What are the best low-maintenance native plants for Austin?

The lowest-maintenance native plants for Austin are red yucca, autumn sage, blackfoot daisy, Texas sage, and big muhly grass. Once established (12 to 24 months), these plants need zero supplemental irrigation in a normal year and minimal pruning. Red yucca and blackfoot daisy are especially forgiving — they thrive in poor soil, full sun, and extreme heat with almost no attention. Autumn sage needs only an annual cutback in late winter to stay bushy.

Which native plants attract hummingbirds in Austin?

The best native hummingbird plants for Austin are flame acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii), autumn sage (Salvia greggii), turk's cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii), red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora), and crossvine (Bignonia capreolata). Flame acanthus is the single best hummingbird plant for Austin — its tubular red-orange flowers bloom during the hottest months when hummingbirds need nectar most, and it thrives in full sun with almost no water.

What native plants grow well in shade in Austin?

The best native shade plants for Austin are turk's cap, American beautyberry, inland sea oats, horseherb, pigeonberry, and coralberry. Turk's cap is the most versatile — it thrives in full shade to part sun and produces red flowers that attract hummingbirds. Horseherb is the best native ground cover for shaded areas, spreading quickly and tolerating light foot traffic. Inland sea oats add elegant texture with their distinctive seed heads.

Are native plants deer resistant?

Many Austin native plants are deer resistant, though no plant is completely deer-proof when deer are hungry enough. The most reliably deer-resistant natives include Texas sage, autumn sage, flame acanthus, blackfoot daisy, red yucca, agave, sotol, agarito, and all ornamental grasses. Deer generally avoid plants with strong scents (sages), spines (agave, agarito), or tough leathery foliage (sotol, yucca). American beautyberry and turk's cap are occasionally browsed but recover quickly.

When is the best time to plant native plants in Austin?

Fall (October through November) is the best planting time in Austin. Cooler temperatures reduce transplant stress, fall rains help roots establish, and plants have an entire winter and spring to develop root systems before their first Austin summer. Spring (March through April) is the second-best window. Avoid planting in June through August — summer heat and drought make establishment extremely difficult and increase mortality rates significantly.

How much do native plants cost?

Native plants typically cost $8 to $15 for a 1-gallon container, $20 to $45 for a 3-gallon container, and $40 to $100 for a 5-gallon container at Austin nurseries. Trees in 15 to 30 gallon containers cost $75 to $350. Native plants from local nurseries like the Natural Gardener, Barton Springs Nursery, and Leaf Landscape Supply tend to be better acclimated to Austin conditions than big-box store plants. Buying in bulk from wholesale growers saves 20% to 40% on larger projects.

Do native plants need fertilizer?

Most native plants do not need fertilizer and can actually be harmed by it. Native plants evolved in Austin's naturally lean soils — adding fertilizer produces fast, soft growth that is more susceptible to pests, disease, and freeze damage. The best soil improvement for natives is compost incorporated at planting time, plus an organic mulch layer that slowly adds nutrients as it decomposes. If a native plant is struggling, the issue is almost always drainage, sun exposure, or watering frequency — not nutrients.

Where can I buy native plants in Austin?

The best sources for native plants in Austin are the Natural Gardener (south Austin), Barton Springs Nursery (Zilker area), Leaf Landscape Supply (multiple locations), Backbone Valley Nursery (Marble Falls, worth the drive), and East Austin Succulents. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant sales (spring and fall) offer excellent selections at fair prices. Avoid big-box stores for natives — their inventory comes from out-of-state growers and may not be acclimated to Austin's specific soil and climate conditions.

How long does it take for native plants to establish in Austin?

Most native plants take 1 to 2 full growing seasons (12 to 24 months) to establish in Austin. During this period, they need regular supplemental watering — typically once or twice per week in summer, less in cooler months. After establishment, most natives need water only during extended drought (3 or more weeks without rain in summer). Trees take longer — 2 to 3 years for full establishment. The saying is true: first year they sleep, second year they creep, third year they leap.

Can I mix native and non-native plants in my Austin landscape?

Yes. A landscape does not have to be 100% native to be water-wise and low-maintenance. Many adapted non-native plants — like pride of Barbados, Mexican honeysuckle, and plumbago — perform nearly as well as natives in Austin conditions. The key is choosing adapted plants with similar water needs and grouping them in hydrozones. Avoid mixing high-water non-natives with drought-tolerant natives in the same planting bed — the watering schedule that keeps one alive will drown or starve the other.

25 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX Landscaping (2026)

Native plants are the foundation of every durable Austin landscape. They evolved in this climate — the clay soil, the 100-degree summers, the flash droughts followed by 5-inch downpours, the occasional hard freeze. A native plant that has survived in Central Texas for thousands of years does not need you to babysit it through August.

This is not a list of every native plant that can grow in Austin. It is the 25 that we install most often in our xeriscape and landscape design-build projects — the ones that consistently perform across different soil types, exposures, and microclimates. Every plant on this list is drought-tolerant once established, adapted to Austin’s alkaline clay or limestone soil, and available at local nurseries.

Native Trees

1. Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)

Size: 15–25 ft tall, 15–20 ft wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low once established • Deer: Resistant

The desert willow is the best small ornamental tree for Austin xeriscapes. Orchid-like flowers in pink, purple, or burgundy bloom continuously from late spring through fall — months longer than most flowering trees. Deciduous, so it drops leaves in winter and lets sunlight through. Fast growing at 2 to 3 feet per year. Tolerates poor, rocky, and alkaline soil. Plant it where you want seasonal shade and year-round sculptural branching.

2. Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)

Size: 15–25 ft tall, 10–15 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant (toxic)

An evergreen native that produces clusters of grape-scented purple flowers in early spring. Slow growing (6 to 12 inches per year), but the wait is worth it — mature specimens are stunning focal points. Thrives in shallow limestone soil where other trees struggle. The seeds are toxic, so do not plant near areas where small children play unsupervised. One of the best screening trees for Austin because it stays green year-round.

3. Mexican White Oak (Quercus polymorpha)

Size: 40–50 ft tall, 35–40 ft wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Low once established • Deer: Generally avoided

The best large shade tree for Austin landscapes. Semi-evergreen — it drops old leaves just as new ones emerge in spring, so it is never fully bare. Fast growing at 3 to 4 feet per year. Tolerates clay and limestone. Does not have the oak wilt susceptibility of red oaks, though it can contract the disease. If you need one big shade tree, this is the one.

4. Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

Size: 50–70 ft tall, 40–60 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

The toughest large shade tree native to Austin. Tolerates clay soil, drought, heat, and occasional flooding. Beautiful golden-yellow fall color. Provides dense shade in summer. A mature cedar elm on a property is a significant asset — it takes decades to replace. If you already have one, protect it during construction at all costs.

5. Eve’s Necklace (Styphnolobium affine)

Size: 15–25 ft tall, 12–15 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

An underused native understory tree with delicate pink flower clusters in spring and distinctive seedpods that look like a string of beads. Fine-textured compound leaves cast dappled shade. Grows well in both clay and limestone soil. Excellent as a patio tree, in small courtyards, or planted in groves. One of the most graceful small trees you can plant in Austin.

Native Shrubs

6. Texas Sage / Cenizo (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Size: 3–6 ft tall and wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

The “barometer bush” — it blooms in waves of purple, pink, or white flowers after summer rain, turning a silver-green mound into a showstopper overnight. Evergreen. Extremely drought-tolerant. Thrives in poor, rocky, alkaline soil. Dies in wet, poorly drained soil — do not overwater and do not plant in low spots. Multiple cultivars offer different sizes and flower colors: ‘Green Cloud’ (green foliage, purple flowers), ‘Compacta’ (3 ft dwarf), ‘White Cloud’ (white flowers).

7. Flame Acanthus (Anisacanthus quadrifidus var. wrightii)

Size: 3–5 ft tall, 3–4 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

The single best hummingbird plant for Austin. Tubular red-orange flowers bloom from late spring through fall — during the hottest months when most other plants have stopped flowering. Dies back to the ground in hard freezes but returns vigorously in spring. Cut it back to 6 inches in late February. Spreads by root suckers and self-seeding — give it room or use steel edging to contain it.

8. Agarito (Mahonia trifoliata)

Size: 3–6 ft tall and wide • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant (thorny)

An evergreen native shrub with holly-like leaves, fragrant yellow flowers in late winter (one of the earliest bloomers in Austin), and bright red berries in summer that birds love. The thorny foliage makes it an effective natural barrier. Grows in the rockiest, most inhospitable limestone soil. Nearly impossible to kill. Use it as a hedge, barrier planting, or wildlife habitat.

9. American Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)

Size: 4–6 ft tall and wide • Sun: Part shade to full shade • Water: Low to moderate • Deer: Occasionally browsed

A shade-loving native shrub famous for its clusters of magenta-purple berries that appear in fall and persist into winter. The berries are electric — nothing else in the landscape has that color. Deciduous. The arching branches create a graceful habit. Plant it under large oaks or on the north side of buildings. Cut to the ground in late winter for the best berry production the following fall.

10. Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus var. drummondii)

Size: 3–5 ft tall, 3–5 ft wide • Sun: Full shade to part sun • Water: Low to moderate • Deer: Occasionally browsed

The go-to native for shaded areas. Twisted red flowers (the “turk’s cap” shape) bloom from late spring through fall and are irresistible to hummingbirds. Thrives in full shade under live oaks where almost nothing else will grow. Spreads by root suckers to form colonies — excellent for naturalizing shaded slopes. Also available in white and pink-flowered cultivars. Dies back in hard freezes, returns from roots.

Native Perennials

11. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii)

Size: 2–3 ft tall and wide • Sun: Full sun to part sun • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

The most versatile native perennial for Austin landscapes. Blooms from March through November — nearly the entire growing season. Available in red, coral, pink, white, salmon, and bicolor varieties. Hummingbird and butterfly magnet. Cut back by one-third in late February to keep it bushy and prevent it from getting leggy. Thrives in poor, rocky soil. Plant in masses of 5 to 7 for maximum visual impact.

12. Blackfoot Daisy (Melampodium leucanthum)

Size: 6–12 in tall, 12–18 in wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

Small white honey-scented flowers bloom nearly year-round on a tidy mound of gray-green foliage. One of the toughest, most reliable native perennials for Austin. Thrives in limestone, caliche, and rocky soil — it actually performs worse in rich, amended soil. Do not overwater. Perfect for rock gardens, edges, and hellstrips (that strip between the sidewalk and street). Plant 12 to 18 inches apart for a continuous low border.

13. Red Yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora)

Size: 2–3 ft tall (4–5 ft with flower stalks), 3–4 ft wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

Not a true yucca. Coral-pink tubular flowers on arching stalks bloom from spring through fall, attracting hummingbirds for months. The grass-like foliage is evergreen with fine curling threads along the leaf margins. Nearly indestructible — thrives in full sun, poor soil, and extended drought. One of the most iconic Austin xeriscape plants. Also available in a yellow-flowered cultivar. Plant as a specimen, in masses, or along foundations.

14. Flame Acanthus (covered under shrubs above — see #7)

14. Zexmenia (Wedelia acapulcensis var. hispida)

Size: 2–3 ft tall, 2–3 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part sun • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

Yellow daisy-like flowers bloom from spring through fall on dense, bushy foliage. An outstanding butterfly plant. Native to the Edwards Plateau and perfectly adapted to limestone and clay soils. Low maintenance — cut to the ground in late winter and it returns vigorously. Plant in masses for a wildflower meadow effect or use as an informal hedge. Tough enough for medians and parking lot islands.

15. Gregg’s Mistflower (Conoclinium greggii)

Size: 1–2 ft tall, spreading • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

Blue-purple flower clusters bloom from late summer through first frost, perfectly timed for fall butterfly migration. Monarch butterflies use it heavily on their southward journey through Austin in October. Spreads by underground runners to form colonies — use steel edging if you want to contain it, or let it naturalize in informal areas. Semievergreen. One of the last things blooming in the fall garden.

16. Four-Nerve Daisy (Tetraneuris scaposa)

Size: 6–10 in tall, 8–12 in wide • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

Cheerful yellow daisy flowers on 6-inch stems bloom nearly year-round above a compact rosette of narrow leaves. Thrives in the harshest conditions — shallow limestone, caliche, full sun, zero supplemental water. Excellent for rock gardens, stone wall crevices, and along pathways. Plant in groups for a carpet of yellow flowers. One of the most underused native perennials in Austin landscaping.

17. Pigeonberry (Rivina humilis)

Size: 1–2 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide • Sun: Part shade to full shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

A shade-loving native with delicate pink flower spikes followed by bright red berries. The berries are a favorite of mockingbirds, cardinals, and other songbirds. Semi-evergreen. Spreads gently by seed to colonize shaded areas. Pairs beautifully with turk’s cap and American beautyberry for a layered shade garden. Dainty and fine-textured — a nice contrast to the bold forms of agave and yucca.

Native Grasses

18. Big Muhly Grass (Muhlenbergia lindheimeri)

Size: 3–5 ft tall with flower stalks • Sun: Full sun • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

The finest native ornamental grass for Austin. Upright blue-green foliage topped with silvery flower plumes in fall that catch the light beautifully. Named for Ferdinand Lindheimer, the “Father of Texas Botany.” Excellent as a specimen, in masses, or as a soft screen. Cut to 6 inches in late February before new growth emerges. Thrives in clay, limestone, and sandy soil. One of our most-used plants for adding movement and texture to Austin landscapes.

19. Mexican Feather Grass (Nassella tenuissima)

Size: 1–2 ft tall, 1–2 ft wide • Sun: Full sun to part sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

Ultra-fine textured grass that moves like silk in the slightest breeze. Creates a flowing, meadow-like effect when planted in masses. Blonde seed heads appear in summer and persist through fall. Self-seeds prolifically — this can be an advantage (it fills gaps naturally) or a nuisance (it pops up in gravel paths). Pairs beautifully with agave, blackfoot daisy, and steel edging for a modern xeriscape look.

20. Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

Size: 2–4 ft tall • Sun: Part shade to full shade • Water: Low to moderate • Deer: Resistant

The best ornamental grass for shade in Austin. Arching bamboo-like foliage topped with distinctive flat, oat-like seed heads that dangle from thin stems and catch the light. Native to creek bottoms and woodland edges. Self-seeds freely in favorable conditions. Excellent for naturalizing shaded slopes, under trees, and along dry creek beds. Golden fall color. Cut to the ground in late winter.

21. Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium)

Size: 2–3 ft tall • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

A native prairie grass with blue-green foliage in summer that turns brilliant copper, orange, and mahogany in fall — the best fall color of any grass. Fluffy white seed heads catch backlight beautifully. Deep roots make it extremely drought-tolerant and effective at preventing erosion. Plant in sweeps and masses for a prairie effect. Pairs with wildflowers for a naturalistic meadow. The cultivar ‘Standing Ovation’ has a narrow, upright habit ideal for smaller spaces.

Native Ground Covers

22. Texas Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)

Size: 2–4 in tall, spreading • Sun: Full sun to part shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

The best native lawn alternative for Austin. Forms a dense, flat mat that tolerates moderate foot traffic. Tiny white and purple flowers bloom spring through fall and are a critical nectar source for butterflies. Stays green through winter in mild years. Spreads by runners — aggressive enough to fill large areas but manageable with steel edging. Uses a fraction of the water of St. Augustine. Mow occasionally or never — it looks good either way.

23. Horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis)

Size: 4–8 in tall, spreading • Sun: Part shade to full shade • Water: Low • Deer: Resistant

Austin’s most successful shade ground cover. Small yellow flowers bloom year-round. Spreads aggressively to fill shaded areas under trees, along foundations, and in shaded courtyards. Tolerates light foot traffic and dry shade. If you have a shaded area where grass refuses to grow, horseherb will take over on its own — many Austin homeowners already have it and do not realize it is a native ground cover, not a weed.

24. Silver Ponyfoot (Dichondra argentea)

Size: 1–2 in tall, spreading • Sun: Full sun • Water: Very low • Deer: Resistant

Stunning silvery-white foliage that forms a low, dense mat. The silver color reflects heat and creates dramatic contrast with dark mulch, steel edging, and green plants. Extremely drought-tolerant — thrives in full sun with almost no supplemental water once established. Excellent for rock gardens, between stepping stones, and spilling over retaining walls. Does not tolerate foot traffic as well as frogfruit but looks more refined.

25. Texas Sedge (Carex texensis)

Size: 4–8 in tall, spreading • Sun: Part shade to full shade • Water: Low to moderate • Deer: Resistant

A fine-textured, grass-like sedge that forms a soft, green carpet in shaded areas. Mow it or leave it natural — either way, it provides a lush, lawn-like appearance without the water demands of traditional turf grass. Thrives under live oaks and in woodland gardens. Combines beautifully with inland sea oats, pigeonberry, and turk’s cap for a layered shade planting. Evergreen in mild winters.

