Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Sunday - September 28, 2014
From: Hutto, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Plant Lists, Trees
Title: Tree Recommendations for Hutto, TX
Answered by: Larry Larson
QUESTION:
I live in Hutto, TX. I want shade trees in my back yard. I would like a fast growing tree as well as a slower growing tree. What trees are recommended for my area?ANSWER:
The Wildflower Center keeps collections of plants that are native to various regions. In general, Hutto is in the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion. This link is to the Wildflower Center special collection for the Blackland Prairie Ecoregion.
These special collections can be sorted for several different characteristics. After selecting “Trees” there are still 50 candidates to review for your request! Speed of growth of these trees is a bit harder to determine; it is sometimes mentioned in the body of the record, both in the NPIN record and more often by the USDA. After reviewing these, here are those that explicitly fit your request for Slow growing or fast growing trees:
Slow growing:
Carya illinoinensis (Pecan)
Diospyros virginiana (Common persimmon)
Ilex opaca (American holly)
Ilex vomitoria (Yaupon)
Quercus macrocarpa (Bur oak)
Fast Growing:
Acer negundo (Ash-leaf maple)
Fraxinus pennsylvanica (Green ash
Gleditsia triacanthos (Honey locust)
Juglans nigra (Black walnut)
Liquidambar styraciflua (Sweetgum)
Platanus occidentalis (American sycamore)
Populus deltoides (Eastern cottonwood)
Prunus serotina (Black cherry)
Prunus virginiana (Chokecherry
Quercus virginiana (Coastal live oak)
Taxodium distichum (Bald cypress)
The pictures below are in rough order of mature height
From the Image Gallery
More Plant Lists Questions
Need low-maintenance plants for courtyard in full sun in Rhode Island
June 01, 2007 - I live in West Warwick, Rhode Island. I am designing a courtyard which because of its shape and design receives full sun all day. I am looking for flowers and plants which thrive in the sun yet are ...
view the full question and answer
Small native trees/shrubs for Corpus Christi, TX
July 02, 2012 - Which small native trees or tall shrubs would do well in full sun in Corpus Christi for privacy along a fence line? Blooms are a bonus and evergreen is preferred.Searches on the website aren't produc...
view the full question and answer
Native Ohio Shubs for Wildlife
July 20, 2015 - Hi, I'm looking to plant shrubs and bushes for in front of our home this week but would like to plant some that are good for wildlife including bees and birds. Do you have any suggestions for norther...
view the full question and answer
Native perennials for Missouri City, TX
March 19, 2014 - I checked all the questions for my area and still need help. What are some native perennials for southeast Texas
view the full question and answer
Climbing Roses for the Pacific Northwest
January 23, 2016 - I'm trying to find out which types of climbing roses may exist in the Pacific Northwest. I live in western Washington, and I have a small yard with several large hedges bordering it. I'm growing hai...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |