Quick answer
Drought-tolerant plants are plants that can get through a dry period with little or no extra watering once their roots are established, because of traits such as deep roots, small or waxy leaves, or summer dormancy.
The label does not mean no water. New plants still need regular water for a year or two, and many drought-tolerant plants fail in soil that stays wet.
Quick facts
The key facts about Drought-Tolerant Plants, with sources:
- Definition (WSU)
- Plants that can withstand a moderate period of limited moisture; they may not enjoy hot, dry weather but can survive it 1
- Establishment time
- Commonly 1 or 2 years for plants and 2 to 3 years for a new tree (Washington State University) 1
- Arizona rule
- Irrigate regularly for the first couple of years, then reduce water so plants can show their tolerance 2
- Does it mean no water?
- No; established plants should do well on little or no supplemental water when matched to the site (UC Master Gardeners) 3
- Drainage
- Good soil drainage is especially important for many drought-tolerant species (UNH) 5
- Not the same as xeriscaping
- UNH says drought-tolerant landscaping is not xeriscaping, which suits arid places better 5
Key takeaways
- Drought-tolerant means a plant can survive a dry period. It does not mean it needs no water. Washington State University says new plants commonly take 1 or 2 years to establish, and trees 2 to 3 1.
- The tolerance comes after establishment. Arizona Extension says to irrigate regularly for the first couple of years and then reduce water so plants can show their tolerance 2.
- Many of these plants fail in wet soil. UNH says good drainage is especially important, and many xeric plants also fail in the wet spells of a damp climate 5.
- Group plants by water need. Both Maryland Extension and WSU describe zones that put plants with similar needs together 61.
- The label depends on place. Oregon State, Arizona and New Hampshire each describe different plants and different cautions.
Plants that can wait out a dry spell
Washington State University says horticulturists define drought-tolerant plants as those that can withstand a moderate period of limited moisture. They may not enjoy hot, dry weather, but they can survive it. Common traits include thick, waxy or hairy leaves and small or finely divided foliage 1.
University of Arizona Extension defines drought as a deficiency of precipitation over an extended period, usually a season or more, and adds that high temperature, wind and low humidity make drought worse 2. So a plant that tolerates drought in a cool, still place may not do so in a hot, windy one.
The term is about the plant, not the yard. For whole-yard design, see xeriscaping. For plants chosen because they belong to a region, see native landscaping. A drought-tolerant plant can be native or not. UC Master Gardeners say not all drought-tolerant plants need to be natives 3.
For a planting job, read our planting and garden beds guide.
How these plants cope: traits, and then the watering handoff
Traits. The UC Master Gardeners of Placer County list several. Deep roots reach water stored in the soil. Thick, leathery leaves reduce water loss and reflect heat. Succulent leaves store water behind a waxy coating.
Hairy leaves trap moisture and shade the leaf. Fine leaves present less surface to lose water through. Some plants go dormant and drop leaves in summer, like the California buckeye 3.
Establishment. Arizona Extension says drought-tolerant plants should be regularly irrigated for the first couple of years. It adds that drip systems often water only a small area near the original root ball, while water should reach the surrounding native soil to encourage a well-distributed root system 2.
The handoff. After establishment, Arizona says homeowners must allow plants to express their drought tolerance by actually reducing irrigation. A plant that is watered like a lawn keeps lawn-like needs 2. UNH describes the same idea for New Hampshire: established plants need little or no water beyond rainfall in most years 5.
- Match the siteSun, soil drainage, wind and heat
- Plant in the right seasonFall in Western Oregon, so roots grow over winter
- Water regularlyFor the first one to three years, by plant
- Water deeper into native soilNot only at the original root ball
- Step the water downLet the plant show its tolerance
Six traits that make a plant drought tolerant
| Trait | How it helps | Examples named in the source |
|---|---|---|
| Deep roots | Taps water stored deeper in the soil | Cedar, guava, olive, oaks 3 |
| Thick, leathery leaves | Reduce water loss and reflect heat | Toyon, madrone, manzanita, oleander 3 |
| Succulent leaves | Store water and limit evaporation with a waxy coating | None given 3 |
| Hairy leaves | Hairs trap moisture and shade the leaf | None given 3 |
| Fine leaves | Less surface area, so less evaporation | None given 3 |
| Summer dormancy | The plant drops leaves in the heat and rests | California buckeye drops leaves in July and August 3 |
Drought tolerant is not the same as heat tolerant or fire safe
Washington State University notes drought-tolerant plants may not enjoy hot, dry weather 1. Heat tolerance and fire safety are separate questions. Local defensible space rules govern plants near buildings in fire-prone areas, so see our defensible space rules research.
Sources: [3]
Example: sorting a yard into water zones
A hydrozone is a part of the landscape where plants with similar water needs are grouped, as WSU defines it 1. The yard below is invented. The zone logic comes from WSU and Maryland Extension 16.
| Yard area (example) | Hydrozone | What the sources say about it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Back fence and side yard | Low water | Place as many plants as possible here, often along the perimeter | WSU 1 |
| Beds nearer the house | Medium water | Medium-water zones suit perennials and sit closer to the house | WSU 1 |
| Vegetable bed, containers, lawn patch | High water | High-water zones hold annuals, vegetables and lawns; focus irrigation here | WSU, Maryland 16 |
Maryland Extension adds a priority order for scarce water: trees, shrubs and young plants in windy, open sites first; perennials, small fruits, vegetables and turf under a year old next; annual flowers, herbs and established turf last 6.
Group plants this way and a drought restriction becomes easier to manage. For local limits, see the watering restrictions tracker.
Where the term shows up: tags, rebates, bids and restrictions
Plant tags and catalogs. A tag may say low water or drought tolerant with no definition. Ask the nursery how long the plant needs regular water after planting.
Water rules. During watering limits, plants with deep roots may need less.
Rebates. Some utilities pay to replace lawn with approved low-water plants, and each program sets its own list. See the turf rebate tool.
Bids. A planting bid may list drought-tolerant plants by name. Check that it also covers the establishment watering, as described on our estimates guide.
Warranties. A plant that dies because it was not watered during establishment may not be covered. Read plant warranties.
What the plants do well, and what they cannot do
What they can do
- Can cut irrigation once established. Oregon State estimates that up to 30 percent of yearly household water use goes to irrigating landscapes in Western Oregon 4.
- Suit homeowners who face possible water restrictions, as UNH notes for New England 5.
- Native drought-tolerant plants provide familiar habitat for native birds, reptiles, mammals and arthropods, per Arizona Extension 2.
- Often need no fertilizer; Arizona Extension advises against it 2.
What they cannot do
- Cannot skip establishment watering 21.
- Cannot fix poor drainage. Oregon State says areas where water stands after rain are a problem for almost all landscape plants 4.
- May not look like a lawn. Arizona notes plants grown with less water often have fewer leaves, smaller flowers or slower growth than irrigated plants 2.
- Some are not drought tolerant at all in the wrong climate: UNH says broad-leaved evergreens such as rhododendron are not considered drought tolerant 5.
Limits and open points
No shared definition. WSU defines the term as withstanding a moderate period of limited moisture 1. UNH does not formally define it 5. The label on a tag can mean different things.
Drought tolerance depends on climate. UNH says xeriscaping is more appropriate for arid places such as the Southwest and that many xeric plants fail in the wet periods of New England 5. Arizona says to plan for drought rather than react 2.
Source regions differ. Oregon State writes for western Oregon, UNH for New Hampshire, Arizona for Yavapai County and UC Master Gardeners for Placer County, California. Plant lists do not transfer.
Invasive risk. UNH says to check the current invasiveness status of any plant before planting and that its list does not flag species as invasive 5. Hardy, fast-growing plants can escape. See invasive plants in landscaping.
No lifespan figures. We found no source that gives a lifespan for drought-tolerant plants in general.
What drives the cost of a low-water planting
We do not print prices on a glossary page. These choices change a bid.
Irrigation set-up. Drip systems and controllers vary. Arizona Extension says drip systems often deliver water to a small area near the root ball, so a design that waters surrounding native soil may need extra work 2. See drip irrigation and irrigation services.
Soil work. Oregon State says compacted soil should be dug up and loosened across the whole planting area, with organic matter added 4. WSU says to amend the entire area, not just the planting holes 1.
Mulch. WSU cites reductions in evaporation of up to 75 percent from mulch, and gives 1 to 2 inches for fine and medium bark and about 2 inches for wood chips 1. See mulch types.
Plant size and season. Fall planting lowers the need for supplemental water in Western Oregon 4. See the cost hub.
How a low-water planting gets established
The steps draw on Oregon State, WSU, Arizona and UNH. Call 811 before digging.
- Study the site: sun, slope, wind and drainage. Oregon State says south- and west-facing slopes are warmer than north- or east-facing ones, and slopes can shed rain 4. See sun exposure.
- Fix drainage and loosen compacted soil before planting. Oregon State says to improve drainage where water stands, for example with drain tile 4. See soil drainage and infiltration.
- Choose plants for your climate and zone. See plant hardiness zones.
- Plant at the right time. Oregon State says autumn after the rains begin is best for an unirrigated landscape, and spring or summer planting needs supplemental irrigation the first growing season 4. WSU also recommends fall planting 1.
- Mulch the soil. Maryland says mulch moderates soil temperature and slows evaporation 6.
- Water to establish. Arizona and WSU describe one to three years 21. UNH describes frequent watering for several weeks or even months, longest for large shrubs and trees 5.
- Step the water down so the plant can express its tolerance 2.
Care once the plants are established
Water only when needed. UNH says that if there is no rain for two weeks or more during the growing season, shrubs, trees and perennials that show wilting or stress should be watered at the root zone, and annual flowers should be checked daily 5.
Maryland says to water when needed, not on an automatic timer 6. A soil moisture sensor can help in irrigated beds.
Resist fertilizer. Arizona says fertilizing ornamentals can produce weaker wood, excessive growth and a need for pruning 2.
Do not shear to shape. Arizona says drought-tolerant plants should never be sheared, because the lack of applied water gives a natural shape and limits growth 2.
Keep mulch topped up. WSU suggests mid- to late winter, while soil is still moist and before annual weeds germinate 1.
For lawn areas, Maryland says turf-type tall fescue is a drought-tolerant choice that goes dormant in summer drought and usually recovers, though severe drought can kill it 6. See lawn dormancy vs. dead grass.
Warning signs a low-water planting is struggling
Wilting and leaf drop in the first years. This usually means establishment watering fell short 1. UNH says plants may need frequent watering for weeks or months 5.
Rot or yellowing in wet weather. Poor drainage hurts many drought-tolerant species 54.
Sudden spread. A plant that sprouts everywhere may be a sign of an aggressive species. Check your state’s invasive list.
This page is not a diagnosis. Ask your Cooperative Extension office or a nursery. To hire help, read how to choose a landscaping company.
Call 811 before digging, and keep water off buildings
Call 811 before digging a bed or trenching drip lines. Do not direct runoff from a regraded planting area toward a neighbor’s property or a foundation. Large grading changes may need a permit or an engineer.
What is advice, and what is a rule
| Topic | What is stated | Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| What counts as drought tolerant | No legal definition found; WSU gives a working one | Extension definition | WSU 1 |
| Watering restrictions | Set by city, water district or state | Local rule | Check your water district |
| Turf rebates and approved plant lists | Set by each program | Local program | Check the program |
| HOA limits on lawn removal or plant types | Set by covenant or state law | Private or state rule | Check the covenant |
| Invasive plants | Each state keeps its own list; UNH says to check current invasiveness | State rule or advice | UNH 5 |
Drought-tolerant plants compared with related terms
| Term | The difference | Where to read more |
|---|---|---|
| Drought-tolerant plants (this page) | A plant trait: survives dry spells once established | You are here |
| Xeriscaping | A whole-landscape design approach with seven principles | Seven-principle xeriscape design 5 |
| Native landscaping | Plants chosen because they belong to the region | Native plant landscapes |
| Ground cover plants | Low spreaders; some are drought tolerant | Ground cover plants |
| Sustainable landscaping | Broader practice including water, soil and wildlife | See sustainable landscaping |
Myths about drought-tolerant plants
- Myth They never need water.
- Reality UC Master Gardeners say established, well-matched plants should do well with little or no supplemental water, which is not none, and new plants need water for a year or two 31.
- Myth They are all cactus and gravel.
- Reality Maryland Extension says xeriscaping is not limited to cacti and succulents, and names native perennials and grasses 6.
- Myth A plant that is drought tolerant in one state is drought tolerant everywhere.
- Reality UNH says many xeric plants fail in the wet periods of New England 5.
- Myth More water makes them healthier.
- Reality Arizona says to cut irrigation after establishment so plants can show their tolerance, and not to fertilize 2.
- Myth Drought tolerant means fire resistant.
- Reality They are separate questions. Local defensible space rules govern plants near buildings.
What changes by region: rainfall, season and drainage
Where you live changes the meaning. In Western Oregon the climate is cool and wet in winter and warm and dry in summer, and Oregon State says fall planting suits an unirrigated landscape 4.
New Hampshire has erratic rain, with wet spells followed by weeks of little or none, and UNH says xeric plants may fail in the wet periods 5.
In Arizona’s Yavapai County, Extension says to plan for drought and to irrigate drought-tolerant plants regularly for the first couple of years 2.
Use your local Cooperative Extension office’s plant list and the hardiness zone page for winter cold.
When these plants fit, and your next step
Drought-tolerant plants fit where you want to cut irrigation, where water is restricted, or where lawn is hard to keep. They fit poorly in soggy ground or in a yard you cannot water at all during the first year or two.
Your next step is to check drainage and sun, pick plants from a local Extension list, plan the first-year watering, and plan to step it down. Find a landscaping company when you are ready. HyreYard does not plant or sell anything.
- If You cannot water at all
- Then Choose by your region’s extension list and plant in the best season, such as fall in Western Oregon 4
- If You want a lawn look
- Then Consider tall fescue, which goes dormant in drought, per Maryland 6
- If A fire-prone area
- Then Check defensible space rules; drought tolerance is a separate question
Questions about Drought-Tolerant Plants
What does drought tolerant mean for plants?
It means a plant can withstand a moderate period of limited moisture. Washington State University says these plants may not enjoy hot, dry weather but can survive it, often because of thick, waxy, hairy or finely divided leaves. They still need regular water while they establish.
Do drought-tolerant plants need water?
Yes, at first. Washington State University says new landscape plants commonly take 1 or 2 years to establish, and trees 2 to 3. Arizona Extension says to irrigate regularly for the first couple of years, then reduce water. Established plants should do well on little or no supplemental water.
How long does it take for drought-tolerant plants to establish?
Sources give one to three years. Oregon State says spring or summer plantings need supplemental water the first growing season. Arizona says the first couple of years. WSU says 1 or 2 years for plants and 2 to 3 for a new tree. Climate and planting season change the answer.
Is drought tolerant the same as xeriscaping?
No. Drought-tolerant plants are a plant trait. Xeriscaping is a whole-landscape design approach. UNH says drought-tolerant landscaping does not mean xeriscaping, which it says is more appropriate for arid places such as the Southwest. You can use drought-tolerant plants without full xeriscaping.
Are native plants always drought tolerant?
No. UC Master Gardeners say not all drought-tolerant plants need to be natives, and a native chosen for your area is adjusted to your soil and climate. Arizona says native drought-tolerant plants support familiar wildlife, and non-natives may resist native pests. Check each plant.
Why do drought-tolerant plants die in wet soil?
Many need fast drainage. UNH says good soil drainage is especially important for many drought-tolerant species. Oregon State says standing water after rain is a problem for almost all landscape plants. Fix drainage first, or choose plants that suit wet winters.
When should I plant drought-tolerant plants?
In Western Oregon, Oregon State says autumn after fall rains begin is best for an unirrigated landscape. WSU also recommends fall planting so roots keep growing through winter. Other regions differ, so ask your Cooperative Extension office for your best planting window.
Should I fertilize drought-tolerant plants?
Arizona Extension advises against it. It says fertilizing ornamentals can produce weaker wood, cause the plant to grow excessively fast and lead to more pruning. If you think soil lacks something, test it first. Local fertilizer rules and product labels apply.
What is a hydrozone?
A hydrozone is a part of the landscape where plants with similar water needs are grouped. WSU says to put as many plants as possible in the low-water zone, medium-water perennials nearer the house, and high-water annuals, vegetables and lawn in a third zone. It lets you focus irrigation where it counts.
Can I use drought-tolerant plants during watering restrictions?
They can make restrictions easier to meet once established, because they need little or no supplemental water. New plants still need establishment water, and some restrictions limit when and how you can water. Check your city or water district’s rules before planting.
Sources
- Washington State University Extension, Drought Tolerant Landscaping for Washington State (Home Garden Series EM087E, Charles A. Brun, June 2015), retrieved .
- University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Yavapai County, Drought Tolerant Plants (Backyard Gardener #248, Jeff Schalau, July 17, 2024), PDF read as text with pdftotext, retrieved .
- UC Master Gardeners of Placer County, What Makes a Plant Drought Tolerant? (Carol Koenig, December 8, 2025), retrieved .
- Oregon State University Extension, Drought-tolerant landscape plants for Western Oregon: site selection and preparation (Heather Stoven and Neil Bell, July 2024), retrieved .
- University of New Hampshire Extension, Drought Tolerant Plants for New Hampshire Landscapes (fact sheet), retrieved .
- University of Maryland Extension, Conserve Water In Your Landscape (updated August 2, 2024), retrieved .
Expert review
Written by the HyreYard Research Desk. Not yet reviewed by an outside expert. We say so rather than imply a review that has not happened; see our editorial policy.
How the numbers were checked: Definitions, establishment times, hydrozones and aftercare come from six extension pages in five states (Washington, Arizona, California, Oregon, New Hampshire, Maryland) and the page keeps each source’s region attached.
The Arizona publication is a PDF read as text. Establishment times differ by source, so the chart shows the upper end of each printed range. The yard in the hydrozone example is invented.
The statement that drought tolerance and fire safety are separate questions is our framing and carries no citation. We give no plant lists, watering schedules or fertilizer rates.
Suggest a correction. We fix errors and say what changed.