Trees that are drought tolerant

Rhus typhina

Trees give protection to very exposed gardens and are an excellent addition that allows to create a garden more sheltered from the elements. Conifers are mainly very adapted to drought conditions and help to reduce the impact of wind in the garden, especially in coastal areas. Here is a list of trees that are drought tolerant.

In this article

Strawberry tree (Arbutus)

Strawberry tree is a small tree of disordered growth. It is adapted to the Mediterranean climate and for that reason, tolerates drought conditions. Arbutus unedo produces small white or pink flowers and the red fruits in globe shape only ripen in the following year. Arbutus andrachne blooms in the spring and the fruits ripen in the fall.

Strawberry tree (Arbutus)

Cedar (Cedrus)

Cedars are conifers that resist well to wind and drought. They are suitable for large gardens. They grow in conical form and can reach 40m in height and 10m in diameter. Lebanon’s cedars are stately trees when they grow in isolation on wide land.

Cedar (Cedrus)

Cabbage palm (Cordyline australis)

It is an architectural plant in the shape of a palm tree that can reach 10m in height. In cold regions it should be grown in a pot (which will restrict its growth) so that it can be protected in winter. The leaves are long and arched and can be variegated.

Cabbage palm (Cordyline australis)

Hawthorn (Crataegus)

Crataegus is a group that includes thorny trees and shrubs, most of which are deciduous. Crataegus laciniata is ideal for dry gardens. The leaves are shiny and reflect the sunlight. In the spring, it produces white flowers that turn into red fruits in the fall, very attractive. Crataegus’ spines make them an excellent choice for protective hedges.

Hawthorn (Crataegus)

Cypress (Cupressus)

Cypress trees are dense-growing conifers widely used as windbreakers. Cupressus sempervirens (Italian cypress) are the hallmark of the Mediterranean hills. Cupressus macrocarpa grows rapidly and reaches 30m. Its leaves smell like lemon.

Cypress (Cupressus)

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Holly is a small evergreen tree with prickly leaves. There are many varieties of holly. There are male and female holly and it is the females that produce the red berries so characteristic at Christmas time. Holly can be planted individually or to form hedges.

Holly (Ilex aquifolium)

Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum)

Ligustrum grows quickly as a small evergreen tree and can reach 10m in height. It has shiny leaves and produces white flowers in late summer, followed by black fruits. It is widely used in urban planning and resists drought and pollution.

Chinese privet (Ligustrum lucidum)

Jerusalem thorn, Palo verde (Parkinsonia aculeata)

It is a deciduous shrub from Mexico and the United States that can reach 10m in height. It produces pendulous branches and yellow flowers in the spring.

Parkinsonia aculeata – Jerusalem thorn, Palo verde

Pine (Pinus)

Pine trees are very well adapted to drought. In general they grow well in coastal, dry and windy areas. There are many varieties of pine trees, from Pinus thunbergii, Pinus parviflora and Pinus sylvestris that can grow between 10 and 20m, to Pinus mugo and Pinus contorta that grow with shrub.

Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris)

Oak (Quercus)

Wide variety of trees, usually large. Quercus rubra can reach 25m in height, is deciduous, grows quickly and has yellow, red or brown leaves in autumn. Quercus ilex is perennial, with shiny leaves and tough, very resistant to dry winds.

Red Oak (Quercus rubra) – autumn colors

Stag’s horn sumach (Rhus typhina)

Small deciduous tree that grows up to 5m vertically. The leaves turn fiery in autumn and do not go unnoticed at this time of year. The female plants produce red fruits. This plant grows from basal shoots and can become invasive.