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

Tuesday - November 26, 2013
From: College Station, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils
Title: Native plants suitable for clay soils in College Station, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Where might I find a list of native plants suitable for clay soils in the College Station TX area?ANSWER:
On our Recommended Species page you can click on East Texas on the map to get a list of commercially available native plants for your area. On the Texas-East Recommended page you can use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option in the sidebar to limit the list by the plants' general appearance (i.e., tree, vine, shrub, etc.), light requirement, soil moisture, etc. For instance, if you choose 'Shrub' under General Appearance, 'Part shade -' under Light Requirement and 'Dry -' under Soil Moisture, you will get a list of 10 plants. On each of these 10 species' pages under "Growing Conditions" you should find 'Soil Description'. From that list, if you look at 'Soil Description' on the Erythrina herbacea (Coralbean) page, you will see that it has 'clay' under its 'Soil Description'; but Ceanothus americanus (New jersey tea) does not show 'clay' on its 'Soil Description' list. By varying your criteria to fit your site, you should be able to locate a good number of plants that will grow well in clay soils.
More Soils Questions
Baby mountain laurels are ready to move, in Lockhart Texas
October 19, 2011 - I want to harvest the baby mountain laurel plants which are growing under a large bush. What height would be best for the young plants survival? Please recommend a soil mixture for the pots.
view the full question and answer
Best mulch from Cedar Hill TX
June 10, 2010 - What is the best mulch to use around trees,azaleas and plants in Cedar Hill, Tx?
view the full question and answer
Using Horse Manure for the Garden
July 07, 2016 - Can you use horse manure for decomposed matter for your flower beds, etc.?
view the full question and answer
Asphalt beneath surface of soil in Austin
June 03, 2013 - About 3-4 inches below the surface of our yard is what appears to be asphalt. It comes out in chunks a few inches across and it's all about 1.5 inches thick. I have no idea what it is; my best guess ...
view the full question and answer
Proper soil for Blackfoot daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)
April 18, 2006 - I live in San Antonio. Have taken landscape course at the center several years ago-(fabulous)! I am putting in a raised portion of the garden this year with Blackfoot Daisies. Can you tell me where...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |