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Native Plant Society of Texas

Texas Craglily

Echeandia texensis

Other common name(s):

Texas Shooting Star

Family:

Asparagaceae (Asparagus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
3
ft.

Spread

0
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Rocky, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Orange, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Fall Color, Nectar, Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Drought tolerant. Great for rock gardens. Grows on almost any soil type. Tolerates seasonally wet to seasonally dry conditions. Native habitat: Rio Grande Valley in open, clay ground on dunes and arroyos. Showy flowers and beautiful for color in the fall. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms April-November. A clumping form with rosettes of narrow, soft pale green, grass-like leaves. Roots form corms. Produces five-inch branched spikes of small star-like, mustard-yellow flowers. Echeandia texensis is distinguished from E. reflexa, a common species of eastern Mexico, by the short, broad anther cone, which has a wide, broadly, and deeply lobed apex. Although still listed by some in the Liliaceae Family, the majority of botanical organizations now list it in the Asparagaceae Family.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Prepare a well-draining potting mix by combining sand, perlite, and a small amount of organic matter. Fill seed trays or small pots with this mixture. Scatter the texas craglily seeds evenly over the surface of the prepared soil. Lightly press the seeds into the soil, ensuring they are in good contact with the mixture but not buried deeply. Mist the soil lightly with water to moisten it. Cover the trays or pots with a clear lid or plastic wrap to maintain humidity, but ensure there is enough ventilation to prevent mold growth. Place the covered containers in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Monitor moisture levels, keeping the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. Once seedlings are large enough to handle and have a few true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or directly into the garden. Texas craglily requires bright but indirect sunlight, well-draining soil, and moderate watering. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot. Apply a balanced, diluted fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth. Regularly check for pests and disease, treating promptly if any issues arise. Moving the young plants progressively to more direct sunlight can help them adjust to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location. Collect mature seeds from existing texas craglily plants. Ensure seeds are fully ripened before harvesting to maximize germination rates. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Echeandia_texensis.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason