Martin Byhower 7/14/26 Martin Byhower 7/14/26

Chinquapin Oak

Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

Chinkapin Oak is one of the finest native shade trees for Central Texas, admired for its handsome form, dependable growth, and outstanding adaptability. Its glossy dark green leaves create a broad, dense canopy that provides abundant summer shade before turning beautiful shades of golden yellow and bronze in autumn. Native to limestone hills and river valleys, Chinkapin Oak thrives in the alkaline soils common throughout Georgetown and the Hill Country while tolerating heat and periods of drought once established. Its sweet acorns are an important food source for birds and wildlife, and its long lifespan makes it an exceptional investment for future generations. Strong, beautiful, and relatively fast growing, Chinkapin Oak is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a durable native shade tree.

Martin Byhower 7/14/26 Martin Byhower 7/14/26

Cedar Elm

Cedar Elm (Ulmus crassifolia)

Cedar Elm is one of the finest native shade trees for Central Texas, prized for its adaptability, durability, and graceful appearance. Unlike many shade trees, it thrives in the rocky limestone soils of the Hill Country while tolerating drought, heat, wind, and urban conditions. Its small, glossy green leaves create a dense canopy that provides excellent summer shade before turning a beautiful golden yellow in autumn. Tiny flowers appear in late summer, followed by seeds that provide food for birds and other wildlife. Long-lived, low-maintenance, and highly resilient, Cedar Elm is an outstanding choice for homeowners seeking a dependable native shade tree that will add beauty and value for generations.