Big Bend Chapter

Jan. 14 Native Plant Society Program explores gardening for hummingbirds

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The Big Bend Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas looks at gardening for hummingbirds – and other creatures – from 10 a.m. until noon on January 14 in the meeting room under the Black Bear Restaurant at the Indian Lodge in the David Mountains State Park north of Fort Davis.

Former Texas Parks and Wildlife interpretive specialist and birder Linda Hedges will show participants what makes the garden a welcoming place for insects, birds, especially hummers,  and other creatures that rely on the native landscape for survival.

“Pretty gardens are fine, but why not have a pretty garden that also feeds the creatures that make nature work?” said chapter president Dallas Baxter. “That’s the added reward of a native plant garden.”

Hedges will highlight what’s necessary for migrating and seasonal hummers, but also show participants how to attract butterflies, other birds and reptiles and mammals that keep the natural world fed, nesting, reproducing and thriving.

Guests are welcome at the meeting and are asked to make a $5 per person donation. Membership information will be available. The mission of the Native Plant Society is the promotion, research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example.

Reservations are urged and can be made by calling Fonda Ghiardi at 432.426.2363 or e-mailing fondag@sbcglobal.net. Guests are welcome at the meeting and are asked to make a $5 per person donation. Membership information will be available. The mission of the Native Plant Society is the promotion, research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example.

Anna’s hummingbird photo by Rick Furmanek

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: michaeleason

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