South Texas Plains (Brush Country)

The South Texas Plains, also called the Brush Country, runs from south of San Antonio down through the Rio Grande Valley. It is hot, semi-arid, and dominated by drought-adapted native shrubs and small trees that supply nectar, fruit, and cover for wildlife. Plants here handle alkaline soils, low rainfall, and intense summer heat.

Conditions: Sandy to clay loam over caliche, alkaline pH, 20–30 inches annual rainfall, very hot summers with mild winters.

Cities and areas: San Antonio, Corpus Christi, Laredo, McAllen, Brownsville, Eagle Pass.