Humble in Harris County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Endangered Species
Saving Plants in Peril
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026
1. Endangered Species Marker
The word endangered is often used to refer to wildlife in danger of extinction, like the peregrine falcon or the gray wolf. Plants also suffer from similar risks of extinction: loss of habitat, introduction of foreign species, and over-collection are just a few of the threats to the nation's over 26,000 native plant species. Already, more than 200 species have become extinct and over 800 species are federally listed as endangered or threatened.
Loss of native plant species weakens the natural ecosystem, reduces the beauty and diversity around us, and depletes an irreplaceable gene pool that may hold the cures for diseases, such as certain forms of cancer.
Mercer Arboretum & Botanic Gardens plays a unique role in helping to save these dwindling plant populations. Since 1989, Mercer has worked with the Center for Plant Conservation (CPC) to restore and maintain endangered
this page online
Although, Mercer receives annual maintenance funds from the CPC to support the plant restoration activities of several sponsored species, including the four shown here, additional funding is needed to care for the remaining species. Sponsorship donations range from $200 to $10,000 for a single endangered species. Many of the plant species in need of sponsorship are on display in this garden. For more information, visit Mercer's website at www.hcp4.net/mercer/conservation.
The Endangered Species and Native Plant Garden is certified by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and National Wildlife Federation as a "Best in Texas Backyard Habitats Demonstration Garden." To learn more about how to certify your backyard, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us or www.mwf.org.
Large-fruited Sand Verbena is sponsored through the generosity of The Quaker Hill Foundation (1990).
White Bladderpod is sponsored
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026
2. Endangered Species Marker
Pondberry is sponsored through the generosity of The Edward K. Love Conservation Foundation of St. Louis and Alice Fick of Auburn, Alabama in memory of Kenneth Beighley (2001).
Texas Trailing Phlox is sponsored through the generosity of the River Oaks Garden Club; The Mercer Society; Mercer Memorial Trust Fund; David C. Berkshire; Carol Kobb in memory of Millie Gaudino; Suzzanne Chapman in honor of Ann C. Baumer and Derek Chapman; and Anita Tiller in memory of Ruth L. and Werner G. Tiller (2003).
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1994.
Location. 30° 2.313′ N, 95° 22.819′ W. Marker is in Humble, Texas, in Harris County. It can be reached from Aldine Westfield Road half a mile north of Treaschwig Road, on the right when traveling north. The marker is in Mercer Botanic Gardens. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, September 17, 2026
3. Can a plant save whales?
This sign about the white bladderpod is right in front of the marker.
Regionally, this marker is in the Houston Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American South and on the Gulf Coast. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Rain Gardens in Texas (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Endangered Species (a few steps from this marker); Don't Bag It — Compost It! (a few steps from this marker); Shakespeare Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Endangered Species (within shouting distance of this marker); Monarch Habitat (within shouting distance of this marker); The Healing Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Prehistoric Garden (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Humble.
More about this marker. This is one of several signs with this title that can be found around the Endangered Species Garden at Mercer Botanic Gardens. Each has somewhat different text.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
