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Master Your Texas Backyard Using Native Plants

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According to the Native Plant Database, there are 3,192 plants and trees that are native to Texas. If you are living in the state, or one of the warm, neighboring southern states, using native plants in your backyard is ideal.

These plants will grow and thrive in the dry climate, without needing daily care. Just make sure that you water them regularly in the summer months.

Whether you have a large backyard, a ranch garden, or a city pad, there are some beautiful native Texas plants that you can fill your space with, providing color, shade, architectural foliage and even delicious things to eat.  

Planting an orchard 

Land is plentiful in Texas, and that means that you can think big with your gardening plans. Industry experts Texas Land can help you to find a plot that is perfect for some grand scale landscaping and gardening.

If you have a large backyard, then you could plant an orchard using fruit trees that are native to the area. The Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) is a good place to start and will thrive in relatively dry and arid soil.

Only the female trees produce fruit though, so make sure that you check before you get planting. The Western Mayhaw (Crataegus opaca) is another beautiful, native tree that will thrive in the heat.

You can use this tree to create a border around the edge of your orchard. The berries cook well in tarts and pies, or you can make a delicious cordial from them. 

Colorful flowers

What would a backyard be without some vibrant, colorful flowers? Turks Cap (Lilium superbum) is a species of Lily that will do very well in shady areas of your backyard.

The bright red flowers, that resemble the Hibiscus, never fully open, but their nectar is much sought after by the Hummingbird, who is a regular visitor. Plant the Turks Cap under a tree and it will be very happy.

The Esperanza, also known as the Texas Super Star is a wonderful, colorful plant that will thrive in full sun. The Esperanza blooms constantly from April, right through until November, so you will have beautiful yellow blossoms all summer long. 

Beautiful colors flower
Beautiful colors flower via unsplash

Sculptural grasses 

Using tall grasses as a design feature in your backyard can be really eye catching, and will perfectly line a pathway or your borders. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) is native to Texas, and looks most impressive from August when it begins to change color.

The stunning bronze color will last all winter, then the grass will then turn to a grey-blue, flowering in the spring. If you want to make a statement, Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) is another good choice for a backyard. It can be used as a screen, bringing shade, or is perfect for lining borders. 

In the warm states of America, native Texas plants and trees will thrive. You can fill your backyard with colorful plants that attract the birds and wildlife, and create a sanctuary where you will love spending time.