soapberry	Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii	40-50’x 30-40’	Sun	SUM	Has a yellow fruit that matures in mid-fall. Showy bark and yellow fall color.
Japanese Tree Lilac	Syringa reticulata	15-25’x 15-25’	Sun	SUM	Produces large white flowers, has showy bark.
Bald Cypress	Taxodium distichum	50-75’x 50-75’	Sun	ALL	Not an evergreen, needles fall off in the fall. Grows very well in wet soils or near water. Dwarf selection available.
Cedar Elm	Ulmus crassifolia	50-70’x 30-40’	Sun	SUM	Withstands heavy, poorly drained soils. Dark foliage and “winged” branches add to ornamental appeal.
Lacebark Elm	Ulmus parvifolia	50-70’x 50-60’	Sun	ALL	Exfoliating bark is a noteworthy feature of this tree. Tree has small, refined leaves.

Turfgrasses

Common Name	Scientific Name	Mowing Height	Light Requirement	Season of Interest	Comments
Buffalograss	Bouteloua dactyloides	3’’	Sun	SUM	Warm-season grass, drought resistant. May be hard to establish in areas formerly bermudagrass. See CR-6609.
Common Bermuda	Cynodon dactylon	1-2’’	Sun	SUM	Warm-season grass, drought resistant, common cultivars- ‘Yukon’ and ‘Riviera.’ For more information see HLA-6419.
Hybrid Bermuda	Cynodon dactylon x C. transvaalensis	1-2’’	Sun	SUM	Warm-season grass, drought resistant, cultivars- Latitude 36’, ‘Northbridge’, and ‘Patriot’. See HLA-6419.
Tall Fescue	Festuca arundinacea	3’’	Shade	FALL	Cool-season grass, best suited for shaded areas where bermudagrass or buffalograss won’t grow. See HLA-6419
Zoysiagrass	Zoysia spp.	1-2’’	Full sun to partial shade	SUM	Warm-season, similar maintenance to bermudagrass, but is slower growing and requires more water. See HLA-6419.

Print-friendly PDF

Topics:Bermudagrass Crops Drought Flowers Fruits & Tree Nuts Gardening & Lawn Care Home & Garden Water Issues Landscaping Lawns & Turfgrass Shrubs Trees Water & Environmental Issues Water Conservation Water Weather & Disaster Preparedness

Was this information helpful?

YES NO

Fact Sheet

Establecimiento de un huerto de nueces pecanas

By Becky Carroll and Michael W. Smith. Obtenga información sobre cómo establecer un huerto de nueces en Oklahoma.

Crops Fruits & Tree Nuts Other Fruits

Fact Sheet

Oklahoma Proven: Plant Selections for Oklahoma

A list of proven Oklahoma plants that are tolerant for environmental conditions and friendly for gardens.

Crops Drought Flowers Gardening & Lawn Care Home & Garden Water Issues Landscaping Ornamentals Shrubs Trees Water Water Conservation Weather & Disaster Preparedness

Fact Sheet

Understanding Free Sulfur Dioxide (FSO₂) in Wine

By Aaron Essary. Learn about the use and different forms of Free Sulfur Dioxide in winemaking.

Cooking & Food Safety Cooking Techniques & Recipes Crops Fruits & Tree Nuts Grapes & Wine

Fact Sheet

Weed Control in Pecans, Apples and Peaches

Weed control basics for preemergence and postemergence herbicide principles in fruit tree crops.

Apples & Pears Composting, Fertilizing, & Mulching Crops Fruits & Tree Nuts Gardening & Lawn Care Herbicides Insects, Pests, and Diseases Peaches & Nectarines Pecans & Walnuts Pesticides Weed Control Weeds & Invasive Plants

VIEW ALL