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 - February 26, 2011
From: Marble Falls, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Native Shade Tree for Central Texas
Answered by: Brigid & Larry Larson
QUESTION:
My parents are buried in Round Mountain Cemetery close to Marble Falls, TX. Can you recommend a tree or shrub we can plant to shade their graves? We need something that can survive and grow in the hot sun with very little water and very little care. Thank you.ANSWER:
Mr Smarty Plants hopes that a beautiful native tree can provide shade and comfort for your family. How about a Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash)? They are fairly fast growing, giving shade and food for the birds. An issue you may find in Round Mountain is the deer. Deer like to browse on Green ash, like they do on so many plants, so the young trees will need protection until they are established. Just remember that any tree you plant will need some care in general the first 2 years. You might want to consider a tree irrigation bag around the base to make sure it has good moisture in that critical growth period, especially if it's planted in the spring or summer.
If the Green ash is not quite to your liking, here are a few more recommendations that should do well, although they will not be as large and have the spread of the Green Ash. Two trees that are rated as “moderate deer resistance” are Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon) and Rhus lanceolata (Prairie flameleaf sumac). In the “High Deer Resistance” category, I like the Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) and the Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican buckeye)
Rhus lanceolata Ilex vomitoria Ungnadia speciosa Platanus occidentalis
All of these fine native trees will provide shade for the graves and will do fine in the hot Central Texas climate once you've given them a little help to start out!
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Need a recommendation for a fast growing shade tree near Gettysburg PA
October 08, 2009 - I am looking to plant a fast growing shade tree with non-invasive roots. I live in south central Pennsylvania just north of Gettysburg PA.
view the full question and answer
Native violets under maples from Gettysburg PA
July 06, 2012 - Just for your info (no need to post or reply), I saw an old post of a question of something to grow under maples. In central PA, native violets grow very well under several species of maples in lawns...
view the full question and answer
Native ground covers for shade in East Texas
June 06, 2008 - I live in Mount Pleasant, Texas which is in northeast Texas. I would like a list of ground covers that would do well in our area. The place I want to put it gets a lot of shade. The ground is clay. Th...
view the full question and answer
Plants for narrow moist shade in Dallas
October 05, 2009 - We are looking for plants in a narrow strip next to our house. It is a shady area that holds a lot of water. We would love plants that would help take water out of the soil. Do you have any suggest...
view the full question and answer
Deer resistant, drought and shade tolerant plants to go under oak tree in Austin
March 21, 2011 - What is the best deer resistant, drought resistant native plant to grow under my huge Oak tree? Grass does not grow. Will iris bloom?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |