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_00.gif)
Sunday - April 03, 2016
From: Del Rio, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Large, fast-growing shade tree for Val Verde County, Texas
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
What is an overall good shade tree, very large & fast growing, to plant in Central South Texas, Val Verde County region? I am told that virtually nothing but Live Oaks or some other type of Oak will grow here. I have a very large lot and need something other than Live Oaks, Spanish Oaks or Pecan trees.ANSWER:
Here are three trees native to your area that grow rapidly and make good shade trees. The two ash trees are small to medium trees and the oak tree is a large tree.
Fraxinus albicans [synonym=Fraxinus texensis] (Texas ash) is fast growing and grows to 30-45 feet. Here is information from Texas Tree Selector. The USDA Plants Database distribution map shows this tree growing in Edwards County, the adjacent county to Val Verde County.
Fraxinus berlandieriana (Mexican ash) grows to 30 feet. Here is more information from Texas Tree Selector. The USDA Plants Database distribution map shows it growing in Val Verde County.
Quercus polymorpha (Monterrey oak) is resistant to oak wilt and grows to over 40 feet. Here's more information from Texas Tree Selector and from Austin Tree Experts. It is semi-evergreen. The USDA Plants Database distribution map shows it occurring in Val Verde County.
From the Image Gallery
More Trees Questions
Eco-friendly trees for parks in Brownsville, TX
April 26, 2008 - Which are the best eco friendly trees for parks?
view the full question and answer
Registered/patented pecan by Foster W. Fort
August 01, 2010 - Hello, we own a historic house museum once owned by the Fort family of Waco, and have learned that Foster W. Fort developed a type of pecan tree and had an orchard somewhere here around Waco (possibly...
view the full question and answer
Location of Alamo fungicide kit from Georgetown TX
July 03, 2012 - Where can I buy the Alamo fungicide injection kit shown in the oak wilt video?
view the full question and answer
How can I control underground runners from from Pride of Houston Yaupons in Austin, TX?
July 16, 2010 - How can I control the underground runners from the Pride of Houston Yaupons?
view the full question and answer
Are Tannins in Persimmons the same in Fruit and Leaf?
January 23, 2016 - I was wanting to know if tannins in persimmons have the same properties in both the fruit and leaves.
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |