A Guide to Utah Native Plants and Their Use in the Landscape

As a landscape architecture student, I am interested in the use of plant materials; they are a fundamental part of my design palette. However, I am concerned with the quantity of water used for irrigation of mostly non-native plant materials in built landscapes of the arid west. An estimated 60-65% of water consumed in Utah from May September is used to irrigate landscapes. Landscape architects must do their part in dealing with the impending water crisis by modifying current practices. An important first step is to use and encourage others to use more drought tolerant native plants. The purpose of this project is to educate and inform professionals, students, and the public about Utah \u27s native plant materials, highlight their water conserving attributes, and demonstrate how these plants can be used within the landscape context