How to Identify a Drought-Tolerant Plant

feature such as size , colour , andtexturecan help you settle whether a flora might be a good candidate for a wry garden . There are exceptions to every rule , however , so do a little reading before purchasing a plant life that look like it will bedrought liberal . The following are some traits to look for that might make a plant more water - wise . Read more inGorgeous Drought - Tolerant Garden Plans and Ideas .

Small or narrow leaves

Switchgrass(Panicumvirgatumand cvs . , Zones 5–9)Photo : Michelle Gervais

Thyme(Thymusvulgarisand cvs . , Zones 5–9 )

The less control surface area a folio has , the more able that leaf is to moult heat and reduce desiccation — which in bend reduces the plant ’s piddle loss . Narrow blade , like those found on ornamental grasses , cultivate in a exchangeable fashion to the leaves of tiny thyme .

Taproots

Although taprooted plants can take longer to get establish , once such a plant ( for instance , baptisia ) has extended its urine - assay system late into the ground , it is more apt to survive time period of surface - level drouth .

Leathery or waxy surface

Foliage like that of leucothoe has shown to cut evaporation in windy locations .

Slow growth rate

By having a special issue of leaves and stems , plants can conserve limited resources needed for increase — like H2O . Many dwarf varieties , cacti , and succulents ( e.g. , agave ) have embraced this scheme .

Fuzzy foliage

Hairs on the underside of the leaves lift the humidity of the ring aura and slow down aviation movement , which slacken evaporation . Fuzz along the top of leave can work as a sunblock as well .

Gray or silver hue

If you ’ve ever placed a silver reflection lusterlessness in the windshield of your parked car to airt the sun ’s rays , you know why silver- or gray - hued plants are generally more drought tolerant . Their foliage is capable to contemplate back light and warmth , which reduces foliar evaporation .

Danielle Sherry is the executive editor .

Photos , except where noted : Jennifer Benner

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