Host an Event Volunteer Join Tickets

Support the plant database you love!

DONATE TODAY

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.

Help us grow by giving to the Plant Database Fund or by becoming a member

Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?

Share

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants

Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

Search Smarty Plants
See a list of all Smarty Plants questions

Please forgive us, but Mr. Smarty Plants has been overwhelmed by a flood of mail and must take a break for awhile to catch up. We hope to be accepting new questions again soon. Thank you!

Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.

 
rate this answer
Not Yet Rated

Friday - December 14, 2007

From: Breckenridge, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shrubs
Title: Vines and shrubs for wildlife cover and food
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I own property in Stephens County about 10 miles north of Breckenridge, TX along the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. I have 45 acres that is open field and I want to provide cover and food for wildlife. I want native species only and I would prefer a shrub or vine that can grow along a fenceline to provide a break from the county road. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have for the property.

ANSWER:

The following are vines and shrubs, or small trees, native to your area that offer food and/or shelter for a variety of butterflies, birds, and mammals.

VINES:

Ampelopsis cordata (heartleaf peppervine)

Lonicera albiflora (western white honeysuckle)

Ibervillea lindheimeri (Lindheimer's globeberry)

Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia creeper)

SHRUBS/SMALL TREES:

Acacia angustissima (prairie acacia)

Acacia greggii (catclaw acacia)

Rhus glabra (smooth sumac)

Rhus lanceolata (prairie sumac)

Prunus mexicana (Mexican plum)

Prunus gracilis (Oklahoma plum)

Amorpha fruticosa (desert false indigo)

Cornus drummondii (roughleaf dogwood)

Fraxinus texensis (Texas ash)

Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn)

Ziziphus obtusifolia (lotebush)


Ampelopsis cordata

Lonicera albiflora

Ibervillea lindheimeri

Parthenocissus quinquefolia

Acacia angustissima

Acacia greggii var. wrightii

Rhus glabra

Rhus lanceolata

Prunus mexicana

Amorpha fruticosa

Cornus drummondii

Fraxinus texensis

Frangula caroliniana

Ziziphus obtusifolia

 

 
 

More Shrubs Questions

Hedgerow plants non-toxic to horses
April 07, 2012 - What would be a good, fast growing, hedgerow plant that is NON-POISONOUS TO HORSES? Thank you.
view the full question and answer

Spring care for Garrya ovata from Pflugerville, TX
February 24, 2014 - Hello again, Mr. S-P, I planted a Mexican silktassel in April 2012 (purchased at the WFC). It has done well, but the leaves are bronzed and splotchy from this winter's freezes. All the stems are...
view the full question and answer

When to Prune Desert Willow in Texas?
March 18, 2016 - I just learned I should have pruned back my desert willows. It's early March in North Texas. Is it too late to prune now? They are not leafing out yet.
view the full question and answer

Drought resistant plants or flowering shrubs with pink flowers
September 15, 2006 - I need a hardy, drought resistant flower or flowering shrub for my renter, who likes pink flowers. She doesn't remember to water and most likely won't do any weeding. Area is Corinth, TX.
view the full question and answer

Planting dogwood in Baytown TX
April 23, 2010 - I live in Baytown Texas and was wondering if this would be a good area to plant a dogwood tree?
view the full question and answer

Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today.