Drought-tolerant plants are a great addition to any yard, but they’re especially useful in Oklahoma. With rain levels that can vary wildly through different parts of the year, keeping your yard looking green can be a challenge. But there are plenty of drought-tolerant plants available that will thrive under these conditions.
Here’s a list of some resilient varieties to consider for your next landscaping project.
Sumac (Rhus typhina)
Sumac is a pretty shrub (sometimes a small tree) with large pinnate leaves that turn a striking red or orange in the fall. It also has attractive cone-shaped flowers that turn into berries, a great winter food source for native birds.
Winter Jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum)
Winter jasmine is a beautiful trailing shrub that produces yellow winter flowers that look similar to forsythia. This lovely plant is very hardy and easy to grow, and also adds some winter cheer to your garden.
Deciduous Holly (Ilex decidua)
Deciduous holly is a great native plant choice that tolerates heat and drought well. These large shrubs grow 5-10 feet and lose their leaves, unlike evergreen hollies. But they keep their bright red berries throughout the winter, another great source of food for birds.
Junipers (Juniperus spp.)
Junipers are a small tree or spreading bush with many varieties. They are an attractive evergreen with a great tolerance for weather conditions. They can also be pruned to beautiful shapes, making them an attractive landscaping plant.
Ginkgo Tree (Ginkgo biloba)
Yes, that ginkgo! Aside from being a fad medicinal plant, this lovely tree with fan-shaped leaves is drought-tolerant and attractive, with a beautiful golden color in the fall. It’s best to select male trees only, as ginkgo fruit can be quite obnoxious!
These plants will thrive in your Oklahoma yard.
If you’re looking to add some drought-tolerant plants to your Oklahoma yard, we hope this list has been helpful. These are just a few of the many options available to you, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different types until you find one that suits your needs best!