This week I continue with my suggested list of smaller trees for local landscapes.  First let me say that although most of these trees are natives, they will still need intermittent irrigation for the first year or so after they are planted.  Planting in fall is best so they can “get their feet in the ground” over winter, and begin their first summer with some substantial roots.  And in drought such as that we’ve been experiencing, they are going to need occasional irrigation to look their best, and perhaps even to survive.  Most years, once well established, they should do well here with little if any supplemental irrigation.

American Smoke Tree  (Cotinus obovatus)  Round-headed tree 20-30 ft high and wide.  Fine textured greenish yellow blooms appear smoke-like in late spring.  One of the best trees for fall color in the Deep South

Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia congesta/luminoides) An open lacy tree, most often multi-stemmed, with fragrant white flowers in late spring.  Grows to 15 feet and as wide.  It is a member of the pea/legume family, and sets seed in long green pods.

Crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) This tree is non-native and the name gives a hint to its origins in India.  Height varies from 12-25 feet tall, with about 15 feet in width the norm.  Flowers are borne over a very long period in summer, and many varieties have beautiful mottled bark.

Crabapple (Malus ioensis var. texana and other non-native species)  This listed species is a small twiggy tree to 12 feet that produces white flowers in April and sour fruit in the fall.  Native to Hill Country, it is tolerant of alkaline soils.  Other crabapple varieties will flower and fruit in Central Texas, but need to be selected carefully because of our low winter chill hours.  ‘Brandywine’ deep pink flower/green fruit,

‘Radiant’ red-purple flower/red fruit, ‘Floribunda’ pink buds and white flowers/yellow-red fruit, are some of the best for our area.  These non-natives will need some supplemental water even in normal rainfall years.

Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis) Not really a willow, this multi-stemmed tree has similar foliage and orchid-like flowers in pinkish white, medium pink, and even burgundy color.  It blooms heavily in spring and continues with scattered flowers in summer and fall.  Requires good drainage and full sun; provides open shade for plants beneath it.