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Native Plant Society of Texas

Clear Lake Chapter

Fall Native Plant Sales in the Houston-Galveston Area

As the days grow shorter and begin to cool down, we welcome the fall season with open arms. It’s a time of vibrant colors, pumpkin spice goodies, and, perhaps most importantly for plant enthusiasts, a season for native plant sales. Fall is the perfect time to add a touch of natural beauty to your landscape while supporting the environment.

Why Native Plants?

Let’s quickly remind ourselves why native plants are such a valuable addition to any garden or green space. Native plants are those that naturally occur in a specific region or ecosystem. They have adapted over time to the local climate, soil, and wildlife, making them hardy, low-maintenance, and ecologically beneficial. Here’s why they should be on your gardening radar:

  1. Support Local Wildlife: Native plants provide essential food and habitat for local birds, insects, and pollinators. By planting them, you’re helping to preserve and bolster your local ecosystem.
  2. Low Maintenance: Native plants are well-suited to your region’s climate and soil conditions, meaning they generally require less water and care compared to non-native species.
  3. Resilience: Native plants have evolved to thrive in local conditions, making them more resistant to pests and diseases.
  4. Beautiful Landscapes: With their diversity of colors, shapes, and sizes, native plants can create stunning, natural-looking landscapes that change with the seasons.


Now that we’re all on the same page about the benefits of native plants, you can explore the exciting native plant sales happening this fall in our area.

September 16
9am–1pm		 Galveston Bay Foundation Native Plant Sale at Eco Fest
Hometown Heroes Park, 1001 E. League City Parkway, League City, TX 77573
September 23
9am–4pm		 Houston Chapter Fall Wildscapes Workshop and Plant Sale
Houston Community College – West Loop Campus, 5601 W Loop S, Houston, TX 77081
September 30
9am–12pm		 Pines and Prairies Chapter Fall Plant Sale
Rob Fleming Park, 6464 Creekside Forest Dr, The Woodlands
September 30
8–11am		 Houston Audubon Natives Nursery Plant Sale & Open House
Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary, 440 Wilchester Blvd., Houston, TX 77571
October 8
12–5pm		 Galveston Bay Foundation’s Native Plant Sale
Walter Hall Park, 807 SH 3 N, League City, TX 77573
October 20
4–6pm
October 21
8–10am		 Clear Lake Chapter Fall Plant Sale
Environmental Institute of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake
2700 Bay Area Blvd., Houston, TX 77058
October 27–28
9am–2pm		 Houston Arboretum and Nature Center Fall Plant Sale
4501 Woodway Drive, Houston, TX 77024
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About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason