If you read this column regularly you may wonder why the writer’s always emphasize native plants. Well, it is easy to understand if you know a bit about our ecoregion. An ecoregion is “a major ecosystem defined by distinctive geography and receiving uniform solar radiation and moisture.” Due to its size and location Texas has ten ecoregions. Our state includes eastern habitats, western ones as well as southern subtropical and northern temperate regions.
Here in the hill country our ecoregion is the Edward Plateau. We live on a hilly limestone plateau defined by a sharp fault line. Our soft limestone topography results in underground drainage leading to the creeks and streams that we hold so dear. In addition to the cedars, oaks and other trees, an abundance of native flowering forbs and grasses call the Edwards Plateau home.
You may travel to the Piney Woods region in East Texas and come home thinking you want to grow beautiful azaleas. The problem is that our soil is alkaline while that in those piney woods is acidic. Azaleas just won’t be happy here. There are many natives with equally lovely flowers. Check out anything in the salvia/ sage family. This plant family will generally be unattractive to deer. I planted Gulf Muhly (Muhlenbergia capillaris) also called pink muhly. Due to it’s beautiful purple spikelets turning a feathery pink in the Fall, it is a popular landscape grass. However, as our summers have become warmer and drier, I haven’t had good luck with this grass. I think the common name tells me why. This Texas native might be happier with sandier soils and more moisture. The Gulf Coast Prairie ecoregion is the perfect place for it. Our annual rainfall is about 32 inches and on the Gulf coast it is 50 or greater. That’s a big difference! I’ll stick with Lindheimer Muhly as it is well suited for the Edward’s Plateau.
So, it’s simple. The plants that were here long before we were are the only plants likely to thrive here. Get to know and enjoy them!
