Martin Byhower 7/20/26 Martin Byhower 7/20/26

Fall Aster

Fall Aster (Symphyotrichum oblongifolium) is one of the stars of the autumn garden, producing masses of lavender to violet, daisy-like flowers with bright yellow centers just as many other plants are finishing their bloom season. This hardy Texas native perennial forms a dense, rounded mound of aromatic foliage and thrives in the heat, drought, and limestone soils of Central Texas. Its late-season flowers are an invaluable source of nectar for native bees, butterflies, and migrating monarchs, making it one of the most important pollinator plants for fall. Easy to grow and long-lived, Fall Aster adds a spectacular splash of color to native gardens, borders, meadows, and wildlife landscapes.

Martin Byhower 7/14/26 Martin Byhower 7/14/26

Chinquapin Oak

Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

Chinkapin Oak is one of the finest native shade trees for Central Texas, admired for its handsome form, dependable growth, and outstanding adaptability. Its glossy dark green leaves create a broad, dense canopy that provides abundant summer shade before turning beautiful shades of golden yellow and bronze in autumn. Native to limestone hills and river valleys, Chinkapin Oak thrives in the alkaline soils common throughout Georgetown and the Hill Country while tolerating heat and periods of drought once established. Its sweet acorns are an important food source for birds and wildlife, and its long lifespan makes it an exceptional investment for future generations. Strong, beautiful, and relatively fast growing, Chinkapin Oak is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a durable native shade tree.

Martin Byhower 7/14/26 Martin Byhower 7/14/26

Texas Red Oak

Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi)

Texas Red Oak is one of the most beautiful native shade trees for Central Texas, prized for its spectacular fall color and excellent adaptation to the rocky limestone soils of the Hill Country. Its glossy green leaves transform into brilliant shades of red, orange, and burgundy each autumn, creating one of the region’s finest seasonal displays. Moderate in growth and exceptionally long-lived, Texas Red Oak develops into a handsome shade tree that supports birds and other wildlife with its acorns while thriving in heat and periodic drought. Its beauty, durability, and outstanding fall color make it an exceptional choice for residential landscapes.

Martin Byhower 6/30/26 Martin Byhower 6/30/26

Possumhaw Holly

Possumhaw is an outstanding native small tree or large shrub that brings exceptional beauty and wildlife value to Central Texas landscapes. In winter, after its leaves have dropped, the branches become covered with brilliant red berries that create one of the most striking seasonal displays of any native plant. The fruit provides an important winter food source for cedar waxwings, robins, bluebirds, mockingbirds, and many other songbirds. Small white spring flowers attract native bees and other pollinators, while the plant’s adaptability makes it well suited to a variety of landscape settings. Possumhaw grows best in full sun to part shade and is moderately drought tolerant once established, making it an excellent choice for adding year-round interest and supporting local wildlife.

Martin Byhower 6/30/26 Martin Byhower 6/30/26

Mexican Plum

Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)

Mexican Plum is a beautiful native small tree that announces the arrival of spring with a spectacular display of fragrant white blossoms before its leaves emerge. The flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees and other pollinators, while the summer fruit is enjoyed by songbirds and other wildlife. Its attractive bark, glossy green foliage, and vibrant yellow fall color add year-round interest to the landscape. Adaptable and relatively drought tolerant once established, Mexican Plum thrives in full sun to part shade and is well suited to the limestone soils of Central Texas. Its ornamental beauty, wildlife benefits, and seasonal interest make it an excellent choice for residential landscapes and native gardens.

Martin Byhower 6/30/26 Martin Byhower 6/30/26

Flameleaf Sumac

Flameleaf Sumac (Rhus lanceolata) is one of the finest native small trees for adding brilliant fall color to Central Texas landscapes. Its glossy green leaves transform into spectacular shades of orange, red, and scarlet each autumn, creating a striking display rarely matched by other native species. Clusters of creamy white flowers in spring are followed by red berries on female plants that provide food for many species of songbirds. Highly drought tolerant once established, Flameleaf Sumac thrives in full sun and adapts well to the rocky, limestone soils common throughout the Hill Country. Its exceptional seasonal color, wildlife value, and low maintenance make it an outstanding choice for naturalized landscapes, pollinator gardens, and residential yards.

Martin Byhower 6/20/26 Martin Byhower 6/20/26

Skeletonleaf Goldeneye

Skeletonleaf Goldeneye (Viguiera stenoloba) is a dependable native perennial that brightens Central Texas gardens with masses of cheerful golden-yellow flowers from late summer through fall. Its long bloom season provides valuable nectar for butterflies, bees, and other pollinators at a time when many flowering plants are beginning to fade.

Skeletonleaf Goldeneye thrives in full sun and is highly tolerant of heat, drought, and poor soils. Its attractive dark green foliage and profusion of blooms make it an excellent choice for pollinator gardens, naturalized landscapes, and low-maintenance native plantings.

Martin Byhower 6/20/26 Martin Byhower 6/20/26

Gulf Coast Muhly

Gulf Coast Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) is one of the most spectacular native ornamental grasses for Texas landscapes. In fall, airy clouds of pink to lavender flower stalks rise above the foliage, creating a soft, colorful display that glows in morning and evening light. The fine-textured foliage provides year-round interest and movement, adding beauty and contrast to gardens of all styles.

Gulf Coast Muhly thrives in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils, including clay and occasionally moist conditions. It is drought tolerant once established, highly resistant to deer, and provides cover and nesting material for birds and other wildlife. Its low-maintenance nature and stunning fall color make it one of the finest ornamental grasses for Central Texas landscapes.

Martin Byhower 6/18/26 Martin Byhower 6/18/26

Possumhaw Holly

Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua) is a hardy Texas native shrub or small tree valued for its brilliant display of red berries in fall and winter. After the leaves drop, the colorful berries remain on the bare branches, providing striking winter interest and an important food source for cedar waxwings, robins, mockingbirds, and many other birds.

Possumhaw grows in sun or part shade and tolerates a wide range of soil conditions, including periodic flooding. Female plants produce the berries, so a male plant must be nearby for pollination. Its wildlife value, seasonal beauty, and adaptability make it an excellent choice for naturalized landscapes and bird-friendly gardens.