Evaluation of Suspected Drought Tolerant Species in Oklahoma, Poster Board #231

The ornamental industry in Oklahoma is continually searching for unique species for introduction as a way to sustain and expand the specialty market.  An emerging niche is introduction of drought tolerant herbaceous taxa.  The objective of this research is to provide the Oklahoma ornamental industry with needed information on drought tolerant species selections.  Three pots of 10 seeds from 53 different genera including over 150 species were planted at the Oklahoma State University research greenhouses, of which 77 species from 34 different genera had at least one seed germinate per pot.  On 10 May 2011, seedlings were planted in research row plots at the Oklahoma State University research station in Perkins.  Plants were watered weekly with drip irrigation for establishment.  Oklahoma experienced record setting hot temperatures during the summer of 2011.  Species that survived the summer included Amsonia eastwoodiana, Amsonia ellipica, Amsonia hubrichtii, Amsonia tomentosa, Anthyllis vulneraria, Asclepias eriocarpa, Asclepias hallii, Asclepias latifolia, Baptisia australis, Baptisia bracteata, Baptisia lacteal, Calliandra eriophylla, Dalea bicolor, Dalea formosa, Dalea ornate, Dalea pulchra, Dalea purpurea, Dalea villosa, Enceliopsis argophylla, Enceliopsis covillei, Erysimum sp., Euphorbia baselucis, Lavendula angustifolia, Leucophyllum frutescens, Leucophyllum minus, Penstemon rostiflorus, Penstemon cyanasthus, Penstemon pinifolius, Poliomintha incana, Salvia dorrii, Salvia pachyphylla, Thermpsis rhombifolia, and Trifolium rubens.  The only species to flower and survive the first summer from seed was Dalea bicolor.  Plants will be evaluated for winter hardiness during Spring 2012.