Waterwise Plant Resources for Utah
These resources are a good starting point for building a waterwise, Utah-appropriate plant palette. Each one offers searchable plant lists, garden inspiration, or a combination of both — so whether you're just getting started or refining an existing design, there's something here for every stage of the process.
Center for Water-Efficient Landscaping (USU Extension) — Research-based resources on waterwise and native plants, irrigation, and urban water conservation, including demonstration landscape plans and a lawn watering guide specific to Utah. Click on the Demonstration Gardens link to see the locations of many public gardens around the state that feature waterwise demonstration areas.
USU Botanical Center — Garden Map and Plant Lists — Overview and links to each of the Botanical Center's individual demonstration gardens, including the Pollinator Garden, Parkstrip Redesign Demo, Kaysville Education Center Gardens, and the Varga Arboretum. A good starting point for exploring what's growing on site and planning a visit to these free, walkable gardens.
Ogden Botanical Gardens — Garden Map and Plant Lists — A full plant list for the Ogden Botanical Gardens, organized by garden area, including the Water Conservation Garden, Perennial Waterwise Garden, and Pollinator Garden. Also includes a downloadable map and links to individual garden-specific plant lists.
Localscapes — A Utah-specific landscape design framework built around five core design elements suited to our climate. Includes free ready-made landscape designs, how-to guides, classes taught at Conservation Garden Park, and a gallery of real local examples. A good starting point for homeowners who want a practical, water-efficient approach to redesigning their yard.
Conservation Garden Park (Jordan Valley Water) — Find Waterwise Plants — A highly detailed searchable plant database filterable by plant type, irrigation requirement, light, bloom season, bloom color, foliage color, and garden area within the park. Also flags plants by Utah native, nativar, deer tolerant, salt tolerant, pollinator friendly, Plant Select, and Localscapes design role. One of the most thorough search tools available for waterwise plants in Utah.
Weber Basin Water Conservancy District — Plant List — A searchable database of over 1,100 plants suited to waterwise landscaping in northern Utah. Filterable by water needs, sun exposure, bloom season, bloom color, plant type, Utah native status, and pollinator value. A valuable local plant search tool.
Red Butte Garden — Living Collections — A searchable database of over 19,000 plant records from Red Butte Garden's living collections in Salt Lake City. Filterable by garden area, habit, exposure, water needs, bloom month, flower color, and flags for Utah native, Plant Select, deer resistant, rabbit resistant, and bee friendly. Results can also be exported to a spreadsheet. One of the most extensive plant databases in Utah.
Utah Pollinator Habitat Program (UDAF) — The official state program offering free plants for planting pollinator-friendly native plants on Utah properties. Includes application information, habitat kit and seed mix details, planting guides, example landscape designs using native plants, and a reading list. Open to individuals, nonprofits, government agencies, and others. Applications accepted March 1–April 15 annually.
Sandy City — Landscape Education — A hub page with links to waterwise landscaping resources including design principles, plant lists, certified landscapers, and demonstration gardens.
Lots of information to take in! Start with one resource that matches where you are in the process — you don't have to explore them all at once!