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Native Plant Society of Texas

Management of Invasive Plants in the Western USA

Presentation Details

Over the past few years, I have been researching how invasive plants are managed in the Western USA. I have interviewed many individuals, including State Dept of Agriculture Weed Coordinators. I have developed an extensive website with important information for all land managers and homeowners on the least and most effective ways to protect crops and natural areas from damage by weeds. And I have discovered that we are failing in our management. There is a lack of coordination between states and the federal government. And while state agencies generally recognize the importance of re-planting with native plants, most agencies do not get beyond the first step, which is to use pesticides.

Equipment Required:
None
Additional Requirements:
None
Ecoregions Covered:
Chihuahuan Deserts

Presenter Information

Delena Norris-Tull

Retired Professor of Science Education. 1990 Dissertation title: Tull, D. Elementary Science Students’ Conceptions in Biology: Their Language, Meanings, Classifications, and Interpretations of Scientific Concepts – An Ethnographic Study. Books: […]

  • Delena Norris-Tull

    Retired Professor of Science Education.

    1990 Dissertation title: Tull, D. Elementary Science Students' Conceptions in Biology: Their Language, Meanings, Classifications, and Interpretations of Scientific Concepts - An Ethnographic Study.

    Books: Tull, D. Edible and Useful Plants of the Southwest: Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. Winner of the Carroll Abbott Memorial Award for new writings on Texas Native Plants, presented at the annual meeting of Native Plant Society of Texas, October, 1992.

    Tull, D., & G.O. Miller. Lone Star Field Guide: Wildflowers, Trees, & Shrubs of Texas.

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