Deer-resistant plants for the Front Range
Quick answer
341 plants make our list of deer-resistant plants for the Front Range. Examples include alpine mouse-ear, Apache plume, Aromatic aster, bearded iris, and Beardlip penstemon. Each is rated for Colorado Front Range conditions and drawn from the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List and regional extension references.
Trees, shrubs, groundcover, and perennials that deer tend to leave alone, useful where browsing pressure is high along the Front Range foothills. No plant is truly deer-proof.
Plan your garden
Not sure what to plant? The finder matches Front Range trees, shrubs, perennials, and groundcover to your soil, water, sun, and zone.
All 341 plants
alpine mouse-earCerastium alpinum12 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Apache plumeFallugia paradoxa4–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Aromatic asterSymphyotrichum oblongifolium12–24 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
bearded irisIris germanica12–36 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Beardlip penstemonPenstemon barbatus2–4 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Bee Balm/HorsemintMonarda fistulosa24 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Big sagebrushArtemisia tridentata3–8 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Bigelow's TansyasterMachaeranthera bigelovii24–48 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Black-eyed SusanRudbeckia hirta24 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
BlanketflowerGaillardia aristata12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–10
Blue FlaxLinum lewisii18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Blue grama grassBouteloua gracilis8–18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–10
Blue Mist PenstemonPenstemon virens12 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Buffalo grassBouteloua dactyloides4–8 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–10
Bush SunflowerHelianthus pumilus20 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Butterfly MillkweedAsclepias tuberosa18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Chocolate FlowerBerlandiera lyrata18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Cliff fendlerbushFendlera rupicola3–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 5–8
Cliff jamesia / waxflowerJamesia americana3–6 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
CliffrosePurshia mexicana4–8 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Clustered field sedgeCarex praegracilis8–18 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Common juniperJuniperus communis2–4 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7
common or gardenSalvia officinalis24 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Common snowberrySymphoricarpos albus3–5 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Common YarrowAchillea millefolium18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Creeping Oregon grapeMahonia repens10–18 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Curlleaf mountain mahoganyCercocarpus ledifolius10–20 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
dayliliesHemerocallis sp.12–36 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Desert Four O’ClockMirabilis multiflora18 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Douglas-fir, Rocky Mountain Douglas firPseudotsuga menziesii var. glauca40–80 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–6
Dwarf wild indigoAmorpha nana1–2 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
evening primroseOenothera speciosa12–18 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
FernbushChamaebatiaria millefolium4–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Fir, WhiteAbies concolor50–80 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Firecracker PenstemonPenstemon eatonii18–36 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Fourwing saltbushAtriplex canescens3–8 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Fragrant sumacRhus aromatica2–3 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Fringed SageArtemisia frigida12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
GayfeatherLiatris punctata24 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Geyer’s onionAllium geyeri12 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Golden ColumbineAquilegia chrysantha24–36 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Golden FleeceSolidago sphacelata12–18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
HarebellsCampanula rotundifolia12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Hawthorn, River/DouglasCrataegus douglasii20–30 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
heartleaf bergenia,Bergenia cordifolia12 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Howard’s Evening-PrimroseOenothera howardii6 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Juniper, One: SeedJuniperus monosperma10–20 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Juniper, Rocky MountainJuniperus scopulorum15–30 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Jupiter’s beardCentranthus ruber24–30 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 5–8
Kinnikinnick / bearberryArctostaphylos uva-ursi4–8 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7
Lady’s mantleAlchemilla mollis12 inmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
LeadplantAmorpha canescens2–4 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Leadplant / false indigo bushAmorpha fruticosa6–12 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Little Bluestem GrassSchizachyrium scoparium24–36 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Littleleaf mountain mahoganyCercocarpus intricatus3–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Mat penstemonPenstemon caespitosus2–4 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Missouri Evening PrimroseOenothera macrocarpa6–12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Mountain mahoganyCercocarpus montanus6–12 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
New Mexico privetForestiera neomexicana6–12 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
nodding onionAllium cernuum12 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
northern bedstrawGalium boreale12 inmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Oriental poppyPapaver orientale24–36 inhigh waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Pacific WindflowerAnemone multifida8–12 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Pine, 'Vanderwolf's Pyramid'Pinus flexilis25–30 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–7
Pine, Bristlecone(foxtail)Pinus aristata15–30 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–7- Pine, LimberPinus flexilis30–50 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–7
Pine, LodgepolePinus contorta30–50 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Pine, PinyonPinus edulis15–30 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Pine, PonderosaPinus ponderosa60–100 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Pine, Southwestern WhitePinus strobiformis50–70 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
Pineleaf PenstemonPenstemon pinifolius12–18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Pitcher SageSalvia azurea36 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
plains coreopsisCoreopsis tinctoria36 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Poplar (cottonwood), HighlandPopulus x acuminata x sargentii50–70 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Poplar (cottonwood), LanceleafPopulus x acuminata40–60 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Poplar (cottonwood), NarrowleafPopulus angustifolia30–50 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Poplar (cottonwood), Plains 'Jeronimus'Populus deltoides subsp. monilifera50–70 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Poplar (cottonwood), Quaking AspenPopulus tremuloides20–50 ftmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 1–6
poppy mallowCallirhoe involucrata6 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Prairie ConeflowerRatibida columnifera18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–10
Prairie Dropseed GrassSporobolus heterolepis24–30 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Prairie SageArtemisia ludoviciana18 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
prairie smokeGeum triflorum18 inmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Purple Prairie CloverDalea purpurea24 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
red hot pokerKniphofia uvaria36 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 5–9
Regel’s jointfirEphedra regeliana6–12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 5–9
Rigid GoldenrodSolidago rigida36–60 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Rockspirea / mountain sprayHolodiscus dumosus3–5 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Rocky Mountain ColumbineAquilegia coerulea18–36 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Rocky Mountain PenstemonPenstemon strictus30 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
rosy pussytoesAntennaria rosea6 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8Roundleaf buffaloberryShepherdia rotundifolia3–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 5–8
Rubber rabbitbrushEricameria nauseosa3–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Sand sagebrushArtemisia filifolia2–5 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Sandia Coral BellsHeuchera pulchella6–12 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
saxifrageSaxifraga hirsuta6 inhigh waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
sea thriftArmeria maritima6 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Showy FleabaneErigeron speciosus12–24 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Showy MilkweedAsclepias speciosa30 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Shrubby cinquefoilPotentilla fruticosa2–4 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7
Side-bells PenstemonPenstemon secundiflorus20 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Silver buffaloberryShepherdia argentea8–18 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7
silvery lupineLupinus argenteus12–36 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Small soapweed / Great Plains yuccaYucca glauca2–4 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Small-leaf pussytoesAntennaria parvifolia2–5 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Smooth AsterSymphyotrichum laeve24–36 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
Smooth sumacRhus glabra8–15 ftlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Spruce, ColoradoPicea pungens50–75 ftmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7
Spruce, Colorado Blue: BABY BLUE®, Baby Blue Eyes, Bakeri, Fastigiata, Fat Albert, Hoopsi, Colorado Weeping, Sester DwarfPicea pungens glauca15–50 ftmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–7Spruce, Engleman SprucePicea engelmannii40–60 ftmedium to high waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–6
Star Flower/Blazing-StarMentzelia decapetala28 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
Sulfur buckwheatEriogonum umbellatum6–12 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
SwitchgrassPanicum virgatum36–72 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
Three-leaf sumacRhus trilobata4–6 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Utah milkvetchAstragalus utahensis6 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–8
wallflowerErysimum linifolium12–36 inlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
Wax currantRibes cereum3–5 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 2–8
Western snowberrySymphoricarpos occidentalis2–4 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–7
western springClaytonia lanceolata6–18 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
western wallflowerErysimum capitatum12 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 3–9
White-tufted Evening-PrimroseOenothera caespitosa6 inlow to medium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–8
winter creeperEuonymus fortunei36 inmedium waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
WinterfatKrascheninnikovia lanata1–3 ftlow waterColorado nativeUSDA 4–9
'Emerald Sunshine'Ulmus propinqua35–45 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Adam's needle yuccaYucca filamentosa2–4 ftlow waterUSDA 4–10
American highbush cranberryViburnum trilobum6–12 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Angelina sedumSedum 'Angelina'3–6 inlow waterUSDA 3–9
Anise HyssopAgastache foeniculum24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–10
Avalanche White Sun DaisyOsteospermum 'Avalanche'6–8 inlow to medium water
Baldcypress, SHAWNEE BRAVE™Taxodium distichum 'Mickelson'50–75 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 4–10
Basket of goldAurinia saxatilis6–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
Beech, European Beech, 'Riversii', 'Dawyck Purple'Fagus sylvatica40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–7
Bellina Pink CornflowerPsephellus simplicicaulis10–14 inlow waterUSDA 3–8
Bigroot / Cambridge cranesbillGeranium x cantabrigiense6–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Birchleaf spireaSpiraea betulifolia 'Tor'2–3 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Black chokeberryAronia melanocarpa3–6 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Black elderberrySambucus nigra8–12 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Black Locust - 'Purple Robe'Robinia pseudoacacia30–50 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Black WalnutJuglans nigra50–75 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Blue fescueFestuca glauca6–10 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Blue mist spireaCaryopteris x clandonensis2–4 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Blue Star juniperJuniperus squamata 'Blue Star'1–3 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
BLUE VELVET® honeysuckleLonicera korolkowii 'Floribunda'8–12 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Border forsythiaForsythia x intermedia6–10 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Bridal-wreath spireaSpiraea x vanhouttei5–8 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, 'Briotti', 'Fort McNair'Aesculus x carnea30–40 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–7
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Common HorsechestnutAesculus hippocastanum50–75 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–7
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Ohio BuckeyeAesculus glabra20–40 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Texas Buckeye (Western Buckeye)Aesculus glabra var. arguta15–25 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–7
Buckeye/Horsechestnut, Yellow BuckeyeAesculus flava50–75 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–7
Burkwood daphneDaphne x burkwoodii 'Carol Mackie'3–4 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Burning bush / winged euonymusEuonymus alatus5–10 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Butterfly bushBuddleja davidii5–8 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Cape Forget-Me-NotAnchusa capensis12–18 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Carpet bugleAjuga reptans4–8 inmedium waterUSDA 3–9
Cashmere SagePhlomis cashmeriana24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Catalpa, ChineseCatalpa ovata20–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Catalpa, Northern/Western, HEARTLAND®Catalpa speciosa40–60 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
CatmintNepeta x faassenii12–24 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Cedar, Cedar of LebanonCedrus libani40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 6–9
Coffeetree, ESPRESSO®, DECAF®, SKINNY LATTE™, PRAIRIE TITAN™Gymnocladus dioicus50–70 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8- Coffeetree, Kentucky CoffeetreeGymnocladus dioicus60–75 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Common lilacSyringa vulgaris8–15 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Common ninebarkPhysocarpus opulifolius5–10 ftmedium waterUSDA 2–8
Compact Oregon grapeMahonia aquifolium 'Compactum'2–3 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Coral bells / alumrootHeuchera sanguinea8–18 inmedium waterUSDA 4–9CORAL CANYON® twinspurDiascia integerrima 'P009S'12–18 inmedium water
Corktree, Amur corktreePhellodendron amurense30–45 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Cranberry cotoneasterCotoneaster apiculatus12–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–7
Creeping juniperJuniperus horizontalis1–2 ftlow waterUSDA 3–9
Creeping lilyturfLiriope spicata8–12 inmedium waterUSDA 5–10
Creeping phlox / moss phloxPhlox subulata4–6 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Creeping rosemarySalvia rosmarinus6–18 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
Creeping thyme / wild thymeThymus serpyllum1–3 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Crystal River veronicaVeronica 'Crystal River'1–3 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8CRYSTAL RIVER® veronicaVeronica 'Reavis'2–4 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Curly-Leaf Sea KaleCrambe maritima24–30 inlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Cypress, Arizona CypressHesperocyparis arizonica30–50 ftlow waterUSDA 7–10- Cypress, Arizona Cypress 'Blue Ice', CRYSTAL FROST™Hesperocyparis arizonica20–30 ftlow waterUSDA 7–10
Dalmatian DaisyTanacetum cinerariifolium18–24 inlow waterUSDA 3–8
Dawn Redwood, Dawn RedwoodMetasequoia glyptostroboides60–80 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
DOG TUFF™ grassCynodon 'PWIN04S'4–6 inlow water
DREW'S FOLLY Hardy SnapdragonAntirrhinum sempervirens 'P020S'6–10 inlow water
Eastern Arborvitae: Emerald, Techny, Degroots Spire, North PoleThuja occidentalis12–30 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–8
Elm, 'Frontier'Ulmus minor x U. parvifolia40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Elm, 'New Horizon'Ulmus japonica x U. pumila 'New Horizon'40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Elm, 'Prospector'Ulmus davidiana var. japonica40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9- Elm, ACCOLADE® ('Morton')Ulmus davidiana var. japonica50–60 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Elm, all cultivarsUlmus parvifolia40–50 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Elm, American: Valley Forge, New Harmony, PrincetonUlmus americana50–70 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 2–9
Elm, David, GREENSTONE®, CHOICECITY®Ulmus davidiana40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9- Elm, NORTHERN EMPRESS®Ulmus davidiana var. japonica25–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Elm, TRIUMPH® ElmUlmus x 'Morton Glossy'50–60 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
European Pasque FlowerPulsatilla vulgaris8–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
European wild gingerAsarum europaeum4–6 inmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Evergreen candytuftIberis sempervirens8–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
False IndigoBaptisia australis36–48 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Fire Spinner ice plantDelosperma 'Fire Spinner'1–2 inlow waterUSDA 5–10
