Native vegetation for landscaping? (Houston, Beaumont: 2013, live in, gardens)

[War Beagle]

I'd like some recommendations for some trees and shrubberies (I laugh every time I see or hear that word) that are native to this area for landscaping purposes. Here are some of the things I'm looking for:

*Can thrive largely on the amount of rain we get here in a typical year (i.e. minimal irrigation in non-drought years) as well as the normal SE Texas temperatures.

*Trees that would grow relatively quickly and provide at least a moderate amount of shade.

*Trees or vegetation that would look green and lush. I prefer the natural or "wild" look, so something that typically is manicured doesn't interest me.

*A lot of this would probably go into a fenced backyard rather than a front yard.

I don't have a whole lot of experience with landscaping, so any recommendations would be appreciated. The "look" I am going for is greenery to make me forget I live in a flat, largely treeless part of the country.

[Metro Matt]

Its really simple.

Texas Tree Selector

[HoustonBornNRaised]

Texas Sage is a native shrub. It's about the only shrub in my backyard that doesn't have freeze damage right now.

[Svensk08]

A couple of locally owned nurseries that can give you expert advice on native plants and trees are Buchanan's and Joshua's. Both are in the Heights. Tell them what you are looking for. Take notes and then decide what will work best for your situation. You may also want to consider plants that are not truly natives but have adapted well locally.

You can start right now by researching recent books and websites that deal specifically with gardening in our Houston-Gulf Coast area. It's different than anyplace else in Texas.

[Nairobi]

Bald cypress. It's native, it grows tall, it grows quickly, has a lush look and provides good shade, and actually prefers hot summers. Houston will never be dry enough to do this tree any harm.

For your shrub, you can't go wrong with azalea.

Other recommendations: southern red maple, water oak, golden rain tree, willow oak

[Svensk08]

Originally Posted by Nairobi

Bald cypress. It's native, it grows tall, it grows quickly, has a lush look and provides good shade, and actually prefers hot summers. Houston will never be dry enough to do this tree any harm.

For your shrub, you can't go wrong with azalea.

The azaleas we see around Houston aren't native, which is what the OP originally requested. They have specific growing requirements: acid soil, even moisture and extremely good drainage. Most look fantastic for about 2 weeks in the spring when they're blooming -- otherwise, they're simply nice shrubs with green leaves. There are some newer varieties that have a few blooms sporadically throughout the year.

[War Beagle]

What do you think about the river birch?

[txdemo]

Visit Buchanan's and Wabash for native plants.

I'd suggest planting fruit trees. Citrus does well and will provide shade eventually. Fig trees are also great to have if you like figs. LSU Purple has a delicious fig.

[cla]

Texas Superstar®

Plants For Texas® Texas Born, Texas Tested For Texas Gardens™

Recommended Ornamental Plants for Southeast Texas Including Houston and Beaumont | Archives | Aggie Horticulture

http://npsot.org/Houston/March%20201...on%20pages.pdf

[War Beagle]

Great info. Thanks everyone.