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Wednesday - May 02, 2007
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Soils, Groundcovers, Shade Tolerant, Shrubs
Title: Native plants for heavy clay soil in east Austin
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I live in East Austin and have very thick clay soil on my property. I also have a lot of shade and partial sun/shade. Can you suggest some native plant varieties that are well-adapted to these conditions? I am looking for groundcover as well as small shrubs or bushes? Many of the native plants I see at local nursuries like more sandy, well-drained soil and lots of direct sun!ANSWER:
The following will grow in partial shade and tolerate Austin's heavy clay soils.
Groundcovers:
Phyla nodiflora (Texas frogfruit)
Shrubs:
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry)
Calylophus berlandieri ssp. pinifolius (Berlandier's sundrops)
Leucophyllum frutescens (cenizo)
Pavonia lasiopetala (rose mallow)
Rhus aromatica (fragrant sumac)
Sophora secundiflora (mountain laurel)
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