Texas Native Plant Pictures ( Shrubs )

( Native ) American Elderberry, ( Sambucus canadensis ) Perspective of the full shrub. See plant files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/76493/

( Native ) Illinois Bundleflower, ( Desmanthus illinoensis ) Bloom period
Jume-September, bushy perennial up to 3 feet high, lovely little puff balls followed by the very interesting seed pod, lovely fine foliage.
See plant files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/showimage/78537/

A close up of the foliage.

The very interesting seed pod from which it gets the name Bundleflower and
Twistpod.

( Native ) Rattle Bush, ( Sesbania drummondii ) Lovely perennial shrub, with very pretty flowers, the seed pods rattle when dry, hence the name.
See plant files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/77138/index.html

Another photo of Illinois Bundleflower, (Desmanthus illinoensis)

The seeds are well liked by gamebirds, including the ring-necked pheasant, bobwhite, and greater prairie chicken. Mammalian herbivores munch on the leaves and eat the seedpods which have a high protein content. Often it is planted in pastures to feed cattle and other livestock. It is classed as is an important native legume and it produces abundant, nutritious hay.

Although some consider the blooms not showy enough to include in a cultivated garden and only recommend that they be included in native and naturalistic plantings, I find them quite attracive. Robert and Subin, the owners of the plant I photograhed, eat the green seedpods raw in salads or just by themselves because of their nutritional value. I have not tried them myself, so I do not know how they taste. Their plant is a little over 6 feet tall as have been other specimens I have observed in their natural habitat.

Robert's and Subin's plant next to a 6 foot tall privacy fence ...

Another photo of Illinois Bundleflower, (Desmanthus illinoensis)

The white, creamy or greenish flowers are very small with protruding stamens. The numerous flowers are tightly packed in a 1/2 - 1 inch wide lumpy ball-like cluster. What makes the plant so interesting looking is that there are green flower buds, white flower heads, brownish spent flower heads and seedpods occuring on the plant all at the same time.

This is the first time that I have checked out this thread. What caught my eye was the picture of the Texas Mountain Laurel....That’s my favorite...so much so that my youngest daughter is named Laurel.

txgrdgeek, so glad you stopped by ... Here are some more photos of the Texas Mountain Laurel ...

Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

The Texas mountain laurel is a wonderful addition to the landscape. The blue and yellow pansies are the perfect combination planting. I wish it bloomed all year. Shown in March.

Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

Fresh seedpods that are a light green color add interest to the tree. They turn a grayish color and persist on the tree for quite sometime adding ornamental value. The seeds (mescal beans) are poisonous. Fresh seedpods shown in June.

Small-Leaved Sumac, Littleleaf Sumac (Rhus microphylla), Anacardiaceae Family, Texas native, perennial, deciduous, blooms in early spring

it inhabits the western three quarters of the state including the South Texas Plains and the Edwards Plateau being found in dry uplands, river-banks, gravelly mesas, canyons and rocky hillsides. The plant is adaptable to various soil types that has good drainage. It is valuable to wildlife. The leaves are browsed by white-tailed deer and small mammals. Cattle also browse the leaves. Quail, turkey and other birds eat the fruit. Several bird species eat the seeds. Its canopy is used for cover by small wildlife. It is used as a landscape plant as well.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/62280/index.html

From May to July, the round, 1/4 inch, pea-sized, green ripening to orange-red to reddish brown, tangy lemon flavored fruits are produced. They are covered with red, short, sticky hairs and mature in late summer, but persist through the winter. The fruit can be made into a drink which is called "sumacade" which is tart and sour like lemonade.

( Native ) Yaupon Holly, ( Ilex vomitoria ) Shrub or small tree to 15 feet.
Evergreen, full sun, partial shade, shade. Drought tolerant, red berries in Fall.
See planr files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/54622/index.html

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) forming a dense, almost inpenetratable thicket in Gonzales County, Texas ...

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)

This photo provides a view of the Ilex vomitoria as a small tree and a view of the bark. You can see numerous tree trunks in the background because it flourishes in Gonzales County, Texas with new offspring sprouting up almost everywhere mixed in amongst taller oak trees.

Twistleaf Yucca, Twist-leaf Yucca, Twisted-leaf Yucca, Rock Yucca, Texas Yucca (Yucca rupicola), Agavaceae Family, endemic Texas native, evergreen perennial, blooms sometime between May and July

Twist-leaf yucca inhabits the Edwards Plateau region growing primarily in its southeastern area. It can be found growing in rocky limestone hillsides (Rupicola means "lover of rock") as well as grassy flats. Although it prefers alkaline, sandy loam soils, it is adaptable to other soil types as long as they are well drained. It performs best with full exposure to the south. It is the only yucca species with flaccid, twisted leaves which makes it easily identified. It can hybridize with Yucca pallida producing a plant that has gray twisted leaves. In the plant's native environment, its flowers can only be pollinated by the yucca moth. If fruit (a capsule) and seed are needed, hand pollination is necessary which can be accomplished by using a small paint brush. Individual crowns are monocarpic (die after flowering); but, the crown will usually produce sideshoots before it dies

Twist-leaf yucca ia very attractive and is ideal for small spaces where the larger yuccas can not be planted. It is great in rock gardens, wildscapes and raised accent beds. I love this plant and have found many specimens in northwest Bexar County.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/66002/index.html

This specimen is a bit battered after being trampled upon along a hiking trail.

Hoptree, Stinking Ash, Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata), Rutaceae Family, Texas native, deciduous, blooms March to July

Classified as a shrub, it sometimes becomes a small tree growing to 18 feet. Except in the extreme southern part, wafer ash is found throughout Texas. It is a larval food for the swallowtail butterfly. The bark and the root have a number of medicinal uses. The fruit was employed as a substitute for hops in beer production. It has been cultivated since 1784. Now there are many varieties; but, it is seldom used as a landscape plant.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1710/index.html

This new spring growth eventually turns dark green and becomes glossy by summer. Shown in April.

Hoptree, Stinking Ash, Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata)

The seeds of the Wafer Ash are more ornamental than the blooms. They are wafer thin, round like hops and papery. They hang down in clusters which sway in the wind.

Hoptree, Stinking Ash, Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata)

This photo provides a view of several seedpods from the side to show how thin they are.

Hogplum, Texas Snakewood (Colubrina texensis), Rhamnaceae Family, endemic Texas native, deciduous, blooms in early spring

Texas snakewood is a dense shrub. Its small greenish-yellow blooms are rather strange looking and give the plant a greenish-yellow tone in April and May when seen from a distance.
For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/63576/index.html

The small grasshopper blends in well with the foliage and the blooms.

Hogplum, Texas Snakewood (Colubrina texensis)

This is a view of the small seedpods. The rough looking outside of the dark brown pod cracks to reveal inner tannish colored capsules which hold the smooth, shiny, dark brown (almost black) seeds. One side of the seed is flat. Birds and small animals eat the seeds which are toxic to sheep. The toxin causes swelling in the ears as well as the head, jaudice, and death. Shown in April.

Woolly Butterfly Bush, Arafrán del Campo, Azafrancillo, Topocan (Buddleja marrubiifolia), Buddlejaceae Family, Texas native, evergreen, blooms late spring through early fall through

Found in the Chihuahuan desert of Texas (southern Big Bend) and northern Mexico ...
This much branching can suffer freeze damage (hardy to 15 degrees F.), but will come back from the roots.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/54351/index.html

The wooly butterfly bush's velvety, ash-gray foliage sets sets off the mostly orange marble-sized flowerheads from spring until fall. It attracts butterflies especially in the spring. You can see why the Texas native has "woolly" as part of its name. Shown in April in San Antonio.

This message was edited Jul 29, 2005 5:27 AM

Woolly Butterfly Bush, Arafrán del Campo, Azafrancillo, Topocan (Buddleja marrubiifolia)

The flowerheads after the flowers have faded are interesting looking and add a uniqueness to the plant.

Woolly Butterfly Bush, Arafrán del Campo, Azafrancillo, Topocan (Buddleja marrubiifolia)

A view of the whole plant ... Note the furry gray bloom bud in the lower right corner.

( Native ) Mexican Buckeye, ( Ungnadia speciosa ) Large shrub or small tree 8 to 15 feet high, bloom period March to April, blooms very similar to Redbud, appearing before the leaves, three chambered pods with black seeds. Drought tolerant, cold hardy, full sun to partial shade.
See plant files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/53033

Agarita, Agrito, Algerita (Mahonia trifoliolata), Berberidaceae Family, Texas native, perennial, evergreen, blooms in mid-spring

This evergreen shrub slowly grows between 3 to 6 feet tall, which can reach 8 feet when growing in favorable conditions. The rigid, spreading branches often form thickets. It has gray-green to blue-gray, trifoliate, holly-like foliage which has needle-sharp tips. Clusters of fragrant, yellow flowers are followed by red berries from May to July. The fruits are eaten by songbirds and quail and small mammals use the plant for cover. It is considered to be a good honey source. It makes a great accent, screen, rock garden, xeriscape or wildscape plant.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/31559/index.html

The small flowers are along the stems with the buds being wonderful shades of coppery peach. The blooms are unusual. There is a center cup of petals with 6 separated petals that are slightly cupped on the tips surrounding it ... looks like a space station.

Agarita, Agrito, Algerita (Mahonia trifoliolata)

A closer view of the buds and blooms ... the top bloom has 6 petals, but the wind has blown it back.

Chiltepin, Chilipiquin, Chiltecpin (Capsicum annuum var. aviculare), Solanaceae Family, Texas native, perennial, blooms in the spring until the first hard freeze

This pepper plant is a nice addition to any flowerbed with its deep green foliage, small white flowers, deep green immature fruit and bright red mature fruit. It requires little care. I have had one growing in my yard for 20 years. The birds, especially mockingbirds, DO LOVE the fruit (birds have no "hot" taste sensors). If transplanting, but careful to dig up all of the tap root. The plant will wilt until it reestablishes itself. Just keep it well watered until it does.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/31752/index.html

Still blooming and producing peppers in December ...

Golden Dew Drop, Sky Flower, Pigeon Berry (Duranta erecta), Verbenaceae Family, Texas native, shrub to small tree, perennial, blooms in July through fall

Golden Dewdrop is a fast grower and extremely beautiful. It has a is spreading and sometimes weeping growth habit. In addition to its beautiful blooms, cascades of golden fruit appear in clusters. Grown in full sun, the leaves may droop in very hot weather. It can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade and very light shade. But, it blooms best in full sun. This plant is attractive to bees, hummingbirds, butterflies and birds.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1320/index.html

Shown in December, there had been several light freezes already. It was still blooming and ddid not exhibit any frost damage.

Golden Dew Drop, Sky Flower, Pigeon Berry (Duranta erecta), Verbenaceae Family, Texas native, shrub to small tree, perennial, blooms in July through fall

Golden Dewdrop is a fast grower and extremely beautiful. It has a is spreading and sometimes weeping growth habit. In addition to its beautiful blooms, cascades of golden fruit appear in clusters. Grown in full sun, the leaves may droop in very hot weather. It can tolerate morning sun with afternoon shade and very light shade. But, it blooms best in full sun. This plant is attractive to bees, hummingbirds, butterflies and birds.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1320/index.html

Shown in December, there had been several light freezes in Zone 8b already. It was still blooming and did not exhibit any frost damage.

Golden Dew Drop, Sky Flower, Pigeon Berry (Duranta erecta)

Light blue sky flower blooms after a brief shower (December). The blooms are much lighter in color, the fruit are smaller and a lighter golden color than the cultivar "Sweet Memories'.

Velvet Pod Mimosa, Gatuno, Velvetpod Catclaw (Mimosa dysocarpa var. wrightii), Mimosaceae Family. Texas native, perennial, deciduous, blooms mid-summer through late fall

The velvet pod mimosa is found abundantly in the Chisos and Davis Mountains of the Trans-Pecos area of Texas. The foliage resemble a typical mimosa, but the leaves are much smaller. It has many short branches that produce fragrant, pinkish-purple, cylindrical flower spikes that resemble elongated small bottle brush blooms. Each petal is tipped with white and reflects the light which causes the bloom to look like fiber optics. As the blooms age, they fade to white; thus, the plant has various colors of blooms on it at one time. It will tolerate extreme drought, extreme heat and reflected heat. This is a great plant for a rock garden, xericape or wildscape.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/60112/index.html

Velvet Pod Mimosa, Gatuno, Velvetpod Catclaw (Mimosa dysocarpa var. wrightii)

A photo of the bloom spike close up which does not do the bloom justice. Note the beautiful reddish-brown bark on the branches and the tiny white beads at the tips of the blooms. It was still bloomimg in November.

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii), Lamiaceae Family, Texas native, perennial, blooms March until the first hard freeze

For hot, dry, sunny areas, it is one of the toughest, most beautiful performers. It is one of the most frequently planted native Texas plants. Hummingbirds love it. This plsnt is an excellent choice for use in a rock garden, xeriscape or wildscape.

For more information, see its entry in the PlantFiles:
http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/1074/index.html

Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Other autunm sages are available that have different colrs of bloom than this one ...

Mountain Sage, Red-Sage Salvia (Salvia regla), Lamiaceae Family, endemic Texas native, perennial, subshrub/shrub, deciduous, blooms mid-spring through early fall

For more informatio, see its entry in the PlantFiles: http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/60119/index.html

The bloom ...

Mountain Sage, Red-Sage Salvia (Salvia regla)

The sepals around the blooms of the Mountain sage (Salvia regla) are a sort of bronze which adds more color when it is in bloom.

Mountain Sage, Red-Sage Salvia (Salvia regla)

A view of the heart-shaped leaves ...

(Native) Heartleaf Hibiscus, Heartleaf Mallow (Hibiscus cardiophyllus) There is no entry in the database, there is one for Hibiscus martianus, but this is not that one.
Edited because I knew I'd mess up!

This message was edited Aug 9, 2005 9:32 AM

( Native ) Illinois Bundleflower, the dried seed pod.
See plant files, http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/61021/index.html