Texas Tree Trials Database

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.

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  • 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.

Photo of Prosopis glandulosa.

Honey Mesquite | Prosopis glandulosa

Prosopis glandulosa, honey mesquite, is a small deciduous tree with yellow flowers, thorns, and prominent edible brown legumes. The tree is found in desert habitats and has sweet flowers that attract pollinators.

Photo of Pinus ponderosa var. scopulorum.

Photo of Quercus laceyi.

Lacey Oak | Quercus laceyi

Quercus laceyi, Lacey oak, is a medium to large, multi-stemmed deciduous tree with graceful foliage with spreading branches. It has low water needs and is highly drought tolerant. It has blue- or grey-tinted foliage that turns peach colored in spring and fall.

Lindeimer's Hackberry | Celtis lindheimeri

Celtis lindheimeri, Lindeimer's hackberry, is a medium to large deciduous tree with a spreading crown. It has a low to medium water usage, high heat tolerance and is very fast growing.

Little Leaf Ash | Fraxinus greggii

Fraxinus greggii, little leaf ash, is a small semi evergreen tree with attractive fine-textured foliage and inconspicuous flowers. It is fast growing with low water requirements.

Photo of Juglans microcarpa.

Little Walnut | Juglans microcarpa

Juglans microcarpa, little walnut, is a small round-crowned tree with edible nuts. It is found in dry, hot regions in both part shade and sun. The nuts are the smallest of any walnut species and mostly provide food for wildlife in the area.

Photo of Quercus oblongifolia.

Mexican Blue Oak | Quercus oblongifolia

Quercus oblongifolia, Mexican blue oak, is a small evergreen tree with a unique blue foliage color. It thrives in harsh environments with full sun and dry soil. Additionally, it is resistant to fires as well as various pests and diseases like aphids or sudden oak death.

Photo of Ungnadia speciosa.

Mexican Buckeye | Ungnadia speciosa

Ungnadia speciosa, Mexican buckeye, is a small, multi-stemmed tree with dense branching that does well in dry soil with partial to full sun. Fragrant purple and pink flowers bloom in spring, fruit is ornamental in the summer and foliage becomes light yellow in fall.

Photo of Pinus cembroides.

Mexican Pinyon | Pinus cembroides

Pinus cembroides, Mexican pinyon is a small conifer adapted to low water and high heat. Mexican pinyon has attractive blue-green needles, a compact form and edible seeds.

Photo of Pistacia mexicana.

Mexican Pistachio | Pistacia mexicana

Pistacia mexicana, Mexican pistachio, is a small tree with fine evergreen foliage, attractive red berries and a multi-trunked form. It is drought, heat, and salt tolerant and can grow quickly.