Les’s Notes

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Salt Tolerant Plants

( denotes plants that are especially salt tolerant)

(∆ denotes plants that are especially tolerant of occasional salt flooding)

(◊ denotes plants that tolerate wet conditions and/or occasional brackish flooding)

Trees

Celtis occidentalis – Common Hackberry ∆

native
not the prettiest tree, but has an interesting habit and is very tolerant of poor soil, drought, occasional floods, wind, and urban conditions
beneficial to native wildlife
40-60’ tall and wide, older with age, fast

Diospyros virginiana – Common Persimmon ∆

native
known for its attractive, edible fruit
moderately slow to 35-60’ tall by 20-35’ wide
can get good fall color
tolerates sandy soil, tidal flooding, wind, and beachfront conditions

Ginkgo biloba – Ginkgo or Maidenhair Tree

living fossil
great fall color
male vs. female
50-80’ tall by 30-40’ wide, variable
long lived, tolerant of wind, salt, occasional flooding, and nuclear warfare

Gleditsia triacanthos – Thornless Common Honeylocust

native
grows quickly to 30-70’ tall with equal width, open spreading crown, light enough to grow grass under
drought and very salt tolerant, beachfront and occasional tidal flooding

Juniperus virginiana – Eastern Redcedar ∆

native, evergreen blue-green foliage
strong wood
females have attractive blue fruit
slowly to 40-50’ tall by 8-20’
long-lived, tolerant of drought, marsh, sand, salt, tidal flooding, and beachfront conditions

Magnolia grandiflora – Southern Magnolia

native, evergreen
beautiful fragrant white flowers in late spring to early summer
one of my favorite trees in other people’s gardens, messy
60-80’ tall by 30-50’ wide, slow to medium
tolerant of wind, occasional salt flooding, full sun to partial shade, long-lived

Magnolia virginiana – Sweetbay Magnolia ◊

native, deciduous to evergreen depending on variety
creamy white fragrant flowers in late spring
not as messy as So. Magnolia
moderately fast, variable size 20-60 tall
will grow in sun to a fair amount of shade, tolerant of brackish flooding

Hardy Palms

Rhapidophyllum hystrix – Needle Palm
Sabal minor – Dwarf Palmetto
Trachycarpus fortunei – Windmill Palm

Pinus taeda – Loblolly Pine

native, evergreen
60-90’ tall, fast
tolerant of occasional tidal flooding and salt spray, poor and sandy soils

Pinus thungbergii – Japanese Black Pine

dark green foliage on artistically arranged branches, no two grow alike
20-40’ tall and wide, though variable and can get bigger
prefers coastal conditions, tolerant of sandy soil, salt spray, and beachfront conditions

Quercus phellos – Willow Oak

native
small willow-like leaves, variable fall color
40-60’ tall by 30-40’ wide, but larger with considerable age
tolerant of many conditions including salt, near-beachfront, and occasional flooding

Quercus virginiana – Live Oak ∆

native, evergreen but drops leaves in spring
distinctive horizontal branching
slow to 40-80’ tall by 60-100’ wide, rarely reaches full size in SE Virginia
tolerant of sandy soil, occasional tidal flooding, beachfront conditions, and salt spray

Robinia pseudoacacia – Black Locust

native
very fragrant, wisteria-like, white flowers in mid-spring
grows quickly to 30-50’ tall by 20-35’ wide
tolerant of salt, sandy soil, and occasional flooding

Taxodium distichum – Bald Cypress ◊

native
50-70’ tall by 20-30’ wide
bright green needled growth goes russet in fall
extremely tolerant of flooding soils, brackish water, also normal soil, extremely wind tolerant
cypress knees

Vitex agnus-castus – Vitex, Chaste Tree

small tree or large shrub depending on how it is treated
blue flowers in early summer, deadhead for fall bloom
bees love it
interesting history
grows moderately fast to 15 tall and wide, or more
very drought tolerant, will grow in sand, tolerates beachfront conditions
NEVER plant Vitex rotundifolia (Beach Vitex), very invasive

Shrubs

Aronia melanocarpa – Black Chokeberry ◊

native
white flowers in spring, near-black fruit in fall attracts birds, great fall foliage
3-6’ tall and wide, dwarf selections available
tolerant of salt, drought, and wet

Baccharis halimifolia – Saltbush, Groundsel Shrub ∆ ◊

native
fleecy white clouds of flowers in late summer
5-12’ tall and wide, moderate
tolerant of regular salt flooding, and marshy soils, will also grow in other poor soils

Clethra alnifolia – Clethra, Summersweet, Sweet Pepperbush ◊

native
fragrant white flowers in early summer, pink available too, attractive to native pollinators
nice yellow fall color
4-8’ tall, can spread wider, makes colonies
prefers partial shade, in moist to occasionally wet soils, salt tolerant, can grow by marsh edge

Cupressus sempervirens – Italian Blue Cypress

blue green foliage, evergreen
grows 20-30 tall by 2-3’ wide, should be staked when young
very drought tolerant, can take beachfront conditions

Eleagnus x ebbingei – Silverberry Eleagnus

evergreen
silver foliage
fragrant ivory flowers in late fall, olive to red fruit, birds like
grows quickly 8-10’ tall and wide
very drought, salt and sand tolerant, does well in beachfront conditions
other species also do well in coastal conditions but there is potential invasiveness from this genus

Euonymus fortunei – Wintercreeper Euonymus

evergreen, usually variegated with several combinations, different winter color
grow quickly to 4-12” tall depending on variety by several feet wide, will climb if given the opportunity
will grow in sun or shade, tolerant of dry soils and sand, salt tolerant, does not like swampy soil

Euonymus japonicus – Japanese Euonymus

evergreen, usually variegated
grows moderately fast to 6 tall and wide, depending of variety, dwarfs available
will grow in sun to shade, adaptable to soils, salt, and oceanfront tolerant
scale insects can be an issue

Hydrangea macrophylla – Bigleaf Hydrangea

beautiful flowers in late spring to early summer, flower color pH dependent
grows moderately fast to 4-6’ tall and wide depending on variety
prefers partial shade, thrives in coastal atmospheres, not drought tolerant

Ilex glabra – Inkberry Holly ◊

native, evergreen
dark green foliage, black berries
tolerant of wet soils, flooding, salt, full sun to fair shade

Ilex vomitoria – Yaupon Holly ∆ ◊

native, evergreen
females have red berries
grows moderately to 15-20’ tall by 10’ wide, dwarf and weeping forms common
very adaptable, sun to mod. shade, tolerant of wet or dry, salt spray, and occasional flooding

Juniperus species – Juniper

evergreen, different foliage colors
growth habit is size depends on species and cultivars
tolerant of dry soil, sand, salt spray

Ligustrum lucidum, L. japonicum – Waxleaf Ligustrum, Japanese Privet

evergreen
white flowers in early summer, fragrant?
grows quickly to 10-20 tall by less wide depending on species
full sun to shade, adaptable, tolerant of salt spray, occasional flooding, once established drought tolerant, can take heavy pruning, potential invasiveness, never plant sinense (Chinese Privet)

Morella cerifera – Wax Myrtle ∆ ◊

native, evergreen (except in severe winters)
females have gray fruit some birds like
grows moderately to 10-15’ tall and wide, can be kept shorter with pruning or limbed up to make a small tree
full sun to part shade, tolerant of oceanfront conditions, standing water either fresh of brackish

Nerium oleander – Oleander

evergreen, but suffers badly in severe winters
beautiful flowers in summer, several colors
in SE Va. only reaches 6-8 tall, larger further south
very drought tolerant, salt tolerant, heat tolerant, and does well in beachfront conditions
very poisonous

Opuntia – Prickly Pear Cactus

native (believe it or not)
large evergreen pads, yellow flowers, burgundy red fruits, edible, thorny
extremely tolerant of salt and drought

Pittosporum tobira – Japanese Pittosporum, Mockorange

evergreen, some variegated
very fragrant white flowers in spring
grows slowly to 6-8 tall, rarely reaches full size in SE Va., dwarf forms available
very heat, drought, salt and beachfront tolerant, not tolerant of severe winters, best left for Norfolk and Beach or in a sheltered, yet sunny location

Pyracantha koidzumi and P. coccinea – Pyracantha

evergreen, white flowers in spring, red to orange berries in fall
moderately fast 6-18’ tall and wide depending on variety, shrub with a vine-like habit
tolerant of dry soil, occasional flooding

Raphiolepis indica – Indian Hawthorn

evergreen, white to pink flowers in spring, black fall fruit
most varieties grow mod. slow to 3-4’ tall and wide, larger sizes available
full to part sun, very drought, heat and salt tolerant, can take beachfront conditions, disease issues

Rosa rugosa

flowers in late spring through summer, usually hot pink but white and other colors available, attractive rose hips
very tolerant of salt, sand, heat, and beachfront conditions

Tamarix ramosissima – Tamarix, Saltcedar ∆

unusual pink feathery flowers in spring
blue green foliage
very tolerant of salt, sand, and beachfront conditions
invasive in some states

Yucca species

native evergreen
tall white flower stalks in early summer
very drought, salt, sand, and heat tolerant, beachfront

Vines

Campsis radicans – Trumpet Vine ∆ ◊

native
trumpet shaped orange-red flowers in summer
vigorous and rampant, 30-40’ tall or more
can take occasional flooding and beachfront conditions, late to leaf out, loves heat

Gelsemium sempervirens – Carolina Jessamine ◊

native
bright yellow, very fragrant in late March
evergreen twining vine to 10-20’ tall, vigorous
full sun to pt. shade, can take occasional flooding, beachfront conditions, does not like to get too dry

Lonicera sempervirens – Coral or Trumpet Honeysuckle

native
orange red to red flowers have a yellow to orange throat, trumpet shaped and attracts humming birds
reddish purple new foliage, deciduous in cold winters, semi-evergreen in mild ones
grows quickly to 10-20’ tall
full sun to shade, more flowers in sun, tolerant of heat and humidity, occasional flooding

Parthenocissus quinquefolia – Virginia Creeper

native
new leaves are bronzy green, great fall color purple to red
extremely vigorous, tolerant of beachfront conditions, sand, salt flooding, tough!

Passiflora incarnata – Purple Passion Vine

very showy blue flowers in late spring through summer
vigoruous, grows quickly to 30’ tall
full sun to pt. shade, tolerant of beachfront conditions, and occasional flooding

Grasses

Cortaderia selloana – Pampas Grass

large white plumes in late summer
light green foliage
can grow to 8’ tall and wide, or more, dwarf forms available
tolerant of beachfront conditions, sand, and drought

Leymus arenarius – Dune Grass, Lyme Grass

steely blue foliage
3-4’ tall and wide
tolerant of sun to pt. shade, occasional flooding, drought, very salt tolerant
can be invasive

Miscanthus species – Maiden Grass

graceful thin foliage (some variegated) and attractive flowers in late summer
several varieties and sizes available
tolerant of oceanfront conditions sand and drought, but responds well to good care
potential invasiveness

Panicum virgatum – Switch Grass

native
attractive foliage in several colors, nice plumes
3-6’ tall
tolerant of beachfront, sand, full sun, drought, and occasional flood

Spartina patens – Saltmeadow Cordgrass ∆

native
bright green foliage in summer, goes golden in fall
requires regular tidal flooding to thrive, exceptionally salt tolerant
alterniflora – Saltmarsh Cordgrass, taller

Perennials

Agapanthus africanus – Lily of the Nile

bold strap-like foliage
to dark blue, white flowers in summer
very tolerant of drought, heat, salt and occasional flooding, not for reg. wet areas

Canna ◊

bold tropical foliage comes in many colors and variations
big colorful flowers
need consistent moisture

Delosperma cooperii – Ice Plant

fleshy succulent foliage
bright purple flowers most of the spring summer and into fall
very drought tolerant

Dianthus gratianopolitanus – Cheddar Pink

low grower with attractive silvery blue foliage
magenta, pink, white, to red flowers in late spring, sporadic into summer
very heat, drought, salt and sand tolerant, needs good drainage

Echinacea purpurea – Purple Coneflowers

native
pink flowers in late spring through summer, unusual cones, good food source for birds
tolerant of occasional flooding

Eryngium aquaticum – Marsh Rattlesnake Master ◊

southeastern native
blue sea-holly-like flowers summer into fall, attractive foliage
3-4 tall by half as wide
likes wet feet, including brackish water

Gaillardia – Blanketflower

native
colorful summer flowers, oranges red and yellow
very tolerant of drought, salt, sand and beachfront conditions, occasional flooding
not tolerant of poor drainage or too much water

Hemerocallis – Daylily

multiple colors available, easy to grow
tolerant of beachfront conditions, but respond well to good moisture and care, tolerant of occasional flooding

Hibiscus moscheutos – Common Rose Mallow ◊

native
large pink, red to white blooms in late summer
tolerant of salt, occasional flooding, and moist to wet soils
late to emerge in spring

Kosteletzkya virginica – Seashore Mallow ∆ ◊

native
large pink to white flowers in summer
tolerant of standing brackish water, salt, and flooding

Lavendula stoechas – Spanish or French Lavender

evergreen foliage is a silvery blue-green, very fragrant
pale purple flowers in late spring
tolerant of heat, sand and beachfront conditions, not tolerant of poor drainage, heavy mulch, or very rich soil

Leucanthemum – Becky Daisy

easy to grow with show white flowers with yellow centers
tolerant of heat, sand, and beachfront conditions, not tolerant of poor drainage

Limonium carolinianum – Carolina Sea Lavender

native
wispy blue/purple flowers in summer
tolerant of beachfront conditions or marshy soil, very salt tolerant

Nepeta – Catmint

aromatic silver green foliage
flower color can be blue, lavender, white to rose
drought tolerant, attracts bees, butterflies, hummingbirds – deer resistant

Perovskia atriplicifolia – Russian Sage

handsome silver foliage and blue flowers
tolerant of sand, beachfront conditions, and drought

Rosmarinus officinalis – Rosemary

aromatic edible foliage, blue flowers in winter
tolerant of beachfront conditions, sand, heat, and drought, not tolerant of poor drainage, and overly rich soil

Rudbeckia fulgida – Blackeyed Susan

native
black and gold flowers in summer
tolerant of beachfront conditions, heat, sand, and drought

Santolina chamaecyparissus – Santolina, Lavender Cotton

very aromatic foliage can be green or silver, yellow flowers
very tolerant of heat, drought, sand, salt, and beachfront conditions

Sedum x ‘Autumn Joy’

fleshy, silvery green foliage, pink flowers in late summer, good winter interest
tolerant of beachfront conditions, drought, sand, and salt
many other sedums would fit the bill as well

Sempervivum – Hens and Chicks

unusual fleshy foliage, occasional flowers are bizarre
tolerant of beachfront conditions, sand, salt, heat and drought, do not overwater or put in really rich soil

Solidago sempervirens – Seaside Goldenrod ∆

native
golden yellow flowers late in summer to early fall
tolerant of beachfront conditions, heat, drought, sand, and occasional flooding
canadensis is also very good

Stachys byzantina – Lamb’s Ear

grown primarily for silvery foliage that is nice to touch
tolerant of beachfront conditions and sand, not tolerant of poor drainage, and overly rich soil

Symphyotrichum species – Aster

Native
several species, colorful flowers, usually in late summer or early fall
tolerant of occasional flooding

Tradescantia pallida – Purple Heart

grown primarily for its fleshy purple foliage
small pink flowers
tolerant of drought, heat, and beachfront conditions

Tulbaghia violacea – Society Garlic

violet pink flowers in late summer
attractive foliage, unpleasant aroma
tolerant of heat, drought, and beachfront conditions

Annuals

Begonia x semperflorens-cultorum – Wax Begonias

fleshy bronze (sun) or green foliage (shade), white, pink or red flowers

Coreopsis – Coreopsis, Tickseed

self-seeding annuals, or short lived perennials
yellow flowers most of the summer

Cosmos bipinnatus – Cosmos

tall pink, white, purple flowers in summer to fall

Gazania – South African Daisy

multiple colors, oranges, yellows and whites
very heat, drought and sand tolerant

Lantana

many color combinations
heat, drought, sand and beachfront tolerant
discuss Miss Huff

Portulaca – Purslane, Moss Rose

low groundcover in multiple colors, fleshy foliage
very heat, drought, sand and salt tolerant

Senecio cineraria – Dusty Miller

grown primarily for its silver foliage
heat, drought, sand and tolerant of beachfront conditions
sometimes perennial