Welcome to the Think Trees Tour at Howson 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 virginiana, Q. fusiformis
A Live Oak tree in front of Howson Library.
Long, narrow acorns of Escarpment live oak with tapered cups and pointed tips
Mealy oak gall (Disholcaspis cinerosa) on live oak twig
A mature, brown acorn on a Coastal Live Oak branch, showing the blunt tip and shallow cup
Live oak leaves with pollen-producing flowers called catkins
close view of dark, chunky live oak bark
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.
At the front sidewalk, we have a large Live Oak. It is planted a little close to the power lines, but with careful maintenance by Austin Energy, it can still be a strong, healthy tree for years to come.
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. This one is likely Southern Live Oak since it was planted from a nursery. Live Oak acorns are sometimes long and narrow, sometimes 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.
Famous Austin Live Oaks include the Treaty Oak and The Auction Oaks downtown. 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) Anacacho Orchid Tree
Bauhinia lunarioides
An Anacacho Orchid tree in front of Howson 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
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.
(3) Golden-Ball Leadtree
Leucana retusa
A Goldenball Leadtree in front of Howson Library.
a single, compound leaf from a Golden-Ball Leadtree showing bipinnate form with oval-shaped leaflets.
a branch from a goldenball leadtree with green leaves and yellow puffs of flowers
several long, flat, beanlike pods hang from a leafy green branch of a goldenball leadtree
close view of two marue flowers on a goldenball leadtree. They resemble bright, yellow pompoms three centimeters in diameter.
a mature seed pd from a goldenball leadtree on pavement. The pod has split into two pieces lengthwise about 30 centimeters long. one piece is showing the darker brown outside and the other shows the light biege inside. the two strips are lines with shallow pockets where teh seeds developed. Over a dozen small, brown, disc-shaped seeds are scattered between the pod pieces.
shaggy, reddish gray flakes of bark peeling from a goldenball leadtree stem,
Goldenball Leadtree has bipinnate, compound leaves with rounded leaflets. It grows puffy, yellow flowers in spring and summer. Green seed pods resemble beans as they develop and eventually turn brown.
Littleleaf Leadtree, also known as Goldenball Leadtree, is a small, ornamental tree or large shrub. It is typically 12-15 feet tall, sometimes reaching up to 25 feet. It has compound leaves with round to oval leaflets. After rains during spring and summer, Leadtree will produce sweet-smelling, globe-shaped, bright, yellow flowers about an inch wide. Seed pods resemble long, flat beans.
(4) Crape Myrtle
Lagerstroemia indica
A Crape Myrtle tree next to the building at Howson 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.
(5) Texas Mountain Laurel
Dermatophyllum secundiflorum
A Texas Mountain Laurel tree next to Howson Library.
Fingers hold a single, compound leaf from a texas mountain laurel, showing the pinnate form with rounded leaflets
Two thick, purple drupes of flowers on a texas mountain laurel branch
Texas Mountain Laurel branches in late spring, showing small, green, developing seed pods
Mature, tan seed pods of a texas mountain laurel dangle from a branch
A texas mountain laurel trunk showing the thin, narrow strips of bark spotted with gray lichen
a hard, red seed resembling a dried bean from a texas mountain laurel tree
Texas Mountain Laurel grows compound leaves with oval-shaped leaflets. Thick clusters of purple flowers form in spring, followed by bean-like seed pods. The pods become fat and hard by fall. The seeds inside have a hard shell that is bright red.
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.
(6) Shumard Oak
Quercus shumardii
A Shumard Oak tree at the side of Howson Library.
Two deeply lobed leaves with pointed tips from a shumard oak tree with a ruler in the background showing their total length is near 7 inches
Shumard oak twig with developing acorns. The cups have just begun to open at the end revealing a pointy green dot of acorn
A shumard oak branch with green leaves and acorns that are almost mature. The cups are small, thin and brown with the green acorns bulging out
Red-orange leaves on a shumard oak in autumn
light gray bark on a shumard oak with shallow fissures between plates
Shumard Oak is a large shade tree with deeply lobed leaves. It is in the Red Oak group, so the tips of the leaves have tiny points or bristles. Pollen-producing catkins grow in early spring. Acorns are large and bulge out from flat, thin cups.
Shumard Oak is one of our largest trees at maturity. It has deeply lobed leaves with pointed tips that often turn red or orange in autumn. Shumard Oak and its Red Oak cousins (like Spanish Oak, Buckley’s Oak, and Blackjack Oak) are most susceptible to oak wilt disease.
Red oaks are the only trees that can form the fungal mats that can cause new disease outbreaks. Shumard Oaks can still be a good choice in Austin, but must be monitored carefully and removed promptly if infected by the Oak Wilt fungus(Bretziella fagacearum).
(7) Cedar Elm
Ulmus crassifolia
A Cedar Elm tree behind Howson Library.
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
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.
(8) Yaupon Holly
Ilex vomitoria
A Yaupon Holly next to the parking lot behind Howson Library.
Yaupon holly branches in early spring, with dark, green, mature leaves and tiny, new, glossy leaves tinged with red at the edges
Yaupon holly branch in spring with green leaves and tiny, white flowers
yaupon holly branches showing green, oval-shaped leaves with lightly scalloped edges and tiny, green berries developing along the twigs
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.
(9) American Sycamore
Platanus occidentalis
A Sycamore tree behind Howson Library.
american sycamore branch with large, pointed leaves in palmate form
A round, yellow seed pod dangles from an american sycamore twig
An American Sycamore tree in winter with no leaves
close view of american sycamore bark. it is smooth and light gray, with thin, flat flakes peeling away in a few places
American Sycamore has large, pointed leaves with palmate lobes. It forms seeds in round, yellow balls that dry out and burst into fluff that floats on the wind. Bark is smooth and gray, peeling away in thin, papery flakes. Mature trees form thicker chunks of bark.
American Sycamore is native to our area. It can be found growing naturally near creeks and lakes. Bark flakes away naturally to reveal a smooth, gray trunk underneath. Seeds form in small balls that explode into fluff when mature. It grows up to 100 feet tall, so only plant it if there is plenty of space to grow and no nearby electric wires. Severe droughts are very hard on these trees, so we recommend planting Mexican Sycamore (Platanus mexicana) instead.
(10) Pecan
Carya illinoensis
A Pecan tree behind Howson Library.
pecan branch with developing nuts inside green husks
pecan branch in spring with droopy, compound leaves and pollen-producing catkins
pecan branch in winter with no leaves showing empty brown husks
a ripe pecan partially exposed inside its husk on the ground
pecan bark is light gray and breaks away in large, thick plates or chunks
Pecan trees have compound leaves with scythe-shaped leaflets that droop down. Nuts form inside woody husks that often remain on the tree during winter. Pollen-making catkins form in the spring as new leaves emerge. Bark crumbles away in thick, flat chunks.
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.
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.
