Plants

a brown and tan bird on a branch with a red berry in its beak
March 05, 2026

Yaupon Holly and Possumhaw Brighten the Winter Landscape

Red berries from the small trees feed birds and mammals.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
close up on a Swanflower the host plant for Pipevine Swallowtails
March 05, 2026

Swanflowers Serve as Hosts to Pipevine Swallowtails

Inconspicuous plant sports an orchid-like bloom; butterflies feast on it.

Story by Texas Parks and Wildlife
water hyacinth floating in the water
February 11, 2026

Water Hyacinth Is Pretty, Purple and a Pest

The lovely blooms of the water hyacinth can turn a waterway into a tangled mess.

Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
Illustration of Texas Persimmon branch with green leaves and black, tomato shaped fruits about an inch across
January 29, 2026

Native Texas Fruits Make a Tasty Harvest for Pies, Jellies

Use Texas’ bounty of native fruits for something good to eat and a connection to the outdoors.

Story by Dyanne Fry Cortez
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June 2024 Issue

This Collection of Plants Helps Scientists Understand how Texas has Changed Over Time

The plant collection resides at Big Bend Ranch State Park.

ball moss growing in the fork of two limbs.
December 2018 Issue

Ball Moss Lives in Trees but Doesn’t Harm Them

The flowering plant is often seen on dead branches.

Story by Eva Frederick
purple prairie clover standing tall
July 2015 Issue

Prairie Clovers Come in All Shapes and Sizes

The plants are good indicators of healthy prairie.

Story by Jason Singhurst
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The October 2024 cover of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, featuring a surfer riding a wave along the Texas Gulf Coast

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