TREES RECOMMENDED FOR ELLIS COUNTY

As Master Gardeners, we are trained to use science-based information to know the environment and plan the site for better tree selection and outcomes.

• Consider the planting site, plant the right size tree, look up and around for space.
• Ensure conditions for watering as established and least amount of water in the future.
• Consider optimum planting timing in the fall and ordering in advance.
• Buy local and Texas-sourced trees to ensure the trees are accustomed to our soil and climate.
• Consider tree longevity and continue to plant, knowing that trees take longer to mature.
• Choosing Texas Natives is better, long-lived, grows readily in our soil / climate and supports native pollinators.
• Maintenance and watering of newly planted trees is critical in their first 3 years.

 

PRIORITIZE NATIVE TEXAS TREES

We encourage residents to choose natives as the best trees for our local soil, climate and overall environment. We also encourage selecting natives to reduce the time, effort and cost of maintaining trees, which is a big investment. Advice changes based on new information about the impact of our choices and availability of better varieties. Here are some common trees found in our environment with suggestion for better alternatives.

• Avoid Callery/Bradford pear – Cut it down, invasive species, structural issues, disease prone, short-lived.
  • Plant this – Mexican Plum – Texas native, showy, fragrant flowers, pollinator friendly.
• Caution with Crapemyrtle – monoculture susceptibility, little value to native pollinators.
  • Plant this – Desert Willow/ Chitalpa – native, flowering, low water needed.
• Avoid Chinese Pistache – remove female trees, invasive, little value to native pollinators.
  • Plant this – Prairie Flameleaf Sumac – white flowers, fiery foliage.
• Avoid Vitex “Texas Lilac”– invasive in some areas, outcompetes natives.
  • Plant this – Texas Mountain-Laurel – evergreen, clusters of purple flowers.
• Avoid Mimosa – strong competitor to native trees and shrubs in open areas or forest.
  • Plant this – Goldenball Leadtree – delicate flower ‘balls’.
• Caution with Ash due to Emerald Ash Borer –
  • Plant this – other natives – Chinkapin Oak, Pecans, Elms.
• Caution with Shumard/Red Oak family due to Oak Wilt susceptibility.

Texas A&M have online resources that guide you quickly to find the best trees for your yard. The “Texas Tree Planting Guide” tool has an Express Tree Selector, Custom Tree Selector and Tree Planting & Care components. We have summarized a selection of trees that are best for homeowners in Ellis County.

 

ORNAMENTAL TREES

The following chart shows a selection of the showy, specimen trees. These small and medium-sized trees are recommended as ornamental trees in our yards and small acreage. Click on the link to show an illustration of the mature tree, leaves and flowers.

ORNAMENTAL TREES	ONLINE RESOURCE
Ash, Texas	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=32
Crabapple	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=50
Crapemyrtle	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=46
Desert-Willow	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=18
Eve’s- Necklace	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=93
Leadtree, Goldenball	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=47
Hawthorn	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=24
Honey Mesquite	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=68
Magnolia, Little Gem	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=49
Mexican-Buckeye	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=102
Mountain-Laurel, Texas	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=94
Plum, Mexican	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=71
Possumhaw Holly	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=36
Redbud, Mexican	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=16
Redbud, Texas	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=17
Rusty Blackhaw	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=103
Smoketree, American	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=23
Sumac, Prairie Flameleaf	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=90
Yaupon Holly	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=38

 

SHADE TREES

The following chart shows large and medium-sized trees which are recommended as shade trees in our yards and small acreage.

SHADE TREES	ONLINE RESOURCE
Burr Oak	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=80
Chinquapin Oak	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=82
Eastern Redcedar	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=44
Lacey Oak	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=77
Oak, Mexican White	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=86
Pecan	https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=10

 

Ash, Texas Fraxinus texensis

Native, Deciduous, Medium – Height: 30-50′, Width: 15′-40′

A fast-growing, deciduous, shade tree that grows in part shade to full sun with low water requirements. Fall color ranges from yellow, orange, gold and purple to red. Birds eat the winged seeds, called samaras that hang in clusters in the fall. Deer browse the foliage. Very adaptable, but must be well drained.

Crabapple Malus spp.

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 30’, Width: 25’

Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. White, pink, or red flowers, followed by a small crabapple. Blanco Crabapple is endemic to the Hill Country. Many other cultivars available.

Crapemyrtle Lagerstroemia indica

Non-native, Deciduous, Small-Medium – Height: 3′-30′, Width: 4’-30’

Deciduous, drought-tolerant ornamental requiring full sun and good air circulation. Showy blooms, summer to fall, of red, pink, lavender, or white; pretty, varied fall color and peeling bark that reveals lovely branches, make it a year-round attractive tree. Prune to be single-stemmed or multiple trunked. Choose plant of desired color during bloom time and choose the size tree you want. If you must remove a limb, prune it to another limb or to the ground. Do not top prune leaving ugly stubs, ruining the winter look. Plant mildew-resistant crapemyrtles. Aphids and suckers can be a problem; deer resistant. Try Texas Superstar® Basham’s Party Pink Crapemyrtle.

Desert-Willow Chilopsis linearis

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 15′-25′, Width: 15′-25′

Airy, ever-blooming tree that needs full sun, good drainage and adapts to any soil. It does not shade out flowers so it can be used in flowerbeds that do not require much water. Blooms on new wood and can be pruned, but do not leave stubs. Hummingbirds and butterflies love the showy flowers in shades of white, pink or violet. Birds eat the seeds. Indians used the wood for bows, willow baskets, fence posts and fuel.

Eve’s-Necklace Sophora affinis

Native, Deciduous, Medium – Height: 25′-30′, Width: 15′-20′

Lacy tree with spreading branches. Grows in sun or as an under story in black, sandy or rocky soil. Buy in flower to get pink, pale pink or pale yellow wisteria-like flowers. The name comes from the seedpods that turn dark, adding winter interest. Reported to be poisonous. Sapwood will make a yellow dye.

Hawthorn Crataegus spp.

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 20’, Width: 20’

Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Small white flowers turn to bright red berries. Fall color is deep red. Several species and varieties available, such as ‘Parsley’ and ‘Washington.’ Mayhaw (Crataegus opaca) is a wetland species prized for its fruits that are used to make sweet jellies and preserves.

Honey Mesquite Prosopis glandulosa

Native, Deciduous, Medium – Height 30-40’, Width 30-40’

Texas native, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife.

With twisted trunks, formidable thorns, and yellow spring flowers, Honey Mesquites are unique and interesting. Wildlife utilize the red seedpods; leaves cast a light, filtered shade. Extremely drought-tolerant native. Flowers make an excellent honey, and the seeds are sometimes used as livestock forage during droughts. Also used as a drought-tolerant landscape tree. Prune to develop strong branch and trunk structure. Farmers and ranchers consider it a weed species. Leaf-out in springtime is a sign to local farmers and ranchers that the last frost has passed.

Leadtree, Goldenball Leucaena retusa

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: to 25’, Width: to 25’

Goldenball leadtree, a Texas native, features showy or fragrant flowers and attractive seeds or fruit. Thriving in dry rocky slopes of west Texas, this decorative tree boasts delicate foliage and round, yellow flower ‘balls’ that often emerge post-rain. Can spread from seed into the surrounding landscape. Its bright green, twice-pinnately compound leaves provide filtered shade, while its bright yellow powder-puff flowers bloom from spring to fall, with the largest flushes following rains. Highly drought tolerant and able to withstand reflected heat, it adapts to various soils but prefers good drainage. Its bark, cinnamon-colored and flaky, adds to its charm. However, its brittle wood is susceptible to breakage during high winds and ice storms.

Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ Magnolia grandiflora

Native, Evergreen, Medium – Height: 20′-35′, Width: 15′-20′

Evergreen with course deep green ovate leaves; will grow in sand, loam or clay soils that are well drained with part shade or full sun but with moderate water. Branches grow low to the ground, roots are close to the surface and nothing grows underneath. Little Gem magnolia is an award winning dwarf variety of the traditional Southern Magnolia. Because it is smaller, it can be used in spaces where a full-size southern magnolia would be crowded and overwhelming. This dwarf magnolia is slow growing to 20-35 feet while the Southern Magnolia can reach 80 feet. Its lower limb spread is also smaller, 15-20 feet rather than 45 feet for the larger magnolia.

Mexican-Buckeye Ungandia speciosa

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 8′-20′, Width: 8′-20′

This deciduous tree grows in dappled shade or full sun. Best grown as an under story tree. Small fragrant, pink to purple blooms make excellent honey. Single stemmed or multiple trunks, brilliant yellow fall color and decorative seed pots that add winter interest make it a year-round ornamental. Pink flowers appear with new leaves; brown fruit husks remain through winter. Good as a specimen tree.

Mountain-Laurel, Texas (Mescalbean) Sophora secundiflora

Native, Evergreen, Small – Height: 20’, Width: 10-15’

A shrub or small tree to 20 feet tall and one or more trunks to 8″ in diameter, with a compact, oval crown of glossy, dark green foliage. Texas native, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit. Drooping clusters of purple flowers, velvety seed pods. Excellent drought-tolerant specimen. Outstanding spring blooms. Chewed seeds are toxic to humans, dogs, cattle, sheep and goats.

Possumhaw Holly Ilex decidua

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 12-20′, Width: 10′-15′

Great, bushy tree for birds; grows in sun or part shade in any well- drained soil. Choose when plants have berries so you get a female plant. Tree will sucker at base. Once established it is drought tolerant. Wildlife eat the berries. Texas native, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Orange or red berries on gray branches give interest through winter. Striking native plant. Choose female plants in the nursery for the berries.

Plum, Mexican Prunus mexicana

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 15′, Width: 15′-20′

Deciduous elliptic to obovate leaf shape; will grow in sand, loam, or clay soils that are well drained with shade to full sun; first to flower in spring, strong and sweet; the fruit is best for jelly making; as the tree ages the bark develops pealing/exfoliating; birds also love the fruit. Bright white flowers in spring and edible fruit; flaky or peeling bark. Good fall color, yellow to red to purple; prefers well-drained soils.

Redbud, Mexican Cercis canadensis var. mexicana

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 10’-15’, Width: 10’-15’

Texas native, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit. Small, glossy, wavy-edged leaves, pink to purple flowers, and brown seedpods. Southwestern variety suited for drier sites. Susceptible to overwatering in landscape settings.

Red Bud, Texas Cercis canadensis var. texensis

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 10′-20′, Width: 15′-20′

A small canopy; deciduous with fall color from rounded heart-shaped leaves; will grow in sand, loam, or clay soils that are well drained, shade to full sun; early pea-like small flowers in tight clusters; makes a good understudy tree. Glossy green leaves, purple flowers, and brown seedpods provide year round interest.

Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum rufidulum

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: 20’ -35’, Width: 35’

A flowering understory shrub or small tree, usually 20 feet tall or less but occasionally to 35 feet, with one or more arching trunks to 8″ in diameter, forming an irregular, drooping crown of glossy green foliage. Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Glossy leaves turn bright red in the fall; white flower clusters develop into blue fruits. Excellent specimen tree with few problems. Showy flowers. Needs good drainage.

Smoketree, American Cotinus obovatus

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: to 25’, Width: to 25’

One of the best trees for fall color. Might be hard to find in the nursery. Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit. Spikes of purple to pink flowers; distinctive blue-green leaves turn brilliant fall colors. American Smoketree is very heat and drought tolerant and highly tolerant of various soils.

Sumac, Prairie Flameleaf Rhus lanceolata

Native, Deciduous, Small – Height: to 30’ Width: to 20’

Prairie Flameleaf Sumac is a small tree that grows to around 30 feet high, either as a single-trunked tree or suckering to form colonies. It is usually found on limestone or neutral soils, growing in the central part of Texas and in the higher mountain ranges of the Trans-Pecos. It is extremely heat and drought tolerant, and its leaves are vivid red in the fall.

Texas native, reliable fall color, showy or fragrant flower, attractive seeds or fruit, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Compound leaves turn bright red in fall; white flower spikes bear red clusters of berries. Root sprouts and suckers require regular maintenance to keep tree shape. Thin bark is susceptible to injury; requires pruning to develop one or more trunks.

Yaupon Holly Ilex vomitoria

Native, Evergreen, Small – Height: 15′-25′, Width: 10′-20′

Versatile, ornamental evergreen tree can grow bushy or pruned to tree form. Will grow in sun or shade in any soil. No thorns, but it does sucker. Only female plants bear fruit, so buy plants with fruit already on them. The fruit is important to wildlife.

 

SHADE TREES

Bur Oak Quercus marcocarpa

Native, Deciduous, Large – Height: 60′-80′, Width: 60′-80′

This very large, beautiful tree is native to the prairie from north central Texas to central Texas. It will adapt to a wide range of garden and landscape situations. The Bur Oak has large leaves (6″-10″ long) and is an excellent large shade tree. It is drought tolerant, fast growing for an oak, disease resistant and long lived. Drawbacks are very large golf ball-size acorns and rather poor fall color.

Chinquapin Oak Quercus muehlenbergii

Native, Deciduous, Large – Height: 70′-90′, Width: 70′-80′

Native to north central Texas, this large oak likes moist or swampy soil, but will also grow in drier rocky soil. In all cases, good drainage is necessary. Dark green leaves turn yellow-brown in the fall.

Texas native, reliable fall color, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Attractive, light-colored bark; deep green leaf color creates a lush appearance. Good for limestone soils; excellent shade tree!

Eastern Redcedar Juniperus virginiana

Native, Evergreen, Medium – Height: 40′-60′, Width: 12′-15′

A fast-growing evergreen, screen or windbreak tree that grows in any well-drained soil and sun or shade. Christmas-tree shaped when young, but can be pruned up. Does not re-sprout after cutting or burning down but is a host for cedar apple rust. Eastern does not cause allergies. It is Ashe juniper – Juniperus ashe that does. Great food and cover for wildlife.

Birds eat the blue berries; bark is fibrous and shredding. Often used as a windbreak. ‘Canaerttii’ is a cultivar used as a specimen tree. Can be invasive; males produce lots of pollen.

Lacey Oak (Blue Oak) Quercus glaucoides TEXAS SUPERSTAR

Native, Deciduous, Medium- Height 30-40’, Width: 20’

The Lacey Oak, a medium-sized tree reaching heights of 40 feet or more, boasts a stout trunk up to 2 feet in diameter. Its dense crown, characterized by distinctly bluish foliage, stands out amidst junipers and live oaks, its common associates. Remarkably tolerant of heat, drought, pests and alkaline soil, this tree rarely suffers from insect infestations or diseases. Ideal for smaller yards and patios, it provides excellent shade. A Texas native, it offers reliable fall color, with its seeds or fruit serving as a food source for wildlife. Its new leaves emerge peach-colored, transitioning to a blue-green hue before returning to peach in the autumn. It is also referred to as Q. laceyi.

Shumard Oak Quercus shumardii

Native, Deciduous, Large – Height: 60′-70′, Width: 50′-60′

This oak grows in the eastern 1/3 of the state. Adaptive to a wide range of well drained soils from sand to heavy clay. Deeply cut leaves range in color from summer green to fall red or yellow. Acorns are about 1″ long and roundish. Once established, this oak is drought tolerant and easy to maintain. There are some problems with this tree, including Oak Wilt, insect problems and cross-pollinating with less desirable oaks. Buy the Shumard Red Oak from a reputable nursery that offers a guarantee that it is a true Shumard Red Oak.

Oak, Mexican White Quercus polymorpha

Native, Evergree, Large – Height: 60′, Width: 80′

The Mexican White Oak is a Texas native with seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. It has leathery leaves that come in many different shapes and remain on twigs into winter. It is also known as ‘Monterrey Oak,’ this species is rapidly becoming used as an urban landscape tree. It has few insect or disease pests. It is resistant to oak wilt and is a hardy evergreen oak tree and the 2023 Texas Superstar® tree selection.

Pecan Carya illinoinenis

Native, Deciduous, Large – Height: 60-100′, Width: 60′-80′

Easy to grow, with big spreading branches that need 30′ to 35′ in all directions. Don’t plant where cars may park, because of “honey dew.” Plant in pairs and consider the early & late pollination types if not near other Pecans. Pecans are a little messy, dropping small limbs, but in return you receive a gorgeous shade tree and delicious nuts. Oldest trees in Mount Vernon. Texas native, seeds or fruit eaten by wildlife. Nuts are an important wildlife food. Mature crown is open and airy. State Tree of Texas. Plant with plenty of room. Common problems are brittle wood and susceptible to many insect pests throughout the year.

Sources:

• Texas Tree Planting Guide, Texas A&M Forest Service, https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/index.html
• Texas Tree Planting Guide, List of All Trees, Texas A&M Forest Service, https://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/ViewAllTrees.aspx
• Earth-Kind® Plant Selector, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, https://aggie-hort.tamu.edu/earthkind/plantselector/
• Trees of Texas, Texas A&M Forest Service, http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/listOfTrees/
• Texas Superstar® plants are tested and selected for their superior performance in the Texas landscape. Texas Superstar® Plants, https://texassuperstar.com/

Prepared by Mary Ann Mezzapelle, Advanced Master Gardener