The Texas Native Plant Primer: 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden

DeLong-Amaya (horticulture director, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Ctr.) has over 30 years of experience using native plants. This essential guide to the plants of Texas explains reasons to use them and describes the state’s ecoregions, including a map, followed by instructions on how to design with and grow native plants. The heart of the book is its 225-plus plant entries, which are divided into seven sections: “Groundcovers and Turf,” “Perennials and Annuals,” “Grasses and Grasslike Plants,” “Cacti and Other Succulents,” “Shrubs and Small Trees,” “Large and Shade-Producing Trees,” and “Vines.” Packed with information and arranged alphabetically by scientific name, the concise entries for each plant include its botanical name; common name(s); a description of mature size, flowers, and noteworthy fruits; light, soil, and moisture requirements; native habitat; range of the plant in Texas; wildlife uses; deer palatability; maintenance tips; propagation techniques; and notes with additional information. The book also includes plenty of beautiful color photographs.