Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_32.gif)
Tuesday - February 09, 2010
From: New Braunfels, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Drought-Tolerant Trees for South-Central Texas
Answered by: Dean Garrett
QUESTION:
I would like to replace two Golden Rain Trees with native ornamentals. They should be highly drought tolerant and should not exceed 25 feet in height. They will need to be tough since they will get little water from the hose once they are established. Do you have any suggestions? I live in the Hill Country north of New Braunfels.ANSWER:
There are several trees native to your area that are highly drought-tolerant and no taller than 25 feet:
- Prairie Flameleaf Sumac (Rhus lanceolata)
- Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana)
- Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
- American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)
- Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)
- Retama (Parkinsonia aculeata)
There are other trees native to your area that are drought-tolerant but may grow beyond your desired height, depending on soil and moisture:
- Western Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii)
- Anacua (Ehretia anacua)
- Texas Ash (Fraxinus albicans)
- Gum Bumelia (Sideroxylon lanuginosum)
- Bluewood Condalia (Condalia hookeri)
Since you didn't state whether the site is in full sun or shade, I assumed that it is mostly likely sunny. All these trees except Texas Redbud and Texas Mountain Laurel require full sun, but Texas Redbud can grow in either part shade or full sun and Texas Mountain Laurel can grow in shade but prefers full sun and will only bloom in full sun.
More Trees Questions
What is causing leaf drop on oak in Morgan Hill CA?
June 23, 2010 - Dear Mr Smarty Plants: We have a large, young Valley Oak (about 20 yrs) which is dropping leaves even now in early summer. I have a feeling that the problem might be an invasive weed that is flourishi...
view the full question and answer
What is the best time of year to transplant a young pecan tree?
May 29, 2009 - What is the best time of year to transplant a young pecan tree?
view the full question and answer
Transplanting aspens and Colorado blue spruce trees
August 18, 2009 - Please help me with info on transplanting aspen and blue spruce trees in Colorado. I live at 8600ft and have tons of deer. thx
view the full question and answer
Planning garden tasks in advance from Austin
January 03, 2012 - My yard was a disaster last year-grass and trees browning, early leaf fall on flowering plants, and water bills sky high, even with the limited watering days. What can I do this year to prevent this s...
view the full question and answer
Tree roots in sewer from Paragould AR
September 30, 2012 - I have beautiful pecan trees, an apple in the back yard, a pine on the west side of the house and pecan trees in the front yard. Two trees are interrupting my sewer systems (at least one in the back y...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |