Horticulturist speaks to DRT chapter about native plants

COLUMBUS — Residents who want to learn more about the history of native Texas plants can look to local horticulturist Stacy Renner with Take Root Nursery, 180 Oak Cluster Dr.

Speaking before the Dilue Rose Harris Chapter of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas on Jan. 17, Renner discussed the types, advantages, and uses of local flora. She explained the many uses of indigenous plants in food preparation, jellies, teas, medicines, etc. These included what people may consider weeds! Along with the dewberry, many edible wild plants (or weeds) included henbit, purslane, prickly pear, mustang grapes, yaupon, dandelion, winecup and more.

“With knowledge of identification and preparation, little did we know that a buffet could be in our yard,” said chapter Vice President Donna Pustejovsky.

Renner also highlighted how pioneers would use the local plants as they settled in Texas. The organization described the presentation as interesting, humorous and informative.

Any woman interested in becoming a full or associate member of the Dilue Rose Harris Chapter in Columbus may contact Marilyn Wade at [email protected].

The DRT is the oldest women’s patriotic organization in Texas and is dedicated to the preservation and education of Texas history. For more information on the DRT, visit drtinfo.org or the Dilue Rose Harris Chapter on Facebook.