Bastrop County Chapter

December 2024 Plant of the Month

This month, we’re celebrating the resilient and versatile Ilex vomitoria, better known as Yaupon Holly and a true Texas treasure!  Why we love it: – Winter Beauty: Yaupon holly’s bright red berries add a cheerful pop of color to the winter landscape, making it a seasonal favorite. – Wildlife Magnet: Those berries are a feast for birds and other wildlife, offering critical food in the colder months. – Year-Round Charm: Its evergreen leaves and compact form make it a standout in any native garden.  Did you know? Yaupon holly is the only native North American plant known to produce caffeine. Its leaves can be brewed into a traditional tea that has been enjoyed for centuries! Plant yaupon holly to support local ecosystems and bring year-round beauty to your space.

Click on the plant image below for more information.

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