Native Plants
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Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
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Saturday - June 14, 2008
From: Pflugerville, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Privacy Screening
Title: Privacy screen and windbreak plants
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Dear Mr. Smarty Plants, I am searching for ideal plants to provide a privacy screen and windbreak for the north side of my yard. I live in Pflugerville..the soil seems mostly caliche but hits limestone a foot or so down. The area receives full sun and is very dry. However, we plan to install a french drain to dispose of our gray water along the plant line. My husband is allergic to cedar. The high winter winds and poor soil seem to be the biggest obstacles. Suggestions? Thank you! -Native NewbieANSWER:
Here are a few plants that should work well. All are evergreen shrubs that tolerate dry conditions, like full sun and are commercially available.Sophora secundiflora (Texas mountain-laurel)
Mahonia trifoliolata (agarita)
Leucophyllum frutescens (Texas barometer bush)
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