- Native flowering plants<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>
- Native vines<\/a><\/li>
- Native grasses & sedges<\/a><\/li>
- Native shrubs<\/a><\/li>
- Native trees<\/a><\/li>
- Choosing native plants for your city<\/a><\/li>
- Texas native plant FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul> \t\t\t<\/div> \t\t<\/div><\/div>
Native flowering plants<\/span><\/h2>
Heat-resistant, drought-resistant Texas landscapes don’t have to be drab and monotone. Choose a few of these native annual and perennial flowers<\/a> for a garden that’s colorful, diverse, and low-maintenance. <\/p>
Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"cluster](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_50593568833_98c26f3dab_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: bobistraveling<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The eye-catching blue mistflower is a member of the aster family and is commonly found in coastal areas along roadsides and on ditch banks. It loves moist soil full of organic matter. When cultivated, the delicate bluish-purple fuzzy-looking flowers bloom in late summer and last until the first fall frost. <\/p>
This fast-spreading wildflower can be aggressive and is often considered invasive, so you must be selective about where you put it in your Texas landscape. Mistflower self-seeds and spreads by rhizomes, so it quickly works its way under flowerbed borders. On the upside, it\u2019s pretty deer-resistant.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 5 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low<\/li>
- Soil: Moist, fertile, well-draining soils <\/li>
- Mature height: Approximately 2 feet <\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy blue mistflower seeds:<\/strong><\/p>
- Blue Mistflower Seeds Hardy Ageratum, Conoclinium Coelestinum<\/a><\/li>
- Everwilde Farms – 2000 Mistflower Native Wildflower Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Missouri evening primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_oenothera-4314130_1280.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Despite its name, Missouri primrose doesn\u2019t only grow in the Show Me State. Originating from the southern and central US, you can find it from Nebraska to Texas to Tennessee, often adorning rocky hillsides, roadsides, and limestone bluffs. <\/p>
Missouri primrose is known for its showy flowers. Four-inch, four-petaled canary yellow flowers bloom May through August on handsome plants with a low-mounding habit. Blooms typically open in late afternoon or early evening\u2014great for attracting pollinators like hawk moths\u2014and only last until the following day. <\/p>
It\u2019s best to cover plants when temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing, as a hard freeze damages the beautiful foliage. If your plants do get damaged, you can cut the leaves back to about three inches. <\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 7 <\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low <\/li>
- Soil: Rocky to sandy soil and sandy loam; well-drained and dry to medium moisture<\/li>
- Mature height: 8 to 12 inches<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Missouri evening primrose seeds:<\/strong><\/p>
- Everwilde Farms – 400 Missouri Evening Primrose Native Wildflower Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- Oenothera macrocarpa | Missouri Evening Primrose | 5 Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Scarlet sage (Salvia coccinea<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Scarlet](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/24723703945_5e5c18c0eb_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest and Kim Starr<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Scarlet sage brings color to your landscape for most of the year as it erupts with splashy red flowers from February to October. Interesting fact\u2014it\u2019s the only US native sage with red blossoms, and hummingbirds and butterflies love it. Thankfully, it\u2019s considered deer-resistant. <\/p>
When growing scarlet sage, you must have well-drained, rocky, or loose soil for it to thrive, and unlike many other native plants, it needs regular watering for abundant flowers. To keep it looking bushy, trim or pinch the plant back every so often and deadhead spent blossoms. <\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 6 to 10 (varying hardiness)<\/li>
- Life cycle: Annual, but usually reseeds easily<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun, partial shade, shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Sandy, loam, clay loam, rocky, caliche type<\/li>
- Mature height: 1-3 feet; 1 foot wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy scarlet sage seeds:<\/strong><\/p>
- 400 SCARLET SAGE (Lady-In-Red Salvia \/ Blood Sage \/ Red Texas Sage) Salvia coccinea<\/em> Flower Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- Outsidepride Perennial Salvia coccinea<\/em> Scarlet Sage Wild Flowers – 5000 Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Texas lantana (Lantana urticoides<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_2360904890_260060d0e2_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Amy the Nurse<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Looking for a stunning beauty to bring in local butterflies? Look no further than Texas lantana. This deer-resistant, salt-tolerant perennial plant continuously puts out beautiful orange-yellow flowers from May to November, drawing in butterflies and other pollinators. In the fall, northern cardinals and other birds love to feast on the berries.<\/p>
Once established, Texas lantana needs no additional watering, so it\u2019s excellent for xeriscape landscapes or homeowners looking for low-maintenance plants. When left alone, it can become unruly, so if need be, prune it back in the winter.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 11<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low<\/li>
- Soil: Sand, clay, or thin<\/li>
- Mature height: 2 to 6 feet tall; 2 to 4 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Texas lantana seeds or live plants<\/strong>:<\/p>
- Seeds: Lantana Urticoides Texas Lantana 5Pcs Flower Seeds by YEGAOL Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Live plants: Native Gardeners\u2014Lantana \u2018Texas\u2019<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Turk\u2019s cap (Malvaviscus arboreus<\/em> var. drummondii<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_7547026840_f48557e05d_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Joshua Mayer<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Turk’s cap is an excellent option if you\u2019re trying to find beautiful plants that love part sun or partial shade. This shade-lover puts out stunning red blossoms from May to November that look like a turban or Turkish hat. You can also look for white cultivars if red isn\u2019t your aesthetic.<\/p>
Even though it loves the shade, Turk’s cap thrives in the Texas summer heat and will survive in sunny spots as long as it gets supplemental water. The hibiscus-like flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies, and the Turk\u2019s cap white skipper butterfly uses this native plant as a host plant to lay eggs.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Prefers partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low to moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Clay, loam, sand, or limestone \u2014 moist and well-drained<\/li>
- Mature height: 2 to 3 feet tall; 2 to 3 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Turk\u2019s cap live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Giant Turks Cap, Red Sleeping Hibiscus, Malvaviscus drummondii<\/em><\/a> <\/li>
- Eco Blossom Nursery\u2014Malvaviscus arboreus<\/em> var. Drummondii<\/em> (Turk\u2019s cap)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Winecup (Callirhoe involucrata<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_winecup_callirhoe_involucrata.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Wing-Chi Poon<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also known as purple poppy mallow, winecup grows wild in dry, rocky areas and loves Texas heat. This flowering perennial puts out vibrant magenta blooms along sprawling stems from March through June. Blossoms open in the morning, close at night, and stay closed once pollinated. <\/p>
Winecup works well in hanging baskets where the long stems spill like waves over the edges or as an in-ground filler plant. <\/p>
Plants grow best in well-drained soils, but they will tolerate clay. Once established, they are drought-tolerant and die back to the crown during winter, regrowing come spring.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 8<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun, light shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Sandy, rocky, part loam, well-drained<\/li>
- Mature height: 4 to 6 inches tall; up to 3 feet wide<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy winecup seeds or live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Seeds: Outsidepride 100 Seeds Perennial Callirhoe Purple Poppy Mallow<\/a><\/li>
- Live plants: Purple Poppy Mallow Plant (Callirhoe Involucrata)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Native ground covers<\/span><\/h2>
If you’re looking to border or fill in space in a flower bed, a ground cover plant is what you need. Ground covers<\/a> can also be water-wise, low-maintenance alternatives to traditional turfgrass, and Texas native ground covers need even less water and supplemental care than non-natives. <\/p>
Golden groundsel (Packera obovata<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"yellow](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_32168760585_e74e789750_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Doug McGrady<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> For a splash of early spring color in your yard, look no further than golden grounsel. This native ground cover is filled with yellow, daisy-like blossoms from April to June. Once the blooms fade, golden groundsel continues to provide evergreen color with its heart-shaped, deep green leaves.<\/p>
Golden groundsel spreads quickly via stolons to create a beautiful deer-resistant ground cover. It\u2019s perfect for moist areas in your flower beds but will also tolerate drier soils.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 9<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Partial, full shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low to moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Well-drained, moist, and rich in humus. Clay, loam, or limestone.<\/li>
- Mature height: 1 to 3 feet tall<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy golden groundsel seeds:<\/strong><\/p>
- Prairie Future Seed Company. Golden Groundsel – Seed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Horseherb](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Horseherb-Calyptocarpus-vialis.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Forest & Kim Starr<\/a> | Wikimedia Commons | CC BY 3.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Also called rosemary grass or straggler daisy, horseherb doesn\u2019t need an introduction to most Texans. Some residents love it as a ground cover in shaded areas, while others consider it a nuisance plant impossible to eradicate. Regardless, horseherb flowers from March to November in northern areas and flowers year-round in areas without frost. <\/p>
Horseherb plants are considered semi-evergreen, so they will lose their leaves in the colder climates of north Texas, those same places where the dainty yellow flowers don\u2019t like the frost. A bonus is that when it gets a little out of hand, you can knock it back with the lawn mower. <\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low<\/li>
- Soil: Sandy or clay<\/li>
- Mature height: 6 to 10 inches tall<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy horseherb seeds and live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Native Gardeners, Horseherb<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Native vines<\/span><\/h2>
Vines make excellent landscaping decorations, climbing up the wall of your home, a trellis, or a pergola. As an added bonus, these Texas native vines bloom with bright, colorful flowers. <\/p>
Alamo vine (Merremia dissecta<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Alamo](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Alamo-vine-Merremia-dissecta.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Dr. Alexey Yakovlev<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> A member of the morning glory family, the flowering alamo vine thrives in full sun to partial shade. It proliferates during the warmer months, producing white flowers with dark burgundy centers from May to October. When temperatures dip during the winter, it shows its deciduous roots and dies back to the ground. <\/p>
Plants can be aggressive in the garden, so keep them away from anything you don\u2019t want to be overtaken.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 11<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low<\/li>
- Soil: Sandy or clay<\/li>
- Mature height: Up to 12 feet long\/high<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Alamo vine live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Native Enhancements, Alamo Vine – Merremia dissecta<\/em> – 1 gallon<\/a><\/li>
- Plant Cowboy, Alamo Vine<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Carolina jessamine (Gelsemium sempervirens<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"bright](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_49687552016_7cc70965a5_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Patrick Mueller<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> One of the most stunning southern vines, Carolina jessamine turns any arbor, retaining wall, or fence into a spectacle of fragrant, cascading yellow flowers. Its trumpet-shaped flowers are some of the earlier bloomers, appearing in late winter or early spring.<\/p>
It also creates a fantastic privacy screen, as its foliage and flowers block wandering eyes from peering through chain-link fences or a trellis. <\/p>
Be forewarned, though \u2014 all parts of the plant are poisonous and shouldn\u2019t be consumed. <\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 7 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Evergreen perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun to partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Medium<\/li>
- Soil: Clay, sand, loam, acidic, well-drained<\/li>
- Mature height: 10 to 20 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Carolina jessamine live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Planting Tree, Carolina Yellow Jessamine<\/a><\/li>
- Monrovia, Caroline Jessamine<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Coral honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Close-up](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/rsz_27825595274_b23feb35a6_c.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Paul VanDerWerf<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> The salmon-colored trumpet-shaped flowers on a coral honeysuckle, also known as a trumpet honeysuckle, appear on new growth from March to June. After this flush of blooms, you\u2019ll see sporadic blossoms for the rest of the season. Come fall, red berries replace the flower clusters.<\/p>
Coral honeysuckle isn\u2019t overly aggressive, making it ideal for arbors and fences. It\u2019s also a typical host to snowberry clearwing moths and spring azure butterflies.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 4 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Adapts to a variety of soils; prefers rich soils<\/li>
- Mature height: 3 to 20 feet<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy coral honeysuckle live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Trumpet Honeysuckle Coral Live Plant – Lonicera sempervirens – Wellspring Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- Trumpet Honeysuckle – Lonicera sempervirens – Live Plant<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
Native grasses & sedges<\/span><\/h2>
Native grasses and sedges make great landscape borders, or you can plant them as a more low-maintenance and drought-tolerant alternative to traditional turfgrass types. Here are some of the best Texas native grasses and sedges to check out. <\/p>
Cedar sedge (Carex planostachys<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
Cedar sedge is a fantastic ground cover for shaded spots in your yard. When growing in the wild, you often find it underneath deciduous or cedar trees because it loves the rich soil created as leaves decompose. It thrives in partial shade but will grow\u2014albeit slower\u2014in full shade, too.<\/p>
This native grass grows in clumps versus forming a sod-like ground cover, so it works well in rock gardens or around stepping stones. Cedar sedge has low water requirements, tolerates light foot traffic, and can be mowed occasionally to keep it short. If left alone, it only grows to about 6 inches tall. <\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions: <\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 6 to 10<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Low<\/li>
- Soil: Clay, loam, limestone, caliche. Must be well-drained.<\/li>
- Mature height: 6 inches<\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy cedar sedge seeds or live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Cedar sedge isn\u2019t currently available for purchase online. Check with local nurseries if you want to add this stunning grass to your landscaping.<\/li> <\/ul>
Indiangrass (Sorghastrum nutans<\/em>)<\/span><\/h3>
![\"Indiangrass\"](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Indiangrass.jpg\")
Photo Credit: Marilena<\/a> | Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure> Native to the prairies, Indiangrass grows naturally across north central Texas, the Edwards plateau, and the Great Plains. Blue-gray foliage turns gold in the fall and is topped with large, plume-like, golden-bronze seed heads. <\/p>
It makes a beautiful accent plant when grown en masse or added to wildflower plantings. Indiangrass self-seeds prolifically, so it may not be well suited for smaller planting areas.<\/p>
Plant details and ideal growing conditions:<\/strong><\/p>
- USDA hardiness zones: 3 to 9<\/li>
- Life cycle: Perennial<\/li>
- Sun: Full sun or partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs: Moderate<\/li>
- Soil: Sand, clay, thin \u2014 must be well-drained<\/li>
- Mature height: 2 to 4 feet tall; 2 to 4 feet wide <\/li> <\/ul>
Where to buy Indiangrass seeds or live plants:<\/strong><\/p>
- Cedar sedge isn\u2019t currently available for purchase online. Check with local nurseries if you want to add this stunning grass to your landscaping.<\/li> <\/ul>
- Trumpet Honeysuckle – Lonicera sempervirens – Live Plant<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Trumpet Honeysuckle Coral Live Plant – Lonicera sempervirens – Wellspring Gardens<\/a><\/li>
- Monrovia, Caroline Jessamine<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Planting Tree, Carolina Yellow Jessamine<\/a><\/li>
- Plant Cowboy, Alamo Vine<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Native Enhancements, Alamo Vine – Merremia dissecta<\/em> – 1 gallon<\/a><\/li>
- Native Gardeners, Horseherb<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Prairie Future Seed Company. Golden Groundsel – Seed<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Live plants: Purple Poppy Mallow Plant (Callirhoe Involucrata)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Seeds: Outsidepride 100 Seeds Perennial Callirhoe Purple Poppy Mallow<\/a><\/li>
- Eco Blossom Nursery\u2014Malvaviscus arboreus<\/em> var. Drummondii<\/em> (Turk\u2019s cap)<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Giant Turks Cap, Red Sleeping Hibiscus, Malvaviscus drummondii<\/em><\/a> <\/li>
- Live plants: Native Gardeners\u2014Lantana \u2018Texas\u2019<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Seeds: Lantana Urticoides Texas Lantana 5Pcs Flower Seeds by YEGAOL Garden<\/a><\/li>
- Outsidepride Perennial Salvia coccinea<\/em> Scarlet Sage Wild Flowers – 5000 Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- 400 SCARLET SAGE (Lady-In-Red Salvia \/ Blood Sage \/ Red Texas Sage) Salvia coccinea<\/em> Flower Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- Oenothera macrocarpa | Missouri Evening Primrose | 5 Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Everwilde Farms – 400 Missouri Evening Primrose Native Wildflower Seeds<\/a><\/li>
- Everwilde Farms – 2000 Mistflower Native Wildflower Seeds<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>
- Blue Mistflower Seeds Hardy Ageratum, Conoclinium Coelestinum<\/a><\/li>
- Native ground covers<\/a><\/li>