Plants

Illustration of Texas Persimmon branch with green leaves and black, tomato shaped fruits about an inch across
August/September 2013 Issue

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
red Chile peppers on a bush
November 2011 Issue

Texas' Native Pepper Is a Tiny Terror

Fiery chile pequín is loved by birds and is the state’s only native pepper.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Poison Ivy at state parks
October 2011 Issue

The Basics of Poison Ivy

How to avoid this frightening plant, or at least lessen the agony of exposure.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
trail with moss draped trees
February 2011 Issue

Spanish Moss Drapes Texas Trees and Shelters Birds, Bats and Spiders

Neither a moss nor a parasite, Tillandsia usneoides is a rootless bromeliad that feeds on air.

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Old toothache trees cover the trunks with warty, knobby spines
January 2011 Issue

Toothache Tree Eases Pain

The Hercules' club tree causes numbness (and benefits wildlife).

Story by Sheryl Smith-Rodgers
Rockhouse wildfire
May 2009 Issue

Birds, Brush and Fire

Researchers work on bringing balance back to the Brush Country.

Story by Mary O. Parker
pexels-phil-mitchell-161192924-18467354
June 2006 Issue

Growing Fish Food: Establishing Native Plants in Reservoirs

Plants feed the microorganisms and insects that feed the baitfish that feed the big fish.

Story by Larry D. Hodge
giant salvinia growing in Caddo Lake
May 2006 Issue

Hungry Insect Hordes Protect Texas Lakes by Attacking Giant Salvinia

Lilliputian insects may restrain giant salvinia better than humans can.

Story by Larry D. Hodge
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