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Native Plant Society of Texas

Big Bend Chapter

Program – September 14: Learning to Garden with Natives in the Texas Big Bend

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[from Dallas Baxter]

Learning to Garden with Natives in the Texas Big Bend
Date: Sept 14, 2019
Time: 10-12
Location: Alpine Library

New to gardening in the High Desert? Inherit an old landscape/build a new house and at a loss for what to do? Trying to attract pollinators and birds? Help is on the way! The “Big Bend Gardener’s Guide” and the folks who wrote it will help you use the guide to get the most out of your garden. Talk with the experts; ask questions and take some positive steps in your landscape as fall weather invites us to spend more time outdoors.

See flyer for more information.

Reservation Information for NPSOT Programs
Please plan to make a reservation for each program. Some are limited seating but all will need a count for handouts and/or seating. All programs are free to NPSOT members and guests are welcome. We ask a $5 donation per person. That $5 can be used toward a new membership on the same day. Membership info is available at every meeting.

To make reservations, please e-mail Fonda Ghiardi. Please tell her your name, the number in your party, your e-mail and your phone – just in case we need to reach you.

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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: billarmstrong

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