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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Plant Policies and Position Statements

Photo Credit: Stephanie-Brundage, https://www.wildflower.org/gallery/result.php?id_image=49551;

Plant Collection Policy

The Native Plant Society of Texas, in keeping with its basic purpose of education, conservation, and preservation of the native plants of Texas, has created this policy for its members on collection of plant material in accordance with the laws (city, county, state and Federal) and accepted practices of said activity.

Plant Collection Policy

Plant Rescue Guidelines

Plant rescues are special types of collection activities that Native Plant Society of Texas chapters may organize when construction activities will destroy plants. We carry outplant rescues in an attempt to save and conserve local-ecotype plants and seeds. These guidelines serve as a model for ethical and responsible decision-making and best practices for plant rescues.

Plant Rescue Guidelines

Invasive Plants: Definition and Position Statement

Invasive plants are heavily contributing to the decline of our natural biodiversity and impacting the health of ecosystems by displacing native plants. In order to preserve the biodiversity and conserve natural habitat quality throughout our state, the Native Plant Society of Texas encourages the use of native plants on public and private lands and discourages the use of invasive plants. Invasive species impact nature’s balance on which all species, including humans, depend.

Position Statement on Invasive Plants

Pesticide and Herbicide: Position Statement

Guidelines for control of invasive botanical species including non-chemical and chemical methods. The Society does NOT endorse in any way the use of chemical pesticides or herbicides in private or public landscapes except under limited circumstances where other means are not effective, and the benefits significantly outweigh the risks. Each site and situation is unique, and consideration should be given to all environmental and safety factors before determining a solution. 

Position Statement on Pesticide and Herbicide

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Statement

As a community-based environmental conservation organization, NPSOT honors and celebrates the equally remarkable diversity of our communities and our unique ecoregion.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Statement

COVID Policy for Events and Volunteering

Chapters must follow current CDC guidelines or set their own stricter policies for meetings, demo garden work, plant sales, field trips or any NPSOT activity.

COVID Policy

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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