A big thanks to everyone who tuned in for our latest Wild Ones webinar with naturalist, educator, and native plant champion Carol Clark! Her presentation, “Tough Texas Native Plants for Extreme Weather,” was packed with wisdom, wit, and a long list of resilient native species ready to thrive no matter what our wild Texas weather throws their way.
If you missed it—or just want to revisit Carol’s incredible plant recommendations—you can watch the full recording below:
Plants That Don’t Flinch at Drought (or Flood)
Carol dove into the remarkable world of “water misers”—native plants that have evolved to handle long dry spells, unexpected downpours, and everything in between. She explained how structural adaptations, like deep roots and waxy leaves, help these plants manage water efficiently, making them ideal choices for sustainable landscapes across Texas.
More than just tough survivors, these native shrubs, trees, perennials, and grasses bring ecological value, beauty, and function to our yards and communities. Carol’s curated list of species included hardy favorites and hidden gems alike, giving attendees plenty of inspiration for their next planting season.
Why Native Still Wins
Beyond resilience, Carol reminded us why native plants remain the backbone of healthy ecosystems. By choosing plants that evolved in our region, we support local pollinators, reduce the need for irrigation and chemicals, and help restore balance to our landscapes—even in the face of extreme weather.
Whether you’re dealing with clay soil, rocky terrain, or no irrigation system at all, there’s a native plant ready to meet the challenge.
More from Carol Clark 🌼
Carol is a longtime advocate for native plant conservation, with a wealth of experience in wildlife gardening, citizen science, and education. Her passion and depth of knowledge shine in every presentation.
Thanks again for being part of our growing Wild Ones community. Let’s keep planting smarter, wilder, and tougher—together.
Wild Ones DFW Chapter
Native Plants, Natural Landscapes