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_43.gif)
Sunday - February 03, 2008
From: Waco, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Butterfly Gardens
Title: Native plants for butterfly garden in Waco, TX
Answered by: Barbara Medford
QUESTION:
Few weeks ago I sent you a letter but never got an answer back. I would like to have your suggestions of native plants for a butterfly garden (30'x 30') here in Waco. The plants must be (1)drought and heat tolerant, (2) perennial flowers, (3) trees and bushes. Thank you very much for your attention. Sincerely yours, Ken-Hsi WangANSWER:
Sorry we didn't get a reply to you. It would appear that the question never made it to Mr. Smarty Plants, but this one did, so we'll do our best to answer your question in a more timely manner.
We have just finished an answer for someone who was looking for suggestions for plants that would draw bees in a Central Texas location. Because just about all the plants that attract bees will also be attractive to other pollinators, including butterflies, and in order to save us time retyping, please read this previous answer. Notice also the links in that answer to "How To Articles" on wildflower and butterfly gardening. Most of these are flowers, and many are perennial, and just about anything that is native to Central Texas is here because it is heat and drought tolerant. That's the beauty of using native plants; they're ready for what Texas can do to them. For you, we will try to add some bushes and trees that will fill the same requirements and attract butterflies. We would also like to point out that there is some overlap between the categories; some of the flowers grow into subshrubs, some of the bushes grow into small trees, and most of the trees we have chosen for your consideration are not destined to get terribly tall.
SHRUBS
Acacia roemeriana (roundflower catclaw)
Ageratina havanensis (Havana snakeroot)
Dalea frutescens (black prairie clover)
Eysenhardtia texana (Texas kidneywood)
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (wax mallow)
Pavonia lasiopetala (Texas swampmallow)
Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel) Warning: The seeds and flowers are poisonous!
TREES
Cercis canadensis var. mexicana (Mexican redbud)
Chilopsis linearis (desert willow)
Ungnadia speciosa (Mexican buckeye)
More Butterfly Gardens Questions
Transplanting butterfly weed in Hamden OH
July 10, 2009 - I have tried transplanting butterfly weed from it's native location to my yard and each time the plant wilts and dies.
Any suggestions?
view the full question and answer
Groundcover and Butterfly attractants for LaRue Texas
May 02, 2012 - LaRue, TX - Would like a native low growing plant as a groundcover. I would like it for six+ hours of sun, drought tolerant, and ones that butterflies might enjoy, while deer won't. Some winter int...
view the full question and answer
Butterflies attracted by Pink Evening Primrose from Burnet TX
July 30, 2012 - I see information on Pink Evening Primrose that says it attracts 'many butterflies'
Please tell me which butterflies and name them? I've looked everywhere and am just exhausted and frustrated with...
view the full question and answer
Sun loving plants for flower bed by the pool in Weatherford Texas
October 03, 2011 - We have a 40' long x 2 1/2' wide flowerbed along our pool. It is in full sun with the pool deck across the front and a 6' privacy fence across back. Also, the level of the bed is 18" below the l...
view the full question and answer
Butterfly plants for Kolkata, India
August 06, 2009 - I am from Kolkata, India. I have a garden of 200ft x 50ft size, mostly shadowed by big trees. I want to attract butterflies in my garden. Can you please let me know the flowers / plants I plant for bu...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |