Texas Tree Trials Database

The Texas Tree Trials Database is a collection of information about 45 tree species of interest because of their novelty and potential for the Sacramento Valley region as it adapts to a changing climate. The database is meant to serve as a resource for horticulturists, arborists, researchers and all tree lovers. In it you will find preliminary research results from the Texas Tree Trials, and horticultural information on each taxon. You will also find the average performance rating from a pre-trial survey of experts.

Please note that these trees are not yet widely available for purchase in our region. However, as they are tested for their various attributes and shortcomings, we aim to increase availability of the most promising species.

Use the search block on the right to learn more about specific species. For questions about this research please contact Abbey Hart, nursery special projects manager via email: aghart@ucdavis.edu.

Learn More
While identifying target species, we surveyed experienced horticulturists in Texas and California on their professional assessment of each species. The trees that do not have an average rating were either additionally, serendipitously collected in our travels, or have not been widely planted enough for experts to assess their performance. Rigorous propagation trials were outside the scope of this project, but we have included a summary of the various propagation treatments we used and their results. In the future, as we collect data on the performance of each species in our field trials, we will add assessments of drought and heat tolerance, growth rate and other metrics of climate readiness and horticultural performance.

Students in the Learning by Leading™ Urban Tree Stewardship team researched and wrote about the horticultural promise as well as potential issues for each species. Special thanks to the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center for sharing their knowledge and the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute SelecTree for sharing their knowledge and photos.

Mexican Plum | Prunus mexicana

Prunus mexicana, Mexican plum, is a small, rounded deciduous tree. It has red and orange fall foliage, and produces white flowers and edible red plums. It is cold and drought tolerant.

Mohr Oak | Quercus mohriana

Quercus mohriana, Mohr oak is a small semi-evergreen tree or large shrub. It does well in full sun to part shade and has low water requirements. Mohr oak has dark blue-gray leaves that are shiny and have gray hairs on the underside.

Papershell Pinyon | Pinus remota

Pinus remota, papershell pinyon, is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree with a pyramidal form. It has blue-green needles and edible nuts. It is the most drought-resistant and heat-resistant species of pinyon.

Pecan | Carya illinoinensis

Carya illinoinensis, pecan, is a large deciduous tree recognized by its yellow-green foliage and large delicious nut. Its natural habitat is located in deep bottomland soils and calls for sun and moderate water. It is also drought tolerant and has a multitrunked, spreading form.

Post Oak | Quercus stellata

Quercus stellata, post oak, is a medium-sized deciduous tree. It is found in dry sandy soils and has a slow growth rate.

Southwestern Black Cherry | Prunus serotina var. virens

Prunus serotina var. virens, Southwestern black cherry, is a small multi-trunked tree or large shrub. It has an attractive fall color, fragrant white flowers bloom in spring, and produces fruit with a red to black color.

Texas Madrone | Arbutus xalapensis

Arbutus xalapensis, Texas madrone, is a small multi-stemmed evergreen tree. It has ornamental flowers and fruit and striking exfoliating bark. This tree prefers full sun to part-shade and has a low to medium water requirement.

Texas Mountain Laurel | Dermatophyllum secundiflorum

Dermatophyllum secundiflorum (syn. Sophora secundiflora), Texas mountain laurel, is a small, often multi-stemmed evergreen tree, large shrub. It bears dramatice clusters of pungent lavender flowers and fruit pods with poisonous seeds. The tree has a high heat tolerance and is quite slow growing.

Texas Mulberry | Morus microphylla

Morus microphylla, Texas mulberry, is a small, multi-stemmed deciduous tree. It grows in dry, well drained soils, and produces edible red fruits.

Texas Persimmon | Diospyros texana

Diospyros texana, Texas persimmon, is a small vase-shaped, multi-stemmed tree with fragrant white flowers. Female plants bear edible fruits that attract wildlife. Its has ornamental peeling white or grey bark and is drought tolerant. Glossy, dark green rounded leaves are typically evergreen but can be deciduous in coler climates.