good small ornamental trees
|
|
Flowering Dogwood (Cornus florida)
Texas native
The dogwood is famous for it spring blooms. One of the first
trees to bloom in the summer it brings the hardwood forests to
life in East Texas. Unfortunately it doesn't reach its magnificence
here in our alkaline soil. Preferring more acidic sites it is
dwarfed to a sparse 20 feet and a short lived unhealthy life.
back
|
| |
|
Mimosa (Albiazia julibrissen)
non-native
Native to India this tree was once widely planted. It is short
lived in our area and seldom reaches a height of greater than
20 feet. Often has woodborers. back
|
| |
better small ornamental trees
|
|
Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)
non-native
This small tree or large shrub is a native of China. It is drought
tolerant and has showy blooms throughout the summer. The species
tends to be over planted in this area and is often pruned incorrectly.
It will have a longer healthier life if not toped. It reaches
a height of 25 feet, but dwarf species can be readily purchased.
back
|
| |
best small ornamental trees
|
|
Possumhaw
(Ilex decidua)
Texas native
Often called deciduous holly or yaupon, it is similar to youpon
but looses its leaves in the winter. In the winter it displays
its clusters of red berries on bare stems and branches. Plant
a male for each three females to ensure fruit production. Possum
haw is a native to Texas and can reach a height of 20 feet but
is often smaller. back
|
| |
|
|
Rough-Leaf Dogwood
(Cornus drummondii)
Texas native
The drought hardy cousin of the flowering dogwood is better suited
for our area. The blooms of late spring are not as showy as its
cousins but are still attractive. The seeds are eaten by several
species of birds. It resembles a large shrub more than a tree
and will reach a height of 15 feet. back
|
| |
|
Rusty Blackhaw
(Viburnum rufidulum)
Texas native
This drought tolerant native has small edible bluish black fruit
ripening August to October that is eaten by several birds and
wildlife. The small tree is drought tolerant and will grow in
virtually any well drained soil. Will reach a height of 20 feet.
back
|
| |
|
|
Vitex (Vitex agnus-castus)
non-native
This large shrub or small tree is also known as spice bush, chaste
tree or hemp tree. The leaves have a pleasant aroma when crushed
and was used by settlers for seasoning. The berries however are
toxic. This native tree is drought hardy and grows well on any
soil, but requires full sun. The showy purple plums of flowers
bloom all summer long. The tree seldom reaches a height greater
than 20 feet. back
|
| |
|
|
Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)
Texas native
A small tree or large shrub perfect for accenting flower beds.
Birds will eat the berries when no other food is available. Is
often shaped into elaborate topiaries but is attractive grown
in its more natural form. Plant one male for every three females
to insure fruit production. Can reach a height of 20 feet, but
is often smaller. back
|
