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.
From: El Paso, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Shade tree for El Paso, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
You can visit our Texas-West Recommended page and use the NARROW YOUR SEARCH option to select 'Tree' from the GENERAL APPEARANCE area. This will give you a list of trees native to your area that are suitable for landscaping and are commercially available.
Arbutus xalapensis (Texas madrone) has a tap root and is not likely to cause problems with water line.
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Cupressus arizonica (Arizona cypress) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Juglans microcarpa (little walnut) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Prosopis glandulosa (honey mesquite) Surface roots are not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus emoryi (Emory oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
Quercus muehlenbergii (chinkapin oak) Surface roots not usually a problem. Here is more information.
Quercus grisea (gray oak) There is no indication that this tree has roots that will cause problems.
You can check out other trees on the Texas-West Recommended page.
Here are photos from our Image Gallery:
Seed source for Carex texensis from Louisville KY
May 02, 2012 - Your reply to my question re a grass for my Kentucky home with cistern only water available was much appreciated, Carex texensis was recommended. I am unable to find this product for sale other than ...
view the full question and answer
Destructive landscape crews in The Woodlands TX
October 20, 2012 - Hi. We need help. We recently moved to a house where landscape crews have been blowing away the leaf litter from the front yard for many years. The underbrush was also cleared long ago. The result...
view the full question and answer
Plants for shade in New Jersey
September 21, 2008 - hi ,i live in rahway nj and i was wondering what are good plant and shrubs to plant for this area. we are doing all new landscaping and we have alot of shade areas. we like the ornamental grasses but ...
view the full question and answer
Native plants for dry shade in Virginia
May 23, 2008 - I live in Reston, Virginia and have dry shade. What are the best plants to use for my garden. Xeriscaping and native plants are important considerations.
view the full question and answer
Plants for steep slope in shade in Iowa
July 02, 2010 - I work for a small non-profit shelter here in Dubuque, Ia. that has a very steep slope behind the building that needs some sort of plant or grass planted to stop erosion. The slope gets little to no s...
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. |