Welcome to the Think Trees Tour at Southeast 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.
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) Chaste Tree
Vitex agnus-castus
A Chaste Tree at Southeast Branch Library
mature vitex leaves, showing palmate form and smooth margins
A vitex twig covered in small, round, brown seeds
two flower spikes on a chaste tree
three flower spikes on a chaste tree with aging flowers and new seeds developing
chaste tree flowers and a thick cluster of berries turning from green to red-brown
Vitex grows compound leaves in palmate form with smooth edges. Fragrant spikes of purple flowers appear through summer. Prolific seeds develop in late summer and fall, spreading the plant and making it somewhat invasive in Austin.
Chaste Tree, or Vitex, is a large bush or small tree up to 20’ tall. It has compound leaves and grows sprays of violet flowers through summer. It produces lots and lots of small, round seeds that also have a strong fragrance when handled. It tends to become invasive in Austin. Check out the Grow Green Plant Guideor the Tree Planting Guide for recommended species to plant instead of Chaste Tree.
(2) Chinkapin Oak
Quercus muehlenbergii
A Chinkapin Oak tree at Southeast Branch Library.
a chinkapin oak twig showing leaf buds and a newly emerging twig with tiny, fingerlike lobes along the edge
A chinkapin oak twig showing new, green leaves and strands of pollen producing flowers called catkins
Close view of developing leaves on a chinkapin oak, showing the wide serrations along the edges
Chinkapin oak acorns developing on a twig with dark, green leaves
close view of chinkapin oak acorns. Three join the twig at their bases in teh same spot and are almost ball-shaped. the cups are tan and cover 90 percent of the nut, which is a light green dome emerging with a spindle at the tip
Close view of chinkapin oak bark, showing thin, flat flakes of gray
Chinkapin oak grows acorns with blunt tips that form in rounded cups. Leaves have a wide sawtooth edge. Pollen forms in flower spikes called catkins. The backs of leaves have pronounced veins that angle out from a central midrib.
Chinkapin Oak is a medium to large tree in the White Oak group, so it is resistant to oak wilt disease. The edges of leaves form a wide zigzag. This oak should not be planted near electric wires, as it can be up to 50 feet tall. It tends to have a rounded, spreading canopy. As with all oaks, its acorns support a range of wildlife.
(3) Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
A Crape Myrtle tree at southeast Branch Library.
a crpe myrtle twig with several light green, oval-shaped leaves and red coloring in twig
crape myrtles showing two different colors of pink flowers
close view of pink crape myrtle flowers
crape myrtle stems showing a mottled pattern in the thin, flaky bark
Close view of crape myrtle seed pods. THey are dried, brown balls splitting open at one end into segments like an orange
Crape Myrtle grows oval-shaped leaves. Bark peels away in thin flakes to add visual appeal. Prolific flowers grow through 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.
(4) Mesquite
Neltuma glandulosa
A Mesquite tree at Southeast Branch Library.
A flower spike, called a catkin, dangles from a mesquite twig
Mesquite twig showing a sharp thorn
a hand displays a single, compound leaf on a mesquite tree
Mesquite branches bearing two developing clusters of long, beanlike pods that dangle from twigs. They are glossy, swollen, and tinged with red along the edges
Several dull, tan, beanlike mesquite pods on the ground after they have shrunken and dried out
Mesquite bark forms distinct strips of raised, gray bark
Mesquite leaves have an unusual leaf that splits into two feathery strands of long, narrow leaflets. Bees and other pollinators enjoy the flowers that form in spring as long, puffy catkins. In summer, seeds form in long, beanlike pods that feed a range of wildlife.
Mesquite is a low, spreading tree reaching heights up to 30 feet. It has compound leaves with long, narrow leaflets. Seeds grow in long pods that look like green beans. Bees and other insects enjoy the flowers that appear in spring and summer. Watch out for the sharp thorns, which have been the bane of many a rancher's tire!
Mesquite occurs naturally in hot, dry pastures and other open areas. It weathers drought well. Folklore says the last frost of the year has passed once Mesquite trees grow new leaves in spring.
(5) Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
A Cedar Elm tree at Southeast Branch Library.
Close view of a cedar elm twig showing corky "wings"
newly emerging cedar elm leaves in spring
Front and back of cedar elm leaves with samaras clustered on twigs
Cedar elm in winter with no leaves showing multiple clusters of mistletoe
Cedar elm bark
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.
(6) Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
A Yaupon Holly at Southeast Branch Library.
Yaupon holly branch in spring with green leaves and tiny, white flowers
yaupon holly branch showing two red berries and a bee pollinating a flower
A cardinal nest in a yaupon holly tree about 6 feet above the ground
Yaupon Holly grows small, oval-shaped leaves with scalloped edges that remain on the tree year-round. Tiny, white flowers attract bees and other pollinators in Spring. Red berries develop in late summer and fall, providing food for birds and small mammals. Yaupon creates a mid-story layer where many birds like to build nests.
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 plant native to Texas that makes caffeine.
(7) Anacacho Orchid Tree
Bauhinia lunarioides
An Anacacho Orchid tree at Southeast Branch Library.
a bushy anacacho orchid tree spills over the curb of a pathway in a garden
anacacho orchid tree twig, showing the distinctive two-lobed form of the leaves
white anacacho orchid tree flowers with a honey bee
anacacho orchid tree fully covered in white flowers, showing the airy, bushy form
developing seed pods on an anacacho orchid tree
Anacacho Orchid Tree has unusual leaves with two lobes. Showy, white flowers attract bees and other pollinators. Seed pods form in summer into fall, peeling open when mature to release the seeds.
Anacacho Orchid Tree makes a nice understory tree, with its silvery gray bark and fragrant white flowers that resemble orchids. It tends to be rangy and bush-like. It is a relatively rapid-growing tree after its first year, when placed in a favorable location. It should be planted on the south side of buildings in areas with harsh winters. The nectar attracts butterflies and bees.
(8) Texas Redbud
Cercis canadensis var. texensis
A Texas Redbud tree at Southeast Branch Library.
A thick cluster of bright, pink flowers on a redbud tree
a texas redbud branch showing the smooth bark and a twig with newly developing seed pods and bright, pink flowers
fingers support a redbud twig, showing the tiny, new leaves that are tinged with red
A hand supports developing redbud leaves, demonstrating their heart shape and red color in the newest leaves
Rows of developing seed pods dangle below leafy branches of a redbud tree
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.
(9) Mexican Plum
Prunus mexicana
Two Mexican Plum trees next to Southeast Branch Library.
Mexican plum leaves in fall with red color
mexican plum stem with flaking bark
bright, white flowers on a mexican plum tree
Mexican plum branch with 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.
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. This is a good tree for planting in small spaces or under utility wires.
(10) Possumhaw
Ilex decidua
A Possumhaw Holly next to Southeast Branch Labrary.
dull, green possumhaw leaves with rounded tips and narrow bases. Tiny flower buds grow where they meet the twig.
Mature possumhaw holy leaves are dull green, soft and slightly droopy
THe tip of a possumhaw twig in spring, showing developing green leaves and small, white flowers
close view of ripe, red berries on a possumhaw branch
a possumhaw with no leaves in winter, showing prolific, red berries that sustain wildlife
Possumhaw grows small, white flowers in spring. Leaves are thin, soft, and rounded with narrow bases. They drop off in fall and winter. Berries form in fall and remain through winter, serving as food for wildlife.
Possumhaw Holly is a small tree or large bush that can be planted underneath utility wires. A close cousin to Yaupon Holly, Possumhaw has similar leaves and red berries. The leaves of Possumhaw are larger and softer, tapering at the base. This tree will drop its leaves in fall, while Yaupon will not. Most plants are either male or female. A female plant with a pollinator nearby will be covered with red-orange drupes (berries) through winter. Birds and other wildlife are attracted to the fruit.
(11) Ashe Juniper
Juniperus asheii
An Ashe Juniper tree next to the parking lot at Southeast Branch Library,
ashe juniper bark peeling away in thin, papery strips
close view of blue juniper berries, which are technically the seed cones
tan, pollen-producing cones at the tips of a juniper branch
a bushy, small juniper tree with multiple stems
Ashe Juniper is a native conifer that grows in thin limestone soils west of Austin. It often forms multiple trunks and resembles a bush more than a tree. The small, blue "berries" are the seed-producing cones. They can be used as a culinary spice. Pollen producing male flowers form at the tips of branches and release clouds of allergy-producing pollen in winter. Ashe Juniper often looks bushy, with multiple stems.
Ashe juniper is the bane of allergy sufferers everywhere, but it’s a Hill Country native hero. This tough, scrubby, evergreen tree grows throughout the Austin area, but especially west of MoPac. It tends to form multiple stems, which helps distinguish it from its close cousin, the single-stemmed Eastern Red Cedar. Endangered Golden-Cheeked Warblers rely on its peeling strips of bark to make nests and raise their young. The dead foliage that accumulates underneath their branches builds soil where other plants’ seeds land and germinate. The berry-like cones provide food for lots of native wildlife.
(12) Bur Oak
Quercus macrocarpa
A Bur Oak tree at Southeast Branch Library.
Close view of a bur oak trunk showing narrow, deep ribs of gray bark
Large, green bur oak leaves with deep lobes
a bur oak twig showing thin fins of bark along the length
two bur oak leaves against a white background with a ruler showing the larger leaf to be over 8 inches long
a pair of acorns attach to a bur oak twig at the base of tan cups with a frilled edge. Small, green domes of acorns emerge from the cups and have tiny points at the tips
Bur oaks are big. Big acorns, big leaves, big trunk and branches. If you have the space, they could provide decades of shade and wildlife habitat to your landscape. Bur oaks are in the White Oak group, meaning they are resistant to Oak Wilt disease.
Bur Oak is our largest oak at maturity. It needs deep soil, but can tolerate a range of soil types and is well adapted to Austin. It is in the White Oak group, so it resists oak wilt disease. The leaves can be close to a foot long, with deep lobes and rounded tips. The acorns can be as large as golf balls. The bark forms deep fissures that create long, straight ridges, especially on twigs and small branches.
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.
