Native Plants

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.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.
rate this answer
Wednesday - August 20, 2014
From: Dallas, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Shrub for Dallas Street
Answered by: Anne Van Nest
QUESTION:
I am looking for a native shrub for Dallas, Texas. It is full sun with a maximum height of 3 feet to border the street edge of a shopping center. It will get irrigated.ANSWER:
The first place to go to find a list of potential plants for your shady container is our Native Plant Database. Use the Combination Search feature instead of Recommended Species. This will provide a bigger selection with much more choice to narrow down.
Under Combination Search, select the following categories: TX, Habit – Shrub, Duration – Perennial, Light Requirement – Sun, Soil Moisture – Moist, and Size – 3-6 feet.
The best plant to consider from this search is:
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Flame Acanthus) – A native deciduous shrub, 3-5 feet tall. Reddish-orange tubular flowers that attract hummingbirds. Drought-tolerant. It takes well to shearing and can make a dense, low hedge.
Several other plants are suitable but their heights are taller than your requirements.
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Protecting hibiscus from cold in Eastern Washington State
July 28, 2006 - I recently purchased a Hibiscus Brilliant Red. I planted it in an area of my garden that will give it full sun for most of the day. In the Pacific Northwest where I live (Eastern Washington) it can ge...
view the full question and answer
Plant identification of shrub in Georgia
May 26, 2010 - I have a bush that has red berries. It is evergreen and the leaves are a soft green. The berries are white at first and turn red. The bush is like a cluster of twigs that are in one area kind of li...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen for privacy screen in Northern California
October 19, 2012 - Hello, My neighbor just logged their property and we need a very quick growing evergreen shrub/tree (for privacy of ugly cabin) that grows to at least 10' -15' tall. We live in northern Cal. about ...
view the full question and answer
Propagating Pavonia seeds
October 10, 2013 - Could you please recommend a method for scarifying Pavonia seeds?
Thank you
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming Texas Mountain Laurel
March 30, 2008 - Two questions: 1. My mountain laurel (10 yrs old) has never had blooms. Is this a gender plant issue?
2. I have been seeking a groundcover that grows in shade and will take foot (dog) traffic. ...
view the full question and answer
| Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |
