Little Bend Nursery
Plant List for: Shrubs
Common Plant Name Latin Name Height Spread Evergn Decid Light Water Color Months Bloom Type Plant Wildlife Tx. Native Deer Res. Comments Maintenance
Agarita  Berberis trifoliolata 3-7' 3-6' E Sun/part shade L Yellow Mar-Apr Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √+ Sharp holly-like foliage.   Excellent nesting shrub for birds.  Is also a good deer deterrent to other plants protected by the Agarita. Prune for shape only
Agave parryi huachucensis Agave parryi huachucensis 2-3 3-4 E Sun L     Shrub   Arizona      
Agave, Celsii Agave celsii 2' 2' E Sun/part shade L Green May Shrub   Mexico √+ Will form colonies over time. Only cold hardy to 25 degrees.  Native to eastern Mexico.    
Agave, Century Plant  Agave americana 1-6' 1-6' E Sun L     Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Hummingbird √ √+ Lives a long time but dies after blooming.  Choose location carefully because it will grow to 6' wide and the leaves have long sharp spines.  The deer don't eat this plant but they will rub their horns against the leaves.  
Agave, Chrysantha or Golden-Flowered Agave chrysantha 3' 5' E Sun L Yellow  At end of life cycle Shrub   Arizona √+ Generally forms a single rosette, suckering only occasionally. Native to central Arizona.  Leaves are deeply channeled & usually blue-gray in color.  
Agave, Desert Agave deserti 1-2' 1-2' E Sun  L Yellow May-July Shrub   Arizona √+ Native to California & Arizona.  Requires excellent drainage.    
Agave, Durango Delight Agave schidigera 2' 2.5' E Sun L Red orange Late spring to summer Shrub   Mexico √+ Mature Agave schidigera produce a flower spike 7-12 feet tall, with yellow flowers. The rosette that produced the spike dies after blooming. This agave has stemless rosette with 100 leaves or more per rosette, each leaf has white markings, sharp tips and marginal fibers.  
Agave, Ferox Agave salmiana var. ferox 4' 3' E Mon L Yellow with reddish buds   Shrub   Mexico √+ Similar to Agave americana but with bigger spines and broader leaves.  Hardy to about 25 degrees.  
Agave, New Mexico Agave neomexicana 1-1.5' 2' E Sun L Yellow with reddish buds Spring Shrub   West Tx. √+ Occurs naturaaly in Texas just south of the New Mexico border on limestone slopes and grasslands.   The rosette that procudeses the fllower dies after blooming.  Armed with dark spines.    
Agave, Octopus Agave vilmoriniana 3-4' 3-4' E Sun/light shade L Yellow Green   Shrub   Mexico   Fast growing agave with narrow green leaves that twist back towards the ground.  The leaves do not have thorns but they have small serrations.  Tolderates temperatures down to 24 degrees.  Poisonous.  The main plant dies after flowering.  This agave does not produce suckers but it does produce new "plantlets" within the inflorescence.  Native to cliff sides in Mexico.  
Agave, Parryi truncata Agave parryi truncata 3' 4' E Sun L Yellow orange Late spring to summer Shrub   Mexico √+ Southern variety of Agave Parryi.  Frost hardy to 15 degrees.  Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die.  The deer don't eat this plant but they will rub their horns against the leaves. This agave is distinguished from other varieties by its small broad leaves with truncate tips.  
Agave, Parrys Agave parryi 2' 2.5' E Sun L Yellow orange Late spring to summer Shrub   Arizona √+ Native range from central Arizona to Mexico.  Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die.  The deer don't eat this plant but they will rub their horns against the leaves.  
Agave, Rabo de leon or Hedgehog Agave Agave stricta 2-3 2-4 E Sun/light shade L Red Purple Late summer Shrub   Mexico √+ Extensive colonies can develop.  Native to Mexico in dry, limestone formations.  Best to grow this plant in very dry conditions.  
Agave, Thorn -Crested  Agave lophantha  2' 4' E Sun/part shade L Yellow spike Summer Shrub   S. Texas √+ Great under story plant for lightly wooded area.  Will send out shoots & easily multiply.  Like all agaves, the plant will only flower once, after which the original plant will die. Native to Rio Grande Plains in S. Texas. Generally found growing on gravelly limestone & rocky outcrops.  
Agave, Thread-leaf Agave filifera 20" 26" E Sun/light shade L Green   Shrub   Mexico √+ Will grow clumps of rosettes.  Can also be used as a container plant.  Native to Mexico.  Has nice white markings and thread like filaments.  
Agave, Victoria-Reginae Agave victoria-reginae   20-27" E Sun L Cream   Shrub   Mexico √+ Very dense rosette with dramatic white markings.  Generally single rosette.  Great container plant.  Native to Mexico. Very cold hardy.  
American Beautyberry Callicarpa americana 3-6' 5-7' D Part shade / shade M Purple fruit Fall Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √   Best feature is fall berries.  Needs deeper soil and prefers dependable soil.   Shaping not necessary
Barbaros Cherry Malpighia glabra 2-10' 1-4' E Sun/part shade M White to pale pink Mar-Dec Shrub Butterfly, Small Mammals √   Generally grows in thickets in the southern Coastal Prairie. Fruit is edible.  
Barberry, Crimson Pigmy Berberis thunbergii 'Crimson' 1.5-2' 1-3' D Sun/part shade LM Maroon foliage   Shrub     √ Beautiful foliage and shape has winter interest. best color in full sun, prefers sandy well drained soil Can prune for a natural look but shaping not necessary.  Don't shear.
Barberry, Crimson 'Roseglow' Berberis thunbergii 'Rose Glow' 2-4' 2-4' D Sun L Yellow flowers & Maroon foliage Spring Shrub     √ New foliage rosy pink color turning to crimson burgundy. Shape has winter interest. best color in full sun, prefers sandy well drained soil Minimal maintenance.  Prune out dead twiggy growth if desired.
Beach Vitex Vitex rotundifolia 2-4'   D Sun to part shade L Blue - purple Late summer  Shrub     √ Sprawling low shrub with fragrant tubular flowers.  Interesting plant for rock gardens; Xeriscape plant.  
Bee Brush or Whitebrush Aloysia gratissima 8' 5' D Sun   White After rains in warm months Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √   Slender shrub.  Flowers have strong vanilla scent. It can grow in dense thickets under mesquite trees.  Typically found in South Texas Plains.  Plant can be pruned into a hedge or a small tree. 
Bottlebrush, Dwarf Callistemon citrinus 'LittleJohn' 3' 5' E Sun M Red Spring Shrub Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbird   √ Nice rounded growth habit but slow grower.  Once established needs only occasional water.  
Bottlebrush, Lemon or Crimson Callistemon citrinus 8-10' 8-10' E Sun M Red Spring Shrub Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbird   √ Bottle-brush shaped flowers in spring are spectacular.  Sometimes planted 4-6' apart to provide a screen.  Likes occasional deep watering but can tolerate little water when established.  Leaves have lemony flavor when crushed. It doesn't bloom as much if sheared.
Bush Croton or Encinilla  Croton fruticulosus 3'     Part shade, full sun       Shrub   √     Prune for shape only
Butterfly Bush Buddleja davidii 5' 5' D Sun/part shade M Various Summer to Fall Shrub Butterfly     Cone shaped flower clusters provide a staple for butterfly & hummingbird gardens.  Likes well drained, average soil but will thrive in drier conditions once established. Prune to produce larger & more prolific flowers.  
Button Bush Cephalanthus occidentalis 10' 6-8' D Part shade, full sun H White globes Summer Shrub Bird, Butterfly √   Can sit in 0-12" water.  Real butterfly magnet & attracts more than 25 species of waterfowl. Prune only to direct and control growth.
Cactus, Bunny Ears or Polka Dot Opuntia microdasys 3' 6' E Full Sun L Yellow   Shrub   Mexico √+ Native to Mexico.     
Cactus, Cholla Opuntia imbricata 8'   E Full sun L Pink to purple Late spring to early summer Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Endemic to the far Southwest tip of Texas.  Also called tree cholloa.  Has stem segments that can grow up to 14" long and 1.2" thick with prominent tubercles.  Plant does have spines so don't plant close to walkways.  
Cactus, 'Cow Tongue' Opuntia engelmannii var. linguiformis 3-6' 8' E Full sun L Yellow April - June Shrub Bird, Small Mammals Arizona √+ It looks and grows like a prickly pear cactus, but all of its ears, or leaves, are elongated and asymmetric. Native to Arizona and California.  
Cactus, Golden barrel Echinocactus grusonii 3' 3' E Full sun L Yellow Spring Shrub     √+ Very slow growing cylindrical cactus.  The flowers are produced only on mature specimens receiving enough full sun. The flowers are small & blend in with the cactus.
  
Cactus, Horse crippler Echinocactus texensis 8" 1' E Full sun to light shade L Pink Late spring Shrub   √ √+ Heavily spined cactus which can be a hazard to horses.  The plant is solitary when young and slowly clusters.  
Cactus, 'Old Mexico' Opuntia old mexico 4' 5' E Full sun L     Shrub     √+ This cactus has large pads without spines.  It is frequently used to make cactus wreaths.  
Cactus, Pencil   Opuntia leptocaulis 3   E Part shade, full sun L Green/yellow Apr-Jul Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √+   Prune only to direct and control growth.
Cactus, Prickly Pear   Opuntia lindheimeri 3 2-4' E Part shade, full sun L Yellow to red May-Aug Shrub Butterfly √ √+   Prune only to direct and control growth.
Cactus, Santa Rita Opuntia violaceae santa rita 2-5' 2-5' E Full Sun L Orange yellow   Shrub   √ √+ New growth on pads is reddish or purply. Generally forms a mound but no trunk.  Native to Texas.  
Cactus, Spineless Prickly Pear   Opuntia ellisiana 4   E Part shade, full sun L Yellow Apr-May Shrub       Provides excellent all year round structure in Xeriscape garden. Prune only to direct and control growth.
Cactus, Texas Rainbow or Spiny Hedgehog Echinocactus dasyacanthus 2-6" 1-4" E Full sun to light shade L Yellow March Shrub   √ √+    
Candelilla or Wax Euphorbia Euphorbia antisyphilitica 1.5-3' 1-2' D Full sun to light shade L     Shrub   √   Native to west Texas.  The leaves on this plant are very small and fall off early in the season so it appears to have leafless stems. It has small inconspicuous flowers throughout the year after rain.  The branches yield wax when boiled.  This plant will need to be protected in a harsh winter.  It looks great in a cactus garden with yucca and sotol or as a patio container plant that can be brought inside during the winter.  This plant used to be abundant but has been heavily harvested for industrial uses.  
Cenizo or Texas Sage Green Leucophyllum frutescens 7' 7 E Sun L Purple Off and on Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Hummingbird √ √+ Gray leaves provide color contrast to other plants.  Frequently blooms after a rain. Can prune for a natural look but shaping not necessary.  Don't shear.
Cenizo, "Convent" Leucophyllum frutescens "Convent" 6' 6' E Sun L Purple Apr-Oct Shrub     √+ The silver foliage provides the traditional cenizo look with a brighter than usual flower.  
Cenizo, Compact  Leucophyllum frutescens 'Compactum" 4' 4' E Sun L Lavendar Mar-Oct Shrub     √+ Compact Texas Sage is a moderately sized cenizo with dense, soft, silvery-grey foliage. It shears well and is easy to maintain. Very drought tolerant and grows best in well drained soils. It is useful as an accent or evergreen hedge.   
Cenizo, or Texas Sage 'San Jose' Leucophyllum frutescens 'San Jose' 4' 4' E Sun L Lavendar   Shrub   Mexico √+ Tidy compact shrub that holds its shape well.  The foliage is soft green and the flowers are lavender-blue.  
Chile Pequin  Capsicum annuum 2-4' 2-4' D Sun/part shade L White Mar-Nov Shrub Bird √ √ Peppers are very hot.  Perennial only in mild winter but will reseed. Prune, removing top half at end of May.  Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves.
Chuparosa Justica californica 3' 4-6' D Sun/part shade L Red Spring & fall Shrub Butterfly, Hummingbird     Red-colored tubular shaped flowers attract hummingbirds.  Green stems can have succulent appearance. Native to Arizona, California & Mexico.  Plant will freeze to the ground in the teens but will recover.  
Common Tree Senna  Cassia corymbosa 5-8' 5-8' E Full sun, part shade L Yellow July-Sep Shrub Bees, Butterflies   √ May need protection in winter north of Austin.  May freeze to ground but return next spring.  Deer will nip if in the shade.  Covered with yellow blooms from late summer to early winter.  Will stay evergreen through a mild Central Tx. Winter.  Extremely tolerant of heat and drought but benefits from rich soil and water. Avoid pruning from late summer through winter.  If desired, can be pruned to a tree form.
Copper Canyon Daisy Tagetes lemmonii 3-4' 4-5' D Sun L Yellow Winter & early spring Shrub Butterfly Arizona √+ Strongly scented plant with daisy-like flower. Hardy to 25 degrees.  Origin is southern Arizona & Mexico.  Ample water first summer than little to moderate water.   Cut to 3" in late winter to promote dense growth & good flowering.  Generally pruned as a mound.
Cotoneaster Cotoneaster spp. 3-5' 4-7' E Sun/part shade M Red berries   Shrub Bird   √ Berries attractive & attracts birds Prune for a natural look if desired
Dalea, Black  Dalea frutescens 1-3' 3-5' D Sun L Purple Fall Shrub Butterfly √   Works well in mass plantings. Very drought tolerant. Fine ferny texture gives a great contrast to cactus and grasses.  Long roots will find water some distance away. Prune, removing top half at end of May.  Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves.  Mulch for winter.
Dalea, Blue Dalea bicolor var. bicolor 6-8' 5-6' D Mon L Blue Fall Shrub     √ Grows rapidly in a v shape. Needs well drained soil. Cut back hard in the winter to produce fresh spring growth
Elbow Bush  Forestiera angustifolia 3-8' 8' D Sun L Greenish yellow Feb-Mar Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √   Common in open woodlands, brushy areas & near streams. Prune for shape only
Flame Acanthus  Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii 3-4' 4' D Sun/part shade M Orange Summer to Fall Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Hummingbird √ √ Readily reseeds.  Can be used as a perennial hedge. Prune, removing top half at end of May.  Prune to a 3" height in mid-winter or after first frost browns leaves.
Germander, Bush, Silver Teucrium fruticans 4-6' 4-6' D Sun to shade L Lavendar  Summer Shrub     √ Don't over water; attractive silver foliage.  Western Mediterranean native is at home in our soils and climate.  Silvery gray shoots make an attractive addition to floral arrangements. Minor pruning will keep plant compact.  
Guajillo Acacia berlandieri 9-15' 9-15' D Sun/part shade   White Nov - March Shrub Bees √   Flowers have fragrant smell.  Found in South Texas and the southern Edwards Plateau.  Flowers followed by legume.  Branches are generally armed with prickles.  
Holly, Dwarf Chinese Ilex cornuta 'Rotunda' 3-4' 3-6' E Sun/part shade L     Shrub     √ Low mounding shrub that maintains a formal shape Pruning not required
Indigo Bush, Texas Amorpha roemerana 3-10' 8' D Sun/part shade M Blue - purple Spring Shrub Butterfly √   Endemic to Edwards Plateau.  Likes some water so put in low spot. Prune for shape only
Lindheimer Senna  Cassia lindheimeriana 4' 4' D Sun/part shade L Yellow Late summer to fall Shrub Butterfly √ √ Effective in wildflower garden, used as background or specimen plant. Plant Seep Muhly or Black Dalea in front to hide bareness & create a complementary show in the fall.  Nice gray foliage.  Soil that is too rich or moist will produce tall and floppy plants; needs good drainage. Leaves when brewed as tea, are a strong laxative. Prune for shape right after bloom.   Cut to ground in the winter. 
Mimosa, Pink  Mimosa borealis 2'-6' 3'-4' D Full sun, part shade L Pink Mar-May Shrub Bird, Butterfly √   Shown to best advantage when naturalized in a cluster with mesquites as a backdrop.  Very drought tolerant & can take reflected heat.  If not naturalized, looks best at back of a flower bed or in a sparsely planted rock garden. Prune for shape only
Mistflower, Fragrant  Eupatorium odoratum or Eupatorium havanense 2-6' 2-5' D Sun/part shade M White Fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly √   One a year, cut it back to half to keep bushy and flowers bloom longer & better on new growth.  In hard winter may die back to the roots. Has naturally arching branches so good in raised bed.  More tolerant of drought conditions than most mistflowers.  Will bloom in shade but blooms more profusely in sunnier conditions.  Good as edge plant and makes showy fall plant in garden. Cut top half at end of May.  Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves.  Mulch in winter.
Mistflower, White or Wright's Boneset Eupatorium wrightii 1-2' 1-2' D Sun/part shade M White Fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly √   Native to W. TX mountain area.  Likes moisture but more tolerant than most mist flowers.  Heavy shearing in the winter will promote denser shape & more flowers following year. Cut top half at end of May.  Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves.  Mulch in winter.
Myrtle, Dwarf or Sweet Myrtus communis "compacta" 3-4' 3-4' E Sun to light shade L White to pale pink Fall Shrub Bird   √ Symbol of divine generosity.  Takes pruning well & can be used for a hedge.  Culinary herb.  Blueberry like fruit in the fall.  Must have good drainage for will develop root rot.  Susceptible to scale insects & spider mites. Prune for shape only.
Nolina, Bear Grass Nolina microcarpa 4' 7' E Sun/part shade L Cream Summer Shrub   √ √ Native to west Texas.  Edges are sharp and finely toothed and the tips are frayed into a brush. It is similar to Nolina texana but has wider and longer leaves with sharp teeth.  Needs well drained soil.    
Nolina, Bear Grass Tree Nolina matapensis 6' 5-6' E Sun L White Summer Shrub     √ This plant is also called Tree Bear Grass.  A mature plant will have a trunk and can have branches each with grasslike leaves. Plant grows about 3" a year.  
Nolina, Blue or Blue Beargrass Tree Nolina nelsonii 20' 8' E Sun/part shade L White Summer Shrub     √ Leaves are wider & stiffer than other nolinas & can be mistaken for a yucca.  Leaves are edged with tiny teeth.  Blue Nolina grows at a moderate rate, eventually developing a 10 to 12' tall trunk, crowned by a 4 to 5' rosette of foliage. When the 10'-12' tall clumps mature, a 4' tall bloom stalk will appear with tiny white flowers.  Old leaves persist along the trunk, resulting in a naturally shaggy look. These dead leaves can be removed for a neater appearance. 
Nolina, Devil Shoestring or Ribbon Grass  Nolina lindheimeriana 1.5-2.5' 3-4' E Sun/part shade L Cream   Shrub   √ √+ Endemic to Edwards Plateau. Similar to Nolina texana but has flattened leaves rather than wiry. Remove old bloom stalks at base if desired
Nolina, Mexican Grass Tree Nolina longifolia 6'   E Sun/light shade L White   Shrub     √ The long, strap-shaped foliage hangs down to almost cover the trunk or can be cut higher up so the trunk can be seen.  
Nolina, Sacahuista or Basket Grass Nolina texana 1.5-2.5' 3-4' E Sun/part shade L White Apr-Jun Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Good on dry slopes, grows well under live oaks.  Native Americans used the leaves for weaving baskets and mats. Remove old bloom stalks at base if desired
Ocotillo or Candlewood Fouqueiria splendens up to 20'   D Sun L Red Spring Shrub Butterfly, Hummingbird √ √+ Native to far West Texas, and other desert regions of southwestern USA.  The plant has many slender woody stems from the base of the plant, just below ground level.  The stems are spiny & leafless except it develops small leaves about 5 days after getting water.  The leaves turn brown & drop off when water is scarce.  In spring, there are flower spikes at the ends of the stems.    
Oleander Nerium oleander 5-15' 5-15' E Sun VL Varies Summer Shrub     √+ Poisonous to wildlife.  May freeze.  Susceptible to a bacterial blight. Pruning not required.
Oleander, Dwarf Pink Nerium oleander "Petite Pink" 4' 6' E Sun L Pink Summer Shrub     √+ Pink blooms with yellow throats.  
Palmetto Palm-Dwf Texas Sabal minor 4-5' 4-6' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √ √ Likes moist shady spots.  Needs plenty of water to get established but after that it is fairly drought tolerant.  But water to prevent lower leaves from dying back.  Native to East Texas. Prune only to remove damaged fronds
Primrose,  Jasmine Jasminum mesnyi 6' 15' E Sun/part shade M Yellow Spring to summer Shrub     √ Nice for hanging over walls or cliffs.  It can be trained like a vine if given support.  May die to the ground in a hard freeze but will usually come back in the spring. Can also be used for erosion control since the stems will take root where they touch the ground. Benefits from being protected from the full mid-day sun in Central Texas. Native to China.  Prune if desired after flowering since it flowers on the prior season's growth.  Can be a hedge.
Pyracantha  Pyracantha coccinea 5'   E Sun/part shade L White spring Shrub Bird        
Rosemary Rosmarinus officinalis 4' 4-6' E Sun L Blue On and off all year Shrub     √+ Drought tolerant once established.  Requires good drainage. Culinary herb. May desire to cut back by half in winter to keep more compact shape
Sage, Blue Shrub or Mejorana Salvia ballotaeflora 3-4' 2-3' D Sun L Blue May-Oct Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Aromatic gray-green foliage.  
Sage, Canyon Salvia lycioides 1' 1.5' D Sun/part shade       Shrub   √ √ Similar to Englemann Sage and Texas Sage but native to Trans-Pecos.  It is shrubby in habit but dies back to the ground some years.   Cut it back after it finishes blooming.
Sage, Mountain Salvia regla 3-5' 3-4' D Part shade M Red to orange Spring to frost Shrub Hummingbird √ √ Native to West Texas. Look for "mount Emory" variety for cold hardy species.  Does best beneath taller shrub or tree that provides afternoon shade.  This is a favorite of hummingbirds as they head south for the winter. Cut top half at end of May.  Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves.  Mulch in winter.
Sage, Pineapple Salvia elegans 2-3'   D Sun/part shade   Red Best in fall Shrub Hummingbird, Butterfly   √ Often used as a culinary herb.  It is delicious as a tea or added to other herbs in drinks, fruit salads, etc.  The bright red flowers are most profuse in the fall.  Flower is edible.  Spreads by short underground runners.  Plants will freeze to the ground with hard frost but will come back. Cut top half at end of May.  Prune to 3" after first frost browns leaves.  Mulch in winter.
Salvia, Gregg Salvia greggii 2-3' 2-3' E Sun/part shade M Various Mar-Nov Shrub Bird, Hummingbird, Butterfly √ √+ Lots of flower colors to choose from. Only has about 6 yr. life.  Loved by hummingbirds. Keep snipping off tips to bloom constantly.  Cut in half in early spring to keep low-growing and dense.  
Salvia, Microphylla Salvia microphylla 2-3' 3-4' E Sun to light shade L Various Srping & Fall Shrub     √ This Salvia has a similar look to Salvia greggii except it has a finer texture and smaller leaf.  The two plants are almost identical in their cultivation requirements. Keep snipping off tips to bloom constantly.  Cut in half in early spring to keep low-growing and dense.  
Silk Tassel Garrya ovata G. lindheimeri  6-15'   E Sun to shade L Pink on female Mar-Apr Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √ √ Fast growing, densely foliated, drought & shade tolerant.  Can prune to hedge; good with deciduous plants; lush evergreen.  Found on rocky slopes, ledges & bluffs as well as along stream beds & ravines. Prune for shape only or to raise canopy
Sotol, Smooth leaf Dasylirion leiophyllum 4-6' 4-6' E Sun L Greenish white Spring to Summer Shrub     √+ Common in Trans-Pecos. Extremely tolerant of drought, heat or cold.  Must have well drained soil. The plant still has sharp spines, despite the name.  
Sotol, Texas or Green sotol Dasylirion texanum 2-3' 4' E Sun L Yellowish spike Early Summer   Shrub   √ √+ Looks best when not crowded.  Plant with other drought resistant, low growing plants such as Blackfoot daisies, Winecups or Prairie verbena.  Long blade-like leaves with sharp edges so give plenty of space in pedestrian areas. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Sotol, Wheeler or Blue sotol Dasylirion wheeler 3-4' 4' E Sun L     Shrub   √ √+ Looks best when not crowded.  Plant with other drought resistant, low growing plants such as Blackfoot daisies, Winecups or Prairie verbena.  Long blade-like leaves with sharp edges so give plenty of space in pedestrian areas. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Sumac, Evergreen  Rhus virens 8-12' 8' E Sun or shade L White Late summer   Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Leaves stay green or turn burgundy in winter & then drop, but replaced by new leaves within a week.  Hates over watering. Can prune if desired, but not necessary
Sumac, Fragrant or Aromatic Sumac or Lemon Sumac or Skunkbush  Rhus trilobata var. trilobata 3-6' 4-6' D Sun/part shade L Red spikes turning yellow Spring Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Releases a spicy fragrance when the leaves are rubbed.  Often takes root at the base of a larger plant.  Achieves best shape and fall color in full sun. In masses, can be pruned for even texture and uniform height, or if left natural they will form dense mounds.
Turk's Cap  Malvaviscus drummondii 2-3' 3-5' D Sun to shade L Red Summer Shrub Bird, Hummingbird, Butterfly √ √ Prefers moist shady spot near streams & springs.  Good fruit for wildlife.  Colonizing.  Susceptible to freeze. Prune to keep confined or when leggy.
Viburnum, Sandankwa Viburnum suspensum 6-8' 6-8' E Sun to shade M White Spring Shrub     √ Flowers in early spring, followed by red fruit.  Needs regular water until well established.  Leaves are deeply textured with a heavy odor when crushed. Requires deep soil & good drainage..  Good as a screen or foundation shrub. Best not to over prune; selectively prune to direct growth.. Should be given moderate space & allowed to grow naturally in a sunny, well-drained soil.
Vitex, Chaste tree Vitex agnus-castus 10-15' 10-15' D Sun L Purple Summer Shrub Butterfly   √ Will grow in a variety of soils if well drained.  Good xeriscape plant after established. Prune to remove dead limbs or for shape
Wax Leaf Myrtle  Myrica cerifera 6-12' 8-15' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub Bird, Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √ Might colonize to form a thicket.  Grows best in deeper soils.  Foliage aromatic when crushed.  Wildlife loves berries.  Native to East Texas. Prune for shape only or to raise canopy
Wax Myrtle, Dwarf Myrica pusilla 2-6' 5' E Sun/part shade M     Shrub   √   Colonizes by stolons & underground runners.  Will need supplemental watering.  Tough adaptable shrub makes a good screen. Prune for shape only
Wooly Butterflybush  Buddleja marrubiifolia 3-5' 3-5' E Sun/part shade L Orange Summer Shrub Butterfly √ √+ Native to Southern Trans-Pecos area.  Somewhat tender in Austin area.  Place in protected corner or pot that you bring inside.  Looks good next to Brasil & Mountain Laurel for color contrast. Needs good drainage. Shaping not necessary
Yaupon Holly, dwarf  Ilex vomitoria 'Nana' 2-4' 2-4' E Sun/part shade L White Summer Shrub Bird, Small Mammals √ √ Low mounding shrub Can prune if desired, but not necessary
Yucca, Adam's needle or Weak-leaf Yucca filamentosa 4' 8' E Sun/part shade L White   Shrub Butterfly   √ Very cold hardy.  Would be a good container plant for sunny or partially shaded conditions.  
Yucca, Arkansas  Yucca arkansana 2-3' 1-2' E Sun/part shade L White Spring Shrub Butterfly √ √ Can be an understory plant in the shade or will grow in full sun.  The smallest of  our native yucca's.  
Yucca, Banana Yucca baccata 4-6' 10' E Sun/light shade   Greenish white Spring Shrub Small Mammals   √ Native in Arizona.  The flowers are on a spike 2-3' above main clump.  The fruit is 4-6" long, shaped like a banana & is edible.  (Once a food source for native Americans) Older plants may form a small 3-5" trunk.  Older plants may also form clusters up to 15' in spread.  The clustering stem habit with short, usually curving trunks, and the elongated flowers help to distinguish this yucca from similar species. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Yucca, Big Red Yucca funifera 6' 6' E Sun/part shade L Greenish white   Shrub     √ Native to Northern Mexico.  Each clump has less than 10 rosettes but the leaves are large and thick which makes the plant look bigger.  
Yucca, Blue Yucca rigida 15' 6' E Sun/light shade L White Spring to Summer Shrub     √ Closely related to Yucca thompsonia. Native to Mexico. Trunk will grow up to 3 stems.  Leaves have blue tint and are 3' long and 1" wide. Hardy to 10 degrees.  
Yucca, Buckley   Yucca constricta 5' 4' E Sun/part shade L Greenish white Spring to Summer Shrub Butterfly, Small Mammals √ √ Good for Xeriscape planting.  Does not like good soil.  
Yucca, Faxon or Giant Yucca Yucca faxonia '8-15' 10' E Sun L White Spring to Summer Shrub   √ √ Largest native Texas Yucca.  Grown in W. Tx, 3' long dagger like leaves.  Will eventually grow a trunk.  Closely related to Spanish Dagger.  Adaptable to any type soil.  Thatch buildup around trunk is not only attractive, it also provides protection for the trunk from the sun and cold . Recommend leaving old leaves in place rather than removing.  Hardy to 10 degrees.   
Yucca, Mohave Yucca schidigera 3-16'   E Sun L White   Shrub     √ Can have a single trunk or multiple trunks.  Native to Mohave Desert in Nevada, Arizona & Southern California.  Very drought tolerant.  
