I recently wrote about why we should all be planting more trees. The short takeaway is that trees are awesome and we need more of them! The question then becomes what trees are right for your particular space.
To help answer that, check out this diverse (though not exhaustive) selection of native and well-adapted trees for North Texas to consider when designing a landscape. Included are some of my favorites as well as commonly available trees worth knowing about.
These are grouped by Shade, Ornamental, and Evergreen trees. All are suitable for our North Texas conditions and offer wildlife value. I’ve noted any issues with the trees so you can determine if they are a good fit for your landscape.
As you read about these trees, keep in mind there’s no such thing as a perfect plant. Every species has its drawbacks, even our prized natives. Understanding these issues can help you choose suitable trees for your specific needs and ecosystem. Each tree is valuable in its own right, and with proper care, it can thrive and enhance the beauty and well-being of its environment for years to come.
Shade Trees
Bur Oak | Chinquapin Oak | Pecan | Cedar Elm | Ginkgo
Shade trees are large deciduous trees that provide cooling shade in the summer and drop their leaves in winter, allowing sunlight to filter through to warm your house. For optimal energy efficiency, plant on the southwest side of your house. They need a lot of space to grow, so don’t situate them too close to your foundation. The general rule is to plant at a distance of half of its mature canopy. Shade trees provide habitat and shelter for a variety of wildlife and may also serve as a source of food and nectar.
Bur Oak (Quercus macrocarpa)
My favorite Oak due to its stately crown and majestic form with picturesque branching structure. This long-lived oak is favored for its resistance to oak wilt disease and most pests. Attracts birds, butterflies, and mammals that eat its large acorns. A good replacement for the overused Live Oak. Read the full Bur Oak profile.
Chinquapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)
Chinquapin Oak is one of our most popular oaks with reliable red fall color. This one is a good replacement for Red Shumard Oak which is susceptible to oak wilt disease. If you want a red oak, be sure to purchase a locally sourced tree that is adapted to our clay alkaline soils. You will see many red oaks around the metroplex with yellowing leaves that are in various stages of dying; these are usually oaks better adapted to acid soils. Chinquapins do well in our local soil.
Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)
A tall, long-lived shade tree, with branches that can grow as thick as a large tree trunk. Our native Pecan trees sometimes reach 100 feet tall! Give it lots of space and don’t plant too close to buildings.
The native varieties have very small nuts, newer varieties have large nuts. Pecans do not drop their nuts every year (read about Mast Fruiting), but when they do, be ready for a lot of nuts all over the place! The squirrels love them and will “plant” them for you, so you will have lots of tree seedlings. Unless you have room for a Pecan grove, remove these right away as they develop long tap roots early and become difficult to pull up. Other than squirrels, Pecans have lots of other wildlife benefits for butterflies and birds.
Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)
One of the best Elms for our area. A tall (up to 80 feet) native tree with beautiful yellow fall color. It is long-lived, tough, and highly adaptable to difficult conditions. Cedar Elm is a butterfly host plant, and its seeds feed birds and squirrels. Just be mindful that the seeds can produce lots of seedlings which are best to remove when still very small. In the autumn, squirrels nibble off the outer branches to get to the seed clusters, littering twigs and leaves on the ground.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)
There may be no such thing as a perfect tree but this one comes close. The resilient and ancient Ginkgo, also known as Maidenhair Tree, is one of the few non-native trees I love. The iconic fan-shaped leaves turn yellow in the fall creating a breathtaking effect. A perfect specimen for an eye-catching focal point. Ginkgo is well-adapted to our region and doesn’t out-compete any of our natives. Commonly used in city street planting and urban spaces, it can tolerate harsh conditions such as heat, pollution, and limited soil space.
The female trees are prized for their fruit. If you prefer not to have the mess of fruit dropping or the maintenance issue of seedlings, then you will want a male Ginkgo tree. Other than shedding its leaves in autumn like all deciduous shade trees, the male tree doesn’t litter throughout the year, so it is especially good for providing shade over a pool or patio.
When shopping for a Ginkgo, you will find that young trees tend to look sparse and thin with slender branches. Be sure to buy a specimen with one straight central leader and branching coming off at 45 to 90-degree angles. This will encourage the development of a stronger tree that is more resilient to the build-up of ice.
Ornamental Trees
Yaupon Holly | Possumhaw Holly | Texas Mountain Laurel | Mexican Plum | Texas Redbud | Rusty Blackhaw | Desert Willow | Rough Leaf Dogwood | Crape Myrtle
These smaller trees have the greatest versatility. They come with diverse features, colors, sizes, and uses in the landscape. They produce flowers, fruit, and/or decorative bark, and provide wildlife value. These are especially good for smaller spaces and for growing understory, beneath the canopy of larger trees.
Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria)
An evergreen, multi-trunk tree or shrub, available in various cultivar forms (upright, weeping, dwarf). It can be pruned into a tree shape and usually grows under 25 feet. Make sure to get a female specimen if you want the pretty red berries that are prized by wildlife. Yaupon Holly is also a food source for butterflies and a nesting site for birds. Female hollies will reseed, both varieties drop flowers and may send up suckers from the base. Please do not prune these into a mushroom shape! Instead, allow them to grow into their more open natural form. The tree’s natural profile is more aesthetically pleasing, plus it means much less maintenance! Yaupons are adaptable and tolerate diverse conditions.
Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)
Another native holly, but this one is deciduous. The Possumhaw can be grown as a large, upright shrub or small, multi-trunk tree. Once the leaves drop in fall, the dazzling show of red berries makes this a top pick for winter color and wildlife habitat. Just be careful where you plant it. Birds can make a bit of a mess while feasting on the berries in late winter. You probably don’t want this one overhanging a patio or your car. Read the full Possumhaw profile.
Texas Mountain Laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum)
A favorite flowering evergreen that starts as a shrub and can be trained into a small, multi-trunk tree. Texas Mountain Laurels are usually seen around 10-15 feet tall but can grow as big as 30 feet under ideal conditions. Lately, I’ve been noticing them growing in city medians. The prized feature is the sweetly fragrant lavender flowers in early spring followed by distinct, elongated seed pods. Mountain Laurel attracts butterflies and other pollinators and provides habitat for birds. This tough, drought tolerant Texas native may be slow-growing but is adaptable and well worth its place in the landscape. Read the full Texas Mountain Laurel profile.
Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana)
Mexican Plum is a good, well-behaved native alternative to the short-lived Bradford Pear – it blooms in late winter to early spring for about the same duration (about a week and half), is longer lived, and with less mess. This native Plum tree produces a profusion of white flowers followed by small, hard plums that attract birds. I see these blooming along the edge of wild areas. Mexican Plums range in height from about 15-30 feet tall, though usually on the shorter side. They work well grouped with other trees (like with the Texas Redbud below).
Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis L. var. texensis)
Texas Redbud blooms about the same time as Mexican Plum. I see both growing together in wild environments. So, take a cue from nature and plant these in a grouping for a striking combination. There are several varieties in different sizes and colors. They are commonly seen with dark pink flowers, but you can find white cultivars.
Check the details at the nursery to make sure you are getting a specimen that is best suited to this region rather than the Eastern Redbud. Pay attention to the soil description (most of North Texas has alkaline, clay soil). Redbuds drop lots of seed pods followed by little seedlings. The seeds and flowers are a food source for many beneficial insects and birds. Grow as an understory tree, a lovely spring accent, or on a dry slope.
Rusty Blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum)
Spring-blooming Rusty Blackhaw Vibernum is a hard-to-find native but well worth the trouble to track down as an attractive specimen for your landscape. This is a small, understory tree or shrub that naturally grows as a thicket, reaching up to about 18 feet tall. It is especially good under large shade trees in dry, part shade. The showy white flowers followed by dark berries are appealing to a range of wildlife. The leaves take on bold reddish hues in the fall. You can prune to shape it right after it has flowered.
Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
A prized Texas native, Desert Willow is a fast-growing small tree or large shrub. Though not a true willow, it has a similar airy form with long, narrow leaves. The prolonged blooming period (from spring until the first frost) produces striking flowers in shades of pink, followed by long seed pods. Attracts nectar insects, butterflies, and hummingbirds. As the name implies, Desert Willow can tolerate tough summer conditions. In fact, it requires full sun without any tree cover for best performance. This is a great choice for hot, sunny spots like in parkways and along driveways. Read the full Desert Willow profile.
Rough Leaf Dogwood
An adaptable native dogwood that grows well in alkaline soils. Dogwoods are all deciduous, thicket-forming shrubs that can be trained as small trees. This one reaches about 15 feet tall. Be careful to keep their habit to spread via suckers in check or give them plenty of space to colonize. The thickets provide wildlife cover and nesting for various small birds. Also, the flowers and fruit are a food source for beneficial insects and birds. Beautiful clusters of cream-colored flowers bloom all throughout spring, followed by white fruits, and purple to red hued leaves in fall. Rough Leaf Dogwood prefers part to full shade making it perfect for understory planting.
On Crape Myrtles
We’re all familiar with the ubiquitous Crape Myrtle. They grow in various colors and sizes all around the metroplex. Yes, they can be attractive and do grow effortlessly. Still, they are overused, too often overwatered, and poorly pruned. Mistreating a plant results in stress on the plant and thus greater susceptibility to a range of issues. I see Crape Myrtles all the time with bark scale, mealy bugs, and powdery mildew.
On top of that, Crape Myrtles are not native to this country. They may grow well in our climate, but their wildlife appeal is not as beneficial as many of our natives. Plus, when a non-native plant is overused in landscapes, biodiversity suffers. The result is fewer beneficial insects and other pollinators. Thus, pests and diseases become more problematic all around.
If you must plant a Crape Myrtle or already have one, treat it well…
- Don’t over water. Use a moisture meter to make sure the soil is dry before irrigating.
- Mulch the root area well because they have a shallow root system. This will reduce the need for water.
- Don’t over-prune (see ‘Crape Murder’). If left untrimmed they can be very beautiful. One of the healthiest specimens I’ve seen was in a neglected lot. Visit the Dallas Arboretum to see some elegant large Crape Myrtles.
- Commit to planting native species alongside it. Crape Myrtles bloom in the summer. Group with spring and fall blooming native trees for year-round interest and wildlife appeal. For instance: Mexican Plum (spring blooming), Desert Willow (flowers from spring through fall), Possumhaw (winter berries).
Evergreen Trees
Arizona Cypress | Afghan Pine | Eastern Red Cedar | Deodar Cedar
Evergreens retain their leaves year-round, so these trees provide a structural backbone to the winter landscape. Additionally, many can also serve as windbreaks, privacy screening, and wildlife habitats, which is especially important over the colder months. The four highlighted here are all conifers, a family of plants that have needle- or scale-like leaves, and produce either cones or berries.
Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica)
A fast-growing conifer with aromatic foliage in beautiful shades of gray-green to blue-green. The Arizona Cypress is a striking evergreen addition to the landscape. When young, it has a neat, conical form with branches extending all the way to the ground. It becomes broader with age and exposes more of its attractive trunk and scaly, colorful bark. These provide nesting sites, cover, and food for wildlife. Though they look small at the nursery, be mindful of the space requirements when choosing a spot to plant it. These can get 15 to 20 feet wide, and serve well as borders, barriers, and windbreaks. Read the full Arizona Cypress profile.
Afghan Pine (Pinus eldarica)
This is a classic pine that does well in our soil and climate. It grows fast, tall and narrow making it a good specimen for a suburban lot or used in groups for screening and windbreaks. For this purpose, space about 5-8 feet apart. As a single specimen, give it more room to spread. The needles may be a litter problem unless you want to mulch with them. Plant in full sun, well-drained soil, and occasionally prune back dead branches as needed. It attracts birds and squirrels.
