Native Plants That Thrive in Utah Landscaping

If you’re planning to xeriscape or simply want a low-maintenance yard that thrives in Utah’s unique climate, native plants are your best friend. They’re built to handle Utah’s hot summers, cold winters, and dry soil — all while using less water and requiring less upkeep.

In this guide, we’ll cover the top native plants for Utah landscaping, along with tips on where and how to use them to create a drought-tolerant, eco-friendly yard.

Want help building a native plant landscape?
Click here to get quotes from local Utah landscapers.

Why Choose Native Plants for Your Utah Yard?

• Drought-tolerant: They need little to no extra watering once established.
• Low-maintenance: No fertilizers or special treatments needed.
• Pollinator-friendly: Native bees, butterflies, and birds love them.
• Naturally beautiful: These plants fit right into Utah’s high desert and mountain aesthetic.

Top Native Plants for Utah Landscaping

1. Serviceberry (Amelanchier alnifolia)

• Why it’s great: Beautiful spring blooms, edible berries, and fiery fall colors.
• Best for: Accent shrub, hedges, or wildlife gardens.

2. Rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus)

• Why it’s great: Hardy, drought-proof shrub with bright yellow fall flowers.
• Best for: Open sunny areas, erosion control.

3. Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)

• Why it’s great: Evergreen with rustic texture and year-round presence.
• Best for: Windbreaks, dry slopes, foundation planting.

4. Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)

• Why it’s great: Delicate blue flowers from spring to midsummer.
• Best for: Flower beds, borders, pollinator gardens.

5. Penstemon (Multiple species: P. eatonii, P. palmeri)

• Why it’s great: Tall spikes of red, purple, or pink flowers loved by hummingbirds.
• Best for: Xeriscapes, rock gardens, borders.

6. Sego Lily (Calochortus nuttallii)

• Why it’s great: Utah’s state flower, with beautiful white or pale-pink blooms.
• Best for: Native wildflower gardens or naturalized spaces.

7. Big Sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata)

• Why it’s great: Classic western plant with fragrant, silvery foliage.
• Best for: Open areas, wildlife landscapes.

8. Showy Milkweed (Asclepias speciosa)

• Why it’s great: Monarch butterfly magnet, drought-hardy, pink flowering.
• Best for: Pollinator gardens, naturalized borders.

9. Firecracker Beardtongue (Penstemon eatonii)

• Why it’s great: Bright red tubular blooms in spring, hardy and heat-tolerant.
• Best for: Sunny slopes, front yard focal points.

10. Gambel Oak (Quercus gambelii)

• Why it’s great: Small native oak tree great for privacy and habitat.
• Best for: Larger yards, wildlife habitat zones, or shade creation.

Pro Tips for Native Plant Landscaping in Utah

• Plant in fall or early spring for best root establishment.
• Use mulch or gravel to reduce evaporation and suppress weeds.
• Group plants by water needs (hydrozoning) to maximize efficiency.
• Avoid overhead watering — use drip irrigation or soaker hoses.

Native Plant Resources in Utah

• Utah Native Plant Society
• USU Extension Landscaping Guides
• Local nurseries that carry native stock: Glover Nursery, Conservation Garden Park, Millcreek Gardens

Final Word

Going native isn’t just smart — it’s sustainable. With the right Utah-native plants, you can create a yard that’s beautiful, low-maintenance, and water-wise year-round.

Want a pro to help you design a native plant landscape?
Click here to get matched with local Utah landscapers.