Native Plants
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
rate this answer
Sunday - May 28, 2006
From: Omaha, NE
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs, Trees
Title: Native holly (ilex) for Austin area
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Hi--my brother and his family live in Austin, TX--their german shepard "Holly" just died (she was 13)--I was throwing around the idea of sending them a holly plant of some sort to have in honor of Holly the dog. I know nothing about it--whether anything would be good in the Austin climate, what is a pretty variety, etc, etc,. Any ideas? Thanks so much!ANSWER:
What a lovely way to honor your brother's dog! There are two member of the Family Aquifoliaceae (Holly Family) that do very well in Austin. They are Deciduous Holly or Possum Haw and Yaupon Holly. Both produce bright red berries that birds and small mammals like to eat and the Yaupon Holly is evergreen. Either of these should be easy to find at a local nursery that specializes in native plants. You can find the names of local native plant nurseries by searching in our National Suppliers Directory.
More Trees Questions
Law against planting cottonwood in Madison WI
October 08, 2013 - I was told that there is an ordinance against planting cottonwood trees in Madison, WI. Is this true?
view the full question and answer
Planting annuals around young oak in Evanston IL
July 30, 2011 - is it OK to plant annuals (i.e. salvias, impatiens or dusty millers) around the base of a young oak tree (2-3 years old)?
view the full question and answer
Propagating Magnolia grandiflora from Murfreesboro TN
August 03, 2011 - There are several Magnolia grandiflora (Southern magnolia) that have been planted in my neighborhood in middle Tennessee by a landscaping company, and now that they all appear to be producing seeds, ...
view the full question and answer
Privacy Screening Plant for New York Narrow Site
April 20, 2013 - I need privacy screening on the side of my house in Mount Kisco, New York located 40 miles north of New York City. The area gets plenty of sun but is somewhat narrow. What evergreen bushes or trees ...
view the full question and answer
Evergreen Trees for Cedar Creek, TX
August 14, 2013 - Hello I am wanting to plant some evergreen trees on my property out in Cedar Creek Texas. We have a lot of cedar trees but I really would like some live oaks. Is it possible to grow live oaks or somet...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |