Welcome to our Plant Library! Dave and his staff share their years of experience trying out different plants, along with the maintenance know-how that comes from doing it all yourself. The photos and descriptions here will introduce you to some of the wonderful plant material we can enjoy here in North Texas. We hope you enjoy this handy resource.
Show All AnnualEvergreenGrassesGround CoversLarge TreesOrnamental TreesPerennialsShrubsSpring ColorVines
(Lagerstroemia)
Where would we be in August without the sturdy crape myrtle?
Flowering in all shades of white, pink, lavender and watermelon, crape myrtles peak just when the rest of the garden is flagging.
Some varieties have good fall color and lovely exfoliating bark for winter interest as well.
They need full sun to avoid getting spindly and mildewy; some easily grow 20’-25’ tall so plan ahead.
(Ulmus parviflora)
A medium sized tree, 40’-50’, with a round or oval crown, the lacebark elm has beautiful exfoliating bark and casts light, dappled shade.
Drought-tolerant and tough, it makes a good street or shade tree; does need some staking to keep it straight while it gets established.
Check out this handsome row of lacebark elms along Preston Road in front of St. Mark’s School.
(Ulmus crassifolia)
The hallmark of the native cedar elm is its small, sandpapery leaves and furrowed bark. Growing to 75′ feet tall, the cedar elm can tolerate compacted and poorly drained soils better than most trees and is very drought-tolerant.
Glossy green leaves in the spring and beautiful golden fall color make this elm a great addition to the landscape, either as a single specimen or in groves.
(Cupressus arizonica)
Native to Mexico and the Southwest, Arizona cypress is a fast-growing, spectacular blue-green tree that is great for screening, windbreaks and pool areas.
Its foliage is fragrant when brushed against and the small round cones are attractive without making a mess.
Beautiful combined with other low water use plants such as rosemary, China roses, blackfoot daisy and native salvias. Or use it to provide textural contrast to strongly architectural plants like agaves and yuccas. Needs good drainage.
