5 Drought Tolerant Trees For Southern California Landscapes

Many of the landscape design and installations we do at Eco Landscape Design & Build include planting new trees for drought tolerant gardens.  Whether it is a front yard, back yard or near a pool, it is important that these trees are drought tolerant and are beautiful to look at year-round.  Most of the time we select evergreen trees, although there are a few trees, like Crape Myrtle, that are deciduous and are too gorgeous to pass up.  It is critical that the trees you select have minimal leaf shedding onto your yard, driveway or into your pool and that they have non-invasive roots that will not grow into your plumbing lines and cause expensive problems.  Also always considered when placing a tree is the location.  Sometimes trees provide privacy, other times they provide a beautiful view and a pop of color to your view out of a window.  It is very important to understand the mature size of each tree to make sure that over time you will be happy with your placement and selection.

Here are our 5 favorites:

1. NON-FRUITING OLIVE TREE (Olea europaea “Wilsonii”)

The non-fruiting olive tree, often known as Olea europaea ‘Wilsonii’ or the ornamental olive, offers the timeless beauty of traditional olive trees without the endless maintenance of fallen fruit at certain times of the year. It boasts soft, silvery-green leaves and gracefully branches that create a classic, Mediterranean look, making it a stunning focal point and one of our favorites in any landscape. This variety is incredibly hardy, drought-tolerant, and low-maintenance, thriving in various climates. Because it does not bear fruit, it’s ideal for residential settings where minimal upkeep is desired, providing all the elegance of an olive tree without the cleanup. Overall, Olea europaea “Wilsonii” combines beauty, durability, and easy upkeep, enhancing any landscape with elegance and minimal effort. Eco Modern and Spanish Oasis are both projects that show good examples of these trees incorporated into their landscapes.

2. STRAWBERRY TREE (Arbutus unedo)

The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is a captivating and versatile evergreen that brings vibrant color and texture to any landscape. Known for its unique, reddish-brown bark that peels to reveal smooth layers beneath, it adds visual interest year-round. The tree blooms with delicate white to pink bell-shaped flowers in fall, which attract pollinators and are followed by small, strawberry-like fruits that mature to a bright red. These fruits are edible, offering a mild, sweet taste and can be used in jams or liqueurs. With its resilience to drought and adaptability to different soil types, the Strawberry Tree is as hardy as it is beautiful, making it a wonderful choice. If you live on a hillside, the Strawberry Tree can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion, making it ideal for planting on slopes or in areas prone to soil loss. Overall, the Strawberry Tree is a versatile, low-maintenance option that combines beauty, functionality, and ecological benefits, making it a great choice for any drought resistant landscape.

4. GOLD MEDALLION TREE (Cassia Leptophylla)

Cassia leptophylla, commonly known as the Gold Medallion Tree, is a stunning ornamental tree celebrated for its dazzling display of colorful golden-yellow flowers that bloom in summer. This semi-evergreen beauty showcases elegant feathery, pinnate leaves that lend a soft texture to landscapes and provide year-round greenery. Its moderate size and graceful, spreading canopy make it ideal for gardens, and around patios. Drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, Cassia leptophylla thrives in the Southern California climate. It prefers well-drained soil and attracts pollinators with its vibrant blooms. With its eye-catching color and drought tolerant resilience, this tree adds elegance, shade and ecological value to any space.

5. AUSTRALIAN WILLOW TREE (Geijera parviflora)

The Australian Willow (Geijera parviflora), is a beautiful tree that brings a unique, graceful charm to landscapes. It’s slender, weeping foliage mimics that of a willow, offering a lush, flowing aesthetic while being incredibly hardy, drought resistant and low maintenance. Adaptable to various soil types, it thrives even in challenging conditions, making it an ideal choice for many different settings. This evergreen tree provides year-round greenery and emits a subtle, pleasant fragrance from its small white flowers, attracting pollinators and adding biodiversity to its environment. Its dense, evergreen canopy provides some shade and acts as a windbreak, making it a practical and attractive to use in your yard. Studio City Drought Tolerant is a project that shows an Australian Willow incorporated into the front yard landscape.

3. DWARF CITRUS TREE

Dwarf citrus trees are a must have for all Southern California landscapes to provide a fresh fragrant fruit in a compact form. These smaller varieties of citrus trees, including lemons, limes, and mandarins are perfect for large planters, patios, or throughout gardens, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce in limited space. They retain the lush green foliage and aromatic blossoms of full-sized citrus trees, adding beauty, color and fragrance to any environment. Despite their size, dwarf citrus trees are highly productive and easy to maintain, thriving in full sun with minimal water. Their versatility and charm make them an ideal option for home gardeners seeking both beauty and bounty. And don’t forget the health benefits! Homegrown citrus fruits are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, contributing to a healthier diet and offering fresh produce right at your doorstep. Eco Modern is a good examples of a project that incorporated several of dwarf citrus including a beautiful potted lemon tree.

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