Yucca, Narrowleaf Yucca reverchonii 1-3' 1-3' E Sun/part shade L White Spring Shrub Butterfly √ √ Endemic to Edwards Plateau.  Closely related to Twistleaf Yucca. Also called San Angelo Yucca.  
Yucca, New Mexico Yucca harrimaniae 2' 1-3' E Sun L White Spring Shrub     √ Gray-green foliage with white filiferous margins. Native to high plateaus and mountains of southwestern United States.  Tolerates cold, sun and drought.  
Yucca, Paleleaf Yucca pallida 1' 2' E Sun/part shade L White Summer Shrub   √ √ Endemic to Blackland Prairies & adjacent limestone slopes.  Broad leaves are beautiful pale blue green & stand only a foot tall.  Similar to the Twistleaf yucca.  Deer won't eat leaves but will eat blooms. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Yucca, Red tipped Hesperaloe parviflora 2-4' 4' E Sun L Coral spike Spring to Summer Shrub Hummingbird √ √ May colonize. Deer love the blooms. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Yucca, Schottii or Mountain yucca Yucca schottii 10-15'   E Part shade to Sun L White Early Summer Shrub     √ This grows naturally in open or shaded spots in oak woodland and pine-oak forests, between 4000 and 5000 foot elevations. It is one of the few yuccas that can tolerate the shade of trees and more moist conditions. It can tolerate full sun but in extremely hot & dry areas it should be given supplemental water in the summer. Young plants of Mountain yucca have a single, unbranched trunk to about 12 feet tall, while older plants may have more than one trunk from the base. The dense rosette is made up of smooth stiff blue-green leaves that measure 2.5 feet long by 2 inches wide. Native to Arizona & New Mexico.  
Yucca, Soaptree Yucca elata 6-15'   E Sun L White   Shrub     √ Should be given deep watering once every three weeks for established plant.  Good specimen plant in desert type landscape.  The roots & stems can be used to make soap.  Native to high desert areas in southwestern US.  
Yucca, Softleaf   Yucca pendula 3' + bloom 3' E Sun/part shade L White Apr-May Shrub   √ √ Endemic to the Blackland prairies and SE US.  Water regular 1-2x per month during hot season.  Not as tolerant as other yuccas; best in sandy loam with good drainage.  Spreads by offsets to  make large groups.  Easy to grow.  Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage.  Soft, pliable foliage. Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Yucca, Spanish Bayonet Yucca aloifolia 10-15' 5' E Sun L White Jun-Jul Shrub     √ Low water usage.  Slow grower with a single or branched trunk or sprawling shape. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage.   
Yucca, Spanish Dagger  Yucca treculeana 5-25'   E Sun L White Apr-May Shrub Bird, Butterfly √ √ Typically a single trunk; often older ones have several branches that give the appearance of a giant candelabra. Leaf color ranges from dark green to blue-green. Very sharp leaves so don't plant close to a walk-way. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage.  Remove old bloom stalk at the base
Yucca, Thompson  Yucca thompsoniana 8-10' 5' E Sun to light shade L White Apr-May Shrub   √ √ From Southwestern Texas.  Hardy to 10 degrees.  This yucca is tree-like with one to three trunk-like stems rising asymmetrically 3-8' high.  Leaf heads are compact and tidy and composed of relatively few leaves.  The stout, 2-3' flowering stalk holds a dense panicle of white flowers slightly above the foliage. Deer will eat the blooms but not the foliage.   
Yucca, Torrey Yucca torreyi 3-25'   E Sun to light shade L White Late Spring Shrub   √ √ Clumping columnar rosettes. Native to the Chihuahua Desert, this Yucca is one of the most common tree-like Yuccas seen in West Texas. This Yucca can reach heights of 10-30' tall so make sure to give it plenty of room when planting.  Slow growing.  Sharp, pointed leaves 2 1/2" long & 2" wide with dark green coloring.  Resembles Yucca baccata.  Succulent white flowers are abundant on terminal spikes in spring above foliage. Native to New Mexico & Texas into Mexico.  Drought tolerant but needs good drainage. The plant shape is asymmetrical and it can have an untidy appearance, giving it the name "Old Shag", but it can be trimmed for a neater appearance in the landscape.
Yucca, Tree or St. Peter's Palm Yucca australis or Yucca filifera 25'   E Sun L Creamy white   Shrub     √+ Native to Mexico. Has a columnar rosette approx. 3' wide, often branched at the base of the plant but rarely branching above ground level.  Leaves have brown to gray fibers along the margins.