Clients want low-water, climate-appropriate plants, and you need a starting list fast for a design or proposal. Short answer: use Claude (drafts plant lists from your site conditions for you to check locally). Free option: PlantNet. The workflow has 6 steps and 1 copy-paste prompt(s); expect expect a grouped list of 15-30 plants with sizes and water notes. Some suggestions may be wrong for your exact microclimate or unavailable locally. Main caution: AI plant lists can contain errors (wrong sizes, invasive species, poor fit for microclimate). Verify with local experts and sources.
The problem
Clients want low-water, climate-appropriate plants, and you need a starting list fast for a design or proposal.
Recommended tools
ClaudeDrafts plant lists from your site conditions for you to check locally.
Free; Pro $20/mo ($17/mo annual); Max from $100/mo
PlantNet
PictureThisPlant ID plus disease diagnosis; Pro is a low yearly fee.
Free download; Pro ~$39.99/yr (US App Store; varies)Editorial opinion based on the vendor capabilities and prices listed in our tools directory. Not paid placements; prices as checked Oct 2026 and may change. Compare all use cases →
All tools mentioned
Step-by-step workflow
- Note the site conditions: sun, shade, soil, slope, deer pressure, irrigation available, and style the client likes.
- Use the prompt below to generate a draft palette by layer (trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, groundcovers).
- Use a plant ID app on existing plants on site to know what is already thriving.
- Cross-check each suggestion with trusted local sources (e.g., UC Master Gardeners, local nurseries, your water agency's plant lists) and nursery availability.
- Trim the list to what you can actually source and maintain.
- To identify an existing plant first, LawnSite members mention PictureThis, PlantNet and Google's app; confirm IDs before recommending removal.
Copy-paste prompts
I am a landscaper in Sonoma County, California. Suggest a drought-tolerant plant palette for a [front yard/backyard] with [full sun / part shade], [clay/loam/sandy] soil, [deer present?], style: [modern/natural/cottage]. Group by trees, shrubs, perennials, grasses, groundcovers. Prefer California natives and Mediterranean-climate plants. For each, give mature size and water needs, and flag anything I should double-check locally.
What to expect
Expect a grouped list of 15-30 plants with sizes and water notes. Some suggestions may be wrong for your exact microclimate or unavailable locally.
Limits & safety
- AI plant lists can contain errors (wrong sizes, invasive species, poor fit for microclimate). Verify with local experts and sources.
- Check for invasive species and fire-safe/defensible-space guidance where relevant.
- Confirm availability with your nurseries before promising plants to clients.
Source / inspired by
- Anyone Using AI for Lawn Care? (LawnSite forum) — LawnSite members, 2025. Members describe plant ID apps. Summarized in our own words.