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)
Thursday - March 15, 2012
From: Waller, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Poisonous Plants, Privacy Screening
Title: Non-poisonous, non-allergenic plants for privacy fence
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
I'm looking to put in some plants to create a privacy fence against one side of my property. I'd like a mix of plants that grow well together in order to create a diverse look. I need something evergreen, fairly fast growing, native, and that is not going to irritate my allergies. I have small dogs and young children, so I can't have anything poisonous either. Any suggestions for my area?ANSWER:
The Houston Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) has an excellent Native Plant Guide with recommendations for all sorts of plants and plant suppliers. Here are a few from their Guide that should work for you. I have checked the ones I picked against several poisonous plant databases for their toxicity. These databases are:
- Poisonous Plants of North Carolina
- Toxic Plants of Texas
- University of Pennsylvania Poisonous Plants Page
- Canadian Poisonous Plants Information System
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List - Dogs
The allergy information is a little harder to find since allergies are an individual reaction to the particular allergen rather than a general reaction to a toxic substance. However, PollenLibrary.com has a searchable database of more than 1200 plants with information about the severity of allergies to their pollen. The database can be searched by common or Latin name. I suggest you use the Latin name for searching any plant database since common names of plants can be quite variable.
Now, here are some plants that I found in the Houston Native Plant Guide that meet most of your criteria:
Lonicera sempervirens (Coral honeysuckle) is a native evergreen vine with red blossoms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is not listed on any of the above poisonous plant databases. PollenLibrary.com lists it as a mild allergen.
Bignonia capreolata (Crossvine) is a semi-evergreen vine also attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies. It is not listed as toxic or as an allergen.
Polystichum acrostichoides (Christmas fern) is an evergreen fern that grows in the Houston area. It is listed as non-toxic to dogs on the ASPCA list and not listed on any of the other above poisonous plant databases or in the PollenLibrary.com database. It needs shade or partial shade to grow, as well as moist soil.
Morella cerifera (Wax myrtle) is an evergreen shrub that grow into a small tree. It is not listed on any of the above poisonous plant databases, but is listed by PollenLibrary.com as a mild allergen.
Cyrilla racemiflora (Swamp titi) is semi-evergreen in the Houston area and is not found on any of the poisonous plant databases above or in the PollenLibrary.com database. It will eventually grow into a small tree and, as its common name suggests, will grow in wet places.
Sabal minor (Dwarf palmetto) is a small evergreen palm that is not on any of the poisonous plant databases but is listed as a mild allergen in the PollenLibrary.com database.
Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii (Turk's cap or turkscap) is a perennial that, although not evergreen, will retain some of its green leaves in mild winters. It's not on any of the poisonous databases or in the in the PollenLibrary.com database.
You can also check our Texas—South Recommended page for more options.
From the Image Gallery
More Privacy Screening Questions
Privacy hedge for Palm Springs CA
July 04, 2013 - Dear Mr. Smarty Pants
I have a 6 foot block wall, and my house is elevated, and I need a privacy hedge or tree (even flowering) to create more privacy. I do not want to use Ficus as I hear they can d...
view the full question and answer
Need Fast-Growing Screening Shrub for Arlington, TX
March 16, 2011 - What fast growing shrub/tree could be planted along side a fence to provide additional privacy? We have a pool in our backyard and the view behind our house is less than enjoyable. We would like to ...
view the full question and answer
Plant mistakes from Cedar Park, TX
April 09, 2014 - At our "Wilts End" in Cedar Park, TX. and are looking for a tall shrub/tree that will hide a 6-ft tall concrete wall and muffle the noise from a busy street. The wall forms a very wide-angled V shap...
view the full question and answer
Sources for Ilex shrubs from Boca Raton FL
April 29, 2013 - Where can I find Ilex plants in the Boca Raton, FL area?
I would like to use them for hedges.
view the full question and answer
Evergreens for privacy in VA
June 24, 2012 - I need fast growing evergreens or large shrubs, flowering or non-flowering, for privacy. They will need to flourish among large oak and hickory trees that are 75 plus years old. We don't want to dama...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |