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

rate this answer

Saturday - October 24, 2015
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrub for Austin TX shade
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I live in Austin, TX. I'm looking for a 4 season shrub for a partially shaded area that gets about 3 hours of sun towards the evening. It's mostly partially shaded.ANSWER:
Our website shows a list of native evergreen species that you may consider for your conditions. My particular recommendations include Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri (Lindheimer's silktassel), Mahonia trifoliolata (Agarita), Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle), Sabal minor (Dwarf palmetto), Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain laurel), Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon) and Rhus virens (Evergreen sumac). Reading the descriptions of these plants will help you decide which fits your needs as regards size and appearance. In case you need it, this online article contains tips about planting shrubs.
Most of these species should be available at your local plant nurseries.
From the Image Gallery
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Plant that can move from outside to inside for Denton, TX
December 14, 2008 - I am looking for a plant that is either native to Texas or is well acclimated to the Denton TX area that can move from a covered outside area to an adjacent indoor area behind large glass walls, to a ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen groundcover under pine tree in NY
May 23, 2008 - Hello! I live in upstate NY. I'm trying to find an evergreen ground cover to plant under a pine tree. I believe it's a white spruce (but I'm not postive). I've read conflicting information reg...
view the full question and answer
Ground cover plants for a shady North Carolina yard
March 20, 2016 - Ground cover erosion control for heavily shaded area in Cary, North Carolina. Current landscapers use strong blowers for leaf control. This blows away any seeds, loose soil and mulch. Tree roots ar...
view the full question and answer
Should Solanum eleagnifolium, silverleaf nightshade, be removed from yard
October 01, 2009 - I live in Upstate NY. I'm quite sure, after checking many sites/pictures, that I have a couple specimens of Silver Leaf Night Shade (Solanum elaeagnifolium) growing in the "wild" portion of my side...
view the full question and answer
Shade tolerant groundcover plants for Tarrant County, Texas
November 01, 2011 - I live in far NE Tarrant County (Ft Worth), TX and need a groundcover that can tolerate complete shade and poor, rocky, clay soil. I need mostly for erosion control, and needs to be relatively low
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |