Native Plants in Houston, Texas

Pigeonberry

• The Pigeonberry plant does well when planted in a partly or fully shady area in and around Houston. It grows as a perennial with white flowers and red fruit from May through October. It grows beneath trees and shrubs and seems to disappear in dry conditions, although it revives when the rains begin. The plant's red fruit contrasts beautifully with its pink flowers and wavy leaves, and many Texas birds flock to eat the fruit, which grows near the lower area of the pigeonberry's stem. The pigeonberry plant grows best in moist soil in an area with partial shade.

Wooton's Larkspur

• Decorators and cut flower shops promote Wooton's larkspur, a native flower of the Houston region. The Wooton's larkspur, a plant associated with the buttercup family, begins blooming in late spring, well before most other flowers of the region. Wooton's larkspur shares some characteristics with the plains larkspur and the Carolinas larkspur whose colors tend more towards blues and violets, but the Wooton's Larkspur tolerates the higher temperatures of eastern Texas. The Wooton's larkspur blooms perennially. Gardeners should plant the Wooton larkspur in moist soil, first in full sun and then partially shading the plants. The soil of the Lakespur plants should always feel moist but don't overwater as this can cause root rot.

Black-eyed Susan

• Black-eyed Susan can grow in sunny, partly-shaded or fully-shaded areas. Some people call it a "cheerful" plant because of the narrow bright yellow petals that fan out from its dark center. Black-eyed Susans can do well in both moist and dry soils. While Black-eyed Susans tolerate the dry conditions of the Houston climate, an occasional watering will extend its flowering season. After planting Black-eyed Susan seeds, the plant will sprout leaves during its first year and then bloom annually from June through October. Many flower arrangers use Black-eyed Susans as part of bouquets and flower arrangements.