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Native Plant Society of Texas

Fredericksburg Chapter

Medicinal Native Plants of the Texas Hill Country

While you may already be very familiar with our native plants here in the Hill Country, do you know which ones to turn to if you have a tummy ache, sore muscles or trouble sleeping? While there are too many to cover them all in an hour, Lauren Peterson, herbalist and founder of White Deer Apothecary, will share some of the most common medicinal plants in our area and share a few methods and recipes for preparing them.

“We generally think about using Texas native plants in our landscape to enhance habitat for pollinators and our ecosystem,” said Jonathan Watt, president Fredericksburg chapter of NPSOT. “Lauren is bringing a different perspective this month so we can learn how native plants can also enhance our personal well-being.”

Peterson will speak at the monthly meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), Fredericksburg chapter, on March 25 at 7 p.m., St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg). Doors open at 6:30 for social time.

“My passion for plants grew out of my desire to deepen my connection with the natural world,” said Peterson, who is also a teacher at the Sacred Journey School of Herbalism in Austin. “I’m looking forward to sharing some of what I’ve learned about native plants that allows healing to take place.”

Peterson began her herbal studies with Sacred Journey School of Herbalism in Austin in 2014. She now helps run the school and has been teaching with founder, Ginger Webb, since 2017. Peterson founded her own herbal business, White Deer Apothecary, in 2015 and makes small batch herbal medicines, private label herbal products, offers plant walks and classes, and sees clients for herbal consultations. Her favorite places to be are outdoors, in the kitchen, and on the dance floor.

The public is invited to attend in person and via online streaming (https://www.youtube.com/@fredericksburgtexasnativeg4884). More information is online at Facebook, and Instagram. Meetings are free and open to the public.

The chapter also announced that its members-only plant sale will be in early April. The deadline to become a member and participate in the plant sale is March 31. Join online at https://www.npsot.org/join-or-renew-membership/ and be sure to designate the Fredericksburg chapter as your “home” or “secondary” chapter.

About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason