Texas Huisache(Acacia farnesiana)

• Abstract: ...See Picture Below! Huisache is pronounced "weesash" derived from the Aztec Natuhl meaning "many thorns". A, drought tolerant, showy, multi trunk tree with small fernlike compound leaves is a member of the legume family related to the mimosa. The branches have, profuse, needle sharp spikes along branches, typically appearing in pairs. Intensly scented flowers arrive in early spring (this image was taken in late February). They are cold hardy as far north as Austin, TX. Extremely drought tolerant, needs very little water. Wonderful cover for many kinds of wildlife. Can grow in rough, rocky terrain.
  

• Natural Habitat: Mexico and south Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau as far north as Austin, Texas. Does not do well north of USDA Zone 8.
  

• Flowers and Fruit: Bright, fragrant, gold yellow flowers appear in early spring. These flowers attract pollinators and insects for the honey production and food. Leaves have a delicate fernlike look. White tailed deer, Javelina and other animals eat the fruit while Quail love the black pod seeds.

• Propagation: Fumigate seeds and store in refridgerator. Use concentrated sulfuric acid -soak for 30 minutes or nick seed with knife for germination. Plant 3/4" to one inch and grow under strong sunlight. This tree/shrub can grow in harsh, open, rocky areas (2001 Jill Nokes)

• Note: click Title for A&M description.
  

Texas Huisache in Urban Setting - Autin, TX

• Flowers and Fruit: Bright, fragrant, gold yellow flowers appear in early spring. These flowers attract pollinators and insects for the honey production and food. Leaves have a delicate fernlike look. White tailed deer, Javelina and other animals eat the fruit while Quail love the black pod seeds.

Mexican Plum Tree (Prunus mexicana)

Mexican Plum Tree - a Texas Native Plum ...its showy flowers signal the end of winter.



When these strong scented flowers bloom they will attract various pollinators like bees and butterflys. Some consider this a small tree or a large shrub. Mexican Plum has a single trunk and is deciduous (leaves turn yellow in winter). It can grow to a height of 25 - 30 feet with a spread of 20 - 25 feet.

The bark is furrowed and peals like a birch tree. It bears fruit approximately one inch in diameter. The fruits are edible and can be used for jellies
and preserves. It doesn't like full sun but is drought tolerant and is known as an understory tree(vegetative layer between the top canopy of the forest and the ground).



The natural habitat for the Mexican Plum is the East Texas Piney Woods through the Edwards Plateau. Note: If you click the title of this post it will take you to a profile of the Mexican Plum at the U.S. Forset Service site. Enjoy!