Welcome to the Think Trees Tour at Spicewood Springs Branch! We encourage you to learn about the trees that grow in Austin and how to identify them. Maybe you’ll even find a new favorite to plant in your own landscape.
Click or tap the numbered icons in the map for abbreviated descriptions and tree locations. Use the navigation bar above to see more pictures and details about each species. Scroll to the bottom of the page to take community action and find your next Think Trees Tour.
Interactive Map
Click or tap the numbers in the map to see tree names. Use the navigation bar above the map (or scroll down) to see more photos and details of each species.
(1) Live Oak
Quercus sp.
A Live Oak branch in spring with developing, green leaves and tiny, yellow flower buds on clustered catkins that dangle below the leaves
A live oak branch in March with dark, green, mature leaves; tiny, young, new leaves, tinged at the edges with red; and the first few catkins of the year.
Two long, narrow, green acorns in beige cups surrounded by dark, glossy, green leaves of a live oak
Dark, glossy, mature live oak leaves with a mature, brown acorn in its cup and an empty acorn cup next to it
Live oak twigs showing two small, brown balls formed to develop the larva of the mealy oak gall wasp
Gray live oak bark with deep, dark fissures between thick, narrow chunks
Live oak acorns can be long and narrow, or stubby and round. Pollen is produced in spring in catkins. Several kinds of wasps lay their eggs in the bark, causing unusual growths called galls. Bark is dark gray or brown and forms thick chunks.
Several Live Oaks have been on this site longer than the library, including these west of the building. Live Oaks reign in Austin. There are two closely related species whose ranges overlap along I-35: Quercus fusiformis (Escarpment Live Oak) and Q. virginiana (Southern Live Oak). It is often difficult to distinguish between them in the field. Live Oak acorns are sometimes long and narrow, while others are shorter and rounder. Both species keep their leaves through winter. The old leaves drop and the new leaves emerge all within a few weeks in early spring.
Live Oaks are strong, reliable trees, but they are susceptible to Oak Wilt disease, which can spread through their roots and destroy whole colonies of trees. Oak Wilt is treatable, but consider a white oak instead if you are planting a new tree, especially if you live in an area where there are already lots of Live Oaks.
(2) Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
Front and back of cedar elm leaves with samaras clustered on twigs
Cedar elm in winter with no leaves, showing multiple clusters of mistletoe attached to branches
Cedar elm bark is light gray and crumbles away in flat, thick plates
Close view of a cedar elm twig showing corky "wings"
Cedar elm leaves are small and stiff, with a rough surface like sandpaper. Seeds form in autumn in flat discs called samaras. Bark forms thin, narrow flakes. Mistletoe is a common parasite of Cedar Elm. Sometimes young trees form corky "wings" that protrude in flat strips.
Cedar Elm is one of our most reliable shade trees in Austin. It is medium to large at maturity, reaching heights of 50-60 feet, so it should not be planted under utility wires. The leaves are smaller than most elms and have a rough, sandpapery texture. It is sometimes called Fall Elm because it flowers and grows seeds at the end of the year (most elms flower in spring). Seeds form inside flat discs called samaras. This tree tolerates a wide range of soil types and can stand up to drought and heat.
A monterrey oak twig in early spring displays tendrils that appear just before new leaves
Monterrey oak forms pollen in flowers called catkins. They are columns of tiny, yellow, ball-shaped flowers that turn brown and fall within a few weeks
Glossy, green Monterrey Oak leaves with developing acorns beginning to protrude from their tan cups
A mature Monterrey oak acorn on a twig in front of a person's fingertips, with the backs and bases of several green leaves in the background
Oak buds begin to swell in early spring. Pollen-producing catkins come before the first leaves. Monterrey Oak acorns form deep inside their cups, with only the tips protruding. Bark forms wide, thin plates.
Monterrey Oak is a medium to large tree that usually keeps its leaves all winter and drops them just before growing new leaves in spring. Acorns have a striped appearance and bulge out of shallow caps.
Also known as Mexican White Oak, this species is resistant (though not immune) to Oak Wilt disease. Its native range is south of us, so we hope it will be able to survive hotter, drier weather as our climate warms up. It can grow up to 50 feet tall, so should not be planted near utility wires.
(4) Mexican Plum
Prunus mexicana
bright, white flowers with clusters of yellow-tipped white pistils in the center on a mexican plum tree
Mexican plum branch with dull green leaves and pink developing fruit
Mexican Plum harkens spring with bright, white flowers. Rough green leaves form next. In summer, small, round fruits form that are enjoyed by people and wildlife. Bark is usually smooth and gray-brown, with horizontal stripes of light gray or white. As it matures, bark peels away in thin flakes.
Mexican Plum is a small, native fruit tree. It produces fragrant, white flowers in spring before leaves appear. The bark is dark brown or gray, with horizontal striations in lighter gray or silver. The fruits are small, ripening July through September. They are enjoyed by people and wildlife.
(5) Sugar Hackberry
Celtis laevigata
Sugar Hackberry trunk showing the light gray bark with warty protrusions
Sugar Hackberry leaves on a twig, showing lopsided base tapering to a point
Sugar Hackberry branch with star-shaped, white flowers clustered along a twig
Underside of a sugar hackberry branch showing small, green, developing fruits and thick leaf veins
Sugar hackberry branch in winter with no leaves, showing numerous small, brownish-red berries
Underside of Netleaf Hackberry leaf, showing pronounced veins in distinctive pattern
Hackberry grows small, star-shaped flowers in early spring. Leaves are long and narrow with a tapered point. Small, round berries grow through summer and ripen in fall. They are a food source for a wide range of wildlife. Bark is light gray and mostly smooth, but forms warty growths with age. A similar native species is Netleaf Hackberry, which has more pronounced veins on the backs of leaves.
Often reviled and frequently neglected or abused, hackberry trees get a bad rap. This medium to large tree seems able to survive almost any conditions. It is very drought hardy. Birds and other wildlife rely on the “berries” it makes (called drupes). It was a food source for Native tribes in this area, who also used the wood to make tools and bowls, bark to make sandals, and leaves to make a brown dye for wool.
Related to elms, Sugar Hackberry has an upright, arching form that can be very attractive when maintained properly. In 2014, an Urban Forest Inventory Analysis found hackberries make up 6 percent of our tree canopy. Protect these tough, native trees when you can.
(6) Eastern Red Cedar
Juniperus viginiana
fingers hold a branch from an eastern red cedar. the foliage makes short, stubby spikes of overlapping scales. In the center are new needles forming that have points on the end.
eastern red cedar foliage with the beginnings of male pollen cones bulging slightly at the tips in a lighter green/tan color
CLose view of a branch of eastern red cedar with developing female cones ("berries") that are still light green
A branch of eastern red cedar with several mature, blue, seed-bearing cones, sometimes called berries
Eastern red cedar bark is reddish-brown and peels away in long, thin, papery strips of bark
Eastern Red Cedar foliage forms spikes of overlapping scales. Sometimes the new foliage forms pointy spikes. Male cones form at the tips of branches to release pollen in winter. The small, blue "berries" are actually seed cones that are eaten by wildlife and can also be used in cooking as a spice.
Eastern Red Cedar is an evergreen tree that grows in a pyramid shape. It can grow quite tall, but typically reach 35-40 feet. With thin, flaky bark that peels away in long strips, this tree is easily mistaken for its cousin, Ashe Juniper. Eastern Red Cedar usually grows a single, upright trunk, while Ashe Juniper tends to form clusters of many stems that lean in all directions. Juniper (cedar) berries are used to flavor gin and some foods.
(7) Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
Close view of yaupon branch showing mature leaves and tiny, new leaves growing at the tips
A yaupon holly branch with small, oval shaped leaves and tiny, white flowers clustered along the twigs
Yaupon holly branch with green leaves, a few mature red berries, and numerous tiny, green developing berries
close view of yaupon showing leaves, flowers, berries, and a honeybee
A cardinal nest about six feet above the ground in the branches of a yaupon holly tree
Yaupon holly has small, oval-shaped, dark green leaves with slightly scalloped edges. They stay on the tree all year, with new leaves forming at the tips of branches in spring. Tiny, white flowers appear in spring that attract bees and other pollinators. The thick, bushy growth creates a middle canopy that makes a good hiding place for bird nests and other wildlife.
Yaupon is a large bush or small tree, often forming multiple trunks. It keeps its leaves through the winter, so it is often used as a hedge or bushy screen. It produces clusters of red berry-like drupes along its branches. Birds and wildlife enjoy the berries starting in fall. Cut branches can bring festive color indoors during December. Yaupon is the only native plant in Texas that produces caffeine. Native residents sometimes made tea from leaves and twigs.
(8) Pecan
Carya illinoensis
Pecan branch with drooping, compound leaves and clusters of catkins dangling underneath
pecan branch with drooping compound leaves, showing pinnate form with scythe-shaped leaflets in pairs terminating in a single leaflet
Two pecans developing in thick, green husks among green leaves
Partially exposed pecan on the ground with part of its husk still attached
pecan branch in winter with no leaves, showing remains of husks from fallen nuts at the tips
Light, gray pecan bark with deep, dark fissures between the chunky pieces.
Pecan leaves emerge after almost all our other tree species, usually in late March. They are pinnately compound, with scythe-shaped leaflets that sag and droop on the tree. Male flowers come soon after the leaves in the form of long, dangling catkins. nuts drop in October or November. Bark forms flat plates.
Pecan is the state tree of Texas, so it can be found planted all around Austin. It has compound leaves and grows edible nuts that ripen in October or November. When the leaves are gone during winter, the husks from the nuts are often visible on the branches, aiding identification. Native trees tend to have small nuts that may not taste very good, but several varieties are available that have been bred for large, sweet-tasting pecans.
(9) Texas Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
Texas mountain laurel leaves on a branch showing pinnate form with oval leaflets. a small, red insect rests on one leaflet.
Long, dangling clusters of purple and white flowers hanging from a mountain laurel twig with leaves
close view of fading texas mountain laurel flowers and developing seed pods
several seed pods on a texas mountain laurel twig have filled out and are almost mature
a hard, red texas mountain laurel seed resembling a dried bean rests on asphalt
Texas Mountain Laurel grows compound leaves with oval leaflets that stay on the tree all year. Thick clusters of fragrant, purple flowers appear in spring. Seed pods look like big, thick beans. The shell hardens and turns brown in fall. Each pod can hold up to 5 or 6 hard, red seeds.
Texas Mountain Laurel is a small tree or large shrub that keeps its dark, glossy leaves year-round. It is native to limestone bluffs, making it tolerant of alkaline soils and drought. The large, purple clusters of flowers often remind people of the smell of grape Kool-Aid. Bright, red seeds form in large, woody, bean-like pods. Mountain Laurel grows slowly and can grow safely under utility wires. Leaves last year-round, so this plant can be used as a hedge to screen a view. It becomes a nice ornamental when planted as a single specimen.
(10) Texas Redbud
Cercis canadensis var. texensis
A thick cluster of bright, pink flowers on a redbud tree
Redbud leaves on a tree, showing the heart shape
red-brown stem and branch of a redbud with a flower spur bearing the last few bright, pink flowers and the emerging new seed pods
Redbud branch with dozens of mature, dry, brown seed pods dangling underneath
CLose view of a redbud trunk, showing the red-brown bark separating into thin, flat flakes that will crumble away
redbud seed pods and seeds on a white background with a metric ruler for scale. THe complete seed pod is about 5 cm long. there are three seeds removed from their pod and they are about 5mm long each
Texas Redbud trees kick of spring with a show of bright, pink flowers. They are followed by simple, heart-shaped leaves up to 4 inches across. Seed pods develop through summer, resembling snow peas. They eventually turn brown and stay on the tree through winter after the leaves fall. Bark is light gray to reddish brown.
Redbud is a small tree in the legume family. It produces bright, pink flowers in spring before leaves appear. Flowers develop into seed pods that resemble snow peas and often stay attached to the tree even after the leaves drop in fall. The common Eastern Redbud (C. canadensis) tends to do poorly in Austin because it prefers more acidic soil. A few Cercis varieties can do well in alkaline conditions, including Texas Redbud and Oklahoma Redbud. This tree is small enough to live under power lines or other utilities.
(11) Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
a crpe myrtle twig with several light green, oval-shaped leaves and red coloring in twig
Two light, pink crape myrtle flowers on a white background. Frilly petals on thin stalks emerge from a cup-shaped sepal. A ring of tall, arching hooks with false flowers emerge above a tight cluster of true pistils with yellow tips.
A flower spike on a crape myrtle tree. It is a thick, pyramidal cluster of hot pink petals. Thick clusters of yellow-tipped pistils are visible here and there among the petals. A few unopened flower buds are also visible.
Two crape myrtle trees in flower, showing color variations. These are reddish-pink and lavender.
Mature seed pods from a crape myrtle tree. Brown twigs end in small, brown balls that split open and separate into sections like an orange.
Crape myrtle bark develops a mottled pattern of dark and light brown as the smooth bark peels away in thin, curling sheets
Crape Myrtle grows oval-shaped leaves. Bark peels away in thin flakes to add visual appeal. It will be bursting with flowers through spring and summer in pink, white or red. Seed pods remain through winter for continuing visual interest.
Crape Myrtle is an imported tree from Asia. It typically forms a cluster of several stems, but can be trained to grow as a single trunk. It has proven to be reliable in a wide range of soils and climates without becoming invasive. It produces abundant flowers throughout summer, which can be white, pink, lavender, or red. Showy seed pods remain visible during winter after leaves drop. The bark peels away in thin flakes, creating more visual interest. Crape myrtle tolerates drought and root disturbance better than most trees. It is available in a range of sizes to fit most landscapes. Be careful to select an appropriate variety if you plant it underneath power lines or other utility wires.
Take Action
Learn more about our public tree data and where public trees are located using TreePlotter, the City of Austin's application for tree inventory.
