Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Thursday - February 06, 2014

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Gardens
Title: Rain garden plants for Central Texas
Answered by: Guy Thompson

QUESTION:

Do you have a list of rain garden plants for Central Texas?

ANSWER:

Because of our persistent drought, the City of Austin is promoting the utilization of rain gardens.  There are several web sites relating to this, including the following and this one as well.

Further information regarding care and propagation of any of the species listed can be found at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Plant Database,  

If your rain garden will feature a pond or permanent wetland, I suggest that you consult this recent list of wetland plant species suitable for the Austin area.

I sincerely hope that your interest and preparations will be rewarded with frequent refreshing rains.

 

More Rainwater Harvesting Questions

Rainwater vs. city water in Austin
September 18, 2009 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, My native plants respond better to being watered with 'city' water from a sprinkler than 'city' water applied with a hose at the base of the plant. And they respond eve...
view the full question and answer

Rainwater harvesting
March 06, 2007 - I was told that you have info on setting up water collection systems. Is this information available on line? Thank you for your help.
view the full question and answer

School project on acid rain effects on plants from Austin
October 18, 2013 - Hi I go to an Austin high school and I am doing a project on how acid rain affects plant growth. I am wondering if you know any plants that would be more or less susceptible to acid rain for this proj...
view the full question and answer

Information about rainwater collection systems
November 25, 2008 - I am wanting to design and install a rainwater collection system, and would like recommendations on suppliers, how to operate, detailed info on construction, capacity and pumping. Any info you can pro...
view the full question and answer

Native Plant Suggestions for Dripping Springs
August 02, 2011 - I have a very dry commercial property in Dripping Springs TX where the dry sand/dust isn't a good rain conductor (whenever we get rain). What can we plant there? We have no irrigation and use a rai...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.