Eastern Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Also known as Virginia Juniper, this aromatic native grows well in North Texas conditions and can tolerate sun or shade. It starts as a pyramidal shape, but its final form can vary, as can the coloring and mature height. Also works well for windbreaks and privacy hedges. The berry-like seed cones draw a variety of wildlife.
Deodar Cedar (Cedrus deodara)
A cedar well-adapted to our climate. Deodar has a soft blue-green color with a Christmas tree shape making it a stunning focal point. Be sure to give it plenty of room as they can reach 50 feet wide. A picturesque addition to larger landscapes. It provides nesting sites, cover, and food for wildlife.
Choosing the Right Tree for Your Landscape
From flowering trees for splashes of seasonal color to stately shade trees that become landmarks, each of these can serve a purpose as part of your local ecosystem and landscape. Choose the right tree for your location, and you can enjoy its presence for many years to come. So think of this as an investment worthy of some careful assessment. A little planning can help you make an informed decision to ensure successful growth and minimize future issues.
Research Resources and Considerations
I hope this brief overview of Texas native and well-adapted trees has sparked some inspiration. To explore further, I recommend the following resources:
- The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center extensive and searchable database of native plants of North America. Search by name or use the Combination Search to filter by state and habit (Tree) and many other criteria, to find the best options for your needs.
- Search the Native Plant Society of Texas Native Plants Database for selections specific to this state, filtered by Ecoregion (North Texas is located within the Texas blackland prairies) and Growth form (Trees), and any other criteria you are looking for.
- Texas A&M Forest Service’s Custom Tree Selector filters results by county.
- The TexasSmartScape search divides tree types by Shade and Ornamental, and provides both native (which are labeled) and non-native results.
When making a selection, take into account the growth habits and maintenance requirements. First, look at the tree’s mature size, growth rate, and environmental needs. Then consider the location where you intend to plant it. Evaluate the available sunlight, soil type (pH and composition), water requirements, and space for growth, including potential interactions with nearby plants. Remember that every tree has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to understand these factors before making a decision.
Cultivating Healthy Trees
Having chosen a tree species that is adapted to your local ecosystem, you’ve already done half the work of setting up your tree for long-term health and success. The next step in raising thriving trees is picking healthy specimens. So, it is time to head to the nursery. After that, be sure to plant them properly. Follow my quick guide to buying and planting trees, and your new tree will be off to a good start.
A Note on Planting Time
In colder temperatures, trees are less active and better equipped to handle the stress of transplanting. This makes autumn the best season for planting, as it provides trees ample time to establish a strong root system before the heat of summer arrives, setting them up for long-term health. The next best times are spring and mild winters.
If you miss the cool season planting window, be especially mindful of water needs the first summer. Regardless of the season you plant, don’t forget that trees need extra care in their first year as they get established. Plus, during times of drought, all our plants need more irrigation! (Check out this useful general guide to watering best practices).
Once your tree is in the ground, nurture it for its first growing season. By ensuring adequate care during this crucial period, you can help your tree thrive and develop strong roots for long-term health and vitality.
Ultimately know that the right tree in the right place can make all the difference in creating a beautiful and sustainable landscape and habitat.
P.S. In the coming days, I’ll be publishing more detailed plant profiles on a few of the trees mentioned above. Subscribe below to be notified when those are available. Do you have a favorite or did I miss any trees you’re interested in? Let me know in the comments or over on Facebook.
- Photos by Eleanor Pate via iNaturalist and cropped for side-by-side display. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. ↩︎
- ‘MonarchButterfly’ Photo by David R. Tribble via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. Original was cropped. ↩︎
- Photo by CarlsbadCavernsNPS, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons. ↩︎
- Mexican Plum photo by lanechaffin via iNaturalist. Licensed under CC0.
Texas Redbud photo by jen242 via iNaturalist. Licensed under CC BY 4.0. Original images cropped/configured with minor exposure adjustments for side-by-side presentation. ↩︎ - Photo by Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society / James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service via Wikimedia. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 ↩︎
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