This week’s column will focus on the last 6 (of 14) featured small deciduous trees for Central Texas gardens.  Right now is one of the best times to plant such trees, since we have some moisture back in our soils, and the promise of 2 more “fronts” that may bring us additional rain in the next week or so.    In my article #103 (to see all my previous Smithville Times columns go to www.thefragrantgarden.com/publications ) I discussed considerations for placement of trees, and next week I’ll talk about the actual process of planting them.

Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) This is one of my favorite flowering trees for the area.  It grows 15-20’ tall and as wide, and bears fragrant white flowers in spring.  Small plums develop over summer, and are favorite food for birds and other animals.  It needs good drainage and fairly deep soils.  Plant in half sun for best results; the foliage may curl if the tree is placed in hot afternoon sun.

Possumhaw Holly (Ilex decidua)  A “cousin” of the widespread Yaupon Holly, this Texas native tree grows fairly rapidly to 12-20’ high and 12-15’ wide.  Small white spring flowers give way to green berries that mature to a bright red and hang on the tree into winter (if the birds don’t eat them).  Fruits best in full sun but will tolerate part shade.

Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. ‘Texensis’ and var. ‘Mexicana’)  are quite similar in size, growing from 12-15’ height and as wide.  They vary in leaf form, with the Mexican variety having a smaller, shinier, and wavier leaf margin than the Texas variety.  It blooms in very early spring, with most having magenta to red flowers, but the ‘Texas White’ varying in color.   They are also noted for their ability to color up in the fall.

Rusty Blackhaw Viburnum (Viburnum rufidulum) Another Texas native, this tree is found in deeper and well-drained soils, and may require a little more irrigation than others mentioned here.  The tree grows to 15-20’ tall and nearly as wide, and should be planted in part-sun for best effect.  White flowers are borne in spring, and the tree is also notable for its beautiful yellow, orange, and red fall color.

Texas Persimmon  (Diospyros texana) This tree is a very tough item, growing in poor and rocky soils and with very little water required.  The beautiful smooth grey bark is exposed as the tree grows slowly into its 12-20’ height, with a slightly narrower spread.  Female trees bear a small fruit which can be messy if planted over patios or walkways.  It grows in part shade to full sun.

Western Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) Growing rather quickly to 30’ x 30’, this native has white flowers in spring and translucent yellow berries in the fall.  It makes a good shade tree for smaller areas, but beware of the fruit near patios/walkways.  Birds love the fruit and the tree turns a beautiful yellow in autumn.  It looks much like a Chinaberry trees (non-native and invasive), with compound leaves and yellow fruit, but the Soapberry has smooth edged leaves rather than “toothed” ones.