drought tolerant trees for zone 9

Sycamore – Both California and Western sycamores are hardy in zones 7 through 10. They are fast growing and branch out nicely, making them good drought tolerant shade trees.

Cypress – Leyland, Italian, and Murray cypress trees all perform well in zone 9. While each variety has its own characteristics, as a rule these trees are tall and narrow and make very good privacy screens when planted in a row.

Ginkgo – A tree with interestingly shaped leaves that turn brilliant gold in the autumn, gingko trees can tolerate climates as warm as zone 9 and require very little maintenance.

Crape Myrtle – Crape myrtles are very popular hot weather ornamental trees. They will produce brilliantly colored flowers all through the summer. Some popular varieties that thrive in zone 9 are Muskogee, Sioux, Pink Velour, and Enduring Summer. Windmill Palm – An easy to grow, low maintenance palm tree that will tolerate temperatures that dip below freezing, it will reach 20 to 30 feet in height when mature (6-9 m.).

Holly – Holly is a very popular tree that is usually evergreen and often produces berries for added winter interest. Some varieties that do especially well in zone 9 include American and Nelly Stevens. Ponytail Palm – Hardy in zones 9 through 11, this very low maintenance plant has a thick trunk and attractive, thin fronds.

White Willow (Salix alba, Salgueiro Branco)

Olive tree/Wild Olive Tree

Hazel (Corylus, Aveleira)

Ash tree (Fraxinus- Angustifolia, Freixo-nacional) Pioneer nitrogen fixer

Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa, Amieiro)

Strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo, medronheiro)

Cork oak tree (Quercus suber/ Sobreiro)