Native Shrubs for Dallas

Algerita

• Algerita (Mahonia trifoliolata) is an evergreen native shrub that grows up to 3 to 8 feet tall. It has holly-like leaves and yellow flowers that bloom in the late winter and early spring. Algerita grows best in locations with full sun exposure. Also known as agarito and currant of Texas, this perennial shrub produces red berries. According to the Texas Agrilife Research and Extension at Uvalde, deer and other wildlife, as well as humans, can eat the berries.

Dwarf Palmetto

• Bluish green dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) leaves fan out from stems in the root crown, and its white flowers bloom in the spring. This evergreen palm grows up to 5 feet tall and 5 feet wide, and occurs naturally in river bottoms and swamps in North Central Texas. According to the Texas A&M Extension, the small, black edible fruits have a flavor similar to dates. Dwarf palmetto tolerates drought and heat, but grows best in partial shade.

Cherry Laurel

• Cherry laurel (Prunus caroliniana) can grow as tall as 40 feet, but compact varieties such as Bright 'n' Tight remain at 10 feet tall. Its width ranges from 10 to 35 feet. Also known as wild peach and mock orange, it has dark leaves, blackish bark and small white flowers that bloom in the spring. According to the Texas A&M University Extension, east Texas homeowners often use this evergreen shrub as a screen. Cherry laurel does not tolerate drought and prefers sunny or partially shady areas. The black fruits are poisonous.

Texas Persimmon

• Also called black persimmon, Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana) grows up to 10 to 15 feet tall. Fine hairs cover the undersides of its oval leaves, and its 1-inch long green fruits turn black as they ripen. Thin, light gray bark covers the black wood of the trunk and branches. This shrub naturally occurs in shallow rocky soil in sunny locations. Wildlife eat the fruit of this shrub.