Cedar is a capture-all name for a family of loosely related trees that expand throughout numerous elements of the globe. Technically, cedars are juniper trees. Getting a single of the greatest US states by land location, Texas has a enormous variety of climates hospitable for quite a few types of cedars. Some are a lot more typical than other people, but all are technically cedar trees. Let’s check out which varieties increase in and are indigenous to Texas.
1. Mountain Red Cedar (Juniperus scopulorum)
Also called the Rocky Mountain cedar, this aggressively increasing tree can expand up to 50 toes, but more generally reaches 30 feet in top. It’s mostly discovered in the mountainous locations of western Texas and the panhandle, the place it serves the setting as a all-natural windbreak. It is also generally utilised as a windbreak on farms and as privateness screens on personal homes. The mountain red cedar can tolerate drought very effectively but wants properly-draining soil to thrive.
2. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Native all more than the japanese US and Canada, the purple cedar was prized by Indigenous Us citizens for its alleged therapeutic characteristics and a pleasurable aroma. In Texas, the red cedar grows wild and is also planted for shade or privacy screening. The bark can be squeezed to release a calming aroma, and the leaves can be made into herbal tea. The tree’s signature aroma repels moths and other harmful pests, and it produces quite allergenic pollen. Other names for this tree consist of japanese juniper, purple juniper, and fragrant cedar.
3. Drooping Cedar (Juniperus flaccid)
Occasionally named the weeping juniper, this cedar is most equivalent to a weeping willow simply because of its long, swaying branches. Regularly reaching in excess of fifty five toes in peak, these trees can also develop to numerous toes in width. Due to the fact it calls for extremely acidic soil, it’s only identified in the Chisos Mountains around Big Bend Nationwide Park. It is very hardy, even though, and can tolerate a extensive range of chilly and hot temperatures.
4. Oakbark Cedar (Juniperus deppeana)
The oakbark cedar is named for its thick, rough bark that resembles alligator conceal. In truth, it is at times known as the alligator juniper! The bark is very thick, providing security from temperature fluctuations as effectively as damaging pests. This cedar is commonly located developing in the wild of arid west Texas, the place it can tolerate drought, both chilly and sizzling temperatures, and all kinds of soil. One particular of the smaller sized cedars, the oakbark cedar can be grown as a tree or a large shrub.
5. Rock Cedar (Juniperus ashei)
Rock cedars are 1 of the most aggressive trees in Texas, with a bizarrely powerful capability to suck up all the water in the bordering spot, to the detriment of other plant life. Other names for this tree incorporate the mountain cedar, Texas cedar, and Mexican cedar. Groups like Individuals From Cedars have begun lobbying the Texas federal government to help stop these h2o hogs from having more than the habitat of other trees.
Cedar trees are native to a lot of elements of the globe, and Texas has its honest share. From the invasive rock cedar to the carefully swaying drooping cedar, you can locate a surprisingly broad selection of cedars in the Lone Star Point out.
Featured Graphic Credit history: Seaside Creatives, Shutterstock
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