How to use the plant database

1. Select the plant criteria that match the conditions for your site.
2. You can add plants to your list before going to the next page.
3. View and edit your list from the button on the bottom of the screen. Once you have completed your list, print a copy or save it as a .pdf.
4. Use the "I'm looking for a specific plant" link to search for a specific plant.

The following information provides definitions and more plant information. This list was completed by a partnership between the Oklahoma City Utilities Department, Oklahoma State University Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture, and the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Many plants are considerably more drought tolerant when properly mulched. Consumers should note that some listed plant materials can be toxic to pets and humans when ingested.

Helpful definitions and details

Annual

An annual plant completes its life cycle within one year. Annuals are often used to add color to the landscape and some may reseed the following year. Some annuals are tender perennials in Oklahoma and may overwinter.

Growth rate

Plants grow at different rates depending on the type of plant. They are categorized in the plant database as fast, medium and slow. This is from observation only and will vary based on site conditions, management and particular cultivar.

Light requirement

Most plants need a certain amount of sunlight for optimum growth. Many plants have a range of light conditions. The following symbols indicate the light requirements.

	Full sun: 8 or more hours of sun
	Full sun to partial shade: 4 to 8 hours per day
	Partial to full shade: Less than 4 hours per day

Origin

Oklahoma native plants may be better suited to specific region of the state. The Oklahoma climate from east to west and north to south varies and some plants may be more suitable for their native region of the state. The following applies to the plant's place of origin criteria:

Native	Continental United States
Oklahoma Native	Oklahoma
Not native	Outside of the United States

Perennial

A perennial plant lives for more than two growing seasons.

Plant size

Consider mature plant size when deciding plant spacing and placement. Allow plants to grow into spaces, use annuals to fill in areas while allowing perennials to mature. Make sure to plan for mature height and width before planting too close to homes and businesses. The height and width of specific plants can vary greatly depending on cultivar and site conditions.

Season of interest

Incorporating plants with various seasons of interest will create year-long landscape appeal. Some plants may have attractive bark or berries creating interest through many seasons.

Soil pH

Understanding your soil's pH is important for nutrient availability and plant growth. A pH of 7.0 is considered neutral. Below 7.0 is acidic or a low pH and above 7.0 is alkaline or basic and considered to have a high pH. Many factors affect soil pH, like rainfall, fertilizer applications, and parent material from which the soil was formed. Plants may prefer either a slightly acidic or alkaline soil. Soil pH does not rapidly change unless a large amount of basic or acidic material is added. Determine your soil pH and nutrient availability by taking a soil test. Visit SqueezeEveryDrop.com or SoilTesting.OKState.edu for instructions.

Soil texture

Oklahoma has variations in soil texture. Sandy soils drain quickly, feels gritty and doesn't easily stick together. Loam soils are a mixture of sand, silt, clay and organic matter. Clay soils drain slowly, retain water and may become waterlogged. Adding organic matter to soils improves soil water holding capacity over time and provides beneficial nutrients for plants.

Water requirement

Water requirements listed in the database are based on observations. The water needs of plants can be drastically reduced by the addition of several inches of mulch. Before watering, check the moisture in the soil first. It's best to water based on the needs of the plant rather than a set schedule which often leads to overwatering. The following symbols indicate water requirements:

	Very low
	Low
	Moderate

Wildlife

Many plants attract wildlife. These are based on observations and our best understanding, not research because there are many cultivars available. If you would like to attract butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, or bees to the landscape, look for these symbols.

This plant database was created using the Drought-Tolerant Plant Selections for Oklahoma guidebook. Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Services publication E-1037 available on SqueezeEveryDrop.com or by visiting OSUFacts.OKState.edu

Photos Courtesy of:

Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma Proven

OKPLANTid.org

The Prairie Project

Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center