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
Monday - September 22, 2008
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Wildlife Gardens
Title: Understory plants for creek side in Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
We live along Shoal Creek in central Austin and would like to establish a natural balance of vegetation along the creek. We currently have a high tree canopy made up of native Cedar Elms. What would you recommend for native understory plants (shrubs, trees and grasses) that would thrive in the dapple shade and clay creek soils? Bird attracting species would be a bonus! Thanks! ChrisANSWER:
Mr. Smarty Plants recommends the following plants that will grow in part shade (2-6 hours of sun per day), in clay soil, and have various benefits for birds, butterflies, and other wildlife.GRASS/GRASS-LIKE
Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)
Schizachyrium scoparium (little bluestem)
Panicum virgatum (switchgrass)
Nolina texana (Texas sacahuista)
SHRUBS/SMALL TREES
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac)
Senna lindheimeriana (velvet leaf senna)
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Cercis canadensis var. texensis (Texas redbud)
You can find more possibilities in a list of recommended native species for Central Texas that are commercially available by clicking on that area on the map on our Recommended Species page.
More Wildlife Gardens Questions
Shrubby options for a bird lover in New Jersey
September 07, 2011 - Could you please recommend a native shrub to NJ that grows to about 3-4 feet, is very low maintenance, does well in afternoon sun and is also something the birds will like? Thank you.
view the full question and answer
Wildflowers for a pond in MO
September 10, 2011 - I have a spring fed pond in Missouri and would like to plant perennial wildflowers in the area around it. Are there any that would do better or others that are not recommended?
Thank you.
view the full question and answer
From hay to meadow
August 31, 2004 - I have just acquired a 90 acre farm in the Hudson River Valley and would like to turn some hay fields into natural meadows. One, for example is 20 acres, and has been let go to weed (goldenrod, thistl...
view the full question and answer
Need suggestions for plants for a bird/small wildlife refuge in Wichita Co, TX.
August 26, 2011 - With our continuing drought in North Texas, I'm planning to transform my small backyard into a bird/small wildlife "refuge". What types of native plants and grasses can I plant in dry, hot Wichita ...
view the full question and answer
Forage plants for deer in Central Texas
December 06, 2014 - Looking for best forage plants and seed for deer forage, Canyon Lake-New Braunfels, Tx. Have searched listings, but areas are NE or other and not relevant to my location. Your time much appreciated. ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |