Texas AgriLife Extension City of Austin Adapted Native and Landscape Plants an earthwise guidefor CentralTexas ®

Nativeand Adapted Landscape Plants an earthwise guide for Central Texas

This guide was developed to help you in your efforts to protect and preserve our water resources. Index Key

Trees ...... 3 Native to: Water: E - Edwards Plateau: Shallow lime- Refers to the plant’s water needs after they Small Trees / Large Shrubs ...... 6 stone or caliche soil (generally on are established. All plants require more water the west side of Austin) when first planted Shrubs ...... 12 B - Blackland Prairie: Deeper, dark clay soils (generally on the central VL - Very Low (Water occasion- and east side of Austin) ally during very dry conditions) Perennials ...... 22 B/E - Native to both Blackland Prairie L - Low (Water thoroughly every and Edwards Plateau 3-4 weeks if no rainfall) Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols .... 36 T - Texas (outside of the immediate M - Medium (Water thoroughly Austin area) every 2-3 weeks if no rainfall) Ornamental Grasses ...... 38 X - Hybrid plant with native H - High (Water thoroughly Texas parentage every 5-7 days if no rainfall) Vines ...... 40 For additional native plant information, visit the Wildlife: plant section of the Lady Bird Johnson Wild- Groundcovers ...... 42 flower Center’s website atwww.wildflower.org  Texas native plants provide greater Raingardens ...... 47 wildlife value than hybrid, non- Utility Approved Trees: native and/or exotic plants. - Appropriate for use near overhead Flowers, leaves, nuts, seeds and Bulbs / Water Plants ...... 48 and underground utilities berries provide food for wildlife including butterflies, insects, birds Turf ...... 49 Evergreen or Deciduous: and/or mammals E - Evergreen Deer Resistant: Invasives ...... 50 SE - Semi-Evergreen When very hungry, deer will eat D - Deciduous almost any plant; the following are guidelines: Availability: Somewhat deer resistant Most plants on the list are readily available 

D - may be difficult to find  + Usually deer resistant Key Intro

Gardening, “Austin-style”… Our native landscape is the inspiration for this guide to earthwise plant choices for Austin area gardens. The Grow Green plant list was created to help you select beautiful native and adapted plants which are naturally drought tolerant and resistant to pests and diseases. The less watering, fertilizing, and chemical control required in your yard, the more you contribute to the conservation and preservation of our precious water resources - our streams, lakes, and aquifers.

Native plants belong here; they thrive with minimal care and provide habitat for local wildlife. We have chosen plants you should be able to find without too much trouble. Some non-natives are also recom- mended, for special situations, like shady areas, poorly drained soils or for their deer resistance. Many plants were included simply for their great beauty.

Some people move to Austin and try to surround themselves with plants they are familiar with from their past homes. These plants are often poorly suited to our climate and soils. By choosing native and adapted plants, you become more knowledgeable about, more aware of, and more connected to the land of Central Texas. Incorporate them into your landscape for a garden style with a sense of place. We hope you enjoy using this guide to recreate Austin’s natural beauty in your own back yard. Trees

Texas Ash Eastern Red Cedar Arizona Cypress Bald Cypress

Bigtooth Maple

Montezuma Cypress Cedar Elm

Honey Mesquite Bur Oak Chinquapin Oak 3 Trees

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

General Maintenance Comments: eliminate crossing branches; shape a young tree in the first three years after planting to produce an attractive, mature specimen; Trees avoid planting trees with fruit and flowers near walks, pools and porches because they can be messy (see Grow Green Installation and Maintenance fact sheet for more information) Did You Know? Trees receive protection within the city limits of Austin once they reach 19” in diameter on single family home lots, and 8” in diameter on multi-family and commercial properties. For more information visit www.cityofaustin.org/trees or call 974-1876. Yellow- Fast growing; only Ash appropriate for Austin Ash, Texas E 40-50’ 40-50’ Sun D Fall bronze VL D Prune for shape or to area; needs good drainage; relatively long life; Fraxinus texensis foliage raise canopy  provides nesting and cover; birds eat flowers and fruit Columnar Prefers deeper soils; good screen plant; Cedar, Eastern Red B 30-50’ 15-25’ Sun E Fall/ or spread- L D No maintenance required Ashe Juniper (mistakenly called Cedar) is an Juniperus virginiana Winter ing shape   excellent native alternative for shallow soils Blue- Well suited to limestone soils; attractive, peeling Cypress, Arizona T 25-50’ 15-25’ Sun E silver VL Prune for shape only red bark; some disease problems; requires Cupressus arizonica foliage   good drainage Requires deep, moist soil conditions and mois- Cypress, Bald + Sun/part Copper Taxodium distichum B/E 60-100’ 25-50’ shade D Fall foliage L Pruning not necessary ture; foliage dries up in dry, hot location; use   western seed source only Similar to Bald Cypress but faster growth and Cypress, Montezuma + Sun/part Bronze Taxodium mucronatum T 60-100’ 25-50’ shade D Fall foliage L Pruning not necessary more adapted to dry, stressful conditions; may   freeze in severe winters Upright form; adapted to rocky soils; can with- Elm, Cedar B/E 25-50’ 25-35’ Sun/part D Fall Gold VL Prune for shape or to stand heavy, poorly drained clay soils and soils Ulmus crassifolia shade foliage raise canopy  that are moderately compacted; susceptible to powdery mildew Creamy 2-3” long blooms; bright green foliage and weep- Honey Mesquite B/E 25-30’ 25-30’ Sun D March- white VL D Prune for shape or to ing shape; very slow growing; thorns; excellent Prosopis glandulosa Sept. flower raise canopy   nectar source; aggressive spreader Red and Maple, Bigtooth E 20-50’ 20-30’ Sun/part D Fall gold VL D Prune for shape or to Best maple for alkaline soils; outstanding Acer grandidentatum shade foliage raise canopy  fall color Large, majestic, very adaptable; needs lots of Oak, Bur B/E 50-70’ 50’+ Sun D Spring Large VL Prune for shape or to space and deep soil; moderate growth rate; Quercus macrocarpa acorns raise canopy  susceptible to powdery mildew Yellow Stately form; good for deeper soils; requires Oak, Chinquapin B/E 50-70’ 30-40’ Sun D Fall and rust L Prune for shape or to additional water until established; moderate Quercus muhlenbergii foliage raise canopy  growth rate Urban Forestry/Tree Preservation - www.cityofaustin.org/trees 4 Texas Red Oak* Trees

Lacey Oak Southern Live Oak*

Mexican White Oak Texas Palmetto Pecan Small Trees/ Large Shrubs Small Trees/ Mexican Sycamore Anacacho Orchid Mexican Buckeye Red Buckeye 5 Trees

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

General Maintenance Comments: eliminate crossing branches; shape a young tree in the first three years after planting to produce an attractive, mature specimen; Trees avoid planting trees with fruit and flowers near walks, pools and porches because they can be messy (see Grow Green Installation and Maintenance fact sheet for more information) Did You Know? Trees receive protection within the city limits of Austin once they reach 19” in diameter on single family home lots, and 8” in diameter on multi-family and commercial properties. For more information visit www.cityofaustin.org/trees or call 974-1876. Bluish Oak, Lacey E 20-30’ 25’ Sun D green VL Prune for shape or to Ideal for small urban yards; slow growth; toler- Quercus laceyi foliage raise canopy if desired  ates shallow, limestone soil; resistant to oak wilt Oak, Live (Southern) Prune only during hot- Quercus virginiana test and coldest months; Oak wilt susceptible; likes large open spaces; *Oak, Escarpment Live B/E 30-50’ 50’+ Sun E paint any pruning briefly drops leaves in spring; if planting in Quercus fusiformis wounds immediately to  shallow soil, use Escarpment Live Oak which is help prevent oak wilt more drought tolerant Oak, Mexican White Prune for shape or to Medium size leaves, handsome tree; Quercus polymorpha T 30-40’ 30-40’ Sun SE VL raise canopy prefers deep soil; sheds some leaves in spring  when new leaves emerge Oak, Texas Red 15-30’ 15-30’ Bright red/ Paint any pruning Well adapted to rocky soils; susceptible to oak Quercus texana E Sun D Fall orange fall L wounds immediately to wilt; use western seed source for red oaks; * Oak, Shumard 30-50’ 30-50’ foliage help prevent oak wilt  Shumard Oak is an alternative, but only for deep Quercus shumardii well drained soil Small Trees/Large Shrubs Palmetto, Texas Palm Texas Sabal Sun/part Small Prune in summer remov- Food for migratory birds; tolerates moist, wet Sabal texana or T 45’ 15’ shade E Spring white L ing only dead fronds;  locations and occasional flooding Sabal mexicana flowers heavy feeders Tall impressive tree; nut producing; for good, Pecan B 60-75’ 60-75’ Sun D L Prune for shape or to deep soils only; susceptible to Carya illinoinensis raise canopy  disease and insects Avoid shallow soils; native to creek bottoms so requires some moisture; fast growing; resistant Sycamore, Mexican 60’ 40’ Sun/part D Fall Yellow, M Prune for shape or to Platanus mexicana shade orange raise canopy  + to bacterial leaf scorch and drought conditions, rapid growth rate, may not be cold tolerant Small Trees /Large Shrubs

Anacacho Orchid Tree T 6-12’ 6-12’ Sun/part D Spring White or L Prune for shape or to Prefers well drained soil; flowers attract Bauhinia lunariodes shade pale pink raise canopy  + butterflies and bees Without pruning, forms Buckeye, Mexican E 12-20’ 12-20’ Sun/part D Early Pink L D large multi-stemmed Multi-trunk; shrubby; does well as Ungnadia speciosa shade spring flowers shrub   understory tree Funnel-shaped flowers; leaves drop early at end Buckeye, Red B/E 10-15’ 10-15’ Part shade D Spring Red M Prune for shape only of summer but very attractive in spring; Aesculus pavia flowers   attracts hummingbirds 6 * Similar plant; provides good alternative Carolina Buckthorn Cherry Laurel Crape Myrtle Eve’s Necklace Small Trees/ Large Shrubs Small Trees/

Goldenball Leadtree ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ Holly Possumhaw Holly

Desert Willow

Yaupon Holly Hop Tree 7 Small Trees/Large Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Small Trees /Large Shrubs Yellow Carolina Buckthorn Sun/part foliage; Prune for shape or to Understory tree with glossy leaves; Rhamnus caroliniana B/E 12-20’ 15’ shade D Fall Red L D raise canopy   red berries for wildlife; can withstand periodic berries flooding Screening plant; wildlife food; does not like hot, Cherry Laurel T 15-20’ 12-15’ Sun/part E Dark green M Prune for shape only dry locations; requires deep soil and good drain- Prunus caroliniana shade foliage and/or to raise canopy  age or is susceptible to chlorosis; ‘Bright and Tight’ can be used as a large hedge White, Showy flowers; choose mildew-resistant pink, Prune for shape or to varieties, such as Dynamite and Red Rocket or Crape Myrtle lavender raise canopy; those named after Native American tribes; trees Lagerstroemia indica 6- 25’ 10-20’ Sun D Summer flowers; L-M do not chop tops; need good air flow; note mature size when select- varied fall remove suckers ing variety; dwarf varieties available; aphids can foliage be a problem White, Prune for shape or to Trumpet-shaped, 3” long flower; need Desert Willow E 15-25’ 15-20’ Sun/part D Spring- pink or VL raise canopy; remove well-drained site; airy foliage casts a light shade Chilopsis linearis shade fall burgundy suckers   for underplantings Eve’s Necklace 15-20’ Sun/part Light pink Prune for shape or to 4-6” drooping flower clusters; good nectar plant; Styphnolobium affinis E 15-20’ shade D Spring flowers VL D raise canopy   seeds are poisonous Prune for shape or to 1” globes; fragrant blooms; fairly fast Goldenball Leadtree E 12-20’ 12-15’ Sun/part D April to Gold VL raise canopy; use rock growing; airy foliage casts light shade for under- Leucaena retusa shade October flowers mulch  plantings; deer browse leaves Avoid over-pruning; female plant produces red Holly, Nellie R. Stevens Fall/ Red Prune in mid-winter to berries if not sheared; inconspicuous blooms in llex cornuta 8-10’ 5-6’ Sun E winter berries L-M shape or to raise canopy spring; susceptible to iron chlorosis and ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ scale insects

Holly, Possumhaw B/E 12-20’ 12’ Sun/part D Dec. to Red L-M Prune for shape only or Striking red berries on bare branches in winter; Ilex decidua shade Feb. berries to raise canopy   tolerates poor drainage; fruits best in full sun Small shade tolerant tree, females produce red Holly, Yaupon 12-20’ Sun/part Red Ilex vomitoria B 10-15’ shade E Winter berries L-M Prune for shape only berries in winter that attract birds;   free of insects and diseases; poisonous Green- Hop Tree Sun/part Blooms have a citrus scent; host plant for cater- Ptelea trifoliata B/E 10-15’ 10-15’ shade D Spring ish white M D Prune for shape only flowers  + pillars; adapted to most soils; attracts butterflies

8 Retama (Palo Verde)

Kidneywood Mountain Laurel Small Trees/ Large Shrubs Small Trees/

Mexican Olive Texas Persimmon Pindo Palm

Windmill Palm Mexican Plum Pomegranate Mexican Redbud* 9 Small Trees/Large Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Small Trees /Large Shrubs Prune after bloom for Fragrant flowers attract butterflies; blooms off Kidneywood E 8-15’ 6-8’ Sun/part D Spring to White VL shape only or to trim up and on through the season; loose airy foliage Eysenhardtia texana shade fall flowers into mini-tree form  smells like citrus when crushed

Showy flowers with strong grape bubble gum Mountain Laurel, Texas 10-20’ Sun/part Purple Prune for shape only or Sophora secundiflora E 8-12’ shade E Spring flowers VL to raise canopy fragrance; poisonous seeds; needs good drainage;  + occasional caterpillar problems; slow grower Grey- Furry-textured foliage; berries can be messy so Olive, Mexican T 15’ 15’ Sun/part Spring/ green VL D Prune for shape or to don’t plant near driveways/sidewalks; top may Cordia boissieri shade Summer foliage raise canopy   die in hard freeze Attractive, smooth, gray bark; wildlife food; Persimmon, Texas E 12-20’ 8-12’ Sun/part D Spring White VL Prune for shape only or grows best in shallow, rocky limestone soils; Diospyros texana shade flowers to raise canopy   female trees are fruit-bearing so can be messy; slow grower Whitish Prune in summer Feather-shaped foliage; inconspicuous flowers; Palm, Pindo Late flowers L/ removing only dead freeze tolerant except for exceptionally cold win- Palm, Jelly 15-20’ 8-10’ Sun E ters; plant on southern exposure; slow-growing; Spring grey-green VL fronds; may need iron + Butia capitata foliage supplement avoid planting on limestone; do not plant near preserves; hardy to 12° F

Prune in summer remov- Furry-trunked appearance with dark green Palm, Windmill 25’ 7-10’ Sun/part E Dark green L/ ing only dead fronds; fan-shaped leaves; hardiest of palms; painful Trachycarpus fortunei shade foliage VL are heavy feeders + spines!; often planted in clumps; avoid west sun; hardy to 5° F Edible fruit; needs good drainage and fair Plum, Mexican B/E 15-20’ 15-20’ Sun/part D Spring White L Prune for shape only or amount of soil; good in full sun or as an under- Prunus mexicana shade flowers to raise canopy if desired story tree Orange Prune for shape only or Some varieties bear edible fruit; dwarf and non- Pomegranate 10’ 8’ Sun/part D flowers; VL to raise canopy if tree- fruiting varieties are available; tolerates shallow, Punica granatum shade yellow like shape is desired  rocky limestone soil fall color Redbud, Mexican E 12-15’ VL ‘Mexican’ variety has small wavy leaves; ‘Texas’ Cercis canadensis Sun/part Pinkish Prune for shape or to var. ‘mexicana’ 12-15’ D Early purple raise canopy if desired; leaves are large and less wavy; likes well drained shade Spring   sites; Eastern Redbud not recommended * Redbud, Texas 15-20’ flowers L prune suckers var. ‘texensis’ Retama Part Spring to Yellow Prune for shape only or Tolerates dry soils; green trunk and branches; Palo Verde T 12-20’ 12-20’ shade/ D fall flowers VL D to raise canopy if desired seeds out; root suckers; thorns; fast growing, Parkinsonia aculeata sun   short lived 10 * Similar plant; provides good alternative Acuba

Mexican Silktassel Evergreen Sumac Small Trees/ Large Shrubs Small Trees/

Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum Sandankwa Viburnum Little Walnut Shrubs Wax Myrtle Xylosma Abelia Agarita 11 Small Trees/Large Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Small Trees /Large Shrubs Silktassel, Mexican Extremely drought and disease tolerant; must Garrya ovata spp. E 5-11’ 5-11’ Sun/part E Spring Green L D Prune as needed to main- have well-drained soil to do well; fast growing; lindheimeri shade flowers tain natural form   good substitute for Burford Holly and Ligustrum

White Glossy leaves turn burgundy in cool season; fuzzy, Sumac, Evergreen Sun/ Late Prune as needed to main- E 8-10’ 6-8’ E summer; blooms; L orange/red berries provide food for birds and other Rhus virens shade burgundy tain natural form   wildlife; needs good drainage winter foliage Viburnum, Rusty Late White Prune for shape or to Good understory tree; for deeper, well-drained Blackhaw Sun/ B/E 15-20’ 10-15’ shade D spring flowers; L D raise canopy right after soils; slow-growing; yellow, orange, and red fall Viburnum rufidulum and fall fall foliage bloom  color; fall fruit favored by birds Viburnum, Prune for shape or to Sandankwa 6-8’ 6-8’ Sun/ E Spring White M raise canopy right after Requires deep soil and good drainage; Viburnum suspensum shade bloom  fairly fast-growing White Grows in limestone soil; nuts provide food for Walnut, Little T 18-20’ 20’ Part shade D Spring; flowers; M D Prune for shape only wildlife; good cover and nesting for wildlife; Juglans microcarpa fall nuts and/or to raise canopy  poisonous flowers Fast-growing screen; prefers deeper soils; foliage Wax Myrtle 12-15’ Sun/part Blue Prune for shape only aromatic when crushed; dwarf varieties available Morella cerifera B 15’ shade E Winter berries M and/or to raise canopy   at 8-10’ height; great wildlife tree that provides food and year round cover White flowers; Large, loose and airy shrub; inconspicuous Xylosma 12-20’ 8’-15’ Sun/part E Spring red foli- M Can be trained as a tree flowers; adaptable to most soils; heat tolerant; Xylosma congestum shade age (new or hedge occasional scale or red spider mites; hardy to growth) 10° F., but may lose leaves in sharp frosts Shrubs Pink/ Selectively prune the Abelia, Glossy 6’ 6’ Sun/part E Summer white L-M ‘wild hairs’ for a natural Fast grower; forms attractive, dense hedge; fra- Abelia grandiflora shade to fall look; shaping grant flowers; 3-4’ dwarf varieties available flowers not necessary Shrubs Acuba Spring; Red May need to cover in Colorful foliage; inconspicuous blooms; protect Acuba japonica 3-5’ 3-5’ Part shade E fall bloom; M hard frost; pruning not from direct afternoon sun; can be cold tender; red fruit necessary  can be susceptible to fungal leaf problems Agarita Yellow Prickly leaves (not pedestrian friendly), Berberis trifoliata E 3-6’ 3-6’ Sun/part E Feb.- flowers; VL Pruning not necessary fragrant flowers, edible red berries in spring; (Mahonia trifoliata) shade April red  + bluish green, holly-like foliage; excellent nesting berries shrub for birds 12 Black Dalea Shrubs

American Beautyberry Japanese Aralia

Barbados Cherry Japanese Barberry Bottlebrush

Butterfly Bush Wooly Butterfly Bush Coralberry Cotoneaster 13 Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Shrubs Part Attractive berries in fall and winter; wildlife food; American Beautyberry B 4-6’ 6’ shade/ D Fall Purple L-M Do not prune prefers dependable moisture; good Callicarpa americana shade fruit  understory shrub Part Late Tropical looking with inconspicuous bloom; Aralia, Japanese 10-12’ 10-12’ shade/ E summer Cream M Remove yellow foliage water from below to minimize wet foliage; mini- Fatsia japonica shade early fall flower  mal disease problems 1/2” delicate, crepe paper flowers followed by Barbados Cherry E 4-6’ 3-5’ Sun/part SE March to Pale pink L-M D Prune as required; red berries that are prized by birds; dwarf variety Malpighia glabra shade Dec. flowers responds well to shaping  (to 3’) available; evergreen above 25oF Minimal pruning only to Colorful burgundy foliage; dense form with Barberry, Japanese 4-6’ 4-6’ Sun/ D Spring to Maroon L-M maintain natural arching thorns; best color in full sun; needs good drain- Berberis thunbergii shade fall foliage shape  age; dwarf form (to 2’) also available; plant only ‘Atropurpurea’ species, others are invasive

Bottlebrush Spring/ Red Prune for natural look; Drought tolerant; pest and disease resistant; Callistemon citrinus 8’ 6’ Sun E summer blooms L shaping not necessary  needs well-drained soil; many varieties available White, Butterfly Bush Sun/part Summer/ pink, Shear back after bloom Long bloom spikes are aromatic; prone to mite Buddleja davidii 5-6’ 5’ shade D fall violet, M to encourage more  problems; attracts butterflies purple blooms Butterfly Bush, Wooly Sun/part Summer/ Orange Prune for natural look; Interesting 1/2” flower; peach-fuzz type foliage; Buddleja marrubiifolia T 4-6’ 4-6’ shade D fall flowers L D shaping not necessary needs good drainage; attracts   butterflies; native to south Texas

Coralberry Sun/part Late Magenta Cut back in winter if Spreads by runners; susceptible to powdery Symphoricarpos B 2-3’ 3’ shade D fall and berries M gets leggy; control run- mildew; does well in moist soil with orbiculatus winter ners as required   compost added

Silver-gray to dark green foliage; attractive Cotoneaster 3-5’ 4-7’ Sun/part E Red M Prune for a natural look, fleshy berries; susceptible to fire blight and Cotoneaster spp. shade berries shaping not necessary  spider mites; other varieties available

Requires little water, long roots will find water Dalea, Black E 1-3’ 3-4’ Sun D Summer Violet VL May shear back after some distance away; excellent nectar source; Dalea frutescens flowers first frost browns leaves   does well in poor soils

14 Burford Holly Shrubs

Elaeagnus Elbow Bush Flame Acanthus

Fragrant Mimosa Bush Germander

Indian Hawthorne Dwarf Chinese Holly Dwarf Yaupon Holly White Honeysuckle Bush 15 Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Shrubs Olive-gray leaves; medium-fast grower; prefers Elaeagnus Silver- Long suckers require well-drained soil; large plant can be controlled Elaeagnus pungens 8’ 8’ Sun E Late fall white VL frequent pruning in a  with pruning but do not plant near preserves; flowers confined space may escape to areas with moist soil

Inconspicuous white flowers; thicket forming; Elbow Bush E 4-6’ 4-5’ Sun/part D Spring White VL D Prune to shape only early nectar source for bees, butterflies, and other Forestirera pubescens shade  insects; berries eaten by birds and mammals Cut back in half after Flame Acanthus Red or first frost browns leaves Attracts hummingbirds and butterflies; reseeds Anisacanthus quadrifi- E 3-4’ 3-4’ Sun/part D Summer orange VL aggressively; can be used as a shade to fall or before spring growth  + dus var. wrightii flowers if desired perennial hedge Spring Fragrant Mimosa E 6-8’ 6-8’ Sun D to mid- Pink VL D Little maintenance Needs good drainage; prickly stems; tolerates Mimosa borealis summer flowers necessary   poor caliche soil Lavender/ Prune the ‘wild hairs’ Germander, Bush 4-6’ 4-6’ Sun/part E Summer blue L for a natural look, shap- Don’t over-water; attractive silvery Teucrium fruticans shade flowers ing not necessary  gray-green foliage White Don’t over-water; new varieties, e.g. Hawthorne, Indian 4-6’ 4-6’ Sun/part E Spring or pink M Pruning not usually ‘Eleanor Tabor’, ‘Snow’, and ‘Calisto’ are more Rhaphiolepis indica shade blooms necessary disease resistant White Susceptible to scale insects; thrives in wide range Holly, Dwarf Burford 4-6’ 3-4’ Sun/part E Spring; blooms; L Prune for natural look, of soils; often used as hedge or barrier; Ilex cornuta ‘Burfordii’ shade winter red berries shaping not necessary  non-dwarf varieties available

Holly, Dwarf Chinese 3-4’ 3-6’ Sun/part E L Prune for a natural look, Rigid leaves with sharp needle points; not pedes- Ilex cornuta ‘Rotunda’ shade shaping not necessary  trian friendly Holly, Dwarf Yaupon Sun / Pruning not usually Ilex vomitoria ‘Nana’ X 2-4’ 2-4’ shade E L necessary Low, mounding shrub; maintains a formal shape Honeysuckle Bush, Spring White Open and sprawling; fragrant in spring; White B/E 3-6’ 4-5’ Shade/ D bloom; blooms; L Prune for shape after flowers attract butterflies and bees; berries Lonicera albiflora part sun fall fruit red berries blooming   attract many birds

16 Shrubs

Primrose Jasmine Globe Mallow White Mistflower Mock Orange

Grandma’s Yellow Rose

Oleander Texas Dwarf Palmetto

Pineapple Guava ‘Belinda’s Dream’ Rose ‘Cecile Brunner’ Rose 17 Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Shrubs Locate plant to accommodate large size; good Jasmine, Primrose Sun/part Early Prune for a natural look, 6-8’ 8-15’ E spring to Yellow L shaping not necessary; for hanging over walls or cliffs; good for erosion Jasminum mesnyi shade summer flowers can be hedge  control; very few blooms after spring

Orange, Prefers good drainage and fertile soil; flowers Mallow, Globe T 2-5’ 2-5’ Sun D Summer pink or L Lightly prune for shape attract bees and butterflies; seeds eaten by seed- Sphaeralcea ambigua to fall purple in winter  eating birds and small mammals flowers White Attracts hummingbirds, moths and butterflies; Mistflower, White E 3-4’ 2-3’ Sun/part D Fall to pink L Lightly prune for shape rounded shape; grows in any soil; fragrant Ageratina havanensis shade flowers in winter  bloom White Mock Orange Sun/part Mid- with Prune non-flowering Fragrant flowers; does not like poorly drained Philadelphus 8-12’ 6-8’ D L-M woody stems immedi- soil; medium-fast growth; fruit has no major shade spring yellow + coronarius flowers ately after flowering landscape interest; disease and pest resistant Pinks, Use carefully! may freeze; poisonous to wildlife, Oleander 5-15’ 5-15’ Sun E Summer white, VL Pruning not needed; cut pets and people; susceptible to a bacterial blight; Nerium oleander purple back undesired shoots + very deer resistant; can be used as an flowers informal hedge

Palmetto, Texas Dwarf White Prune only to remove Tropical-looking but tough; tolerates poor Sabal minor B/E 3-5’ 4-6’ Sun/shade E Spring flowers M D damaged fronds drainage; drought tolerant after established; 1-6’   flower clusters Spring Pink Pineapple Guava 6-10’ 6-8’ Sun E to early and red M Prune for desired shape Likes well-drained soil; a little cold tender Feijoa sellowiana summer blooms 

1 Prune back by /3 in late Rose, ‘Belinda’s winter; remove spent Dream’ 4’ 4’ Sun SE Spring Pink M Repeat bloomer; fragrant; disease resistant; good to frost blooms to encourage shrub form with large blooms Rosa ‘Belinda’s Dream’ repeat blooms 1 Prune back by /3 in late Repeat bloomer; disease resistant; easy to grow Rose, ‘Cecile Brunner’ 3-4’ 3-4’ Sun SE Spring Pink M winter; remove spent Rosa ‘Cecile Brunner’ to frost blooms to encourage and care for repeat blooms

Rose, ‘Grandma’s 1 The official “Yellow Rose for Texas”; repeat Yellow’ Spring Deep Prune back by /3 in late bloomer; purest and most disease-resistant Rosa ‘Grandma’s 4-5’ 3’ Sun SE to frost yellow M winter and late August; yellow rose; fragrant flowers; also called Nacog- Yellow’ remove spent blooms doches Rose 18 * Similar plant; provides good alternative Shrubs

‘Knockout’ Rose Lady Banksia Rose ‘Livin’ Easy’ Rose

‘Mutabilis’ Rose

‘Marie Daly’ Rose* ‘Martha Gonzales’ Rose

‘Nearly Wild’ Rose ‘Old Blush’ Rose Rosemary, Upright Texas Sage 19 Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Shrubs 1 Prune back by /3 in late Rose, ‘Knock Out’ Spring to winter; remove spent Purple new growth; repeat bloomer; new variety Rosa ‘Knock Out’ 3’ 3’ Sun SE frost Red M blooms to encourage showing disease resistance repeat blooms White or Prune after spring bloom Fast growing thornless rose; climbing; requires Rose, ‘Lady Banksia’ 10-15’ 15-20’ Sun E Spring yellow M to control and direct sturdy support; disease free; white flower is Rosa ‘Lady Banksia’ flowers growth fragrant 1 Prune back by /3 in late Repeat bloomer; new variety Rose, ‘Livin’ Easy’ 4’ 3’ Sun SE Spring to Coral to M winter and late August; showing good disease resistance; upright Rosa ‘Livin’ Easy’ frost orange remove spent blooms growth habit Prune back by 1/ in late Rose, ‘Marie Daly’ 3 Antique rose; repeat bloomer; fragrant; very few Rosa ‘Marie Daly’ Sun/part Spring to White to winter; remove spent 3’ 3’ shade SE frost M blooms to encourage thorns; disease tolerant; ‘Marie Pavie’ is * Rose, ‘Marie Pavie’ pink white version (see insert) Rosa ‘Marie Pavie’ repeat blooms 1 Prune back by /3 in late Rose, ‘Martha winter; remove spent Gonzales’ 3’ 3’ Sun/part SE Spring to Red M Antique rose; repeat bloomer; few thorns; dis- shade frost blooms to encourage ease tolerant Rosa ‘Martha Gonzales’ repeat blooms 1 Prune back by /3 in late Rose, ‘Mutabilis’ Spring to Copper Antique rose; very drought tolerant; copper 6’ 8’ Sun SE yellow to M winter; remove spent yellow flowers turn to a pretty pink, repeat Rosa ‘Mutabilis’ frost pink blooms to encourage repeat blooms bloomer; disease resistant 1 Prune back by /3 in late Single pink bloom; repeat bloomer; disease resis- Rose, ‘Nearly Wild’ 3’ 4’ Sun SE Spring to Deep pink M winter; remove spent Rosa ‘Nearly Wild’ frost blooms to encourage tant; needs soil with compost added repeat blooms 1 Prune back by /3 in late Rose, ‘Old Blush’ 5’ 5’ Sun SE Spring to Deep pink M winter; trim shoots grow- Antique rose; repeat bloomer; disease resistant Rosa ‘Old Blush’ frost ing out of desired area

On and Prune for natural look, Culinary herb, upright shrub, trailing types also Rosemary, Upright or shape as desired; cut available; good drainage required; prone to dis- 4’ 4-6’ Sun E off all Pale blue M 1 Rosmarinus officinalis year back by /2 in winter to + ease problems in wet conditions; trailing variety prevent leggy look makes good groundcover Sage, Texas Lavender, Prune for a natural look, Gray leaves contrast with lavender flowers; green- (Cenizo) T 4-5’ 4-5’ Sun E Spring to purple, L shaping not necessary; leaved varieties also available; blooms off and on Leucophyllum Summer pink or don’t shear!   frutescens white through the growing season; needs good drainage 20 Turks Cap Shrubs

Flowering Senna Skyflower

Fragrant Sumac Golden Showers Thryallis Artemesia

‘Goldstrum’ Black-eyed Susan Bulbine Calylophus Cast Iron Plant 21 Shrubs

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Shrubs Dark green leaves; showy bloomer; Senna, Flowering 6-8’ 6-8’ Sun SE Summer Yellow L-M Prune for shape only or Cassia corymbosa to fall flowers to raise canopy if desired + susceptible to extremely cold weather Purple or white Cutback after freeze; Fine texture; cold tender; needs fertile, well- Skyflower, Duranta 5-10’ 4-10’ Sun/part E Summer flower; L-M little maintenance drained soil; more flowers in full sun; many Duranta erecta shade to frost yellow required varieties available fruit Sumac, Fragrant Prune the ‘wild hairs’ for Sun/part Vibrant a natural look, shaping Fragrant foliage; leaves have spicy fragrance (Aromatic) B/E 6-9’ 4-6’ shade D Fall fall leaves L D Rhus aromatica not necessary   when crushed; smaller varieties available Little maintenance Thryallis, Spring to required; lightly prune, Easy to grow; needs room to spread; tolerates Golden Showers 4-6’ 4’ Sun E Yellow L most soils; prefers well-drained soil; hardy to frost if needed, to reduce + Galphimia glauca legginess 25° F Late Fruit for wildlife; susceptible to freeze; spreads Turk’s Cap E 2-6’ 3-5’ Sun or D spring to Red L Prune to keep confined aggressively; attracts hummingbirds Malvaviscus arboreus shade fall flowers or when leggy  and large butterflies Perennials Perennials Artemesia Prune removing top 1 Year Blue-gray /2 at Aromatic, lace-like; low water use and low Artemisia ‘Powis 1-2’ 3-6’ Sun E round foliage VL end of May;` prune to a Castle’ 4” height in mid-winter + maintenance

Black-eyed Susan, Yellow Goldstrum B/E 1-2’ 1-2’ Sun/part- D Summer with dark L-M Water improves blooms; Very large daisy-like blooms in summer; Rudbeckia fulgida var. shade prune back in late winter  + butterfly nectar sullivantii ‘Goldstrum’ centers Bulbine Orange B. frutescens 2’ 2.5’ Sun E Winter to and yellow VL Trim off old bloom Aloe-like leaves; cold tender (B. caulescens) spring or yellow stalks as they decline 

Calylophus Sun/part Spring to Prune brown foliage; Good rock garden plant; needs good drainage; (Square Bud Primrose) E 1-2’ 1-2’ shade E summer Yellow VL take out old blooms dwarf variety makes good groundcover; Calylophus berlandieri   ‘Compact Gold’ is a good low-growing variety Remove damaged foli- Cast Iron Plant 3’ 2-3’ Shade E L age to a 3” height in Long green leaves; requires shade; slow Aspidistra elatior spring  growing; good understory plant for dry shade 22 Chile Pequin (Petin) Red Columbine Coralbean

Yellow Columbine

Coreopsis Batface Cuphea Perennials Cuphea ‘David Verity’ Blackfoot Daisy Copper Canyon Daisy Englemann Daisy 23 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials Chile Pequin White (Chile Petin) E 2-4’ 2-4’ Sun/part D Summer flowers; L Cut back to 3” after first Red peppers are very hot!; perennial only in mild Capsicum annuum shade to fall red fruit frost browns leaves   winter; reseeds; birds love the fruit

Columbine, Red Part Red Prune off spent foliage Prefers moist, yet well drained soils; reseeds; Aquilegia canadensis E 1-2’ 1-2’ shade/ SE Spring flowers M and seedheads in dormant in summer without water; susceptible to shade late May   leaf miners; attracts some hummingbirds

Columbine,Yellow Part Yellow Prune off spent foliage Prefers moist, yet well drained soils; reseeds; Aquilegia chrysantha T 1-3’ 1-2’ shade/ SE Spring flowers M and seedheads in dormant in summer without water; susceptible to var. Hinckleyana shade late May   leaf miners; attracts some hummingbirds

Attracts hummingbirds; seeds are poisonous and Coralbean T 5’ 4’ Sun/part D Spring Coral L Prune tall bloom shoots not eaten by wildlife; will freeze back; sharp Erythrina herbacea shade  spines; good understory plant; blooms on long branches Butterfly plant; ‘Sunray’ and ‘Baby Sun’ are Coreopsis T 1-2’ 1.5-2’ Sun/part D Spring to Yellow M Prune off old blooms for tighter, more compact; native to east and south- Coreopsis lanceolata shade summer flowers repeated flowering  east Texas Late Cuphea, Batface 1’ 1’ Sun/part D spring to Red/ L-M Cut back to 6” in winter Appropriately named!; very heat tolerant; cold Cuphea llavea shade frost purple  tender

Cuphea, ‘David Verity’ Cuphea x. 2-3’ 2-3’ Sun D Summer Orange- L-M Prune to a 3” height after Prefers well-drained soil ‘David Verity’ to fall red flowers first frost browns leaves

Daisy, Blackfoot Spring White with Short daisy-like blooms all spring and summer; Melampodium E 6-12” 1-2’ Sun E and yellow VL Prune back if leggy reseeds; requires dry conditions; excellent rock leucanthum summer centers   garden plant

Prune to the size mound Daisy, Copper Canyon 3’ 4’ Sun D Fall Yellow L you want; stop shearing Daisy-like flower; very strongly scented leaves; Tagetes lemmonii flowers by mid-summer + native to Mexico

Daisy, Engelmann Spring May bloom again if cut Flowers open in late afternoon; toothed leaves; Engelmannia B/E 1.5-2’ 2’ Sun E to mid- Yellow M attracts birds peristenia summer back in late summer  24 Esperanza (Yellow Bells) Perennials

Damianita Fall Aster

Firecracker Fern River Fern Firebush

Gaura Gayfeather Golden Groundsel Perennial Hibiscus 25 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials Spring/ Golden Do not over-water; aromatic foliage; needs good Damianita E 1’ 1.5-2’ Sun E some yellow VL Prune early spring drainage; tolerates poor soil; excellent rock Chrysactinia mexicana summer flowers to shape   garden plant

Esperanza/ Spring Yellow Remove spent blooms; Showy blooms; native type has narrow leaves; Yellow Bells T 4-8’ 4-6’ Sun D through or orange L-M prune to a 3” height after ‘Gold Star’ blooms even when small Tecoma stans fall flowers first frost then mulch   Periodic trimming Fall Aster E 2-3’ 2.5-3’ Sun/part D Fall Purple / L necessary to keep Fine-textured flowers; profuse fall bloomer; Aster oblongifolium shade lavender compact form  nectar source Fern, Firecracker Sun/part Spring/ Red or Prune spent flower Needs moderately rich, well-drained soil; not a Russelia equisetiformis 3’ 3’ shade E winter white L stalks; trim back mid- true fern; do not plant near preserve March  Prune dead fronds before Fern, River B/E 1.5-2.5’ 3’ Shade/ D M-H spring time growth; Likes shady, moist areas; spreads by rhizomes; Thelypteris kunthii part shade mulch well  cold tender; provides evergreen cover Firebush Summer Orange red Cut back to 6” after first Tubular flowers attract hummingbirds; turns bur- Hamelia patens 3-4.5’ 4-5’ Sun D to fall flower M hard freeze; mulch well gundy in fall; needs regular moisture to establish;  might die in cold winter Pink or Tall spikes adorned with 1” flowers Gaura B 2-3’ 3’ Sun/part D Spring to white L Cut back to 3” after first that resemble fluttering butterflies; Gaura lindheimeri shade summer flowers hard freeze   attracts butterflies Lavender Likes well-drained limestone soil; best if kept Gayfeather E 1-2.5’ 1-1.5’ Sun D Aug. to or white VL Cut back to a 3” after first dry; great nectar source for butterflies and Liatris mucronata frost flowers frost browns leaves  other insects Golden Groundsel, Round-leaf Ragwort E 1.5’ 1-2’ Part shade E Early Yellow M D Cutback flower stalks Spreads by runners but easy Packera obovata spring flowers after blooming  + to control; flowers attract butterflies

Hibiscus, Perennial Summer Bright red Cut back to 6” after first 8-10” showy bloom; many cultivars available are Hibiscus moscheutos X 3-5’ 4’ Sun D to frost blooms M hard freeze  hybrids; provides nectar for hummingbirds

26 Perennials

Mexican Honeysuckle ‘Indigo Spires’ Salvia Bearded Iris Bicolor Iris

Hymenoxys

Lamb’s Ear Lantana (hybrid)

Texas Lantana Trailing Lantana Lion’s Tail 27 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials

Honeysuckle, Mexican Sun/part Spring to Orange Prune back as needed to Hummingbird plant; grayish foliage; Justicia spicigera 3’ 4’ shade SE frost flowers L encourage fullness   long blooming period

Hymenoxys (Four Nerve Daisy) E 1’ 1’ Sun/part E Spring to Yellow VL Prune off spent stalks Daisy-like blooms grow from small tuft; prefers Tetraneuris scaposa shade fall flowers   dry, well-drained soils; good in rock gardens

Blue/ 1 Indigo Spires X 3-4’ 5-7’ Sun/part D Spring to purple L-M Shear back by /3 in Allow room to mound and sprawl Salvia ‘Indigo Spires’ shade frost flower mid-summer  

Clean out dead foliage Flowers with stunning blooms; spreads slowly; Iris, Bearded 1-1.5’ 3’+ Sun E Spring Many L in January; divide in fall needs well drained soil; old cemetery iris is Iris germanica colors when clumps become  tougher and tolerates shade crowded

Iris, Bicolor (African) Spring Creamy Forms clumps of long, narrow, iris-like foliage; Dietes bicolor 4’ 2-3’ Sun/part E to early yellow L Prune ragged foliage Butterfly Iris, Dietes iriodoides, has wider leaves shade with  and white flowers with blue and yellow markings (Morea bicolor) summer markings Lamb’s Ear Year Gray Prune ragged foliage Tolerates dry soil; used for foliage not 1’ 1.5’ Sun D fuzzy L flowers; avoid overhead watering Stachys byzantina round leaves primarily in the spring + Multi- Many varieties; may be used as a deciduous Lantana (hybrid) X 2-4’ 4’ Sun D Spring to colored L Cut back to 6” after groundcover; butterfly delight; low maintenance; Lantana x hybrida frost flowers hard freeze  prolific blooming (photo: ‘New Gold’); can be cold tender Orange/ Cut back in winter Lantana, Texas B/E 3-5’ 4-5’ Sun D Summer yellow VL as desired to keep in Flowers begin yellow and turn orange; give lots Lantana urticoides to fall flowers bounds; use rock mulch   of room; attracts butterflies; thorny with age Lavender May be used as a groundcover; very tolerant Lantana, Trailing 1-1.5’ 4+’ Sun/part SE Spring to or white L Shear back in late winter of poor, dry soils; resistant to lantana lacebugs; Lantana montevidensis shade frost flowers if ragged   attracts butterflies; do not plant near preserves Lion’s Tail Late Bright Prune after flowering Seeds out readily; do not plant near preserves; Leonotis leonurus 4-6’ 4-6’ Sun E spring to orange L and to keep small unusual, multi-tiered bloom; prefers well fall flowers  drained soil

28 Pride of Barbados* Perennials

Mexican Marigold Fall Obedient Plant

Mexican Oregano Gulf Coast Penstemon Hill Country Penstemon

Rock Penstemon Garden Phlox Plumbago Missouri Primrose 29 Perennials

Common Name Texas NativeHeight Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials Marigold, Mexican Yellow/ Mint 2-3’ 2-3’ Sun/part D Fall orange L Shear in early summer to Tarragon-flavored culinary herb; spreads Tagetes lucida shade flowers encourage compactness + over time Tolerates poor drainage; spreads aggressively by Obedient Plant, Fall B 2-4’ 4’+ Sun/part D August Lavender M Cut back to 6” after fall underground runners; P. angustifolia is spring- Physostegia virginiana shade to Nov. bloom  blooming relative

1 Prune top /2 after bloom, Oregano, Mexican 3’ 4’ Sun/part E Summer Lavender/ L and to a 3” height after Aromatic foliage; brown, withering flower stays Poliomintha longiflora shade pink first frost browns leaves + on plant; will sprawl if not pruned; edible leaves

Penstemon, Gulf Coast Sun/part Cut back flowers if you Penstemon tenuis T 1.5-2.5’ 1-1.5’ shade SE Spring Lavender L don’t want it to reseed  Attracts hummingbirds; seeds out readily

Penstemon, Hill Country Sun/part Hot pink Cut back flowers Penstemon triflorus E 1.5-2.5’ 1.5’ shade D Spring to red L after bloom  Good hummingbird plant; needs well drained soil

Penstemon, Rock Penstemon E 1-1.5’ 2’ Sun E Spring/ Cherry red L Prune if leggy Needs well drained soil; attracts hummingbirds baccharifolius summer 

Pink/ Beautiful tall bloom spikes all summer; some Phlox, Garden T 3’ 2’ Sun/part D Summer white M Cut back to 3” after first types susceptible to powdery mildew; Phlox paniculata shade flowers hard freeze  attracts butterflies Light green foliage; does best with Plumbago 3-4’ 4-6’ Sun/part D Summer Sky blue L-M Cut back to 6” after hard morning sun and afternoon shade; Plumbago auriculata shade or white freeze   attracts hummingbirds

Prune for shape only; Pride of Barbados 5-6’ 5-6’ Sun D Summer Red/ L mulch to prevent winter Showy flowers for hot weather; attractive dense Caesalpinia pulcherrima to fall orange kill of the roots + foliage; may die in winter

Primrose, Missouri Silver foliage; large yellow buttercup-like Oenothera B/E 1-1.5’ 3’ Sun/part D Spring to Yellow L Cut back to 3” after first flowers that open in the evening; excellent for missouriensis shade summer flowers frost browns leaves   moon garden 30 * Similar plant; provides good alternative Perennials

Rock Rose Dwarf Ruellia Cedar Sage

Purple Coneflower

Cherry Sage Henri Duelburg Sage

Jerusalem Sage Majestic Sage Mexican Bush Sage Penstemon Sage 31 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials 1 Violet Prune top /2 after first Purple Coneflower Sun/part Spring to bloom period, and to Daisy-like flowers; native and hybrid T 1-3’ 1-1.5’ D or white L varieties available; good butterfly plant Echinacea purpurea shade summer flowers a 3” ht. after first frost   browns leaves 1 Cut back by /3 in late Small shrub with 1.5” hibiscus-like blooms; Rock Rose Sun/ winter; trim shoots more prone to powdery mildew in shade; very Pavonia lasiopetala E 2’ 3’ shade D Summer Pink L growing out of desired   few blooms after spring; biennial; reseeds freely; area attracts butterflies Blue/ Prune taller varieties to Petunia-like flower; dwarf varieties include Ruellia (dwarf only) 8”-1’ 1’ Sun/ D Spring to purple to L 3” after first frost browns ‘Katie’ or ‘Bonita’; reseeds profusely; taller types Ruellia brittoniana shade summer pink leaves  are invasive; do not plant near preserves

Sage, Cedar Part Spring to Red No Maintenance Reseeds freely; red bloom spikes bring color to E 1-2’ 1-2’ shade/ D VL shady spots; great for hummingbirds Salvia roemeriana shade summer flowers required  +

Sage, Cherry Red, pink, 1 Spring to If leggy, cut back by /3 1” long blooms; hummingbirds love them; many (Autumn Sage) E 2-3’ 2-3’ Sun E white or L 1 Salvia greggii frost coral to /2  + varieties available

Sage, Henry Duelberg Remove spent blooms to Variety of native blue sage, but better adapted to (Blue Sage) X 3’ 3’ Sun Spring to Dark blue L encourage flowering; home landscape; adapted to most soils; flowers Salvia farinacea summer flowers  attract butterflies and bees ‘Henry Duelberg’ cut back to 6” in winter Sage, Jerusalem Yellow Remove spent Unusual flowers; multi-tiered; attractive gray- Phlomis fruticosa 2-3’ 3-4’ Sun E Spring flowers L bloom spikes  green foliage

Sage, Majestic Sun/ Spring to Blue or Cut back to after first Attractive green foliage and spiked blooms with 3-5’ 4-5’ D purple L long florets Salvia guaranitica shade summer flowers frost browns leaves + Late Purple Sage, Mexican Bush 4-5’ 4-5’ Sun D summer and white L Cut back to after Silver-green, lance-like foliage; an all-purple Salvia leucantha to fall flowers first frost  + variety is available Sage, Penstemon Evergreen rosette in winter; vertical accent in Big Red Sage E 3-4’ 1-2’ Sun/part E Summer Magenta L D Prune back flower spikes summer; hummingbirds love the tall, spiked Salvia penstemonoides shade to fall flowers after bloom  blooms; attractive, glossy leaves

32 Perennials

Russian Sage Tropical Sage Lindheimer Senna

Shrimp Plant

Pink Skullcap Skeletonleaf Goldeneye

Heartleaf Skullcap Society Garlic Spiderwort Texas Betony 33 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials Sage, Russian Late Perovskia 3’ 3’ Sun D summer Lavender L Cut back to 3” after first Fine-textured; silvery green lacy leaves; spiky atriplicifolia to fall flowers frost browns leaves + stalks; prefers good drainage Late Red, pink Cut back in early Short-lived perennial; reseeds profusely; ‘Lady Sage, Tropical B 2-3’ 1-1.5’ Sun/ D spring and white L summer to 3” and after in Red’ a good dwarf variety; Salvia coccinea shade to fall flowers first frost browns leaves  + outstanding hummingbird plant; attracts butterflies Part Late Senna, Lindheimer Yellow Needs good drainage; gray foliage; very tolerant E 3-4’ 3-4’ shade/ D summer L Prune back after frost of poor, rocky soils Senna lindheimeriana sun to fall flowers  

Copper/ 3-6” long flowers provide season-long color; Shrimp Plant 3-4’ 3-4’ Sun/part D Spring to red with M Cut back to 6” in winter great hummingbird plant; best when massed Justicia brandegeana shade fall white to encourage bushiness  in group; do not plant near preserves flowers Cut back to 6” in late Skeletonleaf Goldeneye Sun/part Summer Yellow Mound of daisy-like flowers; attractive fine E 3-4’ 4-6’ SE VL D winter to encourage textured foliage; requires excellent drainage Viguiera stenoloba shade to frost flowers bushiness  

Skullcap, Pink 1 Sun/part Dark pink Cut back by /3 Scutellaria 1’ 3’ E Summer L after bloom Low growing; very tidy; mounding plant suffrutescens shade flowers  Late Skullcap, Heartleaf Part May to Blue Little maintenance Spreads easily; flowers attract butterflies; may be Scutelleria ovata sp. E 2’ 2’ shade/ E early flowers L required  dormant in summer bracteata shade June Pink, blue, Needs well drained soil; solid or variegated leaf Society Garlic 1.5-2.5’ 1.5’ Sun/part E Spring to lavender, L-M Remove spent forms available; deer eat blooms but not plant; Tulbaghia violacea shade summer white bloom stalks  bruised leaves have onion aroma

Spiderwort Spring to Purple Cut back to 6” in winter Fast spreading; dormant in summer, woodsy; Tradescantia spp. T 1-3’ 2’ Part shade D fall flowers L or to increase blooms  edible; nectar source for insects Shear regularly to Constantly blooming; can be used as a ground- Texas Betony T 1-1.5’ 2-3’+ Sun/part SE Summer Coral/ red L encourage fullness and cover; nice gray-green foliage; Stachys coccinea shade to fall flowers bloom  + attracts hummingbirds

34 Perennials

Verbena Winecup Yarrow Zexmenia

Blue Agave Parry’s Agave Queen Victoria Agave

Century Plant Agave Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols Squid Agave Basket Grass 35 Perennials

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Perennials Low growing groundcover with finely-cut Verbena Spring to Lavender leaves; spreading habit; butterflies enjoy; short- Verbena spp. B/E 6-12” 2’ Sun SE frost flowers L No maintenance required   lived perennial, but reseeds; well adapted hybrids available in various colors Sprawling plant great for filling in between Winecup, Perennial Sun/part Spring Magenta Cut back to rosette plants; will go dormant in summer without Callirhoe involucrata B/E 6-12” 4-5’ shade D to early flowers L D in winter  supplemental water; larval host plant for Gray summer Hairstreak butterfly 1/ at end of Forms solid mat groundcover with Late White, Prune top 2 Yarrow Sun/ spring May, and to 3” after first finely-cut, fern-like leaves; adult butterflies Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols 1-1.5’ 3’ E yellow, M frost browns leaves; cut enjoy nectar; larval host plant for Achillea spp. shade and red, pink  + summer off old blooms Painted Lady butterfly Golden Periodic shearing encour- Blooms continuously though not profusely; use Zexmenia E 1.5-2.5’ 2-3’ Sun/part SE Spring to yellow L ages repeat blooming in combination with other blooming Wedelia texana shade frost flowers and fullness   plants; reseeds Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols Bluish Agave, Blue foliage; Upright rigid leaves; cold tender; may be sus- Agave tequilana 6’ 6’ Sun E Summer yellow VL No maintenance required ceptible to agave weevils; thorns flower Temperatures in the low teens can cause damage; Agave, Century Plant Sun/part White blooms rarely but when it does it kills the plant; Agave americana T 6’ 8-10’ shade E Spring flowers VL No maintenance required watch out for leaf tip spines; habitat for birds and small animals

Agave, Parry’s Sun/part Spring Bright Big, strappy leaves; forms colonies; mother T 1-1.5’ 1.5’ E to early yellow VL No maintenance required plant dies after blooming Agave parryi shade summer flowers   Agave, Queen Victoria White- Small, compact, slow-growing, long-lived; very Agave victoriae- T 1.5’ 1.5’ Sun/part E edged VL No maintenance required cold hardy and tough; may take up to 40 years to reginae shade foliage bloom, then dies Creamy Agave, Squid Sun/part Early Good for partial shade; does not die after Agave bracteosa 1-2’ 1-2’ shade E summer white/ pale VL No maintenance required yellow   flowering; spineless leaves; hardy to 15° F Basket Grass Cream Not a true grass; grass-like mounding form (Sacahuista) E 2’ 3’ Sun/ E Fall colored VL Remove old bloom effective on slopes; keep away from walkways as Nolina texana shade plume stalks at base  + leaves have sharp edges 36 Prickly Pear Cactus Nolina Texas Sotol Giant Yucca Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols

Paleleaf Yucca Red Yucca Softleaf Yucca

Big Bend Yucca Ornamental Grasses Twistleaf Yucca Dwarf Fountain Grass (foreground) 37 Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Yuccas/Agaves/Succulents/Cacti/Sotols Late Flowers best when left Likes well-drained alkaline soil; becomes shrub- Cactus, Prickly Pear B/E 3-4’ 3-4’ Sun E spring to Yellow L undisturbed; use rock like; parts are edible; purple fruit; orange bloom- Opuntia spp. summer flowers mulch   ing and spineless varieties available Remove old leaves from Nolina E 10-12’ 4-5’ Sun/part Summer Tan L trunk for neater appear- 10’ tall spike of small tan flowers; not watering Nolina lindheimeriana shade flowers ance   in fall and winter will prevent frost damage Long, blade-like leaves with sharp edges (not Sotol, Texas Sun/part Early Remove old bloom pedestrian-friendly); needs space; good barrier Dasylirion texanum E 3-4’ 3-4’ shade E Summer L stalks at the base  plant; requires good drainage; Wheeler’s Sotol is a silver option

Yucca, Big Bend Sun/part Remove old bloom stalk Prefers rocky, well-drained soil Yucca rostrata T 5-15’ 4’ shade E Spring White VL at the base  Yucca, Giant Creamy Upright plant with stiff leaves; prefers well- Hesperaloe 6’ 4’ Sun Summer white VL Remove spent flower drained soil; up to 15’ flower spike; attracts Hesperaloe funifera flowers stalks  hummingbirds; bat-pollinated; hardy to 10° F Yucca, Paleleaf Sun/part Remove old bloom stalk Leaves pale blue-green; deer will eat blooms but Yucca pallida B 1’ 2’ shade E Summer White VL at the base   not foliage Coral Yucca, Red E 2-4’ 4’ Sun/part E Spring to spike VL Remove old bloom stalk May colonize; deer will eat blooms but not foli- Hesperaloe parviflora shade summer flowers at the base   age; attracts hummingbirds Ornamental Grasses

Yucca, Softleaf Sun/part White to Remove old bloom stalk Soft, pliable foliage; deer eat blooms but not Yucca recurvifolia 4-6’ 3 shade E Summer pale green VL at the base   foliage Spring Remove old bloom stalk Old leaves are twisted; deer eat blooms but not Yucca, Twistleaf E 1-2’ 2’ Sun/part E to early White VL at the base; divide if foliage; nectar attracts nocturnal moths; larval Yucca rupicola shade summer flowers crowded  + host plant for Yucca Giant Skipper

Ornamental Grasses Grasses die back in winter but provide interest if left unpruned Fountain Grass, Dwarf Needs moisture in dry periods; may not be cold Pennisetum 2.5-3’ 2.5-3’ Sun D Fall White M Cut back to 8” hardy; Purple Fountain Grass (photo rear) is alopecuroides seed heads in January larger with burgundy foliage and plumes; can be aggressive - do not plant near preserves 38 Mexican Feathergrass Ornamental Grasses Inland Sea Oats Little Bluestem

Bamboo Muhly Big Muhly Deer Muhly Vines Gulf Muhly Pine Muhly Carolina Jessamine Coral Vine 39 Ornamental Grasses

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Ornamental Grasses Grasses die back in winter but provide interest if left unpruned Inland Sea Oats Graceful, drooping wheat-like seed heads; Chasmanthium B/E 2-4’ 3-6+’ Part sun/ D Summer Ivory L-M Cut back to 4” height spreads freely; appropriate for woodland; good latifolium shade and fall seeds in January  + understory plant; prefers moist areas

Little Bluestem Prairie plant appropriate in mass plantings; Schizachyrium B/E 3-4’ 1-1.5’ Sun D Fall White seed L D Cutting back optional reseeds; more appropriate in meadow, prairie scoparium tufts  + or wetland; larval host plant for several Skipper butterflies

Mexican Feathergrass Sun/part Spring Cream Soft, elegant weeping form; feathery seed head; (Wiregrass) T 1-2’ 1-2.5’ shade SE to early seed heads L Cutting back optional very drought tolerant; reseeds; effective individu- Nassella tenuissima summer  ally or in masses; do not plant near preserves

Late Fine tex- Silver-green, lance-like foliage; attractive Muhly, Bamboo 4-5’ 4-5’ Sun/part D summer tured seed L Cutting back in January mounding shape if pruned; hardy but Muhlenbergia dumosa shade to winter stalks is optional  + stems brittle; bloom stalks turn attractive straw color in winter Muhly, Big Muhlenbergia E 3-4’ 3-4’ Sun D Fall Feathery L-M Rake or cut back in Clumping blue-green grass; smaller alternative to lindheimeri seed heads January  + pampas grass; feather-like blooms in fall Tidy clump grass that maintains a Muhly, Deer T 1-1.5’ 1-1.5’ Sun/part D Fall Feathery L D Cut back in January Muhlenbergia rigens shade seed heads  + round shape

Muhly, Gulf Sun/part Pink feath- Wispy seed heads make great fall color, Muhlenbergia T 2-2.5’ 2-3’ D Fall ery seed L-M Cut back in January especially when backlit capillaris shade heads  +

Muhly, Pine T 1-3’ 1-3’ Sun E VL No maintenance Nicely shaped grass; stiff needles; seed source Muhlenbergia dubia required  +

Vines Vines Carolina Jessamine Sun/part Early Yellow Prune only to direct and Twining vine; fragrant bright yellow flower in Gelsemium T 6-20’ E M control growth late winter-early spring; attracts hummingbirds; sempervirens shade spring flowers  poisonous if ingested

Coral Vine Sun/part Late White or Prune only to direct and Rapidly growing climber that holds on by ten- Antigonon leptopus 6-30’ shade D summer rose-pink M control growth drils; quickly covers adjacent plants and struc- and fall flowers  tures; attracts butterflies; dies back each winter 40 Vines

Fig Vine Coral Honeysuckle Confederate Jasmine Passion Vine

Crossvine

Trumpet Vine Virginia Creeper Groundcover Evergreen Wisteria Texas Wisteria Aztec Grass 41 Vines

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Vines Yellow Crossvine Tendril vine attaches to wall; very + Sun/part flowers Prune annually to direct Bignonia capreolata T 6-30’ shade E Spring with brick L and control growth  aggressive climber; ‘Tangerine Beauty’ variety red throats has bright coral blooms; attracts hummingbirds Vine attaches to wall; very aggressive and must Fig Vine + Sun/ Prune to direct and be trimmed; not recommended for wood struc- Ficus pumila 6-30’ shade E M control growth tures; do not plant near preserves; free of insects and disease; susceptible to hard freezes Coral tubular blooms; attract hummingbirds; ber- Honeysuckle, Coral T 6-12’ Sun/part SE Spring to Coral L-M Prune to direct and ries attract fruit-eating birds; tamer vine suitable Lonicera sempervirens shade summer flowers control growth  for smaller structures Jasmine, Confederate Fragrant bloom; glossy leaves; poisonous Trachelospermum 20’ 12-16’ Sun/part E Spring to White L Prune to control growth if ingested; aggressive in shady areas; do not jasminoides shade summer flowers especially in shady areas + plant near preserves Passion Vine Early Prune to direct and Tendril vine; perennial; food for several spe- Passiflora incarnata T 6-15’ Sun/part D spring to Lavender L-M control growth; cut back cies of butterfly larva; exotic flower; aggressive shade summer flowers unwanted suckers   growth and spreading Reddish- Not recommended for wood structures; attracts Trumpet Vine + Sun/part Campsis radicans B/E 6-40’ shade D Summer orange L Prune to control growth hummingbirds; aggressive spreader; ‘Madame flowers   Galen’ and ‘Georgia’ have larger blooms Vigorous cover; not recommended for wood Virginia Creeper + Sun/ Scarlet structures; pest free; many birds compete for the Parthenocissus B/E to 40’ shade D Fall foliage L Prune to control growth   berries; best foliage color and berry production quinquefolia in full sun Wisteria, Evergreen Summer Dark Prune in winter, if Not to be confused with invasive wisteria; 15’ 8’ Sun SE purple M loses leaves in cold Groundcover Millettia reticulata to fall flowers needed  High heat tolerance; fragrant; plants can become Wisteria, Texas Part Bluish- Lightly prune in late chlorotic on alkaline soils; not as showy as inva- Wisteria frutescens T 25-30’ 3-6’ shade/ D Spring lilac M winter sive wisteria; flowers attract several insect species; sun flowers  + larval host for Long-Tailed Skipper and Marine Blue butterflies Groundcover

Aztec Grass Part Variegated Similar to Liriope with white variegated leaves; Ophiopogon 1’ 1’ shade/ E foliage M No pruning necessary no pests or diseases intermedius shade 42 Groundcover

Gregg Dalea Frogfruit Creeping Germander Horseherb

Leadwort Plumbago

Asian Jasmine Liriope

Monkey Grass Mountain Pea Myoporum 43 Groundcover

Common Name Texas HeightNative Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Groundcover

Dalea, Gregg T 6-12” 2-4’ Sun/part SE Spring to Purple L D Pruning not necessary Silvery blue-green leaves; dry soil; winter-hardy; Dalea greggii shade fall flowers   primary bloom period in fall

Frogfruit + Sun/ Spring to White Cut back to 3” Spreads rapidly; small flower; larval host plant Phyla incisa B/E 6-8” 1.5-2’ shade D fall flowers L-M D in February   to butterflies Pink and Low mounding form; silver foliage; dark green Germander, Creeping 4-6” 1.5’-2’ Sun E Summer purple L D Sheer to encourage variety available (inset); requires well Teucrium cossonii flowers compact growth  drained soils Horseherb + Sun/ Spring to Yellow Mow occasionally to Recommended for revegetation; tolerates some Calyptocarpus vialis B/E 6-10” 1’ shade D fall flowers VL D revitalize   foot traffic; great for dry shade Jasmine, Asian Vining groundcover; will climb trees, may burn Trachelospermum 1-1.5’ 4-20’ Sun/ E M Maintain distinct edge to in full sun; suppresses weeds: can be invasive; asiaticum shade prevent spreading do not plant near preserves or waterways

Leadwort Plumbago Sun/part Blue Deep blue flowers and green foliage with bur- Ceratostigma 6-12” 3-5’ shade D Summer flowers L Cut back in February gundy tinge in cool weather plumbaginoides  Clump-like evergreen foliage; variegated and Liriope Sun/ Purple Cut back in late winter if Liriope muscari 12-18” 12” shade E Summer spikes M Giant Liriope (to 2’) available; requires more foliage looks ragged water in sun

Monkey Grass Part Fertile, well-drained soil; clusters of flowers (Mondo Grass) 4-8” 6-10” shade/ E M Can be mowed close to the leaves; dwarf form also available; Ophiopogon japonicus shade  great lawn alternative in shade; do not plant near preserves Prune occasionally to Mountain Pea 8-12” 2-3’+ Sun/ SE Spring Purple L D encourage compact Loose textured, spreading groundcover; Orbexilum sp. nov. shade flowers growth fast grower

Myoporum 3-12” 6’ Sun/ E Spring White L Trim to contain Easy to grow; good substitute for turf; avoid Myoporum parvifolium shade flowers planting near preserves since it may spread

44 Groundcover

Oregano Pigeonberry Purple Heart Trailing Rosemary

Blue Sedge

Santolina Berkeley Sedge

Cherokee Sedge Meadow Sedge Texas Sedge 45 Groundcover

Common Name Texas NativeHeight Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Groundcover

White to Oregano 10”-2’ 4’+ Sun E Summer rosy-pink M Mow back to 3” in Feb- Sprawling plant; pungently aromatic; flavorful Origanum vulgare flowers ruary if desired  leaves used in cooking

Pigeonberry Part Spring to White/ Prune for a natural look, Spreads rapidly; tolerates moist or dry soil; B/E 1-1.5’ 2’ shade/ D pink M D attractive red berries are prized by birds Rivina humilis shade fall flowers shaping not necessary   Purple Requires more water in sun; roots may rot in Purple Heart + Sun/ Spring to Keep confined by Setcreasea pallida 1’ 3’ shade E fall leaves and L pruning poorly drained soil; not fully cold-hardy in flowers severe winter Rosemary, Trailing Prune occasionally to + Spring to Blue Aromatic foliage; excellent groundcover for hot Rosmarinas officinalis 1-2” 2.5-4’ Sun E L encourage compact dry sites; strongly-scented herb; not long-lived var. prostratus Summer flowers growth 

Santolina Yellow Shrubby groundcover; fine textured, aromatic (Lavender Cotton) 1-1.5’ 1.5-2.5’ Sun E Summer flowers; VL Prune plants that have evergreen foliage; requires excellent drainage; Santolina silver begun to die in center + chamaecyparissus foliage not long-lived; green leaf species also available

Sedge, Berkeley Part Late Yellow Prune unattractive Clump-like foliage; grass-like; needs 1’ 1’ shade/ E L D foliage occasional moisture Carex tumulicola shade spring flowers  Sedge, Blue Sun/ Yellow Prune unattractive Grown for blue-green foliage; clump-like Carex flacca 6-12” 15-18” shade E Spring flowers L D foliage  foliage; grass-like; needs occasional moisture Trim to contain; can Clumping sedge; coarser texture than most Sedge, Cherokee T 2-2.5’ 1’ Part E Spring Green M remove seedheads at end Carex cherokeensis shade bloom of season   sedges and is one of the tallest Sedge, Meadow B/E 1-1.5’ 1.5’ Sun/ E Spring Green L D Prune unattractive Carex perdentata shade foliage foliage   Clump-like foliage; prefers well-drained soils

Sedge, Texas T 6-8” 6-18” Sun/ E Spring Green L D Prune unattractive Groundcover for dry shade; adapts to wide range Carex texensis shade foliage foliage   of soils; can be mowed at high setting

46 Groundcover

Sedum (varieties) Silver Ponyfoot Violet Wooly Stemodia

Raingarden- a shallow recessed garden designed to catch and store rain fall for short periods and then dry out

Base of the garden Bushy Bluestem Scarlet Rose Mallow Raingarden Cardinal Flower Slender Rush Eastern Gamagrass Soft Rush Fall Obedient Plant Swamp Milkweed Frogfruit Swamp Sunflower Gregg’s Mistflower Switchgrass Horsetail Water Clover Inland Sea Oats Water Daisy Marsh Obedient Plant White-topped Sedge Maximilian Sunflower Wooly Rose-Mallow Salt Marsh Mallow

Sides of the garden

Big Bluestem Marsh Fleabane Big Muhly Pink Evening Primrose Pitcher Sage Black-eyed Susan Plains Coreopsis Brazos Penstemon Prairie Wildrye Clasping Coneflower Scarlet Sage Cut-leaf Daisy Deer Muhly Eastern Gamagrass Gulf Coast Muhly 47 Illinois Bundleflower Groundcover

Common Name Texas NativeHeight Spread Light Evergreen/DeciduousSeasonal InterestColor/FeatureWater AvailabilityMaintenance WildlifeDeer ResistantComments

Groundcover White Succulent plant with many species and flower Sedum (Stonecrop) T 4-12” 1-2’+ Sun/ E Vary yellow or L No pruning required colors; good drainage required; withstands Sedum spp. shade pink  shallow, poor soil

Attractive silver gray foliage on low growing Silver Ponyfoot T 2-4” 2’+ Sun/part E Summer Silver-gray L D No pruning required runners; good drainage is critical; Dichondra argentea shade leaves  do not over-water

Violet Part Violet Reseeds easily; lighter purple bloom than T 4-6” 8-12’ shade/ D Spring L/M No maintenance required houseplant Viola missourensis shade flowers 

Wooly Stemodia Silvery Delicate blooms; good cascading plant for pots; Stemodia lanata T 4-6” 3’+ Sun/part D Late leaves; L Prune unattractive needs good drainage; can be poisonous shade spring purple foliage   to livestock (Stemodia tomentosa) flowers Bulbs & Water Plants Bulbs Water Plants Coastal water-hyssop* Yellow cow-lily or spatterdock* Bandana-of-the-Everglades White water lily Jamaican sawgrass* Marsh obedient plant* Lance-leaf burhead* Marsh fleabane* Horsetail* Pickerelweed Scarlet rose-mallow Long-leaf or knotty pondweed* Wooly rose-mallow White-topped sedge or star sedge* Amaryllis Spider-lily Delta arrowhead Bearded Iris Zig-zag iris Arrowhead* Chinese Ground Orchid Virginia blueflag Lizard tail Daffodils Soft rush* Trisquare bulrush* Lilies, Cooper’s American water willow* Giant bulrush* Lilies, Crinum Salt marsh-mallow Powdery thalia Lilies, Oxblood/ Schoolhouse Cardinal flower* Lilies, Spider Water clover* Oxalis (can be aggressive; do not Yellow water lotus *Denotes plants native to Central Texas. plant near preserves) Rainlilies 48 Turf Grasses Turf

Bermuda Buffalo St. Augustine Zoysia

REDUCE FERTILIZER: REDUCE TURF: ALTERNATIVES TO TURF: A Texas A&M study calls for reducing fertilization Turf is a high maintenance landscape plant, SHADE: SUN: application rates up to 75%! (which is half as much, sometimes disease prone and requiring higher · Liriope · Gregg Dalea water usage. Consider reducing lawn size and half as often as recommended on most bags.) Monkey Grass Pink Skullcap Excess fertilizer promotes shallow roots, making turf replacing with plant beds, groundcovers, stones, · · more prone to disease, insect and drought damage. mulch or other non-plant materials. · River Fern · Trailing Lantana · Yarrow

Texas NativeLight Color WaterMaintenance Comments

For details and to learn the benefits of organic and natural fertilizers, see the Grow Green Lawn Care fact sheet or go to www.growgreen.org. Bermuda Mow ‘Tif’ and ‘Baby’ varieties twice Cultivars from sod only; common available from seed; invades nearby ‘Tif 419’, ‘Sahara’, Sun Green M a week to a height of 1-1.5”; mow flower beds and whenever seed is transported; do not plant in areas ‘Baby’,Common common Bermuda once a week to 2-2.5” adjacent to preserves and natural areas; requires higher maintenance Cultivars from sod only; common available from seed; be sure to have Buffalo Sun Blue L Mow to a height of 2.5 -3” or leave weed-free soil at planting time to prevent future weed problems; keep ‘609’, ‘Stampede’  green unmowed for a natural look weeded after establishment; extremely drought tolerant but will turn brown without moisture; susceptible to weeds if not maintained Plant from sod or plugs; most shade tolerant of grasses; coarse texture; St. Augustine Mow once a week to 2.5” in the sun and avoid planting in full sun (due to higher water requirements); ‘Delmar’ ‘Amerishade’, ‘Raleigh’, Sun/ shade Green H 3” in the shade is the best in shade and has some disease-resistance; St. Augustine is the ‘Floratam’ most disease prone of the turf grasses Zoysia Coarse Leaf: Z. japonica, Extremely dense turf chokes out weeds but can make mowing difficult; Mow narrow leaf types to a height ‘Zeion’, ‘El Toro’, Sun/ part Green M of 1-1.5; mow wider leaf types to a cut short at first spring mowing to make mowing easier; needs well ‘JaMur’, ‘Palisades’ shade height of 2-2.5” sharpened mower blades; plant from sod only; coarse leaf varieties are Narrow Leaf: Z. matrella, generally more shade and drought tolerant 49 ‘Emerald’, ‘Zorro’

Plants to Avoid 50

Alternatives Non-Invasive

Arrowhead, Crinum Arrowhead, Tuckahoe Lily, Leadwort Plumbago, Mountain Pea Fern River Leadwort Plumbago, Mountain Pea Vine Passion Botanical Name Botanical Alocasia spp., Colocasia spp. Hedera helix Cyrtomium falcatum major & Vinca minor V. sinensis, Wisteria floribunda W.

by trimming back berries, seedheads or runners. areas. Avoid planting near parks and preserves. planting Avoid areas. Common Name Common distances, they can invade nearby or “downstream” nearby or “downstream” they can invade distances, stems. While they are not generally transported long transported long are not generally While they stems. These plants travel by runners, rhizomes, spores and rhizomes, travel by runners, These plants Already have these plants? Most plants can be controlled Elephant Ear English Ivy Holly Fern Vinca Wisteria (non-native species)

e

harm or harm to human health harm or

Alternatives Non-Invasive Evergreen Yaupon, Bamboo Muhly Yaupon, Evergreen Jessamine, Crossvine Carolina Red Oak Texas Chinquapin Oak, Arizona Cypress Bald Cypress, Red Oak Texas Chinquapin Oak, alternative unknown Viable Roughleaf Dogwood Yaupon, Evergreen Coral Honeysuckle Vine Coral Creeper, Virginia Cherry Laurel Barbados Cherry, Yaupon Sumac, Evergreen Evergreen Redbud Willow, Desert Persimmon Texas Cherry Laurel, Persimmon Texas Cherry Laurel, Sage, Texas Bush Germander, Barbados Cherry Dwarf Burford Holly Yaupon, Evergreen Sumac Evergreen Persimmon Texas Cherry Laurel, Bald Cypress Arizona Cypress, Chinquapin Oak, Lacey Oak Mexican Buckey Evergreen Sumac, Evergreen Yaupon Sumac, Evergreen Evergreen INVASIVE PLANTS AVOID TO INVASIVE

spp. Botanical Name Botanical Photinia spp. Phyllostachys aurea Macfadyena unguis-cati Melia azedarach Firmiana simplex Pistacia chinensis Sapium sebiferum Arundo donax Lonicera japonica Pueraria lobata Ligustrum japonicum Ligustrum lucidum Albizzia julibrissin papyrifera Broussonetia Morus alba Nandina domestica Ligustrum sinense, Ligustrum vulgare Pyracantha Elaeagnus angustifolia spp. Tamarix Ailanthus altissima agnus-castus Vitex

For a more extensive list, visit www.texasinvasives.org extensive list, For a more Common Name Common spread by seeds, berries and spores that can be easily transported long distances. be easily transported spores that can seeds, berries and spread by Invasive plants are those that spread into areas where they are not native. Their introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental economic to cause or is likely causes Their introduction native. are not where they areas into that spread are those plants Invasive The following plants have already invaded preserves and greenbelts in Austin. They Austin. in preserves and greenbelts already invaded plants have The following THIS PLANT LIST IS ONLY A RECOMMENDATION AND HAS NO LEGAL EFFECT IN THE STATE OF TEXAS. IT IS LAWFUL TO TO LAWFUL IS IT TEXAS. OF THE STATE IN EFFECT AND HAS NO LEGAL RECOMMENDATION A IS ONLY LIST THIS PLANT AGRICULTURE OF TEXAS DEPARTMENT THE UNLESS THIS LIST ON PLANT A OR POSSESS SELL, DISTRIBUTE, IMPORT, LIST. PLANT THE DEPARTMENT’S ON AS NOXIOUS OR INVASIVE THE PLANT LABELS * Illegal to sell Chinese Pistache Photinia, Chinese Privet, Common Pyracantha Russian Olive Salt Cedar Tamarisk, of Heaven Tree Vitex Nandina (berrying varieties) Chinese Tallow Chinese Giant Cane* Japanese Honeysuckle Kudzu Leaf Wax Ligustrum, Ligustrum, Japanese Mimosa (non-native) Paper Mulberry, White Mulberry, Bamboo, Running Vine Claw Cat’s Chinaberry Tree Chinese Parasol Common Name Page Common Name Page Common Name Page Common Name Page

Abelia, Glossy 12 Esperanza/Yellow Bells 26 Mountain Laurel, Texas 10 Ruellia, Dwarf 32 Acuba 12 Eve’s Necklace 8 Mountain Pea 44 Sage, Cedar 32 Agarita 12 Fern, Firecracker 26 Muhly, Bamboo 40 Sage, Cherry 32 Agave, Blue 36 Fern, River 26 Muhly, Big 40 Sage, ‘Henry Duelberg’ 32 Agave, Century Plant 36 Fig Vine 42 Muhly, Deer 40 Sage, Jerusalem 32 Agave, Parry’s 36 Firebush 26 Muhly, Gulf 40 Sage, Majestic 32 Agave, Queen Victoria 36 Flame Acanthus 16 Muhly, Pine 40 Sage, Mexican Bush 32 Agave, Squid 36 Fountain Grass, Dwarf 38 Myoporum 44 Sage, Penstemon 32 American Beautyberry 14 Frogfruit 44 Nolina 38 Sage, Russian 34 Anacacho Orchid Tree 6 Gaura 26 Oak, Bur 4 Sage, Texas 20 Arailia, Japanese 14 Gayfeather 26 Oak, Chinquapin 4 Sage, Tropical 34 Artemesia ‘Powis Castle’ 22 Germander, Bush 16 Oak, Lacey 6 Santolina 46 Ash, Texas 4 Germander, Creeping 44 Oak, Live (Southern) 6 Sedge, Berkeley 46

Common Name Index Aster, Fall 26 Goldenball Leadtree 8 Oak, Mexican White 6 Sedge, Blue 46 Aztec Grass 42 Grass, Bermuda 49 Oak, Texas Red 6 Sedge, Cherokee 46 Barbados Cherry 14 Grass, Buffalo 49 Obedient Plant, Fall 30 Sedge, Meadow 46 Barberry, Japanese 14 Grass, St. Augustine 49 Oleander 18 Sedge, Texas 46 Basket Grass 36 Grass, Zoysia 49 Olive, Mexican 10 Senna, Flowering 22 Black-eyed Susan, ‘Goldstrum’ 22 Hawthorne, Indian 16 Oregano 46 Senna, Lindheimer 34 Bottlebrush 14 Hibiscus, Perennial 26 Oregano, Mexican 30 Sedum (Stonecrop) 48 Buckeye, Mexican 6 Holly, Dwarf Burford 16 Palm, Pindo/ Palm, Jelly 10 Shrimp Plant 34 Buckeye, Red 6 Holly, Dwarf Chinese 16 Palm, Windmill 10 Silktassel, Mexican 12 Bulbine 22 Holly, Dwarf Yaupon 16 Palmetto, Texas 6 Silver Ponyfoot 48 Butterfly Bush 14 Holly, Nellie R Stevens 8 Palmetto, Texas Dwarf 18 Skeletonleaf Goldeneye 34 Butterfly Bush, Wooly 14 Holly, Possumhaw 8 Passion Vine 42 Skullcap, Pink 34 Cactus, Prickly Pear 38 Holly, Yaupon 8 Pecan 6 Skullcap, Heartleaf 34 Calylophus 22 Honey Mesquite 4 Penstemon, Gulf Coast 30 Skyflower, Duranta 22 Carolina Buckthorn 8 Honeysuckle Bush, White 16 Penstemon, Hill Country 30 Society Garlic 34 Carolina Jessamine 40 Honeysuckle, Coral 42 Penstemon, Rock 30 Sotol, Texas 38 Cast Iron Plant 22 Honeysuckle, Mexican 28 Persimmon, Texas 10 Spiderwort 34 Cedar, Eastern Red 4 Hop Tree 8 Phlox, Garden 30 Sumac, Evergreen 12 Cherry Laurel 8 Horseherb 44 Pigeonberry 46 Sumac, Fragrant 22 Chile Pequin (Petin) 24 Hymenoxys 28 Pineapple Guava 18 Sycamore, Mexican 6 Columbine, Red 24 Indigo Spires 28 Plum, Mexican 10 Texas Betony 34 Columbine, Yellow 24 Inland Sea Oats 40 Plumbago 30 Thryallis 22 Coral Vine 40 Iris, Bearded 28 Primrose, Missouri 30 Trumpet Vine 42 Coralbean 24 Iris, Bicolor 28 Pomegranate 10 Turk’s Cap 22 Coralberry 14 Jasmine, Asian 44 Pride of Barbados 30 Verbena 36 Coreopsis 24 Jasmine, Confederate 42 Purple Coneflower 32 Viburnum, Rusty Blackhaw 12 Cotoneaster 14 Jasmine, Primrose 18 Purple Heart 46 Viburnum, Sandankwa 12 Crape Myrtle 8 Kidneywood 10 Redbud, Mexican (Texas) 10 Violet 48 Crossvine 42 Lamb’s Ear 28 Retama 10 Virginia Creeper 42 Cuphea, Batface 24 Lantana (hybrid) 28 Rock Rose 32 Walnut, Little 12 Cuphea, ‘David Verity’ 24 Lantana, Texas 28 Rose, ‘Belinda’s Dream’ 18 Wax Myrtle 12 Cypress, Arizona 4 Lantana, Trailing 28 Rose, ‘Cecile Brunner’ 18 Winecup, Perennial 36 Cypress, Bald 4 Lion’s Tail 28 Rose, ‘Grandma’s Yellow’ 18 Wisteria, Evergreen 42 Cypress, Montezuma 4 Leadwort Plumbago 44 Rose, ‘Knock Out’ 20 Wisteria, Texas 42 Daisy, Blackfoot 24 Little Bluestem 40 Rose, ‘Lady Banksia’ 20 Wooly Stemodia 48 Daisy, Copper Canyon 24 Liriope 44 Rose, ‘Livin’ Easy’ 20 Xylosma 12 Daisy, Engelmann 24 Mallow, Globe 18 Rose, ‘Marie Daly’ 20 Yarrow 36 Dalea, Black 14 Maple, Bigtooth 4 Rose, ‘Marie Pavie’ 20 Yucca, Big Bend 38 Dalea, Gregg 44 Marigold, Mexican Mint 30 Rose, ‘Martha Gonzales’ 20 Yucca, Giant 38 Damianita 26 Mexican Feathergrass 40 Rose, ‘Mutabilis’ 20 Yucca, Paleleaf 38 Desert Willow 8 Mimosa, Fragrant 16 Rose, ‘Nearly Wild’ 20 Yucca, Red 38 Elaeagnus 16 Mistflower, White 18 Rose, ‘Old Blush’ 20 Yucca, Softleaf 38 Elbow Bush 16 Mock Orange 18 Rosemary, Upright 20 Yucca, Twistleaf 38 51 Elm, Cedar 4 Monkey Grass 44 Rosemary, Trailing 46 Zexmenia 36 Botanical Plant Name 52 6 8 4 4 4 6 18 28 34 32 32 32 32 32 32 46 40 34 34 46 48 34 10 18 28 34 48 48 14 24 30 26 28 44 16 26 44 42 10 34 34 36 12 12 34 48 36 42 12 38 38 38 38 sp. bracteata ‘Henry Duelberg’ ‘Henry ‘Indigo Spires’ ‘Indigo or visit: Sabal minor Sabal texana Sabal Salvia coccinea Salvia farinacea Salvia greggii Salvia Salvia guaranitica Salvia leucantha Salvia penstemonoides Salvia roemeriana Santolina chamaecyparissus scoporium Schizachyrium Scutellaria ovata Scutellaria suffrutescens pallida Setcreasea Sedum spp. Senna lindheimeriana Styphnoiobium affinis Sophora secundiflora Sphaeralcea ambigua Stachys byzantina Stachys coccinea Stemodia lanata Stemodia tomentosa Symphoricarpos orbiculatus lemmonii Tagetes lucida Tagetes distichum Taxodium mucronatum Taxodium stans Tecoma scaposa Tetraneuris cossonii Teucrium fruticans Teucrium Thelypteris kunthii asiaticum Trachelospermum jasminoides Trachelospermum fortunei Trachycarpus spp. Tradescantia violacea Tulbaghia Ulmus crassifolia Ungnadia speciosa spp. Verbena rufidulum Viburnum suspensum Viburnum stenoloba Viguiera missourensis Viola texana Wedelia frutescens Wisteria Xylosma congestum pallida Yucca recurvifolia Yucca rostrata Yucca rupicola Yucca Call 505-3700 for details may receive Green Building credits. Builders using plants from this guide www.cityofaustin.org/greenbuilder 6 4 8 8 6 6 4 4 6 6 6 6 8 6 36 30 44 42 38 44 46 26 10 42 42 32 38 30 30 30 34 18 32 30 44 30 30 30 10 10 16 22 12 46 18 18 18 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 46 22 32 26 x. indica Rhus aromatica Rhus virens Rivina humilis Dream’ Rosa ‘Belinda’s Rosa ‘Cecile Brunner’ Yellow’ Rosa ‘Grandma’s Rosa ‘Knockout’ Rosa ‘Lady Banksia’ Rosa ‘Marie Daly’ Rosa ‘Marie Pavie’ Rosa ‘Martha Gonzales’ Rosa ‘Mutabulis’ Rosa ‘Nearly Wild’ Rosa ‘Old Blush’ Rosmarinus officinalis prostratus Rosmarinus officinalis var. sullivantii ‘Goldstrum’ Rudbeckia fulgida var. Ruellia brittoniana Russelia equisetiformis Sabal mexicana Nolina texana Nolina missouriensis Oenothera japonicus Ophiopogon intermedius Ophiopogon spp. Opuntia sp. nov. Orbexilum Origanum vulgare Packera obovata aculeata Parkinsonia quinquefolia Parthenocissus Passiflora incarnata Pavonia lasiopetala alopecuroides Pennisetum Penstemon baccharifolius Penstemon tenuis Penstemon triflorus atriplicifolia Perovskia Philadelphus coronarius Phlomis fruticosa Phlox paniculata Phyla incisa Physostegia virginiana Plantanus mexicana Plumbago auriculata Poliomintha longiflora glandulosa Prosopis Prunus caroliniana Prunus mexicana Ptelea trifoliata Punica granatum fusiformis Quercus laceyi Quercus macrocarpa Quercus muhlenbergii Quercus polymorpha Quercus shumardii Quercus texana Quercus virginiana Quercus Rhamnus caroliniana Rhaphiolepsis 4 8 8 8 4 8 8 22 32 16 24 24 10 14 18 42 16 22 12 40 26 26 38 38 26 26 16 16 16 22 28 18 12 34 28 28 28 28 28 20 26 44 16 42 12 14 22 24 42 16 12 40 40 40 40 40 44 40 18 38 ‘Nana’ ‘Burfordii’ ‘Rotunda’ ‘Nellie R. Stevens’ this plant guide to selected areas outside of Austin this plant guide to selected areas outside of LCRA has provided funding for the distribution of LCRA Duranta erecta Duranta purpurea Echinacea pungens Eleagnus persistenia Engelmannia herbacea Erythrina texana Eysenhardtia Fatsia japonica Feijoa sellowiana Ficus pumila pubescens Forestirera Fraxinus texensis Galphimia glauca spp. lindheimeri Garrya ovata Gelsemium sempervirens Guara lindheimeri Hamelia patens Hesperaloe funifera Hesperaloe parviflora Hibiscus coccineus Hibiscus moscheutos Ilex cornuta Ilex cornuta Ilex cornuta Ilex decidua Ilex vomitoria Ilex vomitoria Ipomoea fistulosa Iris germanica Jasminum mesnyi Juglans microcarpa Juniperus virginiana Justica brandegeana Justicia spicigera indica Lagerstroemia Lantana urticoides Lantana montevidensis Lantana x. hybrida Leonotis leonurus Leucaena retusa Leucophyllum frutescens Liatris mucronata Liriope muscari Lonicera albiflora Lonicera sempervirens Mahonia trifoliata Malpighia glabra Malvaviscus arboreus Melampodium leucanthum Millettia reticulata Mimosa borealis cerifera Morella capillaris Muhlenbergia dubia Muhlenbergia dumosa Muhlenbergia lindheimeri Muhlenbergia rigens Muhlenbergia Myoporum parvifolium Nassella tenuissima Nerium oleander Nolina lindheimeriana 4 6 6 6 8 4 12 36 12 36 36 36 36 36 18 16 40 24 24 22 22 26 14 12 42 14 14 22 22 10 30 14 36 14 22 44 42 24 46 46 46 46 46 22 44 10 10 40 26 24 10 14 24 24 14 44 38 48 28 10 www.cityofaustin.org/greengarden

spp.

Diospyros texana Diospyros Dietes bicolor Dichondra argentea Dasylirion texanum Dalea greggii Dalea frutescens Cupressus arizonica Cupressus Cuphea x. ‘David Verity’ Cuphea llavea Cotoneaster spp. Cordia boissieri Cordia Coreopsis lanceolata Coreopsis Chrysactinia mexicana Chilopsis linearis Chasmanthium latifolium ‘texensis’ canadensis var. Cercis ‘mexicana’ canadensis var. Cercis Ceratostigma plumbaginoides Cassia corymbosa Carya illinoinensis Carex tumulicola Carex Carex texensis Carex Carex perdentata Carex Carex flacca Carex Carex cherokeensis Carex Capsicum annuum Campsis radicans Calyptocarpus vialis Calylophus berlandieri Callistemon citrinus Callirhoe involucrata Callirhoe Callicarpa americana Caesalpinia pulcherrima Butia capitata Bulbine frutescens Bulbine caulescens Buddleja marrubiifolia Buddleja davidii Bignonia capreolata Berberis trifoliata Berberis thunbergii Bauhinia lunariodes Aster oblongifolius Aspidistra elatior Artemisia ‘Powis Castle’ Aquilegia chrysantha Aquilegia canadensis Antigonon leptopus wrightii quadrifidus var. Anisacanthus Ageratina havanensis Agave tequilana Agave victoriae reginae Agave victoriae Agave parryi Agave bracteosa Achillea Achillea americana Agave Acer grandidentatum Acer pavia Aesculus Abelia grandiflora Abelia japonica Acuba ® For additional earthwise landscaping infor- mation and an online plant database, visit www.growgreen.org

References: Vines, Robert A., Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines With special thanks to: of the Southwest, University of Texas Press, 1994. Bender, K. and Damude, N., Texas Wildscapes: Joe Marcus, Damon Waitt, Sara Twaddle, Kelly Gardening for Wildlife, TPWD, 2007 Wasowski, Sally and Andy, Native Texas Plants Bender, Janice Charnley, Lisa Lennon, Mike - Landscaping Region by Region, Texas Monthly Lyday, Marya Fowler, Andrea DeLong-Amaya, Bender, Steve, ed., The Southern Living Garden Press, 1988 and to the many growers, nurseries and designers Book, Oxmoor House, 1998 who assisted with this project. Web References: Cox, Paul and Leslie, Patty, Texas Trees - A Comments: Friendly Guide, Corona Publishing, 1988 www.davesgarden.com www.floridata.com We recognize that there are many other plants Irish, Mary and Gary, Agaves, Yuccas and Related www.plants.usda.gov well deserving of selection and we welcome your Plants, Timber Press, 2000 www.texasinvasives.org comments and suggestions regarding any new www.wildflower.org additions and changes you think would be useful. Odenwald, Neil and Turner, James, Identification, Please call 512-974-2446 or email us through Selection and Use of Southern Plants for Land- Credits: www.growgreen.org. scape Design, Claitor’s Publishing, 1987 Kathy Shay Skip Richter Simpson, Benny, A Field Guide to Texas Trees, Nancy McClintock John Gleason Gulf Publishing, 1988 and 1999 Dick Peterson Karen Stewart Sara Heilman Denise Delaney Sunset Publishing, Sunset Western Garden Book, Rene Barrera Alice Nance 1995 Aaron Hicks, graphic design

Maximum sales price outside Austin: $2.00 Recycled 4th Edition, 2009 512-974-2550 512-854-9600 Paper