But how do you choose which native plants are best for your Austin yard?
<\/p>
To give you a little inspiration, we’ve spotlighted 13 best native plants for Austin — but our picks represent only a sampling of the flowers, trees, and shrubs that thrive in this area.<\/p>
1. Winecup flower (Callirhoe involucrata<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"bright](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_6367327137_c102fc86ed_c.jpg\")
Malcolm Manners | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> The winecup flower<\/a>, also known by its common name, purple poppy mallow<\/a>, is one of the most common wildflowers in Texas. <\/p> As its name suggests, the petals on winecup flowers form the shape of a chalice. They close in the evening and reopen during daylight hours. A telltale sign that a winecup flower has been pollinated<\/a> is that its flowers remain shut, even after dawn.
<\/p> Aside from their vivid purple color, these perennials make good ground cover since they lay low to the ground and have a wide-spreading range. Although drought-tolerant, winecup flowers will go dormant in summer without extra watering. The colorful flowers also draw many visitors to your garden, such as bees and butterflies.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Ground cover<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-8<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/a><\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Dry to medium <\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained, sandy soils<\/a><\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 6 inches to 1 foot<\/li><\/ul>
2. Prairie verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"cluster](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_4596500345_9f38e0a8fa_c.jpg\")
mikeumo | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Prairie verbena<\/a> — with its distinct round, light purple flower clusters — is often found along roadsides and trails. You can find several varieties of verbena<\/a> sold in nurseries, but prairie verbena is your best bet because it is a native variety. <\/p> Since it easily germinates, you can add prairie verbena to your garden with seeds or cuttings.
<\/p>
Like winecup flower, prairie verbena is also drought-tolerant and makes for great ground cover. It can provide food and shelter to a variety of wildlife, such as butterflies, birds, and bees.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Wildflower<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 5-8<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Most soil types<\/a>; well-drained soils are essential<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 6 inches to 1 foot <\/li><\/ul>
3. Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"cluster](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_50593568833_98c26f3dab_c.jpg\")
bobistraveling | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> The eye-catching blue mistflower<\/a> is a fast-spreading wildflower. The bulbs bloom into delicate, bluish-purple airy flowers that have a fuzzy appearance. The plant is considered invasive or aggressive<\/a>, so be selective where you place it in your landscape. Also, to prevent it from sagging, it should be pruned in summer<\/a>.
<\/p> Blue mistflower thrives in moist soil rich in organic material, so you will often find it near ponds and lakes. It\u2019s very vulnerable to fungal disease, particularly powdery mildew.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Wildflower<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>5-10<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil: <\/strong>Most soil types<\/a>; moist, fertile soils that are poorly drained are essential<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>1-1 \u00bd feet<\/a> <\/li><\/ul>
4. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"clump](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_30267424171_a9afebd2a8_c.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> This ornamental prairie grass is referred to as little bluestem<\/a> due to the blue hue on the base of the blades. The grass will get tall flowering stalks, and in the fall, the foliage will turn a golden chestnut color. This showy grass complements almost any Austin outdoor space.
<\/p> Like other natives, little bluestem is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant. It is perfect for Austin\u2019s climate because not only can it withstand heat and dry conditions, but also holds up well to occasional flooding<\/a>.
<\/p> It’s recommended that little bluestem be cut back<\/a> to at least 6 inches in the winter to promote growth in the spring.
<\/p> - Plant type:<\/strong> Ornamental grass<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3-9<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Most soil types<\/a>; dry to medium-saturated soils that are well-drained are essential<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 3-4 feet<\/li><\/ul>
5. Yuccas (Yucca spp.<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"large](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_4288219732_e9d944e25f_c.jpg\")
Megan Hansen | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> There are several varieties of yucca, but the local species we recommend include pale-leaf yucca (Y. pallida<\/em>), soft-leaf yucca (Y. recurvifolia<\/em>), big bend yucca (Y. rostrata<\/em>), and twist-leaf yucca (Y. rupicola<\/em>). Yuccas vary slightly in appearance, maintenance, and size.
<\/p> Pale-leaf yucca: <\/strong>Its bluish-green leaves have a waxy appearance.<\/p> Soft-leaf yucca: <\/strong>As its name suggests, it has a softer look than other types of yucca with its <\/strong>downward-curving leaves.<\/p> Big bend yucca: <\/strong>This tree-like yucca has bluish-green, bell-shaped blooms.<\/p> Twist-leaf yucca:<\/strong> The narrow, olive-green leaves twist as they grow.
<\/p> Part of the agave family, these yuccas tend to adorn clusters of white blossoms during their growing season. Deer love yucca blooms<\/a> and moths are drawn to the twist-leaf yucca in the evening.
<\/p> - Plant type:<\/strong> Succulent<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 4-11<\/a><\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low to very low, depending on variety<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Varies; well-drained soils are essential<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> About 2 feet<\/li><\/ul>
6. Wright\u2019s purple skullcap (Scutellaria wrightii<\/em>) <\/em><\/h2> ![\"single](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_9660134630_fa9c5116e1_c.jpg\")
Joshua Mayer | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Wright\u2019s purple skullcap<\/a> is also referred to as shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap<\/a>. Part of the mint family, it\u2019s named after the notable botanist Charles Wright. Wright’s purple skullcap can appear shrub-like but with small, violet blossoms. Once Wright\u2019s purple skullcap has bloomed, it can attract pollinators such as bees.
<\/p> This shrub is a great choice for sustainable yards because it can withstand drought and heat. Wright\u2019s purple skullcap can spread up to 1 foot, so if you want to keep it compact, cut it back by about one-half of its size.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 7-9<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Well-drained sand and\/or loam<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 6-10 inches<\/li><\/ul>
7. Rockrose (Pavonia lasiopetala<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"vibrant](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_27231550365_aa2e0e707e_c.jpg\")
David Prasad | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Rockrose<\/a> can be described as a Texas hibiscus. The deep pink, papery blooms open wide in the morning and close later in the day to keep it protected from the heat. Rockrose can survive in poor-quality soils where other plants can\u2019t, like rock gardens or coastal landscapes.
<\/p> If rockrose gets too much shade it can develop fungi, such as powdery mildew. Rockrose can grow loosely with open branches, so it\u2019s important to regularly prune it during the winter months.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 8<\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Most soil types under dry to normal conditions<\/li>
- Duration:<\/strong> Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 3 feet<\/li><\/ul>
8. Missouri primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"vibrant](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_2618551447_0f0ffc964c_c.jpg\")
John Powers | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> Despite its name, Missouri primrose<\/a> doesn\u2019t live only in Missouri. The plant is said to originate<\/a> from the southern and central United States. Missouri primrose has elongated buds that bloom into bright, canary yellow flowers. The plant typically blooms in the evening, so it attracts pollinators like hawk moths. <\/p> Hard freezes can damage Missouri primrose foliage, so it’s best to take precautions during times when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Damaged leaves can always be cut back to about 3 inches or so.
<\/p>
- Plant type:<\/strong> Herbaceous perennial<\/li>
- Hardiness zones:<\/strong> 3-7 <\/li>
- Sun:<\/strong> Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Low <\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Rocky to sandy soil<\/a> and sandy loam; well-drained and dry to medium moisture<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height:<\/strong> 1-1 \u00bd feet<\/li><\/ul>
9. Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii<\/em>)<\/h2> ![\"orange,](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_35674161932_8884b13f68_c.jpg\")
Earl McGehee | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> This native shrub is commonly referred to by its nickname, \u201cTexas firecracker.\u201d The plant is strewn with reddish-orange, tubular flowers. The beautiful blossoms draw hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard or garden. Like Wright\u2019s purple skullcap, this variety also was named after botanist Charles Wright<\/a>.
