Native Texas

Take an ecological walk across the Lone Star State

Flower Beds (2010-04-05) by Cindy SimsSan Antonio Botanical Garden

The Texas Native Trail

This one-of-a-kind experience features a journey along three distinctive and diverse ecological regions of Texas: East Texas Pineywoods, the Hill Country, and the South Texas Plains. 

In showcasing these very separate plant life communities the Garden captures not just the essence but scale of its home verdure.

Lake Construction Around the East Texas Log Cabin, Unknown, 1980, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Details, Unknown, 1980, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Several authentic early Texas homes are also highlighted along the almost two-mile path. All buildings were carefully indexed, dismantled, relocated and reconstructed in an ecologically accurate setting to illustrate the early Texans’ dependence on native vegetation.

Our Lake (2009-11-12) by SABOTSan Antonio Botanical Garden

East Texas Pineywoods

This former quarry site trails a one-acre lake. Its peaceful setting is home to towering pine trees and hardwoods, all accustomed to the acidic soils of East Texas.

The East Texas Pineywoods are located on the edge of the vast pine-hardwood forest that extends over the Southeastern United States.

Fall Cabin, Michele Gaston, 2014-09-09, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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East Texas Log Cabin

This hand-hewn post oak log cabin from Fayette County, built in the 1850s, sits at the lake’s edge. With its barn, smokehouse and wellhead from its original site in Park, TX (near La Grange) we get a look into East Texas pioneer life.

Wildflower Meadow (2002-01-01) by SABOTSan Antonio Botanical Garden

Hill Country

A limestone spring (or seep) tells the story of the Edwards Aquifer and its recharge along this path. This demonstrates the critically important history of water for both this region and San Antonio.

Auld House

Built along "The Divide," the highest point of the Edwards Plateau, this piñon pine log cabin was crafted by the Alexander Kennedy Auld Family. Originally located on the protected base of a 300-foot cliff where a natural spring and fern bank had formed.

Auld House, SABOT, 2014, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Along with a meadow of native grasses and cacti, this area is home to a variety of limestone tolerant plants such as Blanco Crabapple, Eve's Necklace, Uvalde Maples, and Texas Mountain laurel.

Texas Natives, Frank Baker, 2015-04-25, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Cactus Blooms, Cindy Sims, 2009-04-09, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Wild Meadow, SABOT, 2021-03-17, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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South Texas Plains (2020-11-24) by SABOTSan Antonio Botanical Garden

South Texas Plains

Evident from both its traditional architectural styles and common native flora, this is the most arid region of Texas.

South Texas Adobe

Originally built in the 1880s, this adobe structure is a palisado with a split shake roof. Inside, sections of wall space have been left open to display techniques and materials used in typical adobe construction.

South Texas Adobe, Kelsey, 2010-03-30, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Bird Watch (2010-03-10) by SABOTSan Antonio Botanical Garden

The Bird Watch

Located at the far end of the South Texas Plains is a unique spot where you can observe native and migrating birds through a one-way window as they enjoy a variety of food thanks to volunteers.

More than 200 species of birds have been sighted at the Botanical Garden making it a favorite destination among birders, especially those new to the pastime.

Common Nighthawk, Lora Render, 2013-11-22, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Cedar Waxwing, Lora Render, 2013-05-30, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Black and White Warbler, Lora Render, 2013-11-22, From the collection of: San Antonio Botanical Garden
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Lakeside Explorations (2022-06-30) by SABOTSan Antonio Botanical Garden

Connect to Each Part of Texas

When visiting, hit the Texas Native Trail to discover the distinct and essential landscapes that are found throughout the Lone Star state.

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San Antonio Botanical Garden

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