January 2026

What are the best perennial pollinators? Perennials That Attract Pollinators Monarda (Bee Balm): Monarda, or Bee Balm, consistently attracts pollinators with its vibrant, tubular flowers rich in nectar. Echinacea (Coneflower): Echinacea, or Coneflower, is a magnet for pollinators thanks to its large, open blooms filled with nectar and pollen. Bee balm is one of the […]

What is dragonflies’ biggest enemy? Birds, especially the more acrobatic fliers such as flycatchers, swallows, kingfishers, falcons and kites, eat countless dragonflies, while spiders, praying mantids, robber flies and even early-emerging bats will dine on dragonflies as well. Contrary to popular belief, dragonflies do not sting and will not bite unless handled roughly. It is

What carnivorous plants are native to North Carolina? More than half of the carnivorous plant species in the United States are native to North Carolina, including pitcher plants, flytraps and sundews. Carnivorous plants are plants that trap and consume insects and other organisms. Four of the five types of carnivorous plants found in North America

What is the difference between Lantana and Texas Lantana? ANSWER: Most sources state that Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) flower color varies from yellow to orange while Lantana camara has creamy flowers that turn pink as they age, as described at this site. That is the only difference between the two species that I can find

What is lantana used for? They are used as natural preservatives and are considered to have many antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties are said to increase the shelf-life of foods. The extracts of Lantana plants are often used as natural food coloring as red Lantana plants have a deep red and yellow hue.

What are the pollinators in Central Texas? In Texas, pollinators are bats, bees, hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, and beetles. Pollinators need water sources to survive. They can extract water from the nectar sources or the plants they chew on but some prefer either open water in sunny locations or even muddy spots. Pollinators &

What are the native butterfly plants in Texas? Some native nectar plants to entice resident butterflies include: blue mistflower(conoclinium coelestinum) – little yellow, pearl crescents, queen, swallowtails. Buttonbush (cephalanthus occidentalis) – hoary edge, horace’s duskywing, silver-spotted skipper. What are the risks when growing a butterfly bush? butterfly bushes grow and spread aggressively, often out-competing native

What are the best pollinator plants for North Texas? This episode will take you though items that work best in North Texas. This includes Pin Cushion flowers, Guara, Salvia, Yarrow, Turks Cap, Blanket Flower, Milk Weed, Black Eyed Susan, Butterfly Bush, and Marigolds. Best Flowers for the Texas Heat Some of the best choices for

What flowers are native to Texas for pollinators? Plant Texas natives that thrive in heat: coneflowers, mistflowers, goldenrods, sunflowers, milkweeds, sages. Group in sunny drifts, water deeply to establish, and skip pesticides. From spring to fall, your yard buzzes with bees and butterflies while saving water and boosting local biodiversity for seasons to come. Discover

What flowers grow the best in Texas? Roses, gardenias, hibiscus, and azaleas, to name a few, will bloom beautifully and thrive in the Texas heat. Other than these flowering shrubs, I’ve had a lot of luck with marigolds, daisies, lavender, tiger lilly, gladiolus, etc. Zinnias. Zinnias are a favorite flower among gardeners for their bold,