Lincoln Water System

Waterwise Plants for Lincoln and Southeast Nebraska

As Lincoln's population continues to grow, new pressures will be put on available public water resources. Using water wisely in the landscape is a vital part of water conservation. When you plan your landscape, be sure to include specific goals to reduce water use.

Although the plants listed here are valued for their low water needs, they still require regular watering during the first year. Plants develop healthy root systems when they are watered slowly. This allows moisture to soak into the ground instead of running off.

When planting perennials, prepare the soil before planting by adding organic matter. To enrich the soil, improve aeration and drainage, spread a 2-4 inch layer of organic matter on the soil surface. Dig this layer in to a depth of 6 inches. While compost or well-rotted manure is best, chopped leaves or grass clippings can be used although they may tie up some of the available nitrogen in the soil, making an additional application of fertilizer necessary. In most instances, soil improvement is not recommended when planting trees and shrubs. Testing your soil before planting is always a good idea.

After planting, add a layer of mulch over the soil to retain moisture and reduce runoff. Mulching also helps to control weeds. Three to four inches of mulch is plenty. Lincoln nursery and garden centers will carry most of the plants listed in this brochure. If you have questions about a plant's suitability in your landscape, contact your nursery or the Lancaster County Cooperative Extension Service.

Shade  Part Sun  Full Sun  Attracts Butterflies 

Trees

BUCKEYE, OHIO Aesculus glabra

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

45-50'

Spread:

35-45’

Remarks:

Rounded tree with spring flower panicles followed by seed pods. Displays strong drought tolerance.

CHOKECHERRY Prunus species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

25-30’

Spread:

15-20’

Remarks:

Tough native tree that suckers to form thickets. Mow to keep in tree form. Great drought tolerance. Purple-leafed varieties available.

Photo by Sheri Hagwood @ USDA-NRCS PLANTS Database

CRABAPPLE Malus cultivars

Color:

White, pink

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

8-25’

Spread:

6-25’

Remarks:

Showy blooms. New varieties with persistent fruit and disease tolerance.

GINKGO, MAIDENHAIR TREE Ginkgo biloba

Height:

45-50’

Spread:

30-40’

Remarks:

Fan shaped leaves turn yellow in fall. Slow grower. Tolerates air pollution. Smaller varieties available.

Photo by Sunroofguy, on Wikimedia Commons

GOLDENRAIN TREE Koelreuteria paniculata

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

25-30’

Spread:

15-20’

Remarks:

Lovely flowers and pod-like fruit. Tough and very drought tolerant.

Photo by H. Zell, on Wikimedia Commons

HAWTHORN Crataegus species

Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

25-35’

Spread:

15-20’

Remarks:

Tough, small tree with nice fall fruit.

HONEYLOCUST Gleditsia triacanthos

Height:

40-50’

Spread:

35-40’

Remarks:

Graceful habit with yellow fall color. A very tough tree. Look for thornless and seedless varieties.

Photo by Bostonian13, on Wikimedia Commons

KENTUCKY COFFEETREE Gymnocladus dioicus

Height:

50-60’

Spread:

35-45’

Remarks:

Adaptable to harsh conditions once established. Seedpods are poisonous.

LINDEN Tilia species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

40-60’

Spread:

30-50’

Remarks:

Some are native to plains. Nice heart shaped leaves and fragrant blooms.

MAPLE Acer species

Height:

25-60’

Spread:

25-50’

Remarks:

Many types are drought tolerant. Great fall color. Armur maple is smaller and available as multi-trunked.

OAK Oak species

Height:

50-60’

Spread:

40-50’

Remarks:

Beautiful, durable trees. Many are drought tolerant and native. Interesting acorns, bark and leaf texture. Dwarf Chinkapin is available.

Photo by Bruce Marlin, on Wikimedia Commons

PINE Pinus species

Height:

50-60’

Spread:

40-50’

Remarks:

Many to choose from. Ponderosa, Bristlecone, Limber and Red Pine for drier soil

REDBUD Cercis canadensis

Bloom Color:

Reddish-purple, white

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

20-30’

Spread:

20-25’

Remarks:

Loaded with Spring blooms. Prefers growing in some shade.

SERVICEBERRY Amelanchier species

Bloom Color:

Reddish-purple, white

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

15-25’

Spread:

8-12’

Remarks:

Beautiful native tree/shrub. White flowers in spring followed by summer fruit that birds love.

SPRUCE, BLUE, BLACK HILLS Picea species

Height:

35-50’

Spread:

25-40’

Remarks:

Blue-green color on this evergreen. Very drought tolerant.

Shrubs ►

Shrubs

BUFFALO CURRANT Ribes odoratum

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

3-6’

Spread:

2-4’

Remarks:

Native clove-scented shrub with black berries.

Photo by Carolannie--slow return, on Flickr

BUSH CINQUEFOIL Potentilla species

Bloom Color:

Yellow, orange, white, salmon

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

2-4’

Spread:

3-6’

Remarks:

Heat loving shrub with bright colors and compact habit.

Photo by MPF, on Wikimedia Commons

BUTTERFLY BUSH Buddleia species

Bloom Color:

Pink, white, purple

Bloom Time:

July-September

Height:

3-10’

Spread:

3-6’

Remarks:

Colorful bloom spikes set on silvery foliage.

Photo by Attaleiv, on Wikimedia Commons

CHOKEBERRY Aronia species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

5-8’

Spread:

4-5

Remarks:

Native, adaptable shrub with seasonal interest: Blooms, fruit and vibrant fall color.

Photo by Bob Gutowski, on Wikimedia Commons

CORAL BERRY Symphoricarpos orbiculatus

Bloom Color:

White, pink

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

3-6’

Spread:

4-6’

Remarks:

Native. Arching branches are heavy with berries all winter.

Photo by Tatiana Gerus, on Flickr

COTONEASTER Cotoneaster species

Bloom Color:

White, pink

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

2-5’

Spread:

4-6’

Remarks:

Nice fruit display, fall color.

Photo by M. Martin Vicente, on Flickr

DOGWOOD Cornus species

Bloom Color:

White, yellow

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

3-10’

Spread:

3-8’

Remarks:

Red and yellow twig color adds to winter landscape. Variegated leaves on some types. Seasonal interest.

Photo by skvidal, on Flickr

FERNLEAF BUCKTHORN Rhamnus asplenifolia

Height:

10-15

Spread:

6-9’

Remarks:

Willow-leafed shrub has an exotic look. Very tough shrub.

FLOWERING QUINCE Chaenomeles species

Bloom Color:

White, pink, red

Bloom Time:

March-April

Height:

6-10’

Spread:

4-6

Remarks:

Stems are loaded with delicate blooms in Spring.

Photo by Shu Suehiro, on Wikimedia Commons

FORSYTHIA Forsythia species

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

March-April

Height:

8-10’

Spread:

4-6’

Remarks:

Brilliant yellow flowers in early spring.

Photo by Maksim, on Wikimedia Commons

JUNIPER Juniperus species

Height:

1-6’

Spread:

5-8’

Remarks:

Durable evergreen used for screens, hedges and windbreaks.

LILAC Syringa species

Bloom Color:

White, lilac, rose-purple

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

6-12’

Spread:

6-8

Remarks:

Very fragrant blooms on shiny green foliage.

MOCK ORANGE Philadelphus species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

6-8’

Spread:

4-8’

Remarks:

Very fragrant white blooms cover entire shrub.

NINEBARK Physocarpus opulifolius

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

5-8’

Spread:

3-5’

Remarks:

Blooms and exfoliating bark on this upright shrub. Showy purple-leafed forms available.

PINE Pinus species

Height:

3-8’

Spread:

3-8’

Remarks:

Evergreen that is suitable for small spaces, rock gardens. Mugo is a nice choice.

ROSE, SHRUB Rosa rugosa

Bloom Color:

White, red, pink, yellow

Bloom Time:

June-September

Height:

3-8’

Spread:

4-6’

Remarks:

Easy care, lots of color. Some are fragrant. Landscape roses are also drought tolerant.

SERVICEBERRY Amelanchier species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

6-12’

Spread:

5-10’

Remarks:

White spring blooms followed by edible fruit. Red and orange fall color.

SPIREA Spiraea species

Bloom Color:

Pink, white

Bloom Time:

May-October

Height:

3-7’

Spread:

3-6’

Remarks:

Long blooming if sheared. Excellent fall color.

ST. JOHN’S WORT Hypericum species

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

3-6’

Spread:

3-6’

Remarks:

Sunny yellow flowers on compact shrub.

SUMAC Rhus species

Bloom Color:

Red, maroon

Bloom Time:

August

Height:

2-15’

Spread:

5-12’

Remarks:

Native, withstands heat/drought. Brilliant fall color, fruit set.

VIBURNUM Viburnum species

Bloom Color:

White, blush pink

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

4-18’

Spread:

3-10’

Remarks:

Large genus that offers choices for any space. Attributes include: blooms, fruit clusters, fall color.

◄ Trees Perennials ►

Perennials

ANEMONE Anemone sylvestris

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

18”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Native, vigorous spreader.

ARTEMISIA Artemisia species

Bloom Color:

White, very small

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

12-36”

Spread:

18-36”

Remarks:

Beautiful silver foliage. Many types available.

ASTER Aster species

Bloom Color:

White, purple, pink

Bloom Time:

July-September

Height:

12-24”

Spread:

18-36”

Remarks:

Prairie asters are very drought tolerant. Pinch back stems in early summer for compact habit.

BABY’S BREATH Gypsophila paniculata

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

36”

Spread:

36”

Remarks:

Dwarf cultivar available, great for cut flowers

BASKET-OF-GOLD Aurinia saxatilis

Bloom Color:

Gold-yellow

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

18”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Shear after blooming.

BEEBALM Monarda didyma

Bloom Color:

Red, pink, purple

Bloom Time:

July-September

Height:

18-36”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Dwarf varieties available. Can be very vigorous in growth.

BERGENIA Bergenia cordifolia

Bloom Color:

Rose pink

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

15”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Glossy, semi evergreen leaves with blooms in spring.

BLACK-EYED SUSAN Rudbeckia species

Bloom Color:

Yellow, gold

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

18-24”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Native, daisy-like flowers are great for cutting.

BLANKET FLOWER Gaillardia species

Bloom Color:

Crimson red with yellow accents

Bloom Time:

June-August

Height:

16-24”

Spread:

16-24”

Remarks:

Very drought tolerant. Provide good drainage.

BLUE FALSE INDIGO Baptisia australis

Bloom Color:

Indigo blue

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

36”

Spread:

36”

Remarks:

Native prairie plant. Dwarf variety available.

BOLTONIA, FALSE CHAMOMILE Boltonia asteroides

Bloom Color:

White, pale pink

Bloom Time:

August-October

Height:

36”

Spread:

36-42”

Remarks:

Great fall color. Shear back in early summer to prevent from falling over.

BUTTERFLY MILKWEED Asclepias tuberosa

Bloom Color:

Orange

Bloom Time:

July

Height:

18-24”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Native prairie plant with clusters of orange flowers

CANDYTUFT Iberis sempervirens

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May

Height:

15”

Spread:

18

Remarks:

Shear after blooming

CARNATION, PINKS Dianthus species

Bloom Color:

Pink shades, purple, rose

Bloom Time:

June-August

Height:

6-18”

Spread:

12-24”

Remarks:

Nice blue-green foliage and flowers for cutting.

CATMINT Nepeta species

Bloom Color:

Lavender blue

Bloom Time:

May-August

Height:

12-18”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Easy to grow and drought tolerant. Blooms persist all season if faded flowers are cut back.

COLUMBINE Aquilegia species

Bloom Color:

Blue, purple, red, pink, yellow

Bloom Time:

May-July

Height:

12-24”

Spread:

12-24”

Remarks:

Versatile plant for sun or shade.

CONEFLOWER Echinacea species

Bloom Color:

White, pink, purple

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

18-24”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Drought tolerant native plant.

CONEFLOWER, MEXICAN HAT Ratibida

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

24-36”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Native plant with showy blooms.

CORAL BELLS Heuchera species

Bloom Color:

Red, pink

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

8-12”

Spread:

12-18”

Remarks:

Leaf colors range from purple to marbled greens. Nice stems of tubular flowers.

CRANESBILL Geranium species

Bloom Color:

Blue, rose, pink, white, pale pink, magenta

Bloom Time:

May-September

Height:

12-24”

Spread:

12-36”

Remarks:

Hardy, dependable plant for any area. Showy blooms. Many sizes and colors.

DAYLILY Hemerocallis species

Bloom Color:

Yellow, pink, red and more

Bloom Time:

June-September

Height:

18-36”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Many cultivars are repeat bloomers.

FLAX, GOLDEN Linum flavum

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

12-24”

Spread:

12-24”

Remarks:

Dislikes heavy clay soil. Amend soil with gravel.

GAYFEATHER Liatris species

Bloom Color:

Purple, white

Bloom Time:

July-September

Height:

18-24”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Attractive spiked blooms.

GOLDENROD Solidago species

Bloom Color:

Golden yellow

Bloom Time:

August-September

Height:

18-36”

Spread:

18-36”

Remarks:

Easy to grow, compact hybrids available.

HOSTA Hosta species

Bloom Color:

White, lavender

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

12-40”

Spread:

12-40”

Remarks:

Many varieties. Drought tolerant once established.

IRIS Iris species

Bloom Color:

Purple, blue, white, pink, yellow

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

12-36”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Drought tolerant and tough. Do not bury rhizomatous root too deep for risk of rotting.

LAMB’S EAR Stachys byzantina

Bloom Color:

Pale pink (small)

Bloom Time:

July

Height:

12-18”

Spread:

18-36”

Remarks:

Great fuzzy silver foliage. Is a vigorous grower that thrives in poor, dry soils.

LEADPLANT Amorpha canescens

Bloom Color:

Lavender blue

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

24-36”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Tough native shrub-like plant.

LENTEN ROSE Helleborus orientalis

Bloom Color:

White, rose, purple

Bloom Time:

April-May

Height:

18”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Leathery leaves and nice early spring blooms.

MEADOW SAGE, SALVIA Salvia x sylvestris

Bloom Color:

Dark purple, violet

Bloom Time:

May-October

Height:

18-24”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Showy spikes of flowers. Shear back all spent flowers to get continual blooms.

OZARK SUNDROPS, EVENING PRIMROSE Oenothera macrocarpa

Bloom Color:

Yellow

Bloom Time:

May-July

Height:

6-12”

Spread:

24”

Remarks:

Large, cup shaped flowers on this native plant. Exceptional drought tolerance.

PENSTEMON, BEARDTONGUE Penstemon species

Bloom Color:

Red, purple, rose, white, pink

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

12-36”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Showy tubular flowers on long stems. Needs well drained soils

PEONY Paeonia lactiflora

Bloom Color:

Many

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

36”

Spread:

36-48”

Remarks:

Fragrant, showy spring blooms. Drought tolerant once established.

PINCUSHION FLOWER Scabiosa columbaria

Bloom Color:

Lavender blue

Bloom Time:

May-September

Height:

12-18”

Spread:

12-18”

Remarks:

Showy flowers set on long, tubular stems. Semievergreen foliage.

PITCHER SAGE Salvia azurea

Bloom Color:

Blue-violet

Bloom Time:

late July-early September

Height:

36-48”

Spread:

36”

Remarks:

Native prairie plant. Exceptional drought tolerance.

POPPY MALLOW, WINECUPS Callirhoe involucrata, Callirhoe alcaeoides

Bloom Color:

Bright rose-purple, white

Bloom Time:

June-August

Height:

12”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Native groundcover. Excellent drought tolerance.

PURPLE PRAIRIE CLOVER Dalea purpurea

Bloom Color:

Purple

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

12-18”

Spread:

12-18”

Remarks:

Native prairie plant with round purple flower heads. Needs excellent drainage.

PUSSYTOES Antennaria species

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

June

Height:

6”

Spread:

12”

Remarks:

Flower resembles cat’s paw.

RATTLESNAKE MASTER Eryngium yuccifolium

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

24”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Yucca-like foliage topped with rounded blooms.

ROCK CRESS Arabis caucasica

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

6”

Spread:

12-18”

Remarks:

Variegated foliage available

RUSSIAN SAGE Perovskia atriplicifolia

Bloom Color:

Lavender

Bloom Time:

July-September

Height:

36-48”

Spread:

36”

Remarks:

Delicate silver-gray foliage with spikes of blooms. Exceptional drought tolerance.

SEA LAVENDER Limonium latifolium

Bloom Color:

Lavender

Bloom Time:

June

Height:

18”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Easy to grow. Provide good drainage. Nice cut flowers.

SEDUM Sedum species

Bloom Color:

Pink, salmon, yellow, white

Bloom Time:

July-October

Height:

3-18”

Spread:

12-36”

Remarks:

Many types available from ground covers to tall varieties.

SKULLCAP Scutellaria species

Bloom Color:

Purple

Bloom Time:

June-August

Height:

10-12”

Spread:

12-18”

Remarks:

Native variety “Smoky Hills” is very drought tolerant. Shear back after blooms fade for second flush.

SNEEZEWEED, HELEN’S FLOWER Helenium autumnale

Bloom Color:

Yellow, orange, red

Bloom Time:

August-September

Height:

24-36”

Spread:

24”

Remarks:

Native plant. Good with ornamental grasses.

SNOW IN SUMMER Cerastium tomentosum

Bloom Color:

White

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

8”

Spread:

12”

Remarks:

Silvery leaves forms carpet.

STOKES’ ASTER Stokesia laevis

Bloom Color:

Blue, purple, white

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

12-18”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Showy blooms. Needs soil that drains well.

THYME Thymus species

Bloom Color:

White, lavender

Bloom Time:

June-July

Height:

3-6”

Spread:

12-24”

Remarks:

Use as ground cover or between paving stones.

TICKSEED Coreopsis species

Bloom Color:

Lemon-yellow, gold

Bloom Time:

May-September

Height:

12-36”

Spread:

12-36”

Remarks:

Cut off spent blooms for continuous color.

VERONICA Veronica species

Bloom Color:

Purple, blue, white, rose

Bloom Time:

May-August

Height:

2-24”

Spread:

12-24”

Remarks:

Many types available from ground covers to upright varieties. Moderately drought tolerant.

VINCA Vinca minor

Bloom Color:

Lavender

Bloom Time:

May-June

Height:

3-6”

Spread:

36” +

Remarks:

Easy to grow groundcover.

YARROW Achillea species

Bloom Color:

Yellow, gold, red, rose, orange, pink, white

Bloom Time:

June-September

Height:

12-24”

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Exceptional drought tolerance. Some species are native. Cut back faded flowers to promote more blooms. Vigorous grower.

YUCCA, SOAPWEED Yucca glauca, Yucca filamentosa

Bloom Color:

Creamy white

Bloom Time:

June-August

Height:

36”

Spread:

36”

Remarks:

Spiny foliage not a good choice for high traffic areas. Yucca glauca is native to central U.S. Extremely drought tolerant.

◄ Shrubs Ornamental Grasses ►

Ornamental Grasses

BIG BLUESTEM Andropogon gerardii

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

48”

Spread:

24”

Remarks:

Native prairie grass. Nice copper fall color.

BLUE FESCUE Festuca glauca

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

12”

Spread:

12”

Remarks:

Blue-gray tuft grass is showy when mass planted or at the border of flower beds.

CAREX OR SEDGE GRASS Carex elata, Carex stricta

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

12”

Spread:

12-36”

Remarks:

Low growing, spreading groundcover grass with good drought tolerance. Nice variegated varieties available.

FEATHER REED GRASS Calamagrostis x acutiflora

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

36-40”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Soft, green blades with showy seedhead. Upright habit.

LITTLE BLUESTEM Schizachyrium scoparium

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

24-36”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Nebraska’s state grass. Nice blue-green blades and copper fall color.

MISCANTHUS, SILVER GRASS Miscanthus sinensis

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

3-6’

Spread:

18-24”

Remarks:

Some cultivars have showy variegated blades. Nice arching, graceful appearance.

NORTHERN SEA OATS Chasmanthium latifolium

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

30-36”

Spread:

24-36”

Remarks:

Unique flat seed head. Reseeds, so plant in confined space or remove seedlings.

PRAIRIE DROPSEED Sporobolus heterolepis

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

24”

Spread:

18”

Remarks:

Native prairie grass. Tolerates poor, dry soil. Graceful, narrow blades.

RAVENNA GRASS Saccharum ravennae, Erianthus ravennae

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

August

Height:

8-10’

Spread:

3-6”

Remarks:

Very large grass with showy plumes. Cut to ground in early spring.

SIDEOATS GRAMA Bouteloua curtipendula

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

36”

Spread:

24”

Remarks:

Oat-like seed heads grow to one side of the stem. Good fall color.

SWITCHGRASS Panicum virgatum

Bloom Color:

Tan seedhead

Bloom Time:

July-August

Height:

4-7’

Spread:

3’

Remarks:

Native tall grass. “Prairie Sky” and “Heavy Metal” have blue tones. “Shenandoah” has red tipped blades.

◄ Perennials

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