Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Tuesday - March 27, 2007
From: Weatherford, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Plants for shady courtyard classroom garden in Weatherford, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am wanting to create an outdoor classroom area in the courtyard of my school. The courtyard is enclosed by all four sides and the building is two stories high. It does not receive much sunlight. Most of the ground is covered with pavers but long narrow pockets of earth were left unpaved. I would like to incorporate native plants in those areas, and habitats but I am concerned because there is little sunlight and do not have resources for experimentation. I do not have a green thumb but love the outdoors, especially conservation and natives. Thank you!ANSWER:
Here are a few suggestions for plants native to Parker County, Texas that will tolerate at least partial shade:
ORNAMENTAL GRASSES:
Chasmanthium latifolium (Indian woodoats)
Elymus canadensis (Canada wildrye)
LOW, GROUNDCOVER-TYPE PLANTS:
Phyla nodiflora (turkey tangle fogfruit or frogfruit)
Viola sororia (common blue violet)
TALLER HERBACEOUS PLANTS:
Chamaecrista fasciculata (partridge pea)
Conoclinium coelestinum (blue mistflower)
Coreopsis tinctoria (golden tickseed)
Solidago gigantea (giant goldenrod)
Teucrium canadense (Canada germander)
VINE:
Passiflora lutea (yellow passionflower)
SHRUB/SMALL TREE:
Cornus drummondii (roughleaf dogwood)
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Need a 2-4 ft shrub for the shady NW side of the house in Austin, TX
February 07, 2012 - I am looking for a 2-4 ft tall shrub or hedge to plant along the NW side of my house, which is shaded by a live oak. This area doesn't get any direct sun. I wondered if a row of Winter Gem Boxwoods ...
view the full question and answer
Native grasses to accompany buffalograss in shade
May 01, 2008 - What grass goes with buffalo for shade/partial shade?
view the full question and answer
Groundcover for shade under oaks in San Antonio
May 04, 2013 - I have been modifying my landscape to reduce grass and the need for frequent watering. Have turned half the backyard into native plants garden with hardscape and sitting areas. Have 2 mature Monterey ...
view the full question and answer
Plants for Shady Clay soil in Illinois
June 18, 2012 - Could you recommoned native plants for clay soil and shade near Chicago?
view the full question and answer
Destructive landscape crews in The Woodlands TX
October 20, 2012 - Hi. We need help. We recently moved to a house where landscape crews have been blowing away the leaf litter from the front yard for many years. The underbrush was also cleared long ago. The result...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |