Berberis, Berberidaceae
Agarita (Berberis trifoliolata) and Texas barberry (Berberis swaseyi) provide spring color,
fragrence and delicious fruit.
For a detailed morphological and phenological study, with focus on hybridization of B. trifoliolata and B. swaseyi at Purola.
Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae
Baldcypress (Taxodium distichum)
Relatively fast growing, with only minimal deer damage —
if you have plenty of water. Otherwise they won't necessarily
die, but don't expect growth.
Ashe
Juniper (Juniperus ashei)
Lindheimer's Silktassel (Garrya ovata ssp. lindheimeri)
An attractive evergreen with interesting flowers, even if doesn't
have a silk tassel.
Mimosas:
Our two native mimosas are sometimes difficult to distinguish.
I am grateful to Billie L Turner and Tom Wendt of the University of Texas Plant
Resources Center for assistance in determining the status of our mimosas. (Any errors are mine.)
Palmettos (Sabal species) [Introduced]
Dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor), a hill country native is best left alone.
Ash (Fraxinus texensis & F. pensylvanica)
At Purola Texas Ash is found primarily along streams, washes and
seasonally wet areas. Until it is established, it is heavily browsed by
deer, which often forces a bush-like form on younger plants. This
branchy form seems to protect all but the centermost stems, which then
develop into the main trunk.
Texas Madrone (Arbutus xalapensis)
Under no circumstances should an attempt be made to transplant even the
tiniest madrone from the wild. Success rates for nursery plants is not
known, but there is good reason to be skeptical that even
container-grown plants will take - although death of the plant may take
several years.
Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)
Slow growing but totally deer resistant. Subject to freezing in the valley.
Rusty Blackhaw (Viburnum rufidulum)
An abundant volunteer that needs protection from deer.
