Native plants for Central Texas yards
Discover the plants that thrive here.
Practical recommendations built for the heat, clay soil, freezes, and droughts. Get inspired and plant with confidence.
Why native plants
Native plants work harder so you don't have to.
Save our water.
Once established, native plants need little to no watering. They've adapted to Central Texas heat, clay soil, and unpredictable rain over thousands of years. The right plants in the right spot take care of themselves — and lower your water bill in the process.
Bring pollinators to your yard
Plant for habitat and wildlife follows. Invite Monarchs, Gulf Fritillaries, native bees and hummingbirds to your yard. When you plant the right things in the right spots, the magic happens.
Built for our conditions
Clay soil. 14 hour days that can reach 105°F+. Unexpected freezes. Natives can handle almost anything our local climate throws at them. Give them a solid start and watch them thrive year after year.
What can you plant now — Part 1
Favorite Spring Plants
Three deer-resistant plants that are locally available, look good together, and fill key jobs in a Central Texas yard.
Flowering Perennial
Flame Acanthus
Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii
Built for hot, exposed spots. Orange-red tubular flowers feed hummingbirds, while the plant handles sun, drought, and poor soil.
Flowering Perennial
Indian Blanket
Gaillardia pulchella
Bright red-and-yellow blooms keep going through heat and poor soil. It is one of the easiest ways to add color fast.
Flowering Perennial
Autumn Sage
Salvia greggii
A compact sun workhorse for Austin beds. It blooms for months, brings in hummingbirds, and handles heat once established.
Resources worth your time
A curated list of helpful resources
The books, nurseries, and local resources that work. Curated because we know Central Texas gardening, not because we've read everything.
Native Texas Plants
Sally Wasowski
A plant-by-plant guide to what thrives in Texas soils and climate, written by someone who actually lives and gardens here.
Shoal Creek Nursery
Locally grown and community focused. The experienced staff help Austin gardeners find the right plants for their space.
The Natural Gardener
One of Austin's best sources for natives, with an emphasis on organic growing. Good for beginners who want to ask questions in person.
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
The definitive plant database for Central Texas natives. Providing detailed information on native and non-native species.
The Newsletter
Inspiration to plant confidently
Practical guidance for the plants that thrive here. Specific recommendations so you plant with confidence.
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