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Native Plant Society of Texas

Jeanina’s Side Yard in San Antonio

Ecoregion: Edwards Plateau
Native side yard path in San Antonio


Jeanina Diaz shows that no space is too small for native plants. According to Jeanina, “The side yard was pretty useless in terms of backyard space so we converted it to a native garden with stepping stones. The ground cover is Frog Fruit (Phyla nodiflora) and there is Scarlet Sage (Salvia coccinea) and Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus) along the fence line. I also have a couple of Pearl Milkweed (Matelea reticulata) on trellises.

“The house faces north and the houses are pretty tall so we don’t get but a couple hours of sun in between the house each day. The area furthest from the gate gets much more sun so those plants have grown significantly larger but this is all first year growth! We did have a lot of rain that helped the plants get established but all the sprinklers were capped when I planted the Frog Fruit. We have an abundance of pollinators in the area thanks to the plants.”

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