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)
Wednesday - June 11, 2008
From: Arlington, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Shade Tolerant
Title: Large shrub for screen in shade
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I am trying to find some large shrubs that will thrive in shade in the north Texas climate. This area will receive very little light during the day but need to grow quite large to hide a fence and creek beyond the fence.ANSWER:
Below are several large shrubs/small trees that should work well for a screening shrub in Tarrant County, Texas.Note: shade = <2 hours of sun/day and part shade = 2-6 hours of sun/day
Cornus drummondii (roughleaf dogwood) part shade, shade
Morella cerifera (wax myrtle) evergreen—sun, part shade
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita) evergreen—sun, part shade
Callicarpa americana (American beautyberry) part shade
Frangula caroliniana (Carolina buckthorn) part shade
Ilex decidua (possumhaw) sun, part shade
Ilex vomitoria (yaupon) evergreen—part shade
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush) evergreen—sun, part shade
Ptelea trifoliata (common hoptree) sun, part shade, shade
Rhus glabra (smooth sumac) sun, part shade, shade
Rhus lanceolata (prairie sumac) sun, part shade
Viburnum rufidulum (rusty blackhaw) part shade
More Shade Tolerant Questions
Replacement for grass under non-native weeping willow from Yorba Linda CA
April 24, 2012 - What would be a good replacement for the grass currently growing under a weeping willow? Something requiring low maintenance, the problem is with mowing over and around the roots.
view the full question and answer
Screen and shade for pool in Michigan
July 18, 2010 - We recently moved to a new home that has a pool. There is no shade nor privacy. What types of trees, plants would you recommend for our small backyard?
view the full question and answer
Carex as a shady turf alternative in Austin
November 10, 2009 - I just read your answer to Barbara Medford's question about what multi-species native grasses would work to create a shady lawn. While you had some wonderful suggestions you mention a homeowner's as...
view the full question and answer
Plants for shaded area in East Texas
July 23, 2013 - I live in East Texas and have an area that is shaded most of the day - it only gets sun in the middle of the day but it is direct. What would be best? I would prefer something that won't freeze, bu...
view the full question and answer
Seep Muhly in limited sunlight.
July 01, 2015 - Can Seep Muhly withstand just 3 or 4 hours of direct sunlight in an urban setting?
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |