Soil pH Soil Category
<3.0 Severely acidic
3.01 – 4.0 Strongly acidic
4.01 – 5.5 Moderately acidic
5.51 to 6.8 Slightly acidic (optimum for many plants)
6.81 – 7.2 Near neutral (optimum for many plants)
7.21 – 7.5 Slightly alkaline (optimum for many plants)
7.51 – 8.5 Moderately alkaline
8.5 Strongly alkaline
Shade Tolerance Class Percentage of Full Sunlight Needed During
Growing Season
Very intolerant >50%
Intolerant 25 – 50%
Moderately tolerant 10 – 25%
Tolerant 5 – 10%
Very tolerant 2 – 5%
Drought tolerance level Explanation
Low drought tolerance The plant needs moist soil to thrive and/or
survive.
Moderate drought tolerance The plant generally needs moist soils, but can
survive short periods without water.
Drought tolerant The plant does not need additional water once
it is established.
Flood Tolerance Length of Flood Conditions during growing
season
Very intolerant A few days.
Intolerant 1 – 2 weeks.
Moderately tolerant 30 consecutive days.
Tolerant One full growing season.