Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Bloom Time: March-April
Fragrance: Sweet grape soda scent
Height: 10-15 feet typically
Native Range: Central Texas to New Mexico
Soil: Well-drained, limestone preferred
Water: Drought-tolerant once established
Bluebonnets
Lupinus texensis
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Bloom Time: March-May
Status: Texas State Flower
Height: 12-24 inches
Native Range: Endemic to Texas
Life Cycle: Annual
Soil: Well-drained, slightly alkaline
Prickly Pear Cactus (Nopal)
Opuntia spp.
Family: Cactaceae (Cactus family)
Bloom Time: April-June
Flower Color: Yellow to pink
Height: 3-20 feet depending on species
Native Range: Throughout Texas and Southwest
Edible Parts: Pads (nopales) and fruits (tunas)
Water: Very drought-tolerant
Texas Sage
Leucophyllum frutescens
Family: Scrophulariaceae (Figwort family)
Bloom Time: Summer-Fall, especially after rain
Common Names: Cenizo, Barometer Bush
Height: 5-8 feet
Native Range: Texas, New Mexico, Northern Mexico
Bloom Trigger: Humidity and rainfall
Sun: Full sun
Mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa
Family: Fabaceae (Legume family)
Bloom Time: April-May
Type: Deciduous tree
Height: 20-30 feet
Native Range: Southwestern US and Mexico
Uses: Wood for BBQ, pods edible
Ecological Role: Nitrogen-fixing
Yucca
Yucca spp.
Family: Asparagaceae
Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
Common Species: Y. rupicola, Y. pallida, Y. constricta
Height: 2-30 feet depending on species
Native Range: Throughout Texas
Traditional Uses: Fibers, soap from roots
Pollinator: Yucca moths
Sampaguita (Philippine Jasmine)
Jasminum sambac
Cultural Significance: National flower of the Philippines, symbolizing purity, simplicity, humility, and strength. Used in religious ceremonies and traditional leis called "sampaguita garlands."
Uses: Flowers used in perfume and tea.
Growing in Austin: Requires protection from frost (USDA zones 9-11).
Plantain
Musa × paradisiaca
Cultural Significance: Staple food in Caribbean, African, and Latin American cuisines.
Traditional Dishes: Tostones, maduros, mofongo, plantain chips
Growing in Austin: Can be grown in protected microclimates or containers
Collard Greens
Brassica oleracea var. viridis
Cultural Significance: Central to African American soul food tradition, especially in the South.
Traditional Preparation: Slow-cooked with ham hocks or turkey, served with cornbread
Traditional Serving: Often prepared for New Year's Day
Growing in Austin: Cool-season crop, thrives fall through spring
Guava Tree
Psidium guajava
Cultural Significance: Important in tropical cuisines worldwide, especially Latin America and Asia
Traditional Use: Fruit eaten fresh or made into paste, jams, and beverages. Leaves used for medicinal tea
Nutrition: High in Vitamin C
Growing in Austin: Can survive in protected areas with freeze protection