Little Elm, TX Landscaping Rules: Native Plants (2026)

Little Elm does not have an ordinance restricting or specifically regulating native plant landscaping. Texas Property Code 202.007 prevents HOAs from prohibiting homeowners from implementing water-conserving landscaping measures including xeriscaping and drought-tolerant native plantings, though HOAs may adopt reasonable guidelines on appearance. The town's water conservation program encourages the use of native and adapted plants that require less supplemental irrigation under the twice-weekly watering schedule. Common native plants suitable for Little Elm landscapes include Texas sage, flame acanthus, blackfoot daisy, inland sea oats, and Gulf muhly grass. The Denton County Master Gardeners program and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension provide native plant recommendations for the Blackland Prairie and Cross Timbers ecoregions where Little Elm is located. Native wildflower areas on residential lots must still comply with the 12-inch vegetation height limit in Chapter 34 or be maintained in a manner that does not appear as neglected growth.