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

Prairie Coneflower

Prairie Coneflower (Ratibida columnifera) is a cheerful, long-blooming native Texas wildflower that produces distinctive yellow petals surrounding a tall, reddish-brown central cone. Blooming from late spring through fall, it provides an abundant nectar source for butterflies, native bees, and other pollinators while its seeds feed songbirds later in the season. Exceptionally heat- and drought-tolerant, Prairie Coneflower thrives in full sun and poor, well-drained soils, making it an excellent choice for wildflower meadows, pollinator gardens, and water-wise landscapes. Its carefree nature and extended bloom season make it one of the easiest and most rewarding Texas natives to grow.

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

Mexican Oregano

Mexican Oregano (Poliomintha longiflora) is an outstanding evergreen Texas native shrub prized for its fragrant foliage, abundant lavender flowers, and exceptional value to pollinators. Blooming from spring through fall, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and native bees while thriving in full sun and well-drained soils. Its aromatic leaves can be harvested fresh or dried for culinary use, offering a flavor similar to oregano with hints of citrus and mint. Heat, drought, and deer resistant once established, Mexican Oregano is one of the most dependable and attractive shrubs for Central Texas landscapes.

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

Texas Star Hibiscus

Texas Star Hibiscus (Hibiscus coccineus) is a spectacular native perennial that makes a dramatic statement with its enormous, brilliant scarlet flowers and distinctive star-shaped foliage. Blooming from midsummer into early fall, it attracts hummingbirds, butterflies, and other pollinators while adding a bold tropical look to ponds, rain gardens, and moist landscape beds. Although it thrives in consistently moist soils, Texas Star Hibiscus is surprisingly easy to grow and returns reliably each year. Its striking blooms and architectural form make it one of the most eye-catching native wildflowers for Central Texas gardens where supplemental water is available.

Martin Byhower 7/16/26 Martin Byhower 7/16/26

Damianita

Damianita ( Chrysactinia mexicana) is one of the brightest little native shrubs for Central Texas landscapes. This compact evergreen forms a tidy mound covered with cheerful golden-yellow daisy-like flowers from spring through fall, often blooming after rains. Its fine, aromatic foliage stays attractive year-round, and once established it thrives in hot, dry conditions with very little maintenance. Damianita is an excellent choice for rock gardens, borders, pathways, and pollinator gardens where its long bloom season provides nectar for native bees and butterflies. It performs best in full sun and well-drained limestone soils and is highly deer resistant.