Texas Trees

Ashe Juniper

(Juniperus ashei)

The ashe juniper is commonly found in the Texas region of North America. However, in addition to the South Central Texas region, ashe junipers can also be found in Southern California. It is a conifer having leaves that are small green prickles. In addition the ashe juniper bears a seed that is small, round, and blue. Many animals eat the berries. It can reach a height of 25 feet and can grow to a thickness of nearly 200 inches. It has a life expectancy of 150 years. This juniper thrives in soil that is rocky. It prefers a climate that is hot. The ashe juniper smells good, and its fragrance is a special resource. The wood was commonly used for making fence posts, and the Indians used the bark for making baskets. Of course, as is the case with most trees, the ashe juniper can fall victim to termites.

Research done by Charles, Jennifer, and Daniel

Live Oak

(Quercus virginiana )

The live oak tree is commonly found in the dry parts of Texas. However,the live oak can also be found in the southern parts of the United States. It is an evergreen having leaves that are a thick glossy dark green that get lighter as they get closer to the branch. The leaves are 1 to 3 inches in length. In addition the live oak bares acorns. The live oak can reach a height of 60 feet. One such tree in Texas is known to have a circumference of 422 inches. It has a life expectancy of over 100 years. Some have lived well over 300 years. The live oak thrives in soils of all types. It prefers a climate that is rainy, full sun, and likes to be planted with lots of room between each other. The live oak has strong bark, is an evergreen, and is tall and big. It is also a special resource since it provides good fire wood, and wood for ships. Certain things can endanger the live oak, such as aphids, galls, and oak wilt fungus. In addition, ball moss and mistletoe can severely damage the trees.

Research done by Lissa, Amy, and Reid

Bur Oak

(Quercus macrocarpa)

The bur oak tree is commonly found in the Northern and East Central Texas region. However, in addition to Texas, they are found in the eastern regions of North America, as well as southeastern Canada and parts of Central Plains region. It is a deciduous tree having leaves that are 10 inches long and 4.75 inches across. They are cut into round-ended lobes, with a distinct broad sinus at the base. The leaves are a rich glossy green on the top and hairy beneath it. In addition the bur oak bares an acorn that is two inches long, one half or more enclosed in the cup. The acorns are the largest ones in North America. The bur oak can reach a height of 130 feet and can grow to a thickness of nearly 2 to 3 feet. The largest bur oak in Texas is 75 feet tall, 252 inches in circumference, and has a spread of 106 feet. Bur oaks thrive in soil that is of a limestone base. It is hardy in a large range of climates and is even drought resistant. Fortunately, the bur oak has very few disease and insect problems.

Research done by Celeste, Alex, and Ben

Mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa

The mesquite is commonly found in all areas of Texas and the Southwestern United States. In addition to the Texas region, mesquite can also be found in Mexico, Western Indies and the Hawaiian Islands. It is a deciduous tree. It bares a honey-like sap (only in the honey mesquite) that is very sticky. The mesquite can reach a height of 20 to 60 feet and can grow to a thickness of nearly 3 feet. It has a life expectancy of 100 years. The mesquite thrives in soil that is very dry. It prefers a climate that is very hot and dry. The mesquite has very sharp thorns that can be a problem for ranchers. The thorns can hurt the livestock allowing parasites to infest the livestock and perhaps killing it. It is hard for people to get rid of mesquite because the seeds can remain dormant for a very long time. Also, mesquite roots absorbs much of the water underground making the other plants around it die. The leaves are pokey and split into two. Their maximum length is 2 inches. It is also a special resource since it provides honey. Its wood is good for flavoring meats. The mesquite can be destroyed by ants.

Research done by Jacqueline, Brandon, Joseph, and Jon

Prairie Flameleaf Sumac

Rhus Ianceolata

The Prairie Flameleaf Sumac is commonly found throughout Central Texas. It can also grow in West Texas mountain regions and in the panhandle regions. It is a deciduous tree having leaves that are 2-5 inches in length and are smooth-surfaced. The leaves turn a scarlet red in the Fall. In addition the Prairie Flameleaf Sumac bears a cluster of small red berries. The Prairie Flameleaf Sumac generally grows to a height of 20 feet with a thickness of nearly 2-5 inches. The largest known Prairie Flameleaf Sumac in Texas is 29 feet tall with a circumference of 45 inches and has a crown of 23 feet. It thrive in soil that is limestone or neutral clay, sand, and sandy loam soils. It prefers a climate that is warm . The Prairie Flameleaf Sumac doesn't really have any specific habitat. It grows where the ground has been disturbed.

Research done by Emily, Makena, and Cody

Pecan tree

(Carya Illinoesis)

The pecan tree is commonly found in the Texas region of North America. However, pecans can also be found from Ohio southward. It is a deciduous tree having leaf compounds that are 12 to 20 inches long. Each compound has 9 to 17 leaflets measuring from 3 to 8 inches long. In addition the pecan bares a nut called the pecan that has a brownish-black coat with an edible inside. The pecan can reach a height of over 100 feet tall and can grow to a thickness of nearly four feet in diameter. It has a life expectancy of over 300 years. Pecans thrive in soil that is damp and wet. It prefers a climate that is misty and watery. The pecan is the fastest growing of the Hickories. The pecans fruit has been a favorite on Native Americans for many years. It is also a special resource since it provides air, shade, a nut, and wood. The pecan can fall victim to webworms, twig girdlers, scale, phylloxera, rosette, pecan scab, pecan nut casebarer, hickory shuckworm, aphids, mites, foliage feeding insects, and squirrels.

Research done by Read, Will, and Lauren