<\/p> Flame acanthus<\/a> is a medium-sized shrub that can spread up to 4 feet, so it can provide good coverage and act as a short hedge. During cold spells, flame acanthus leaves may brown. If this happens, you should cut back this shrub by \u2153 to \u00bd before the weather warms.
<\/p> - Plant type:<\/strong> Shrub<\/li>
- Hardiness zones: <\/strong>7-10 <\/li>
- Sun: <\/strong>Full sun, partial shade<\/li>
- Water needs:<\/strong> Very low<\/li>
- Soil:<\/strong> Many soil types; well-drained soil is essential<\/li>
- Duration: <\/strong>Perennial<\/li>
- Mature height: <\/strong>3-5 feet <\/li><\/ul>
10. Flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolata)<\/em><\/h2> ![\"bright](\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/rsz_37144420904_5cb69b153d_c.jpg\")
Kaarina Dillabough | Flickr<\/a> | CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> This native shrub is also referred to as prairie leaf sumac and prairie flameleaf sumac<\/a>. It gets its name due to the fire-like display it puts on in the fall with its impressive scarlet red leaves. However, flameleaf sumac is a sight to see year-round because it presents beautiful white blossoms during warmer months. Flameleaf sumac is also a haven for many animals, like birds, bees, and small mammals.
<\/p> This round-shape tree has branches that can spread up to 20 feet. A good way to determine whether a flameleaf sumac is a male or female is by looking at the fruit at the end of its branches. Female flameleaf sumac have a tight, cone-shaped cluster at the end.
The winecup flower<\/a>, also known by its common name, purple poppy mallow<\/a>, is one of the most common wildflowers in Texas. <\/p> As its name suggests, the petals on winecup flowers form the shape of a chalice. They close in the evening and reopen during daylight hours. A telltale sign that a winecup flower has been pollinated<\/a> is that its flowers remain shut, even after dawn. Aside from their vivid purple color, these perennials make good ground cover since they lay low to the ground and have a wide-spreading range. Although drought-tolerant, winecup flowers will go dormant in summer without extra watering. The colorful flowers also draw many visitors to your garden, such as bees and butterflies. Prairie verbena<\/a> — with its distinct round, light purple flower clusters — is often found along roadsides and trails. You can find several varieties of verbena<\/a> sold in nurseries, but prairie verbena is your best bet because it is a native variety. <\/p> Since it easily germinates, you can add prairie verbena to your garden with seeds or cuttings. Like winecup flower, prairie verbena is also drought-tolerant and makes for great ground cover. It can provide food and shelter to a variety of wildlife, such as butterflies, birds, and bees. The eye-catching blue mistflower<\/a> is a fast-spreading wildflower. The bulbs bloom into delicate, bluish-purple airy flowers that have a fuzzy appearance. The plant is considered invasive or aggressive<\/a>, so be selective where you place it in your landscape. Also, to prevent it from sagging, it should be pruned in summer<\/a>. Blue mistflower thrives in moist soil rich in organic material, so you will often find it near ponds and lakes. It\u2019s very vulnerable to fungal disease, particularly powdery mildew. This ornamental prairie grass is referred to as little bluestem<\/a> due to the blue hue on the base of the blades. The grass will get tall flowering stalks, and in the fall, the foliage will turn a golden chestnut color. This showy grass complements almost any Austin outdoor space. Like other natives, little bluestem is a low-maintenance, drought-tolerant plant. It is perfect for Austin\u2019s climate because not only can it withstand heat and dry conditions, but also holds up well to occasional flooding<\/a>. It’s recommended that little bluestem be cut back<\/a> to at least 6 inches in the winter to promote growth in the spring. There are several varieties of yucca, but the local species we recommend include pale-leaf yucca (Y. pallida<\/em>), soft-leaf yucca (Y. recurvifolia<\/em>), big bend yucca (Y. rostrata<\/em>), and twist-leaf yucca (Y. rupicola<\/em>). Yuccas vary slightly in appearance, maintenance, and size. Pale-leaf yucca: <\/strong>Its bluish-green leaves have a waxy appearance.<\/p> Soft-leaf yucca: <\/strong>As its name suggests, it has a softer look than other types of yucca with its <\/strong>downward-curving leaves.<\/p> Big bend yucca: <\/strong>This tree-like yucca has bluish-green, bell-shaped blooms.<\/p> Twist-leaf yucca:<\/strong> The narrow, olive-green leaves twist as they grow. Part of the agave family, these yuccas tend to adorn clusters of white blossoms during their growing season. Deer love yucca blooms<\/a> and moths are drawn to the twist-leaf yucca in the evening. Wright\u2019s purple skullcap<\/a> is also referred to as shrubby skullcap or bushy skullcap<\/a>. Part of the mint family, it\u2019s named after the notable botanist Charles Wright. Wright’s purple skullcap can appear shrub-like but with small, violet blossoms. Once Wright\u2019s purple skullcap has bloomed, it can attract pollinators such as bees. This shrub is a great choice for sustainable yards because it can withstand drought and heat. Wright\u2019s purple skullcap can spread up to 1 foot, so if you want to keep it compact, cut it back by about one-half of its size. Rockrose<\/a> can be described as a Texas hibiscus. The deep pink, papery blooms open wide in the morning and close later in the day to keep it protected from the heat. Rockrose can survive in poor-quality soils where other plants can\u2019t, like rock gardens or coastal landscapes. If rockrose gets too much shade it can develop fungi, such as powdery mildew. Rockrose can grow loosely with open branches, so it\u2019s important to regularly prune it during the winter months. Despite its name, Missouri primrose<\/a> doesn\u2019t live only in Missouri. The plant is said to originate<\/a> from the southern and central United States. Missouri primrose has elongated buds that bloom into bright, canary yellow flowers. The plant typically blooms in the evening, so it attracts pollinators like hawk moths. <\/p> Hard freezes can damage Missouri primrose foliage, so it’s best to take precautions during times when temperatures drop below 32 degrees. Damaged leaves can always be cut back to about 3 inches or so. This native shrub is commonly referred to by its nickname, \u201cTexas firecracker.\u201d The plant is strewn with reddish-orange, tubular flowers. The beautiful blossoms draw hummingbirds and butterflies to your yard or garden. Like Wright\u2019s purple skullcap, this variety also was named after botanist Charles Wright<\/a>. Flame acanthus<\/a> is a medium-sized shrub that can spread up to 4 feet, so it can provide good coverage and act as a short hedge. During cold spells, flame acanthus leaves may brown. If this happens, you should cut back this shrub by \u2153 to \u00bd before the weather warms. This native shrub is also referred to as prairie leaf sumac and prairie flameleaf sumac<\/a>. It gets its name due to the fire-like display it puts on in the fall with its impressive scarlet red leaves. However, flameleaf sumac is a sight to see year-round because it presents beautiful white blossoms during warmer months. Flameleaf sumac is also a haven for many animals, like birds, bees, and small mammals. This round-shape tree has branches that can spread up to 20 feet. A good way to determine whether a flameleaf sumac is a male or female is by looking at the fruit at the end of its branches. Female flameleaf sumac have a tight, cone-shaped cluster at the end.
<\/p>
<\/p> 2. Prairie verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p> 3. Blue mistflower (Conoclinium coelestinum<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p> 4. Little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p> 5. Yuccas (Yucca spp.<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p>
<\/p> 6. Wright\u2019s purple skullcap (Scutellaria wrightii<\/em>) <\/em><\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p> 7. Rockrose (Pavonia lasiopetala<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p> 8. Missouri primrose (Oenothera macrocarpa<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p> 9. Flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii<\/em>)<\/h2>
<\/p>
<\/p> 10. Flameleaf sumac (Rhus lanceolata)<\/em><\/h2>
<\/p>