FIRST LOVE DianthusDianthus 'First Love'10–14 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
FoamflowerTiarella cordifolia6–12 inmedium waterUSDA 3–9
FREEDA Caterpillar GrassHarpochloa falx 'Compact Black'10–14 inlow to medium water
Giant Sequoia, Hazel SmithSequoiadendron giganteum30–60 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 6–8
Ginkgo, Ginkgo/Maidenhair Tree, 'Princeton Sentry', 'Autumn Gold'Ginkgo biloba40–70 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Golden CandlesThermopsis lanceolata24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Golden StorksbillErodium chrysanthum6–10 inlow waterUSDA 5–8
Green GiantThuja standishii x Thuja plicata40–60 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–8
Hackberry, Common Hackberry, PRAIRIE SENTINEL®Celtis occidentalis40–60 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Hawthorn, 'Toba'Crataegus x mordenensis15–20 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Hawthorn, Cockspur var. inermisCrataegus crus-galli20–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–7
Hawthorn, DownyCrataegus mollis25–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Hawthorn, English: Crimson CloudCrataegus laevigata18–25 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Hawthorn, Green: Winter KingCrataegus viridis20–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Hawthorn, RussianCrataegus ambigua15–20 ftlow waterUSDA 4–8
Hawthorn, WashingtonCrataegus phaenopyrum25–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Hazelnut, Turkish Filbert/HazelnutCorylus colurna40–60 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Hens and chicksSempervivum tectorum2–6 inlow waterUSDA 3–8
Honeylocust, Thornless Common: IMPERIAL®, SHADEMASTER®, SKYLINE®Gleditsia triacanthos40–50 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9- Honeylocust, Thornless Common: NORTHERN ACCLAIM®Gleditsia triacanthos30–45 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
- Honeylocust, Thornless Common: SUNBURST®Gleditsia triacanthos30–40 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Hopflower OreganoOriganum libanoticum18–24 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
Hophornbeam, American HophornbeamOstrya virginiana25–40 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Hornbeam, 'Fastigiata'Carpinus betulus35–45 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Hornbeam, American hornbeamCarpinus caroliniana20–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8- Hornbeam, European: Frans FontaineCarpinus betulus30–35 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Indigo Blue DragonheadDracocephalum ruyschiana12–18 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Japanese barberryBerberis thunbergii2–5 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Japanese garden juniperJuniperus procumbens 'Nana'1 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Japanese spireaSpiraea japonica2–4 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Japanese spurgePachysandra terminalis6–10 inmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Juniper, 'Blue Point'Juniperus chinensis8–12 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8- Juniper, Chinese: Spartan, Spearmint, Hetzi ColumnarisJuniperus chinensis15–20 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Juniper, Eastern Red Cedar: Hillspire, Idyllwild, Blue ArrowJuniperus virginiana15–25 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8- Juniper, Eastern Red Cedar: TaylorJuniperus virginiana20–25 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
- Juniper, Rocky Mountain: Medora, Skyrocket, WoodwardJuniperus scopulorum15–25 ftlow waterUSDA 3–8
- Juniper, Rocky Mountain: Welchii, Gray Gleam, Cologreen, Wichita Blue, MoonglowJuniperus scopulorum15–20 ftlow waterUSDA 3–8
Katsura, Katsura TreeCercidiphyllum japonicum40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Kent Beauty ornamental oreganoOriganum 'Kent Beauty'4–8 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Korean Feather Reed GrassCalamagrostis brachytricha30–42 inmedium waterUSDA 4–9LA VETA LACE GeraniumGeranium magniflorum 'P013S'8–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Lamb's earStachys byzantina6–12 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Larch, European LarchLarix decidua40–70 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–6
Lena broomCytisus 'Lena'3–5 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–8
Letitia Flannel PlantVerbascum 'Letitia'8–12 inlow waterUSDA 4–8
Lilac, Japanese: Ivory SilkSyringa reticulata15–25 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
Lilac, Peking: Summer CharmSyringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis15–25 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
Lily of the valleyConvallaria majalis6–12 inmedium waterUSDA 2–7
LITTLE TRUDY CatmintNepeta 'Psfike'8–10 inlow waterUSDA 3–8
Lungwort / Bethlehem sagePulmonaria saccharata8–12 inmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Maackia, Amur MaackiaMaackia amurensis20–30 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
Magnolia, CucumbertreeMagnolia acuminata40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Magnolia, SaucerMagnolia x soulangiana20–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Meadow sage / wood sageSalvia nemorosa12–24 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9- Mesa Verde ice plantDelosperma 'Kelaidis'1–3 inlow waterUSDA 5–10
MONGOLIAN BELLS ClematisClematis integrifolia 'PSHarlan'18–24 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Mongolian SnowflakesClematis hexapetala18–24 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Moon CarrotSeseli gummiferum24–36 inlow waterUSDA 4–8
Moroccan pincushion flowerPterocephalus depressus1–3 inlow waterUSDA 5–9
Mulberry, White Mulberry 'Chaparral'Morus alba8–15 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Narbonne Blue FlaxLinum narbonense12–18 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
OLYMPUS Gold Leaf SageSalvia chrysophylla8–12 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
Orange carpet / hummingbird trumpetZauschneria garrettii3–6 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
Osage Orange 'White Shield'Maclura pomifera30–40 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Pagodatree, Japanese Pagodatree, Millstone™Styphnolobium japonicum40–50 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Palace Purple Coral BellsHeuchera micrantha18–24 inmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Partridge featherTanacetum densum amani4–8 inlow waterUSDA 3–8
PeriwinkleVinca minor3–6 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Pine, Austrian 'Oregan Green'Pinus nigra40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8- Pine, Austrian: Arnolds Sentinel, FrankPinus nigra25–35 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Pine, BosnianPinus heldreichii30–50 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7- Pine, Bosnian: Emerald ArrowPinus heldreichii20–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Pine, Eastern WhitePinus strobus50–80 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Pine, LacebarkPinus bungeana30–50 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 3–7
Pine, Mugo: TannenbaumPinus mugo10–15 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 2–7
Pine, ScotchPinus sylvestris40–60 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–7
Pine, Singleleaf PinyonPinus monophylla15–30 ftlow waterUSDA 3–7
Pine, Swiss Stone PinePinus cembra30–40 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
Pink Cotton Lamb's EarStachys lavandulifolia8–12 inlow waterUSDA 4–8Pink Pele irisIris 'Pink Pele'16–20 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Platinum sageSalvia daghestanica1 ftlow waterUSDA 4–9
PlumbagoCeratostigma plumbaginoides6–10 inlow waterUSDA 5–9
Poplar (cottonwood), EasternPopulus deltoides50–80 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–9- Poplar (cottonwood), PRAIRIE GOLD®Populus tremuloides30–40 ftmedium waterUSDA 1–6
Poplar (cottonwood), Upright European, AspenPopulus tremula 'Erecta'30–40 ftmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Purple ConeflowerEchinacea purpurea24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9- Purple ice plantDelosperma cooperi2–4 inlow waterUSDA 5–10
PURPLE MOUNTAIN Sun DaisyOsteospermum barberae 'P005S'6–10 inlow to medium water
Purple Winter SavorySatureja montana8–12 inlow waterUSDA 5–8
Red FeathersPontechium maculatum12–18 inlow waterUSDA 5–8
Red Jacket gooseberryRibes uva-crispa 'Red Jacket'3–4 ftmedium waterUSDA 2–8
Red yuccaHesperaloe parviflora2–4 ftlow waterUSDA 5–11
Redbud, 'Ruby Falls'Cercis canadensis6–8 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9- Redbud, EasternCercis canadensis20–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
- Redbud, Eastern: Alba, Forest PansyCercis canadensis20–30 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–9
Regal TorchlilyKniphofia caulescens24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Russian sageSalvia yangii2–4 ftlow waterUSDA 4–9
Russian stonecropSedum kamtschaticum4–8 inlow waterUSDA 3–9
SARADA'S Greek Mountain TeaSideritis syriaca 'P023S'8–12 inlow waterUSDA 5–9
Savin juniperJuniperus sabina1–3 ftlow waterUSDA 3–7
Scarlet firethornPyracantha coccinea6–12 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides10–20 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Sea Foam sageArtemisia versicolor 'Sea Foam'1 ftlow waterUSDA 3–9Serbian yarrowAchillea serbica4–6 inlow waterUSDA 3–9
Shangri-La SageSalvia moorcroftiana x indica30–48 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Siberian bugloss / false forget-me-notBrunnera macrophylla12–18 inmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Siberian pea shrubCaragana arborescens10–18 ftlow waterUSDA 2–7
Silver fountain butterfly bushBuddleja alternifolia8–12 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Silver SageSalvia argentea18–30 inlow waterUSDA 4–9
Silver Shield French SorrelRumex scutatus 'Silver Shield'6–10 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Silverheels horehoundMarrubium rotundifolium6–12 inlow waterUSDA 4–8
SKY'S EDGE ScutellariaScutellaria 'Pat Hayward'8–12 inlow waterUSDA 4–8
Smoke bush / smoke treeCotinus coggygria10–15 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 4–8
Snow-in-summerCerastium tomentosum4–8 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7- Snow-in-summer (compact form)Cerastium tomentosum4–6 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–7
SPANISH GOLD® broomCytisus purgans2–4 ftlow waterUSDA 5–8
SPANISH PEAKS FoxgloveDigitalis thapsi12–18 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Spotted dead nettleLamium maculatum6–9 inmedium waterUSDA 3–8
Spruce, Black Hills 'Densata', 'Wiskey Blue Hills'Picea glauca25–40 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–6
Spruce, Norway: CupressinaPicea abies25–30 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 2–7
Spruce, SerbianPicea omorika50–60 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 4–7
STARBURST™ ice plantDelosperma floribundum2–4 inlow waterUSDA 5–10
STEPPESUNS HokubetsiHelichrysum trilineatum 'P021S'10–14 inlow waterUSDA 5–9
Sun rose / rock roseHelianthemum nummularium6–12 inlow waterUSDA 5–8
Sungari redbead cotoneasterCotoneaster racemiflorus var. soongoricus6–10 ftlow waterUSDA 4–7
SUNSET FoxgloveDigitalis obscura 'Sunset'18–24 inlow to medium waterUSDA 4–9
Sunset HyssopAgastache rupestris24–36 inlow waterUSDA 4–10
Sweet woodruffGalium odoratum6–10 inmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Sweetgum, American SweetgumLiquidambar styraciflua50–70 ftmedium waterUSDA 5–9- Table Mountain ice plantDelosperma 'P001S'1–2 inlow waterUSDA 5–10
TIDY Littleleaf peashrubCaragana microphylla 'Tidy'3–4 ftlow waterUSDA 2–7
TowerPopulus x canescens 'Tower'40–50 ftmedium to high waterUSDA 3–8- Turkish veronicaVeronica liwanensis2–4 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Turquoise Tails blue sedumSedum sediforme4–8 inlow waterUSDA 3–9
Two-row stonecropSedum spurium2–6 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–9
Wayfaring tree viburnumViburnum lantana8–12 ftlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8
Wee One Dwarf English LavenderLavandula angustifolia 'Wee One'10–12 inlow waterUSDA 5–9
Whirling ButterfliesGaura lindheimeri24–36 inlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
White poplarPopulus alba40–70 fthigh waterUSDA 3–8
WINTER FIRE® sedumPetrosedum rupestre 'Rice Creek'3–6 inlow waterUSDA 5–8
Woolly veronicaVeronica pectinata1–3 inlow to medium waterUSDA 3–8Yellow clematisClematis tibetana72–144 inlow to medium waterUSDA 5–9
Yellowwood, American YellowwoodCladrastis kentukea30–50 ftmedium waterUSDA 4–8
Frequently asked questions
- Which of these are Colorado native?
- 123 of the 341 plants are Colorado natives, including alpine mouse-ear, Apache plume, Aromatic aster, and bearded iris.
- How much water do these plants need?
- 241 of the 341 are rated low or low-to-medium water; the rest need moderate water. Each plant's page lists its water rating.
- How were these plants selected?
- Each of the 341 plants meets this page's criteria and is cross-referenced against the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List, CSU Extension, Denver Botanic Gardens, and USDA PLANTS. This is a reference guide, not a paid listing.
Related guides
- Low-water trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Colorado native trees for the Front Range
- Best shade trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Small trees for Front Range yards
- Low-water shrubs for the Colorado Front Range
- Colorado native shrubs for the Front Range
- Privacy and hedge shrubs for Colorado
- Front Range plants that are toxic to dogs
- Trees to avoid on the Colorado Front Range
- Xeric groundcover for the Colorado Front Range
- Lawn-alternative groundcovers for the Front Range
- Groundcovers for under trees on the Front Range
- Steppable groundcovers for between pavers on the Front Range
- Pollinator perennials for the Front Range
- Colorado native perennials for the Front Range
- Fast-growing shade trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Fast-growing screening shrubs for the Colorado Front Range
- Best fall color trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Best pollinator trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Evergreen trees for the Colorado Front Range
- Salt-tolerant trees and shrubs for the Front Range
- Hail-tolerant trees and shrubs for the Front Range