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

Thursday - November 17, 2011
From: Florence, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Drought Tolerant, Turf, Grasses or Grass-like
Title: Drought tolerant grass with little need for mowing for Hill Country of Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What grass would you recommend for the hill country of Texas that is drought tolerant and does not need frequent mowing?ANSWER:
HABITURF™ is the grass for you! It is a mixture of three native grasses—Bouteloua dactyloides (Buffalograss), Bouteloua gracilis (Blue grama) and Hilaria belangeri (Curly mesquite grass). The Wildflower Center has been developing this grass mixture since 2007. Once established it requires little water and little mowing. It likes full sun but will do well in areas that get sun 50% of the time. For more information about its features, starting and maintaining it, please read the brochure and our How to Article, Native Lawns: Multi-species. Seeds are available at Douglas King Company and Native American Seed (under the name "Thunder Turf").
More Turf Questions
Calyptocarpus vialis, Horseherb, for shady, mowable lawn
April 06, 2007 - Graham, Texas, Heavily wooded. Too shady for St. Augustine grass. Need mowable ground cover near house. Have heard of something called horsewort, but not able to find anything about it.
view the full question and answer
Do I need to cover my Habiturf planting with straw?
March 02, 2012 - I'm preparing to seed the Habiturf in my front yard in a couple of weeks. My dad has suggested I spread some straw to help protect the seeds. Your thoughts? Thanks!!!
view the full question and answer
Buffalograss (Bouteloua dactyloides) and buffalo grass mixes
October 05, 2007 - I live in Austin, TX and have visited the Wildflower Center in the past and enjoyed the display of native grass mixes. Can you tell me about the variations of buffalograss mixes... which ones are most...
view the full question and answer
Seeding an established buffalograss lawn to make it denser
May 13, 2010 - We have 5400 sq ft of existing Buffalo grass and would like to know if spreading Buffalo grass SEED would help the existing get more full? I can't seem to find the seed here or the Austin area? And, ...
view the full question and answer
Can you grow wildflowers on a Zoysia greenroof?
June 09, 2015 - I have a 700 square foot zoysia grass roof with irrigation on a pool cabana that I would like to sprinkle with wildflower seeds (bluebonnets, indian paintbrush etc) Is this possible? What is the best ...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |