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    • Plant Sale
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    • Contact Us
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    • save Pollinators

(254) 630-6760


  • Home
  • Plant Sale
  • Comm. Projects/Meetings
  • Help Monarchs
  • Contact Us
  • Going Native
  • save Pollinators

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.

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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.

 

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