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

Chile Pequin

Chile Pequin (Capsicum annuum var. glabriusculum) is a hardy Texas native shrub-like perennial that produces hundreds of tiny, fiery red peppers beloved by birds but ignored by deer and most mammals. Delicate white flowers appear from late spring through summer, followed by bright red fruits that persist into fall, providing an important food source for mockingbirds, thrashers, cardinals, and many other songbirds. Thriving in dappled shade or morning sun, Chile Pequin is exceptionally heat and drought tolerant once established and makes an attractive addition to native gardens, woodland edges, and edible landscapes. The peppers are extremely hot and can be harvested for fresh or dried culinary use, adding both wildlife value and ornamental appeal to the garden.

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

Texas Prickly Pear

Texas Prickly Pear
Opuntia engelmannii
Texas Prickly Pear is an iconic native cactus that adds bold texture, year-round interest, and outstanding drought tolerance to Central Texas landscapes. Its broad blue-green pads are topped in spring with large, cheerful yellow flowers that often develop orange centers as they mature, followed by colorful reddish-purple fruits that provide food for birds and other wildlife. Thriving in full sun and well-drained soils, Texas Prickly Pear is an excellent choice for rock gardens, xeriscapes, wildlife gardens, and natural landscapes where its striking form creates a dramatic focal point.

Martin Byhower 7/4/26 Martin Byhower 7/4/26

Texas Persimmon

Texas Persimmon is one of the most distinctive and beautiful native small trees for Central Texas landscapes. Its smooth, peeling gray bark provides year-round interest, while its glossy, dark green leaves create a dense, attractive canopy. Small, fragrant flowers appear in spring, followed by sweet, dark purple-black fruit on female trees that is enjoyed by birds, other wildlife, and even people. Exceptionally heat and drought tolerant, Texas Persimmon thrives in full sun and the rocky limestone soils of the Hill Country. Its compact size, ornamental bark, edible fruit, and outstanding toughness make it an excellent choice for water-wise landscapes and native gardens.

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.