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

Sunday - March 25, 2012
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening, Shrubs
Title: Evergreen shrub for screening from Austin
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Is there an evergreen, fruit shrub which grows 8 to 10 feet high, having about 6 to 8 hours of sun which could be trimmed to serve as a screen in front of pool equipment on the side of our house?ANSWER:
We are not sure what you mean by "fruit shrub." Plants almost all bloom and have some sort of fruit which contains the seed of the plant, necessary to reproduction, as Nature requires. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, home of Mr. Smarty Plants, is dedicated to the growth, propagation and protection of plants native not only to North America but, in your case, Central Texas. There are some small members of the Prunus species native to this area that bear fruit, but they don't grow in a form that would provide screening. These include Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum) and Prunus serotina (Black cherry); neither are evergreen.
We are going to go to our Native Plant Database, select for Texas, and then "shrubs" under Habit or General Appearance, "evergreen" under Leaf Retention, 6 to 12 ft. under Height and "sun" under Light Requirements, and see what choices we can offer you. The selection of "evergreen" will be the most challenging, and most limiting in selection. Follow each plant link to our webpage on it to find out its particular characteristics. You can repeat our search, using other requirements, to see what else you might find that you like better.
Sophora tomentosa (Yellow necklacepod)
From the Image Gallery
More Shrubs Questions
Non-blooming rhododendron in Connecticut
June 02, 2008 - A two or three yr old rhododendron has not blossomed - ever! All other plants in landscape doing well, but not this one. Help
view the full question and answer
Native trees and shrubs for Austin
June 11, 2008 - Hello,
I'm searching for a small or medium-sized endemic or native tree (or tree-like shrub) to feature in the front yard of my South Austin bungalow. I want something that provides dappled shade so...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen shrubs for Rindge, NH
May 06, 2009 - We are building a new house and I want to get shrubs/bushes that stay green all year long (ie:hollyberry)to put in front and around our house. Which of these would go closest to the house? I'd like t...
view the full question and answer
Can Monterrey Oak be topped into a bush from Austin TX
June 16, 2013 - I received a suggestion to use Monterey oak as privacy hedge by topping the small tree and letting it bush. I can't find any pictures or info on this being done though.
view the full question and answer
Drought Tolerant Shrubs and Perennials in San Jose, CA
July 18, 2013 - Hello I am a SLT home owner in San Jose, Ca. and want to plant drought tolerant shrubs and perennials. We don't have irrigation but plan to put a timer on a nozzle and run some lines. At least I am t...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |