What to Plant Under a Live Oak: Ground Covers That Thrive in Shade

Low-Maintenance, Shade-Loving Options for Houston Yards

Ground covers like Frogfruit, Inland Sea Oats, and Horseherb thrive under live oaks—perfect for shady Houston landscapes.

Live oaks are iconic in Houston—stately, strong, and perfect for shade. But if you’ve ever tried to grow anything under one, you already know: they don’t make it easy. The dense canopy blocks sunlight, and the shallow roots compete for moisture and nutrients. So what’s the secret?

The answer: choose tough, shade-tolerant ground covers that play nicely with live oaks. Here are our top picks for what does grow beautifully under a live oak in the Houston area.

Why It’s Hard to Grow Under Live Oaks

Live oaks (Quercus virginiana) are great for shade and wildlife, but tough on turf and flowers underneath. Here’s why:

• Dense shade: Their canopy filters out most sunlight.

• Shallow, spreading roots: These roots hog water and nutrients.

• Acidic, dry soil: Years of leaf litter can change your soil’s chemistry.

• Sensitive roots: Digging or tilling around them can stress the tree.

That’s why ground covers are the best way to create a soft, green, and resilient under-tree zone.

Best Ground Covers for Under Live Oaks in Houston

A visual guide to five native groundcovers perfect for growing under live oaks in Houston: Frogfruit, Horseherb, Strawberry Begonia, Turk’s Cap, and Inland Sea Oats.

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)

• Light needs: Full sun to partial shade

• Why it's great: Native, drought-tolerant, and low-growing with small white flowers that attract pollinators.

• Bonus: Tough enough for light foot traffic!

Horseherb (Calyptocarpus vialis)

• Light needs: Deep shade to partial sun

• Why it's great: Stays green year-round, native to Texas, and spreads easily without becoming invasive.

• Bonus: Can coexist with live oak roots with minimal care.

Strawberry Begonia (Saxifraga stolonifera)

• Light needs: Shade

• Why it’s great: Delicate round leaves, small white flowers, and a soft texture.

• Bonus: It’s a beautiful filler that thrives in filtered light.

Turk’s Cap (Malvaviscus arboreus)

• Light needs: Shade to part sun

• Why it's great: Technically a small shrub, but works as a bold, native groundcover with red flowers that hummingbirds love.

Inland Sea Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium)

• Light needs: Shade to part sun

• Why it's great: Decorative, arching seed heads and great erosion control under tree canopies.

• Bonus: A native grass that doesn’t mind root competition.

What Not to Plant Under Live Oaks

Annual plants often wilt or die under live oaks due to intense root competition, dry soil, and heavy shade—native groundcovers are a better solution.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Grass lawns – Most turf grasses require more sun and frequent mowing (which can damage roots).

• Thirsty annuals – They compete with the tree and often fail mid-summer.

• Heavy digging or tilling – This can damage live oak roots and lead to decline.

Design Tips for a Polished Look

A peaceful, shaded garden beneath a mature live oak tree, featuring a flagstone path and native plants like Turk’s Cap—an ideal design for Houston yards.

Once you find what to plant under a Live Oak, here are some tips for making it look polished and professional:

• Use mulch around root zones, but don’t pile it up against the trunk.

• Group plants in natural drifts for a woodland feel.

• Add stone or flagstone paths to reduce foot traffic over roots.

• Keep irrigation light—native plants don’t need much once established.

Need Help Transforming the Space Under Your Live Oak?

At Sap Arborcare & Landscaping, we’ve helped dozens of Houston homeowners turn “bare dirt under a tree” into thriving, shaded garden zones. Whether you want a native groundcover installation, light landscaping, or a full backyard upgrade—we’ve got you covered.

Schedule a free consultation and let’s bring your yard to life—roots and all.