Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

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.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
2 ratings

Thursday - September 03, 2009

From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Native plants/shrubs to plant under sycamore and redbud trees
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I want to eventually get rid of our front lawn. We have a 40 year old sycamore tree and a young but well established redbud tree in the front yard. What are some good plants/shrubs to plant under the sycamore tree and the redbud tree? I'm interested mainly in low-maintenance and native plants/shrubs. The only watering we tend to do is standard tree watering 2hrs monthly for the health of the trees. The only other water that ends up on our landscape is leftover vegetable cleaning water. Thanks for your help.

ANSWER:

First of all, you need plants that use very little water and, since these plants will be growing under the sycamore and redbud, you need plants that will tolerate growing in the shade or part shade.  Here are some suggestions:

Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)

Nolina texana (Texas sacahuista)

Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii (Wright's desert honeysuckle)

Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita)

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)

Salvia coccinea (blood sage)

Chasmanthium latifolium (Inland sea oats)

Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)

Calyptocarpus vialis (straggler daisy)

Phacelia congesta (caterpillars)

Carex perdentata (sand sedge)

Carex texensis (Texas sedge)

Although these plants require very little water once established, they will need some regular watering until they are well established.  You can see more possibilities in "Plants for Dry Shade in Central Texas" under Special Collections in the Just for Central Texans category.


Callicarpa americana

Nolina texana

Mahonia trifoliolata

Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii

Salvia coccinea

Chasmanthium latifolium

Elymus canadensis

Calyptocarpus vialis

Phacelia congesta

Carex perdentata

Carex texensis

 

 

 

More Shrubs Questions

Winter-interest plants in Wynnewood PA
July 11, 2010 - Could you please suggest flowering plants that provide winter interest after drying out (ie with seed pods or interesting dried flower heads)? I'm looking for something that grows in full sun. Thank ...
view the full question and answer

Looking for shrubs to plant in Southern Illinois.
July 03, 2013 - Hi. I am in Southern Illinois. I'm needing small shrubs for a south facing area. It's a 14ft. long by 2ft. wide area. Although it's facing south, it's not real sunny. A huge tree and swing is...
view the full question and answer

Drought-tolerant trees for planters in San Diego
August 09, 2012 - We need some ideas for a drought tolerant tree that will provide shade (4 foot raised planters in sunny location) not get too big when mature, and not too messy. San Diego
view the full question and answer

Decorative small evergreen tree for Las Vegas NV
January 06, 2013 - I need a small decorative tree to be planted among a pine tree background; would prefer evergreen.
view the full question and answer

Doorway Framing Shrub for Arizona
June 12, 2013 - My husband and I live in Buckeye, Arizona and have a door that faces west. Anything on our patio (including our metal door) gets sizzling hot! Is there a flowering shrub that we can put right up agai...
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.