If you’ve ever traveled up North you may have noticed a significant difference in the style of trees you typically find there compared to down here in the lone star state.
Conifers are very popular in colder and higher elevations due to their resiliency to those extreme conditions.
However, not all conifer species have adapted to live in the cold, some can be found in more temperate regions.
Yes, even in Texas!
So, for this holiday season I compiled a list of our top 5 Texas conifers.
1. Bald Cypress
Bald cypress is one of the few Deciduous coniferous trees out there. Meaning, in the fall the bald cypress’ leaves
turn a cinnamon-red color before falling of the tree. Bald cypress , being a large tree, can grow over 100 feet tall and have a spread of 20-30 feet. They are traditionally found in riparian habitats that receive a lot of flooding. Once fully grown the bald cypress displays a wide pyramidal shape.
2. Japanese Black Pine
For a smaller darker option consider using Japanese black pine. Growing upwards of 30 feet, with a spread half that size, this tree has an irregular crown structure that responds well to pruning. Beautiful as an ornamental tree, the Japanese Black pine does well in well drained soil that is slightly acidic. It can even be turned into a bonsai!
3. Italian Stone Pine
If you don’t like the traditional conical shaped conifer, the Italian stone pine might be the right choice for you. These trees have small trunks and develop without a central leader creating an open spreading tree crown. The needles are light green and the size is moderate reaching 50 feet tall and wide. Plus, you get fresh pine nuts for free!
4. Eastern Red Cedar
The eastern redcedar is a good solid choice for screening, wind barriers, or hedging. Dark green, with a conical shape, they are what pop in your head when you first hear the word conifer. They can get 50 feet tall and 12-15 feet wide with dense clumping foliage, and their berries produce food for birds and wildlife. They are just about as
Christmasy as the conifers down south can get.
5. Arizona Cypress
Like the name suggests, you can find Arizona cypress growing in the wild in the lower southwest. Arizona cypress adds a beautiful pop of color all year round with it’s steely-blue leaves. This species requires very little water and is quick growing, allowing you to fill in any gaps in your backyard with ease. Only growing 8-12 feet across it’s a great option for hedging and mass planting. However, be aware that if you aren’t planning on pruning it can reach a height of 20-30 feet.
Want one for yourself?
Talk to your Native Edge Designer about including one of these trees in your landscape. If you want to do it yourself, hop over to our retail garden center Garden Seventeen and pick one up today!
