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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.

Chinkapin Oak | Quercus muehlenbergii

Quercus muehlenbergii, chinkapin oak, is a medium-sized deciduous tree with strong branches and a rounded shape. The tree can tolerate various soil conditions and grows at a fast rate with medium water requirements.

Chisos Oak | Quercus graciliformis

Quercus graciliformis, Chisos oak, is a small to medium sized semi-evergreen tree with slender branches and narrow, glossy leaves. Found at elevation, it is heat and drought tolerant.

Gray Oak | Quercus grisea

Quercus grisea, gray oak, is a small tree with blue-green leathery leaves that are semi-deciduous. Its growth habit can be shruby, but is upright and sturdy.

Chisos Red Oak | Quercus gravesii

Quercus gravesii, Graves Oak, is a deciduous tree that reaches between 30 to 40 feet at maturity. Its foliage forms a round crown of dark-green leaves decorated with small brown acorns, and has a vibrant red fall color. Nuts and foliage attract local wildlife.

Emory Oak | Quercus emoryi

Quercus emoryi, Emory oak, is a small to medium-sized, semi-evergreen tree with furrowed black bark and glossy dark green foliage. It has low water needs and a rounded crown.

Escarpment Black Cherry | Prunus serotina var. eximia

Prunus serotina var. eximia, escarpment black cherry is a medium sized deciduous tree. It has attractive bark, showy white blooms, and yellow fall foliage. Fruits are attractive to wildlife. Prefers medium water use.

Escarpment Live Oak | Quercus fusiformis

Quercus fusiformis, escarpment live oak, is a medium-sized, semi-evergreen tree with a spreading high crown. This tree is similar in appearance to Quercus virginiana, but is better adapted to hot, dry regions.

Eve's Necklace | Styphnolobium affine

Styphnolobium affine, Eve's necklace, is a small deciduous tree with showy, aromatic pink white cascading flowers and ornamental seed pods. It prefers dry, well drained soils and can take full sun or part shade. Spring flowers attract pollinators and foliage has a fine and delicate form.

Fragrant Ash | Fraxinus cuspidata

Fraxinus cuspidata, fragrant ash, is a small, multi-trunked deciduous tree with a rounded crown. Its has showy white, panicles of fragrant flowers that attract butterflies. It has low water needs, and is cold and heat tolerant.

Golden Ball Lead Tree | Leucaena retusa

Leucaena retusa, golden ball lead tree, is a small deciduous tree with bold yellow flowers, brown legume fruits, and an overall vase shape. It is known to have weaker wood that leaves the branches vulnerable to snapping. The tree grows well in rocky, well-drained soil and requires low water.