Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Saturday - July 04, 2009
From: Austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Fast-growing shade tree for Central Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is the best fastest growing shade tree for central Texas? ThanksANSWER:
The following were recommended by the Texas Tree Planting Guide (Texas Forest Service and Texas A&M) as rapidly growing native Texas trees for Travis County:Quercus polymorpha (netleaf white oak) and more information from the Texas Tree Planting Guide (TTPG).
Quercus shumardii (Shumard's oak) and more information from the TTPG.
Fraxinus texensis (Texas ash) and more information from the TTPG.
Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore) and more information from the TTPG.
Ulmus americana (American elm) and more information from the TTPG.
You will need to compare the "Growing Conditions" given for each tree to the characteristics of your site to determine which would be the best tree for you.
You can also find more information about them at the City of Austin's Native and Adapted Landscape Plants site.
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Plants for shade in Northern California
March 30, 2010 - What are good plants that grow and live in shade only?
view the full question and answer
Ground cover for shady site in Tyler TX
February 24, 2009 - I live in Tyler Texas and have a lot of shade and sandy soil. No grass will grow and I was wondering if I should look at ground cover instead? If so, what grows in shade and sand? I have tried sever...
view the full question and answer
Native shrubs or ground cover for north-facing landscape in Ft. Worth
March 23, 2010 - Need native plant ideas for a landscaping bed against the house facing north. Already has 1 Beautyberry but two others died of root rot last year due to incredibly high water table in our area. Old ...
view the full question and answer
Large shrub for screen in shade
June 11, 2008 - I am trying to find some large shrubs that will thrive in shade in the north Texas climate. This area will receive very little light during the day but need to grow quite large to hide a fence and cr...
view the full question and answer
Deer Resistant part shade plants for Austin:
March 28, 2010 - What evergreen shrubs would you recommend for a partly-shaded area, next to a wall, which can be trimmed to keep their shape and height (for symmetry)..this is for a front gate to a community, so we n...
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
