The purpose of this “Nine Natives For Shade Gardens” guide is to introduce a simple palette of native plants for shade gardens for the Houston area that is commercially available for the community to use in garden landscapes. This booklet outlines the selected Nine Natives for Shade Gardens, their growth habits, wildlife value, ethnobotanical value, and the reasons for selection. It includes example plans for formal and informal home gardens.

While many ‘native’ species may be found in local nurseries, the genotype may or may not be native to the Houston area, or even to Texas. Many commercial cultivars have deviated from the true native. Whenever possible, the groups that have collaborated on this booklet recommend the use of local genotypes. For that purpose, some Houston and Texas sources are referenced for native plant materials and seeds.