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Native Plant Society of Texas

Fredericksburg Chapter

Feb. 27: “Native Seed Selection and Planting Tips”

 

George Cates, Restoration Specialist at Native American Seed, will share his extensive knowledge about native seed selection and planting tips at the next meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT), Fredericksburg Chapter on Feb. 27 from 6:30-8 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Halle.

“Reading your land and picking out the right type of native seeds for your particular landscape is just the beginning,” explained Cates. “Preparing the site and correctly planting the seeds are equally important, and I’m excited to share this information with the Native Plant Society this month.”

Cates came to Native American Seed as an intern after graduating from college in Sherman, TX. He’s got a remarkable knack for looking at problems as “challenges” to be met, and the kind of willingness to learn that is a priceless asset in a business full of the unexpected and unpredictable. Cates’ many years of growing native plants and experience restoring native ecosystems across Texas will provide invaluable insight at the upcoming meeting.

 

“Native American Seed is a tremendous resource for our region and they have been a great supporter of our chapter,” noted Deborah Simmons, President of the Fredericksburg Chapter of NPSOT. “They donated seeds to our re-seeding effort at Cross Mountain and provide catalogs to us that are full of great pictures and information about native seeds and plants.”

The chapter holds its monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of the month at St. Joseph’s Halle (212 W. San Antonio St., Fredericksburg).

  • Social time begins at 6:30 p.m.
  • Meeting and speaker is at 7 p.m.

The public is invited to attend in person and via Zoom. More information is online at Facebook , Instagram .
Native American Seed is online at https://seedsource.com.

 

Holly Simonette

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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