Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
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.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_40.gif)
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
Wildlife plants for backyard on Galveston Island
July 25, 2010 - Can you help me select native plants for Galveston Island that can be used in a backyard to attract native wildlife?
view the full question and answer
Plants for swan food
July 03, 2012 - Dear Mr Smarty Pants, I have a farm in VA with a large pond or lake fenced in. I am rescuing a pair of swan and want to grow plants around the fence and pond that they can eat. Could you suggest an...
view the full question and answer
Host plants for American Painted Lady larvae in Ohio
June 25, 2009 - Need to know what plants to plant as host plants for American Painted lady butterflies have larve coming in mail in few days , live in Vermilion Ohio on the Lake Erie. Thank You for your knowledge Pa...
view the full question and answer
Native plants, wildlife hosts for small yard in New Jeersey
October 12, 2005 - I live in New Jersey & am in the process of changing my yard over to native plants. My yard is very small & I currently have a Kousa dogwood tree that I want to replace with something native. I need...
view the full question and answer
Dead woody plants in wildlife garden in Austin
March 02, 2011 - I am an enthusiastic and pretty successful wildlife gardener, have studied my Wasowski "Bible", but I can't get any evergreens established in my yard! We live on blackland clay, which I amend with ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |