Martin Byhower 7/19/26 Martin Byhower 7/19/26

Rock Rose

Rock Rose Pavonia lasiopetala is a charming Texas native perennial that produces an abundance of delicate, hibiscus-like pink flowers from spring through fall. Its long bloom season provides a dependable source of nectar for native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, while its compact size makes it ideal for borders, cottage gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Rock Rose thrives in the heat of Central Texas and tolerates drought once established, performing best in well-drained soils with full sun to partial shade.

Martin Byhower 7/12/26 Martin Byhower 7/12/26

Texas Redbud

Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) is one of the most spectacular native small trees for Central Texas landscapes, covering its bare branches with brilliant rosy-pink blossoms in early spring before the leaves emerge. Its attractive, glossy, heart-shaped leaves provide beauty throughout the growing season, while the flowers offer an important early nectar source for bees and other pollinators. Adapted to the limestone soils of the Hill Country, Texas Redbud thrives in full sun to part shade and is moderately drought tolerant once established. Its manageable size, outstanding spring display, and year-round ornamental appeal make it an excellent specimen tree for residential landscapes, wildlife gardens, and native plantings.

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

Desert Willow

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Desert Willow is one of the most beautiful and dependable small native trees for Central Texas landscapes. Despite its name, it is not a true willow but is prized for its graceful, willow-like foliage and abundant trumpet-shaped flowers that bloom from late spring through summer. The blossoms, which range from lavender-pink to deep purple with yellow and white markings, are highly attractive to hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies. Exceptionally heat and drought tolerant once established, Desert Willow thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, making it an outstanding choice for water-wise landscapes. Its long flowering season, airy form, and outstanding wildlife value make it a favorite for both residential gardens and naturalized settings.

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

Eve’s Necklace

Eve’s Necklace is a small, graceful Texas native tree prized for its unique seed pods that resemble a string of dark beads. In spring, it produces clusters of fragrant, creamy white flowers that attract bees and other pollinators, followed by the distinctive pods that persist well into winter. Its glossy foliage provides light shade, and its moderate size makes it an excellent choice for smaller landscapes. Drought tolerant once established, Eve’s Necklace grows best in full sun to part shade and is well adapted to the limestone soils common throughout Central Texas. It adds year-round interest while supporting native wildlife and pollinators.

Martin Byhower 6/21/26 Martin Byhower 6/21/26

Mexican Buckeye

Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa) is a beautiful native small tree or large shrub that brings year-round interest to Central Texas landscapes. In spring, its branches are covered with clusters of fragrant pink to lavender flowers that resemble redbud blossoms and attract bees and other pollinators. Glossy green foliage turns shades of yellow and gold in fall, while the distinctive seed capsules add ornamental interest well into winter.

Mexican Buckeye thrives in full sun to part shade and is well adapted to the limestone soils and periodic droughts common throughout Central Texas. Its moderate size, seasonal beauty, and wildlife value make it an excellent choice as a specimen tree, understory tree, or accent plant in native and water-wise landscapes.