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
Friday - December 14, 2007
From: Breckenridge, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Vines and shrubs for wildlife cover and food
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I own property in Stephens County about 10 miles north of Breckenridge, TX along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. I have 45 acres that is open field and I want to provide cover and food for wildlife. I want native species only and I would prefer a shrub or vine that can grow along a fenceline to provide a break from the county road. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for the property.ANSWER:
The following are vines and shrubs, or small trees, native to your area that offer food and/or shelter for a variety of butterflies, birds, and mammals.VINES:
Ampelopsis cordata (heartleaf peppervine)
Lonicera albiflora (western white honeysuckle)
Ibervillea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's globeberry)
Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)
SHRUBS/SMALL TREES:
Acacia angustissima (prairie acacia)
Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia)
Rhus lanceolata (prairie sumac)
Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum)
Prunus gracilis (Oklahoma plum)
Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)
Cornus drummondii (roughleaf dogwood)
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)
Ziziphus obtusifolia (lotebush)
More Shrubs Questions
Problems with non-native Eugenia in Scottsdale AZ
June 02, 2012 - I have 5 eugenia topiaries in my courtyard in pots..I notice as the days here in Phoenix get hotter and dry (as usual) they are starting to look bad, even though they are under a shelter out of the di...
view the full question and answer
Death of mature Eve's necklace in Fredericksburg, TX
July 12, 2010 - A friend mentioned his mature Eve's necklace had died this year. The next day I walked past my own mature Eve's necklace(about 5 years old)and it was dead! What could have happened? Thanks.
view the full question and answer
Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Perennials in San Jose, CA
July 18, 2013 - Hello I am a SLT home owner in San Jose, Ca. and want to plant drought tolerant shrubs and perennials. We don't have irrigation but plan to put a timer on a nozzle and run some lines. At least I am t...
view the full question and answer
Shelf life of hawthorn leaves in Florissant, MO
April 30, 2009 - I have a bag of hawthorn leaves that were harvested in 2007. Do you know if they're still effective? How long is the shelf life of hawthorn leaves? Thank you for your assistance.
view the full question and answer
Hedge for Austin
April 09, 2009 - Hi. I live in West Austin and am having trouble finding plants for our heavily shaded yard (thanks to our beautiful large live oaks). I love glossy, dark green leaves and big flowers. I love the came...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |