Spring Native PLant Sale April 22, 2023
To join our chapter online or to make a donation please go to www.npsot.org or come to our meeting we would love to have you.
horny toads, vanishing state reptile of Texas
Horned Lizard - Texas Horny Toad - graphic borrowed from the Native american seed catalog
The Texas horned lizard currently is listed as a threatened species in Texas (federal category C2). Be sure to come by our Texas Horned Toad (Lizard) booth at the Tonkawa Spring Plant Sale April 22 to get information on helping to save this vital Texas Reptile and pickup seed packages to get you started.
The Texas horned lizard or "horny toad" is a flat-bodied and fierce-looking lizard. The head has numerous horns, all of which are prominent, with two central head spines being much longer than any of the others. This lizard is brownish with two rows of fringed scales along each side of the body. On most Texas horned lizards, a light line can be seen extending from its head down the middle of its back. It is the only species of horned lizard to have dark brown stripes that radiate downward from the eyes and across the top of the head. They can be found in arid and semiarid habitats in open areas with sparse plant cover. Because horned lizards dig for hibernation, nesting and insulation purposes, they commonly are found in loose sand or loamy soils. Horned lizards mainly eat seed-collecting Harvester Ants and other social insects.
Horned lizards used to be widespread in Texas but have been in gradual decline for the last few decades. Several factors have contributed, such as urban development, which has fragmented the landscape, robbing the reptiles of space and pressuring populations of the harvester ants they feed on. Numbers of the so-called horny toad have dropped so sharply that the reptile has been declared threatened in Texas, and steps are being taken to save it. The Forth Worth Zoo has started a horned lizard captive breeding program; the hatchlings are being released into the wild in the hopes that flooding the landscape with baby lizards will ensure their survival. While a great start this method is slow, expensive and at the mercy of our natural Texas predators.
Planting diverse seed-producing native Texas Wildflowers and grasses will sustain Harvester Ants and in-turn feed the lizards. If you haven't received your Native American Seed Catalog call and order one today. Pages 8 & 9 have a full spread on our amazing Texas Horned Toad and they offer a Horned Lizard Habitat Mix in small 3 oz packages up to lb packaging. The information on these pages was compiled by Mr. Dusty Rhoads a Horned Lizard Biologist affiliated with Native American Seed. https://www.seedsource.com/ https://native-american-seed6.mybigcommerce.com/horned-lizard-habitat-mix/
About Us
Who we are
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
We are a group of individuals interested in preserving the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful state of Texas. Our membership is a very diverse group comprised of professional botanists, a physicist, business people, retired couples, families with children and young singles. We encourage the use of native plants at every oppo
We are a group of individuals interested in preserving the natural flora and fauna of the beautiful state of Texas. Our membership is a very diverse group comprised of professional botanists, a physicist, business people, retired couples, families with children and young singles. We encourage the use of native plants at every opportunity and hold classes and seminars to further our endeavors.
The threat to our native wildlife due to habitat loss and chemical abuse is a danger that cannot be ignored. Our fresh water resources are at risk from agriculture, manufacturing and oil & gas. Our goal is to rescue endangered and native plants whenever possible, encourage the reintroduction of native plants into the ecosystem & to educate the populace as to the value of a natural environment.
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
why grow native plants
Most Central Texas native plants are naturally drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, require less fertilizing and pesticides, and are an important sources of food for wildlife including bees, butterflies, & birds out natural pollinator's.
For a complete list of native plants please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/departm
Most Central Texas native plants are naturally drought-tolerant, resistant to pests and diseases, require less fertilizing and pesticides, and are an important sources of food for wildlife including bees, butterflies, & birds out natural pollinator's.
For a complete list of native plants please go to http://www.austintexas.gov/department/grow-green Guide to Central Texas plants. "Grow Green is a gardening education program that promotes sustainable landscaping practices. It addresses water quality and conservation, recycling, and an Integrated Pest Management philosophy, which encourages the least-toxic way to address pest issues" or www.wildflower.org the website of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center / The University of Texas at Austin.
pollinators
why grow native plants
pollinators
Hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies are hard-working animals helping to pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. They carry pollen from one plant to another as they collect nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds, and we would miss many fruits
Hummingbirds, bats, bees, beetles, butterflies, and flies are hard-working animals helping to pollinate over 75% of our flowering plants, and nearly 75% of our crops. They carry pollen from one plant to another as they collect nectar. Without them, wildlife would have fewer nutritious berries and seeds, and we would miss many fruits, vegetables, and nuts, such as blueberries, squash, and almonds to name a few.
They play a crucial role in flowering plant reproduction and in the production of most fruits and vegetables. Without the assistance of pollinator's, most plants cannot produce fruits and seeds. The fruits and seeds of flowering plants are an important food source for people and wildlife. Some of the seeds that are not eaten will eventually produce new plants, helping to maintain the plant population.