drought tolerant evergreen trees

Soft, vivid, silvery-green needles make this one of the most beautiful trees in North America. Perfectly cone-shaped, it grows at higher elevations on north-facing canyon slopes. White Fir is widely used in formal landscapes and performs exceptionally well in harsh city conditions. We should like to claim this as our state tree!

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 100 ft.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 ft.
FULL TO PART SUN
MEDIUM WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 3-6

A rugged evergreen, this small tree grows at mid-elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains. The edges of the leathery, dark green leaves slightly curl under and contrast nicely with the light gray branches. A profusion of cream-colored flowers appear in early spring and whimsical feathery seed plumes emerge in late summer. This tree is important for watershed restoration and as a winter browse plant for deer and elk.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 8-15 ft.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 8-12 ft.
FULL SUN
VERY LOW WATER
ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS
ZONE: 3-6

Juniperus osteosperma

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20 ft.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10 ft.
FULL SUN
VERY LOW WATER
ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS
ZONE: 3-6

Juniperus scopulorum

This hardy tree has an open, upright growth form. The bark is reddish-brown and stringy. The tips of the lacy purple-green branches tend to droop and add a soft touch to the landscape. The berries are an important food for birds and small animals. This species grows in slightly moister locations than the Utah Juniper.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 15-20 ft.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10-15 ft.
FULL SUN
LOW WATER
ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS
ZONE: 3-6

The needles of this tree are similar to the Rocky Mtn. Juniper, but are a rich dark green color that provide a vibrant contrast to the silver-blue berries. This tree has a dense, pyramidal shape that lends itself well to windbreaks and shelterbelts. This species is abundant throughout Eastern and Central North America. Throughout the winter, birds dine on the berries within the protection of the dense branches.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 80-115 ft.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-20 ft.
FULL SUN
MEDIUM WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 2-6

The state tree of both Utah and Colorado has been called the most beautiful of all the evergreens. The mature tree can be either blue or green with a silvery cast. It is found in moist habitats at higher elevations. Those who turned back from the "Pike's Peak or Bust" Gold Rush returned home with these "silver" trees instead of the elusive gold of their dreams and transplanted them throughout the Midwest.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 60-80 FT.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 FT.
FULL SUN
MEDIUM WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 2-7

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: VERY SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20-25 FT.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-20 FT.
FULL SUN
MEDIUM WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 2-6

Native Americans used this tall, slim pine as teepee or "lodge" poles. The tree is a handsome focal point to a natural landscape and grows in the upper elevations of the Uinta Mountains. The cones produce seeds, but remain tightly closed for years. The seeds retain their vitality until a forest fire’s heat pops the cones open and spills them to the ground. This is one of nature's ways of reseeding fire-swept forests. Lodgepole pine's long trunks are used for telephone poles, fence rails, and more recently for unique, rustic furniture.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20-35 FT.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10-20 FT.
FULL SUN
LOW WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 3-6

This is the beautiful gnarled pine of wind-swept mountain ridges. The branches of this tree are so limber they can often be bent double without breaking and as a result are able to withstand high winds and heavy snow. A formal landscape is the perfect setting for its soft and symmetrical lines.

The majestic state tree of Montana grows on dry hillsides and mesas at middle elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains. It is easily identified by the long dark-green needles and the stout prickles on the cone scales. This tree is useful for mass planting and shelter belts. It is also a valuable forest tree and provides more lumber than any other species of tree in America.

This fast-growing, elegant evergreen has long blue-green needles and an open, soft, symmetrical form that is well suited for formal gardens. A handsome species, the Border Pine is especially valuable for parks, estates and small properties. A handsome species, the Border Pine is especially valuable for parks, estates, and small properties. Unlike the Eastern and Western White Pines, it is able to withstand the dry, cold winters and the clay soils of this region. Common to high elevations of the Southwest, this picturesque pine is without equal among evergreens.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: FAST
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 40-50 FT.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 FT.
FULL SUN
LOW WATER
ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS
ZONE: 3-6

Most noble of the forest trees, this regal specimen is the state tree of Oregon. It has short blue-green needles and ornate cones that appear to have tails sticking out from between the scales. The soft, lacy branches are ideal for an ornamental setting. Douglas fir grows in middle to high elevations in the Rocky Mountain region. The wood is hard, durable and widely used for lumber.

ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM
MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 50-80 FT.
MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-25 FT.
FULL SUN
MEDIUM WATER
WELL-DRAINED SOIL
ZONE: 2-5

	*Abies concolor*		WHITE FIR

	Soft, vivid, silvery-green needles make this one of the most beautiful trees in North America. Perfectly cone-shaped, it grows at higher elevations on north-facing canyon slopes. White Fir is widely used in formal landscapes and performs exceptionally well in harsh city conditions. We should like to claim this as our state tree!		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 100 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 ft. FULL TO PART SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 3-6
	*Cercocarpus ledifolius*		CURLLEAF MOUNTAIN MAHOGANY

	A rugged evergreen, this small tree grows at mid-elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains. The edges of the leathery, dark green leaves slightly curl under and contrast nicely with the light gray branches. A profusion of cream-colored flowers appear in early spring and whimsical feathery seed plumes emerge in late summer. This tree is important for watershed restoration and as a winter browse plant for deer and elk.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 8-15 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 8-12 ft. FULL SUN VERY LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 3-6
	*Juniperus osteosperma*		UTAH JUNIPER

	It is the most common native tree in Utah and is often mistaken for Cedar. The foliage is very aromatic and the berries are marble-size and bluish with a powdery coating. It is widespread in the middle and lower elevations and on valley floors. Utah Juniper is an excellent tree for xeric landscapes because once established, it needs virtually no water.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10 ft. FULL SUN VERY LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 3-6
	*Juniperus scopulorum*		ROCKY MOUNTAIN JUNIPER

	This hardy tree has an open, upright growth form. The bark is reddish-brown and stringy. The tips of the lacy purple-green branches tend to droop and add a soft touch to the landscape. The berries are an important food for birds and small animals. This species grows in slightly moister locations than the Utah Juniper.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 15-20 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10-15 ft. FULL SUN LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 3-6
	*Juniperus virginiana*		EASTERN RED CEDAR

	The needles of this tree are similar to the Rocky Mtn. Juniper, but are a rich dark green color that provide a vibrant contrast to the silver-blue berries. This tree has a dense, pyramidal shape that lends itself well to windbreaks and shelterbelts. This species is abundant throughout Eastern and Central North America. Throughout the winter, birds dine on the berries within the protection of the dense branches.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 40-50 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 8-20 ft. FULL SUN LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 2-9
	*Picea engelmannii*		ENGELMANN SPRUCE

	This slow growing, spire shaped evergreen contributes to a less formal landscape making this one of the better spruces for ornamental planting. The stiff needles are bluish-green in color and the cones are small and flexible. This spruce grows in steep canyons at higher elevations and is able to withstand cold temperatures.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 80-115 ft. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-20 ft. FULL SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 2-6
	*Picea pungens*		BLUE SPRUCE

	The state tree of both Utah and Colorado has been called the most beautiful of all the evergreens. The mature tree can be either blue or green with a silvery cast. It is found in moist habitats at higher elevations. Those who turned back from the "Pike's Peak or Bust" Gold Rush returned home with these "silver" trees instead of the elusive gold of their dreams and transplanted them throughout the Midwest.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 60-80 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 FT. FULL SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 2-7
	*Pinus aristata*		BRISTLECONE PINE

	Also called a foxtail pine because the densely clothed branches resemble a fox's bushy tail, this pine has small cones with incurved bristles on the tips of the scales. The blue-green needles of this evergreen are dotted with white resin, making it easy to identify as a striking accent in any landscape. In the wild, this tree grows in high, windy places and old trees are often twisted into gnarled, picturesque shapes. These pines live thousands of years and are thought to be the oldest living things on Earth.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: VERY SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20-25 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-20 FT. FULL SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 2-6
	*Pinus contorta var. latifolia*		LODGE POLE PINE

	Native Americans used this tall, slim pine as teepee or "lodge" poles. The tree is a handsome focal point to a natural landscape and grows in the upper elevations of the Uinta Mountains. The cones produce seeds, but remain tightly closed for years. The seeds retain their vitality until a forest fire’s heat pops the cones open and spills them to the ground. This is one of nature's ways of reseeding fire-swept forests. Lodgepole pine's long trunks are used for telephone poles, fence rails, and more recently for unique, rustic furniture.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 30-100 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10-15 FT. FULL SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 3-6
	*Pinus edulis*		PINYON PINE

	This rugged tree is most famous for the edible pine nuts it. It is one of the best pines suited for home landscapes because it grows slowly and does not overwhelm the surrounding area. It grows in middle elevations interspersed with Junipers. It often has a delightfully crooked trunk and is more drought and wind tolerant than other pines. Pinyon Pine is highly prized for its fragrant firewood and also provides good cover for wildlife.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: SLOW MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 20-35 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 10-20 FT. FULL SUN LOW WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 3-6
	*Pinus flexilis*		LIMBER PINE

	This is the beautiful gnarled pine of wind-swept mountain ridges. The branches of this tree are so limber they can often be bent double without breaking and as a result are able to withstand high winds and heavy snow. A formal landscape is the perfect setting for its soft and symmetrical lines.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 25-35 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 FT. FULL SUN LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 2-6
	*Pinus ponderosa*		PONDEROSA PINE

	The majestic state tree of Montana grows on dry hillsides and mesas at middle elevations throughout the Rocky Mountains. It is easily identified by the long dark-green needles and the stout prickles on the cone scales. This tree is useful for mass planting and shelter belts. It is also a valuable forest tree and provides more lumber than any other species of tree in America.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 60-80 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 30-40 FT. FULL SUN LOW WATER TOLERATES ALKALINE SOIL ZONE: 3-6
	*Pinus strobiformis*		BORDER PINE

	This fast-growing, elegant evergreen has long blue-green needles and an open, soft, symmetrical form that is well suited for formal gardens. A handsome species, the Border Pine is especially valuable for parks, estates and small properties. A handsome species, the Border Pine is especially valuable for parks, estates, and small properties. Unlike the Eastern and Western White Pines, it is able to withstand the dry, cold winters and the clay soils of this region. Common to high elevations of the Southwest, this picturesque pine is without equal among evergreens.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: FAST MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 40-50 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 20-30 FT. FULL SUN LOW WATER ADAPTS TO MOST SOILS ZONE: 3-6
	*Pseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca*		DOUGLAS FIR

	Most noble of the forest trees, this regal specimen is the state tree of Oregon. It has short blue-green needles and ornate cones that appear to have tails sticking out from between the scales. The soft, lacy branches are ideal for an ornamental setting. Douglas fir grows in middle to high elevations in the Rocky Mountain region. The wood is hard, durable and widely used for lumber.		ANNUAL GROWTH RATE: MEDIUM MAXIMUM HEIGHT: 50-80 FT. MAXIMUM WIDTH: 15-25 FT. FULL SUN MEDIUM WATER WELL-DRAINED SOIL ZONE: 2-5