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Native Plant Society of Texas

Dallas Chapter

Dallas May Mtg – Water from Rocks: Uncovering Hidden Reservoirs Beneath Our Feet w/ Eli Hartung

All are welcome to join us in person or via Zoom for this month’s meeting and presentation. We’ll be at the Gaston Christian Center (map) starting around 6:30pm, and the meeting and zoom will begin at 7pm.

After the meeting, join us at Gabriela & Sofia’s Tex-Mex for dinner and/or drinks. 10455 N Central Expressway, Suite #117, Dallas, TX 75230 (map)

Water from Rocks: Uncovering Hidden Reservoirs Beneath Our Feet

Can plants really drink from stone? Join us as we explore how four native grasses of the Edwards Plateau survive drought by tapping into an unlikely source—water stored in limestone. This presentation investigates whether common warm-season grasses access rock-stored moisture and which species are best at making use of these hidden reserves. Discover how ancient geology supports modern resilience in Texas grasslands.

ZOOM INFO: If you can’t join in person, log on using this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83725236133?pwd=MnRoZlRWMEd4ZENkaXdjalpkRFFIdz09

If needed, use:
Meeting ID: 837 2523 6133
Passcode: 882399a*

SPEAKER BIO:
Eli Hartung is a doctoral candidate in biology at Texas State University, where he is conducting research on plant water use in the Edwards Plateau region of Texas. In recognition of his work, he was awarded the 2023 Ann Miller Gonzalez Graduate Research Grant by the Native Plant Society of Texas. This grant supports graduate students at Texas universities who are performing academic research related to Texas native plants and/or to the conservation and restoration of native plant habitats of Texas. 

Hartung’s research focuses on understanding how native plants utilize rockwater resources in the Edwards Plateau, a region characterized by its unique geological formations and diverse plant communities. By studying the interactions between plant physiology and the hydrological characteristics of the region, his work aims to inform conservation strategies and enhance the resilience of native plant species in the face of environmental challenges.

Through his academic and research endeavors, Eli is contributing valuable insights into the conservation of native plant species and the ecosystems they inhabit.

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason