what kind of cedar trees grow in texas

The 5 Types of Cedar Trees in Texas

• 1. Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
• 2. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
• 3. Drooping Cedar (Juniperus flaccid)
• 4. Oakbark Cedar (Juniperus deppeana)
• 5. Rock Cedar (Juniperus ashei)

Full Answer

How many species of cedar trees are there in Texas?

How big does a cedar tree grow?

What is the name of the tree with the berry-shaped leaves?

Where does a drooping cedar tree grow?

Where does oakbark cedar grow?

What is the name of the tree that is invasive to the ground?

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What kind of cedar is in Texas Hill Country?

Ashe juniperThe proper name for mountain cedar is Ashe juniper. This tree is an evergreen, cone-bearing tree or shrub typically measuring 30 feet tall. Typically found throughout the Hill Country, these trees often form cedar breaks, which choke out other trees from the area in an almost impenetrable forest of cedar.

Are there true cedars in Texas?

If you are a Texan, you're likely to be familiar with at least one cedar tree species. What we call “cedars” here in Texas are actually members of the juniper genus (Juniperus spp.).

Why do Texans call juniper cedar?

McGreevy said early Texas pioneers first called ashe juniper trees “cedar” because of its similarities to Eastern red cedar, but neither tree is truly a cedar tree. “When the Europeans first came here (to the New World) and they encountered our Eastern red cedar, they called it cedar because of its aroma.”

Where does cedar grow in Texas?

The mountain red cedar, Juniperus scopulorum, is also referred to as Rocky Mountain juniper. It grows naturally in some of the lower altitudes of the Texas panhandle and in the higher mountain regions of western Texas. The mountain red cedar can grow as high as 50 feet and as wide as 30 feet.

What cedar is native to Texas?

The eastern red cedar is a native throughout the northern and eastern parts of Texas. It is a very dense columnar ornamental that provides excellent wildlife habitat and that can also act as a windbreak.

What does a cedar tree in Texas look like?

The oakbark cedar has dark blue-green leaves that are shaped and pointed like needles. The tree produces berry-shaped cones. The cedar can grow in just about any soil type, can tolerate high temperatures, and can grow well with very little water.

What is the difference between a cedar tree and a juniper tree?

Eastern Red Cedar is very closely related to the Common Juniper, in fact they are in the same genus. The key obvious difference is that Juniper seldom grows as a tree, whereas Red Cedar nearly always does.

What trees stay green all year in Texas?

The term “evergreen” means that trees will keep growing leaves as other leaves fall off....Top 5 Evergreen Trees in TexasLive Oak. ... Magnolia. ... Eastern Red Cedar. ... Elderica Pine. ... Carolina Sapphire.

Are cedar trees good for anything?

It is able to withstand adverse growing conditions that many other tree species cannot tolerate. The rot-resistant heartwood makes it a very valuable timber tree. It is an important source of food and shelter for a wide variety of wildlife species.

Is cedar invasive to Texas?

Traditionally, cedar is considered an invasive species in Texas, introduced from Mexico by settlers in the early 1900s.

What is Texas cedar good for?

Purpose:Relief from Sneezing, Runny Nose, Itchy Eyes and Sinus Congestion. Use:This product is a Homeopathic Dilution formulated to support the body's immunity for the temporary relief of allergies.

What is cedar fever in Texas?

‌Cedar fever, also referred to as allergic rhinitis, isn't exactly what it sounds like. It's not flu, and it's not a virus — it's an extreme allergy. Cedar fever is common in areas with a lot of mountain cedar or juniper trees. These trees release a large amount of allergy-causing pollen, and it overwhelms the body.

Is Western Red Cedar a true cedar?

Its common name is western redcedar (western red cedar in the UK), and it is also called Pacific redcedar, giant arborvitae, western arborvitae, just cedar, giant cedar, or shinglewood. It is not a true cedar of the genus Cedrus.

Why is there so much cedar in Texas?

As cattle ranching took over in the 20th century, the land was overgrazed and the soil degraded, creating a fertile context for “pioneering cedar thickets,” the ubiquitous bushy, young Mountain Cedars that we see today.

Are cedars native to Central Texas?

The answer is yes, the cedar trees do belong here. In an article by reportingtexas.com, Ecologist Elizabeth McGreevy said, "They've been here since the last Ice Age. They're native, much more than we are."

Are cedar trees native to Texas Hill Country?

Cedar a Friend and Foe of the Hill Country The cedar tree is actually native to the Texas Hill Country.

What tree family is Cedar in Texas?

Because of this, a wide range of cedar trees are native to Texas. Cedar trees are members of the pine family with needle-like leaves and seeds that grow in cones.

What is the climate of cedar trees in Texas?

Native Cedar Trees of Texas. Texas is a state with a wide range of climates, from the humid subtropical climate of the east to the arid desert climate of the west. The USDA divides Texas into 4 growing regions ranging from zone 6 through zone 9. Because of this, a wide range of cedar trees are native to Texas.

Why do golden cheeked warblers prefer to nest in older stands of trees?

Because of this, golden-cheeked warblers prefer to nest in older stands of trees so that they can use the peeled bark as nesting material. The tree is frequently used for fence posts. For this reason, the tree is sometimes known as post cedar.

What is red cedar?

The wood has an attractive red and yellow tone. Because of this, red cedar is a popular wood for chests, closets and dressers. Texas is a state with a wide range of climates, from the humid subtropical climate of the east to the arid desert climate of the west. The tree grows well in full sun and all soil types from clay to sand.

Is Mountain Red Cedar drought tolerant?

The fruit is larger than the fruit of eastern red cedar and takes two years to mature. The tree grows high in the west Texas mountains and along the panhandle. The tree requires soil with good drainage, but is extremely drought tolerant .

Do red cedar trees grow well in shady areas?

Red cedars do not grow well in shady locations. The trees may be male or female. Male trees produce pollen that often triggers allergic reactions. Female trees produce dark blue berries from fall to winter. Red cedar wood produces a good fragrance that is known for repelling moths.

What are the two types of cedar trees in Texas?

Cedars are very aggressive and damaging woody plants on Texas rangelands. There are two major cedar species west of Interstate Highway 35, redberry cedar and blueberry cedar. It is important to know which species you have because the treatments vary.

Is it a one time job to control cedar?

Controlling cedar is not a one-time job. Livestock and wildlife spread the seeds easily, so you’ll need to check your land occasionally and treat unwanted seedlings. It is very important to control cedar as seedlings and saplings. Controlling mature cedars requires heavy equipment and is usually very expensive.

Is redberry cedar common in Texas?

In addition, redberry cedar has small specks of white wax on its leaves and twigs. Blueberry ce dar is more common in central and south-central Texas, while redberry cedar is more common in west, west-central and north-central Texas, although it is not uncommon for the two species to occur together. Controlling cedar is not a one-time job.

Why are trees decorated?

Some trees are decorated in honor of loved ones lost in car accidents ; others are done up just for fun. You’ll find them in rural and urban areas alike, although stretches of Austin’s 360 and San Antonio’s 1604 roadways are particularly popular with the tree-trimming “elves.”.

Do cedar trees provide shelter?

Large animals like deer and smaller ones like the famous golden-cheeked warbler find refuge among their limbs, raising their young and moving about undetected from predator species through dense collections of trees that form “cedar breaks.” That the trees provide shelter for animals and birds is a fact celebrated by some landowners. Others? They see the trees as little more than weeds and make a routine effort to take them out.

Is a mountain cedar a cedar tree?

Texas mountain cedars are not actually “cedars.”. Often called “mountain cedar,” their fancy Latin name is Juniperus ashei. Thus, they are juniper trees, technically, and we’d be more accurate if we called them “Ashe juniper.”.

Is cedar fever legendary?

Their pollen is legendary. Years ago, while I was working on a story for The Daily Yonder, a Leon Springs allergist told me that cedar fever is of interest even to her non-Texas professional peers. The pollen is noteworthy, you see, not only is it prolific but also because of the size of the individual pollen grains.

Is Texas mountain cedar a cedar?

1. Texas mountain cedars are not actually “cedars.”.

What is the name of the Atlas cedar tree?

Atlas Cedar ( Cedrus Atlantica) In these pictures: Cedrus Atlantica ‘Glauca Pendula’ (left) and Cedrus Atlantica ‘Aurea’ (right) The Atlas cedar tree is a type of true cedar tree that looks similar to varieties of Lebanon cedars. This type of conifer tree gets its name from the Atlas mountain of Morocco.

What is a cedar tree?

Cedar trees are large evergreen conifers that have needle-like leaves that are arranged spirally on scented woody branches. Cedars grow at high altitudes and thrive in full sun and well-draining soil. There are four species of cedar trees in the genus Cedrus, belonging to the pine ( Pinaceae) family.

How to identify a Deodar cedar tree?

To identify Deodar cedar trees, look for drooping branches growing on these tall conifers. Its needle-like leaves grow in small, dense clusters on short shoots. The foliage can be from bright green to bluish-green color. The barrel cones grow up to 5” (13 cm) long, and the bark of Deodar cedar is gray and scaly.

How to tell if a cedar tree is mature?

Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, barrel-like cones that grow upward on branches rather than dangle. A mature cedar tree has reddish-brown bark with long scales that are easily peeled. Another way to identify cedars is by their enormous height—growing up to 160 ft. (50 m).

What is the name of the tree with large scales?

Pictures of cedar bark with its large scales (left) and upright cones and needles (right) Cedars are evergreen trees that can be identified by their needles, cones and bark. Cedars have bluish-green needles, growing in groups along woody branches. Another identification feature of true cedar trees is their large, ...

How big does a deodar tree grow?

However, in a park or garden landscape, they don’t usually grow more than 50 ft. (15 m) with a 30 ft. (9 m) spread. The wood from Deodar cedars is prized for its durability and attractive grain. Timber from these cedars is used in the construction industry. However, the cedar lumber isn’t ideal for furniture making.

How tall do cedars grow?

Also called the Atlanta cedars, these cedars are suitable for planting in large backyards. They don’t grow to more than 40 ft. (12 m) tall in garden landscapes and are ideal for full sun and hot, arid conditions. Some ornamental cultivars include the Golden Atlas Cedar ‘Aurea’ with golden foliage, Blue Atlas Cedar ‘Glauca’ with its bluish green needles, the ‘Glauca Pendula,’ with weeping branches, and ‘Argentea Fastigiata’—an upright columnar tree with a pencil shape.

Where are mountain cedars in Texas?

Mountain cedars cover the hills of West Austin and much of the Texas Hill Country. An Austin ecologist says the tree has wrongly been cast as an interloper and environmental hazard.

Why do Texas ranchers hate cedar trees?

Some say the cedar hogs water, depleting our aquifers and outcompeting more desirable trees such as the live oak. Ranchers view it as a noxious weed, an opportunistic plant that has invaded our picturesque Texas grasslands.

What is the name of the water hog that Texans call?

Texans began calling the cedar “a horrendous water hog,” as writer Joe Nick Patoski wrote in 1997. Owen’s study fueled the hate for cedar, giving landowners a new incentive to eradicate this nuisance.

How much water does a 10 foot cedar tree use?

He concluded that the cedar used 33 gallons a day, while the live oak used 19.

What bill would remove mountain cedar trees?

In this year’s legislative session, state Rep. Paul Workman, an Austin Republican, filed House Bill 1572, which would certify that “no restrictions may be made on the ability to remove” a mountain cedar, among a short list of other trees, on the basis that they not only hog water but pose a fire risk.

Is Owen's cedar a juvenile tree?

McGreevy points out the danger in oversimplifying the study. Firstly, Owen’s cedar was a juvenile tree, which consumes water more aggressively than an older cedar, according to recent research by A&M’s Georgianne Moore.

Is mountain cedar flammable?

Another tall tale fueled by our hate for cedar, McGreevy says. She is researching the flammability of mountain cedar and has found that it is no more flammable than other trees that escaped Workman’s removal list, including even the live oak.

What trees grow in Texas?

A few types of trees which can give you a welcome break from the sun include white oaks, Shumard’s Oak, Texas ash, American sycamore and the American elm.

What is the name of the tree in Texas?

Cedar Elm. Cedar elms, which have the scientific name of Ulmus crassifolia, are second in popularity to the live oak tree in Texas. Compared to other elm species, the cedar elm is recognized for its smaller leaves and thicker cuticles, which help these plants survive in hot, dry climates.

What is the name of the tree that grows in a stream?

Anacua. The Anacua tree, also known as the anaqua tree, the knockaway tree, the sandpaper tree and Ehretia anacua, grows well along streams and sandy deposits, but has also been known to thrive in alkaline soils. This tree has simple wide, oval leaves that feel like sandpaper on top.

How tall does an American elm grow?

American Elm. This well-known species, also known as the common elm and soft elm, typically grows between 60 and 80 feet high. The vase-shaped trunk of the Ulmus americana divides into several erect limbs that are recognizable on front lawns and streets.

How big do live oak trees get in Texas?

Live oaks, also known as Quercus virginiana, are the most commonly planted native trees in Texas. Chances are, you might already have one in your front or back yard. There are a few species, but the more common types are the escarpment and interior live oaks. Native to the area north of the Gulf Coast almost to the Red River, these massive trees grow to be 35 or 40 feet tall and, sometimes, more than 75 feet wide. The escarpment live oak is best suited for shallow soil, as it is more drought tolerant, and prunes only during the hottest and coldest months. Under the right conditions, these trees can live for more than 100 years, with some local trees surviving up to 500. Homeowners should consider both the size and longevity of these giant trees when considering whether to add one to your property.

How long does Texas Ash live?

Unlike the other native trees we’ve already mentioned, the Texas ash (also known as the mountain ash or by its scientific name, Fraxinus albicans) has a relatively short life, typically lasting between 15 and 20 years, and sometimes less.

How long do escarpment live oak trees live?

Under the right conditions, these trees can live for more than 100 years, with some local trees surviving up to 500.

How many species of cedar trees are there in Texas?

Cedars are hardy trees found throughout Texas. There are more than 23 species of native cedar trees in Texas, according to the Texas A&M University System Horticulture program. Cedar is a common name for trees in the genus Juniperus and the family Cupressaceae that are often referred to as either junipers or cedars.

How big does a cedar tree grow?

The cedar can grow as big around as it is tall, with some reaching almost 55 feet wide and 55 feet tall. Although highly adaptable to temperature fluctuations and highly resistant to drought, the drooping cedar requires a continually acidic soil that is not often found naturally in Texas. Advertisement.

What is the name of the tree with the berry-shaped leaves?

Oakbark cedar , Juniperus deppeana, is also known as the alligator juniper because the thick barks of the older trees sometimes resemble alligator scales. The oakbark cedar has dark blue-green needle-like leaves that produce small, berry-shaped cones.

Where does a drooping cedar tree grow?

Although native to Texas, the drooping cedar only grows naturally in the upper Chisos Mountains of the Big Bend National Park. The cedar can grow as big around as it is tall, with some reaching almost 55 feet wide and 55 feet tall. Although highly adaptable to temperature fluctuations and highly resistant to drought, the drooping cedar requires a continually acidic soil that is not often found naturally in Texas.

Where does oakbark cedar grow?

The cedar can grow in just about any soil, tolerates excessive heat and requires very little water. The oakbark cedar normally grows in west Texas where it is arid and where desert temperatures can fluctuate from extreme heat to severe cold. Advertisement.

What is the name of the tree that is invasive to the ground?

Rock Cedar. Rock cedar, Juniperus ashei, is also called the mountain cedar, post cedar, break cedar, Texas cedar, ashe juniper, Mexican juniper and sabino. The rock cedar has allergy-inducing pollen, and it can absorb ground water invasively to the detriment of other native plants and trees.