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Native Plant Society of Texas

All Speakers

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Sean Markovic

PhD in horticulture from Colorado State University and over 12 years professional experience in greenhouse and nursery sector.

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Shaun McCoshum

Shaun McCoshum, PhD is a landscape ecologist, botanist, conservationist, and author (“Inviting Pollinators and Other Wildlife Into Your Garden”, “Natural Habitats and Wildlife Gardens”, and peer reviewed work) who focuses

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Steve Poole

Steve Poole has been growing native plants, including Bluebonnets, in his yard for several years. He is a member of the Williamson County NPSOT, and the Austin chapter of the

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Suzanne Holsomback

Suzanne Holsomback (she/her/hers) grew up in Baytown, Texas gardening and tending flowers with her mother. Coaxing the Houston “gumbo” soil to grow inspired her and began teaching her what thrives

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Tracy Brown

For Tracy A. Brown, nature has never been just a source of beauty—it’s a calling. Her lifelong passion for stewardship has guided her through a diverse path in agriculture, landscape

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Tyson Bartlett

Tyson Bartlett is a self-taught native plant enthusiast who serves as a Director at Large on the board of directors for the Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society

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Vince Cronin

Vince Cronin is an emeritus professor of geoscience. He and Cindy Cronin are charter members of the Tyler Chapter of NPSOT. More info is available at https://CroninProjects.org/Climate/NPSOT/

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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