Quick Reference Chart

Plant	Sun	Water	Size	Deer?
Desert Willow	Full	Very Low	15–25 ft	Resistant
TX Mountain Laurel	Full / Part	Very Low	15–25 ft	Resistant
Mexican White Oak	Full	Low	40–50 ft	Avoided
Cedar Elm	Full / Part	Low	50–70 ft	Resistant
Eve’s Necklace	Full / Part	Low	15–25 ft	Resistant
Texas Sage	Full	Very Low	3–6 ft	Resistant
Flame Acanthus	Full / Part	Very Low	3–5 ft	Resistant
Agarito	Full / Part	Very Low	3–6 ft	Resistant
American Beautyberry	Part / Shade	Low–Mod	4–6 ft	Occasional
Turk’s Cap	Shade / Part	Low–Mod	3–5 ft	Occasional
Autumn Sage	Full / Part	Low	2–3 ft	Resistant
Blackfoot Daisy	Full	Very Low	6–12 in	Resistant
Red Yucca	Full	Very Low	2–3 ft	Resistant
Zexmenia	Full / Part	Low	2–3 ft	Resistant
Gregg’s Mistflower	Full / Part	Low	1–2 ft	Resistant
Four-Nerve Daisy	Full	Very Low	6–10 in	Resistant
Pigeonberry	Part / Shade	Low	1–2 ft	Resistant
Big Muhly Grass	Full	Low	3–5 ft	Resistant
Mexican Feather Grass	Full / Part	Very Low	1–2 ft	Resistant
Inland Sea Oats	Part / Shade	Low–Mod	2–4 ft	Resistant
Little Bluestem	Full	Very Low	2–3 ft	Resistant
Texas Frogfruit	Full / Part	Low	2–4 in	Resistant
Horseherb	Part / Shade	Low	4–8 in	Resistant
Silver Ponyfoot	Full	Very Low	1–2 in	Resistant
Texas Sedge	Part / Shade	Low–Mod	4–8 in	Resistant

How to Use This List

Do not plant one of everything. A landscape with 25 different plant species and one of each looks like a botanical collection, not a designed space. Instead:

Pick 8 to 12 species from this list that match your site conditions (sun, shade, soil, drainage)
Plant in masses: Groups of 3, 5, or 7 of the same species create visual weight. A single autumn sage is a plant; a drift of seven autumn sages is a landscape
Layer vertically: Every view should include ground cover, low perennials, mid-height shrubs, and trees. See our step-by-step xeriscape guide for detailed layering instructions
Repeat key species: Use 3 to 4 “anchor” species throughout the landscape for cohesion. If big muhly grass appears in the front yard and the back, it ties the whole property together
Match hydrozones: Group plants with similar water needs. Blackfoot daisy and red yucca together (very low water). Turk’s cap and beautyberry together (moderate water, shade). Never mix a “very low” water plant with a “moderate” water plant in the same bed

Where to Buy Native Plants in Austin

The Natural Gardener (south Austin) — Austin’s largest selection of native and adapted plants. Staff is extremely knowledgeable
Barton Springs Nursery (Zilker area) — Curated native selection, good for specimen plants
Leaf Landscape Supply (multiple locations) — Plants plus bulk materials (soil, mulch, stone)
Backbone Valley Nursery (Marble Falls) — Worth the drive for wholesale-priced natives in large quantities
East Austin Succulents — Specialty agaves, yuccas, and desert plants
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant sales (spring and fall) — Excellent selections at fair prices, with expert advice included

Planting Tips for Austin Success

Plant in fall (October–November): Cooler temps reduce transplant stress. Roots establish over winter before summer heat
Dig wide, not deep: Planting holes should be 2–3× wider than the root ball but no deeper. In clay, deep holes become bathtubs
Do not amend the backfill: Use the native soil you dug out. Amended holes create a pot-in-the-ground effect where roots circle and never spread
Mulch 3–4 inches deep: Keep mulch 3 inches away from stems. Mulch reduces soil temperature, retains moisture, and suppresses weeds
Water deeply, infrequently: Deep watering (30–60 min) once or twice per week during establishment encourages deep root growth. Daily light watering produces shallow roots that cannot survive drought
Skip the fertilizer: Most natives thrive in lean soil. Fertilizer produces soft, fast growth that is vulnerable to pests and freeze damage

Get a Native Plant Landscape Design

We design and install native plant landscapes across Austin, Westlake Hills, Cedar Park, Round Rock, and surrounding areas. Every project starts with a site assessment, a custom design with a complete plant schedule, and professional installation by crews who know how to work with Austin’s clay soil.

Request a free consultation and we will visit your property, assess the site conditions, and create a planting plan that works for your specific soil, sun exposure, and style. Browse our signature projects gallery to see how we integrate native plants into complete landscape designs, or read what our 125+ five-star clients have to say.

25 Best Native Plants for Austin, TX Landscaping