LIBRARY, A & M COLLEGE. cnmpus. E9-432-l2M-LlZsO i TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATIUN A A. B. CONNER, DIRECTOR COLLEGE STATION, BRAZOS COUNTY, TEXAS LETIN NO. 447 APRIL, 1932 DIVISION OF HORTICULTURE Trees and Shrulss in Northwest Texas AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE OF TEXAS T. O. WALTON, President A STATION STAFF‘; dministration: A. B. Conner, M. S., Director R. Karper, M. S., Vice-Director Clarice Mixson, B. A., Secretary M. P. Holleman, Jr., Chief Clerk J. K. Franeklow, Asst. Chief Clerk Chester Higgs, Executive Assistant Howard Berry, B. S., Technical Asst. Chemistry: G. S. Fraps, Ph. D., Chief; State Chemist S. E. Asbury, M. S., Chemist J. F. Fudge, Ph. D., Chemist E. C. Carlyle, M. S., Asst. Chemist T. L. Ogier, B. S., Asst. Chemist A. J. Sterges, M. S., Asst. Chemist Ray Treichler, M. S., Asst. Chemist W. H. Walker, Asst. Chemist Velma Graham, Asst. Chemist _ Jeanne F‘. DeM0ttier, Asst. Chemist R. L. Schwartz, B. S., Asst. Chemist C. M. Founders, B. S., Asst. Chemist Horticulture : S. H. Yarnell, Se. D., Chief “L. R. Hawthorn, M. S., Horticulturist R E H. M. Reed, B. S., Horticulturist J. F. Wood, B. S., Horticulturist L. E. Brooks, B. S., Horticulturist ange Animal Husbandry: J. M. Jones, A. M., Chief _ _ B. L. Warwick, Ph. D., Breeding Investiga. S. P. Davis, Wool Grader ntomology: F. L. Thomas, Ph. D., Chief; State Entomologist _ H. J. Reinhard, B. S., Entomologist R. K. Fletcher, Ph. D., Entomologist W. L. Owen, Jr., M. S., Entomologist J. N. Roney, M. S., Entomologist _ J. C. Gaines, Jr., M. S., Entomologist S. E. Jones, M. S., Entomologist F. F. Bibby, B. S., Entomologist S. W. Clark, B. S., Entomologist W. Dunnam, Ph. D., Entomologist **R. W. Moreland, B. S., Asst. Entomologist C E. Heard, B. S., Chief Inspector C: Siddall, B. S., Foulbrood Inspector S. E. McGregor, B. S., Foulbrood Inspector Agronomy : Veterinary Science: *M. Francis, D. V. M., Chief H. Schmidt, D. V. M., Veterinarian *1. B. Boughton, D. V. M., Veterinarian P. Mathews, D.V.M., MS., Veterinariz W. T. Hardy, D. V. M., Veterinarian -——~—~—-—, Veterinarian Plant Pathology and Physiology: J. J. Taubenhaus, Ph. D., Chief W. N. Ezekiel, I-‘h. D., Plant Pathologist W. J. Bach, M. S., Plant Pathologist C. H. Rogers, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist Farm and Ranch Economics: _ L. P. Gabbard, M. S., Chief W. E. Paulson, Ph. D., Marketing ‘a _C. Bonnen, M. S., Farm Management. “"‘W. R. Nisbet, B. S., Ranch Management **A. C. Magee, M. S., Farm Management Rural Home Research: JGJSIQ Whitacre, Ph. D., Chief Mary Anna Grimes, M. S., Textiles Elizabeth D. Terrill, M. A., Nutrition Soil Survey: Carter, B. S., Chief . Templin, B. S., Soil Surveyor . Bean, B. S., Soil Surveyor . Marshall, B. S., Soil Surveyor . . Cory, M. S., Acting Chief S. E. Wolff, M. S., Botanist Swine Husbandry: bred Hale, M. S., Chief Dairy Husbandry: O. C. Copeland, M. S., Dairy Husbandma Poultry Husbandry: R. M. Sherwood, M. S., Chief J. R. Couch, B. S., Asst. Poultry Hsbdma Agricultural Engineering: P. Smith, M. S., Chief Main Station Farm: G. T. McNess, Superintendent Apiculture (San Antonio): H. B. Parks, B. S., Chief A. H. Alex, B. S., Queen Breeder Feed Control Service: F. D. Fuller, M. S., Chief James Sullivan, Asst. Chief S. D. Pearce, Secretary E. B. Reynolds, Ph. D., Chief J. H. Rogers, Feed Inspector R. E. Karper, M. S., Agronomist - K. L. Kirkland, B. S., Feed Inspector P. C. Mangelsdorf, Sc. D., Agronomist S. D Reynolds, Jr., Feed Inspector D. T. Killough, M. S., Agronomist P. A. Moore, Feed Inspector H. E. Rea, B. S., Agronomist E. J. Wilson, B. S., Feed Inspector B. C. Langley, M. S., Agronomist H. G. Wickes, B. S., Feed Inspector Publications: A. D. Jackson, Chief SUBSTATION S No. 1, Beeville, Bee County: No. 9, Balmorhea, Reeves County: R. A. Hall, B. S., Superintendent J. J. Bayles, B. S., Superintendent No. 2, Lindale, Smith County: N0. l0, College Station, Brazos County: P. R. Johnson, M. S., Superintendent H. Hendrickson, B. S., Sci. in Soil Erosion MR. W. Baird, B. S., Assoc. Agr. Engineer N o. 3, Angleton, Brazoria County: R. H. Stansel, M. S., Superintendent H. M. Reed, M. S., Horticulturist No. 4, Beaumont, Jefferson County: R. H. Wyche, B. S., Superintendent **H. M. Beachell, B. S., Jr., Agronomist No. 5, Temple, Bell County: >3: g: Henry Dunlavy, M. S., Superintendent C. H. Rogers, Ph. D., Plant Pathologist H. E. Rea, B. S., Agronomist S. E. Wolff, M. S., Botanist “H. V. Geib, M. S., Sci. in Soil Erosion O. Hill, B. S., Jr. Civil Engineer No. 6, Denton, Denton County: **I. M. Atkins, B. S., No. P. B. Dunkle, B. S., Superintendent Jr. Agronomist 7, Spur, Dickens County: R. E. Dickson, B. S., Superintendent B. C. Langley, M. S., Agronomist No. 8, Lubbock, Lubbock County: FUSE”? D. L. Jones, Superintendent Frank Gaines, Irrig. and Forest Nurs. R. M. Sherwood, M. S., In Charge L. J. McCall, Farm Superintendent No. 11, Nacogdoches, Nacogdoches County: H. F. Morris, M. S., Superintendent **No. 12, Chillicothe, Hardeman County: J. R. Quinby, B. S., Superintendent **J'. C. Stephens, M. A., Asst. Agronomist No. 14, Sonora, Sutton-Edwards Counties: W. H. Dameron, B. S., Superintendent I. B. Boughton, D. V. M., Veterinarian W. T. Hardy, D. V. M., Veterinarian )0. L. Carpenter, Shepherd I *"-’O. G. Babcock, B. S., Asst. Entomologist No. l5, Weslaco, Hidalgo County: W. H. Friend, B. S., Superintendent S. W. Clark, B. S., Entomologist W. J. Bach, M. S., Plant Pathologist J. F. Wood, B. S., Horticulturist No. 16, Iowa Park, Wichita County: C. H. McDowell, B. S., Superintendent L. E. Brooks, B. S., Horticulturist N0. 19, Winterhaven, Dimmit County: “L. Mortensen, B. S., Superintendent “L. R. Hawthorn, M. S., Horticulturist Teachers iii the School of Agriculture Carrying Cooperative Projects on the Station: W. Adriance, Ph. D., Horticulture W. Bilsing, Ph. D., Entomology P. Lee, Ph. D., Marketing and Finance Scoates, A. E., Agricultural Engineering K. Mackey, M. S., Animal Husbandry *Dean School of Veterinary Medicine. J. S. Mogford, M. S.,“ Agronomy F. R. Brison, B. S., Horticulture W. R. Horlacher, Ph. D.,‘ Genetics J. H. Knox, M. S., Animal Husbandry A. L. Darnell, M. A., Dairy Husbandry iAs of March 1, 1932. “In cooperation with U. S. Department of Agriculture. l, The comfort and attractiveness of city or farm homes can be greatly proved through suitable plantings of shade and ornamental trees and fhrubs. This is particularly true in western and northwestern Texas Ilwhere there are practically no native trees and shrubs. Comparatively re- 511‘. settlement of this region has been attended by many successful plant- ings around homes in towns and] on farms and ranches but there is great "eed for more extensive and universal tree planting in this region. In nesponse to a keen interest and great demand for information concerning a juitable plants for this region, the Lubbock Station began experiments in u _ he spring of 1917 with trees and shrubs for ornamental purposes. After * ting a large number of plants the results of these trials with various pecies of trees and shrubs, together with general information as to their lplanting and care, are presented in this publication. Suggested lists of wees and shrubs for special purposes, such as avenue and yard, roadside, indbreaks, screens, hedges, background, andr foundation plantings, are liven. The selection of such plantings, time of planting, preparation of f. e land, cultivation, care, .and pruning are also discussed. It has been ound that spring plantings are more successful than fall plantings, deci- uous trees doing better when planted in February and March, and ever- i eens when planted in March or April. Descriptions of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs are given in this Bulletin, togetherwith a f ecorid! of their performance and adaptability and recommendations as to their usage in Northwest Texas. 1 The Chinese elm, a new tree introduced into the region in 1919 and ‘given wide distribution for trial plantings, has proven to be one of the best lvarieties for yandl, roadside, and windbreak plantings. It is a drouth- resistant, rapid-growing tree, well adapted to this part of the State. The jGreen ash, Honey locust, Soft maple, American elm, and Russian mulberry are other deciduous trees which do well and are recommended for this egion. A The Arizona cypress is another new tree introduced into this region which has proven to be one of the very best evergreen trees for specimen ‘lantings, tall backgrounds, or windbreaks. It is attractive in coloring, if rapid growth, and is recommended for more extensive planting. Other evergreen conifers recommended are Red cedar, Chinese arborvitae, and _Western Yellow pine. Many shrubs under trial are discussed: and recommendations given per- y, ining to their adaptability and usage. The Tamarix, or Salt cedar, is __ hardy to natural conditions in the region and can be used extensively for ‘ornamental, hedge, and windbreak purposes. Many other flowering shrubs are recommended for various purposes. 'A section of the Bulletin is devoted to production of tree seedlings for Textensive farm plantings and one to the use and? value of planting Wind- {breaks and shelterbclts. . The illustrations are, in most part, photographs of actual plantings made in the course of these investigations and illustrate the splendid pos- sibilities of such plantings. Several contrast views are presented that carry a lesson on the value of proper planting. CONTENTS e‘ Page" Introduction 3g Suggested Lists of Trees and Shrubs for Special Purposes ________________________ -_ ‘j Selection and Planning Time of Planting 1 A Preparation of the Land 1 Planting _ u 1 Cultivation, Care, and Pruning 1 Deciduous Trees 1v Chinese Elm z_ Ulmus parvifolia 111:5 American Elm y 2‘: Soft Maple _ _ . . _ _ . _ _ . _ _ . _ __ W .......... __2 Green Ash“- . .. Honey Locust ' 4U Sycamore ~ . r2 Russian Mulberry _ " Black Walnut A Rough-Leaved Hackbérry..__l______ a it Southern Hackberry ________ -1 2 Hackberry 2 Cottonwood » Black Locust 1 Babylonian Willow _ Pecan ______ .r _ __2_ Apricot _ _______ __ \:‘ Russian Olive ' v 2 Live Oak ____ __2 Mesquite 3 i! Western Catalpam . p . Chinaberry _ 3 Osage Orange 3 ‘ Paradise, or Tree of Heaven 3 Box Elder 3 Evergreen Trees -3 Eastern Red Cedar ______ -_ 3 Western Red Cedar Chinese Juniper Pfitzer Juniper Creeping Juniper Swedish J uniper-. Arizona Cypress Macnab Cypress Italian Cypress Lindleyi Cypress a Western Yellow Pine 3 g Jeffrey Pine . Austrian Pine Shrubs CONTENTS (Continued) Page Scotch Pine 39 Chinese Arborvitae 39 Colorado Blue Spruce 41 Deodar Cedar 41 Atlas Cedar 42 Cedar of Lebanon 42 Large Shrubs or Small Trees..-.. 42 Salt Cedar 43 Tamarix odessana 43 Tamarix juniperina variety japonica 43 - Tamarix pentandra variety amurensis 43 Tamarix parviflora 44 Tamarix gallica L. 44 Tamarix articulata L 44 Red Bud - Judas Tree.-- -44 Desert, or Flowering Willow“. 44 Chinese Pistacia . _ C _ L L . C _ , _ __ 46 Chinese Maple ..... _______________ -- 46 Pagoda Tree ............ 4> 46 Siberian Pea Tree ........ -- -47 Bungei Catalpaw- 4-47 Teas Weeping Mulberry._ ..47 Umbrella China 47 Soapberry, or Wild China Trees 48 Choke Cherry ____ .- "-48 48 Spirea ............ _______ .. 48 Siraea van houttei_-. _-_-48 Spiraea thunbergii-_ 49 Spiraea prunifolia-_. 5O Spiraea bumaldo var. Anthony Wateren- 50 Japanese Barberry_ . 50 Mexican Sage - Lavender Cotton .... i- __50 Autumn Sage . . . . . . . _ L _ _ . _ _ L A _ _ _ _ . g- "50 Snowberry ............... U - g 52 French Mulberry (American Beautyberry) M052 Symphoricarpos chenaultii Rehd. _- A v52 Mahonia W 53 Amur River Privet." -53 California Privet 53 Euonymus - 54 Crape Myrtle-" 54 Smoke Tree 54 Staghorn Sumac_.- 55 Common Snowball 56 Golden Bell 56 Mock Orange 56 Vitex A v57 CONTENTS (Continued) Page Chaste Tree 1 Weigela ‘ 5E Althea, or Rose of Sharon 5E Windbreaks 5E Home Production of Tree Seedlings for the Farm 6C Summary 62 BULLETIN NO. 447 APRIL, 1932 TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS D. L. JoNEs, FRANK GAINES, AND R. E. KARPER. In no other way can the comfort and attractiveness of the city or farm home be enhanced so easily and economically as by the extensive planting of shade and ornamental trees and shrubs. This form of property improvement is one which increases in value from the very beginning and affords more satisfaction and pleasure with each passing year. This has been found true in the older sections of the country even where trees and shrubs are a part of the native landscape, and it is doubly true in a new region like West i Texas, where native trees and shrubs are too scarce to be a contributing factor to the beauty of the landscape. Much has been done in the past Fig. 1. Evergreens afford protection from winds and break the monotony of bleakness in winter. A pair of Arizona cypress back 0f California privet hedge. decade or two to ameliorate the bleak and barren landscape natural to the western plains and prairies but there is yet an unlimited opportunity for planting and growing trees for a wide variety of purposes, both in the towns and on the farms and ranches. The difficulties in growing trees and shrubs where the natural rainfall and other conditions are not the most favorable for tree growth should only stimulate the desire to succeed in planting and improving the home. The early ranchmen were not long in realizing the importance and value of tree planting and many of the old ranch head- quarters are among the best planted home sites to be found, these early pioneers having taken advantage of the protection, comforts, and pleasure of trees. Except along the stream. beds and canyons where scattering Hackberryf u 8 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Cottonwood, wild China, Chokecherry, and scrub Cedar are found, the north- western plains and prairies are void of native shade trees (Fig. 2 and 3). Naturally, as this fertile region began to come under the plow and towns began to grow and new ones came into existence, a keen interest in trees Fig. 2. Native vegetation of Buffalo grass, Catsclaw, scrub mesquite, and Yucca photo- irraphed in 1910 on the present site of the substation farmstead. (See Fig. 4.) of trees and shrubs about the farmstead. Fig. 3. The same location as shown in Fig. 2 but taken 15 years later, showing growth and shrubs developed. In response to this interest, and in anticipation of a greater demand for information concerning suitable plants for this region, the Lubbock Experiment Station, in cooperation with the Texas Forest TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS a Service and State Forester, began experiments and trials in the spring of 1917 with trees and shrubs for shade and ornamental purposes. The Lubbock Station is located in the southern part of the High Plains region at an elevation of 9195 feet. Annual rainfall of the region averages ; approximately 20 inches with about 85 per cent of the total falling during lgthe growing season of April to October, inclusive. Thus the winters are usually dry and unfavorable to fall transplanting of trees, as the roots and iitrunks of trees dry out before the spring rains arrive. The soil on the Station is Amarillo Fine Sandy loam which is ideal for quick growth and the storage of moisture in the subsoil (Fig. 3). é On account of the lack of native tree growth, the most urgent need was that of determining, by trial plantings, the adaptability of introduced species. This Bulletin reports the results of trials with various species of trees and g shrubs together with other general information pertaining to their planting 1 and culture in the region. With few exceptions the plants discussed herein have been grown on the Station, receiving, in the main, clean cultivation and but little irrigation water after the first two years of growth. F LISTS OF TREES AND SHRUBS FOR SPECIAL PURPOSES k In the following groups are listed some of the best trees and shrubs for this region together with their suggested usage for special purposes. A short history, description, and record of their behavior will be found later i“ in this publication. Si“??? Russian Mulberry ' Elm Salt Cedar The Best Deciduous Trees for Avenue and Yard Planting 1- Chinfise Elm (Ulmus pumila) 2. Soft Maple (Acer saccharinum) 3. Green Ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica lanceolata) 4. Honey" Locust (Gleditsia, triacanthus) 5. Sycamore (Platomus occidentalis) 6. American Elm (Ulmus americana) The Bes Deciduous Trees for Roadside Planting 1. Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila) 2. Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthus) 3. Elm (Ulmus pa/rvifolia) F? The Best Small Trees for the Yard ' l. Red Bud (Cercis ca/rzadensis) i Z. Elm (Ulmus parmlfolia) 3. Chinese Pistacia (Pistacia chinensis) . 4. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia.) Y, 5. Apricot (Prunus armemlaca) _ 6. Pagoda Tree (Sopho/ra japonica) 7. Chinese Maple (Acer buergerianum) 8. Smoke Tree (Rhus cotinus) g The Bes Trees for Banks of Reservoirs and Streams ' 1. Babylonian Willow (Salim babylonica) 2. Russian Mulberry (Morus alba tatarica) _ ' 3. Russian Olive (Elaeagnus angustifoltq) _ If 4. Cottonwood (Populus deltoides virgmezavuz) _‘_ 5. Lombardy Poplar (Populus nigra var. italzca) Trees Recommended for Use in Windbreaks " Deciduous Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila) Honey Locust (Gleditsia triacanthus) (Morus alba tatamca) (Ulmus parvifolia) (Tamarix) 10 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Evergreen 1. Chinese Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) 2- Red Ce a1‘ (Juniperus virginiana) 3- APiZOIIB- CYDTBSS (Cupressus arizonica) 4. Western Yellow Pine (Pinus pondernsa) Shrubs Sultable for Screens 1. Spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) 2. Salt Cedar (Tamarix 3. Vitex (Vitea: negundo var. incisa) 4. Chaste Tree (Vitea: agnus-castus) 5. Amur River Privet (Ligustrum amurense) 6. Weigela ( Weigela rosea) 7. Euonymus (Euonymus japonica) 8. Mock Orange (Philadelphus coronarius) 9. Smoke Tree (Rhus cotinus) Trees an Shrubs Suitable for Hedges ' Trimmed 1. Chinese arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) 2. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) 3. Amur River Privet (Ligustrum amurense) 4. California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) 5. Salt Cedar (Tamarix) Low Untrimmed 1. Lodense Privet (Ligustrum lodense) 2. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster francheti) 3. Spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) 4. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) Tall Untrimmed 1. Chinese Arborvitae (Thuja orientalis) 2. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) 3. Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica) 4. Salt Cedar (Tamarix) 5. Amur River Privet (Ligustrum amurense) 6. Russian Mulberry (Movus alba tatarica) Shrubs Suitable for the Following Purposes: Tall Backgrounds 1. Golden Bell (Forsythia suspensa) 2. Staghorn Sumac (Rhus typhina) 3. Vitex (Vitex negundo) 4. Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) 5. Weigela (Weigela rosea) 6. Euonymus (Euonymus japonica) Medium Backgrounds 1. Spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) 2. French Mulberry (Calicarpus americana) Mahonia (Mahonia aquifolium) Low Borders 1. Mexican Sage (Savntolina chamae cyparisszrs) 2. Spirea (Spiraea, var. Anthony Waterer) 3. Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) 4. Pfitzer Juniper (Juniperus pfltzeriana) 5. Dwarf \Arborvitae (Thuja globosa) 6. Creeping Juniper (Juniperus horizontalis) 7. Autumn Sage (Salvia greggii) 8. Coralberry (Symphoricarpos chenaultii) 9. Euonymus (Euonymus japonica) Specimen Trees or Shrubs 1. Arizona Cypress (Cupressus arizonica) 2. Red Cedar (Juniperus virginiana) 3. Blue Cedar _ (J. va. glauca) 4. Chinese Juniper (Juniper-us chinensis) 5. Western Yellow Pine (Pinus ponderosa) 6. Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens) 7. Red Bud (Cercis ca/nadensis) 8. Snowball (Viburnum opulus sterile) 9. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) 10. Amur River Privet (sheared) (Ligustrum amurense) Shrubs Suitable for Group Plantmg 1. Spirea (Spiraea vanhouttei) 2. Spirea (Spiraea thunbergii) 3. Spirea (Spiraea prunifolia) 4. Spirea (Spiraea, var. Anthony Waterer) TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 11 5- Japanese Barberry (Berberis thunbergii) 6- Coralberry (Symphoricarpos TGCCMOSUS) 7- Cflrfllbeffy (Symphoricarpos chenaultii) 3- Grape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) 9. Althea (Hibiscus syriacus) 10. Nandma. (Nandina domestica) Shrubs Suitable for Foundation Plantmg 1- spfrea (Spiraea vanhouttei) 2- S11E93 (Spiraea thunbergii) 3- SDQPQR (Spiraea mitnifolia) 4- Splrefl (Spiraea, var. Anthony Waterer) 5- COTaIbQFFY (Symphoricarpos racemosus) 6- COTQIbEYFY (Symphoricarpos chenaultii) 7. Cotoneaster (Cotoneaster francheti) 8. Autumn Sage (Salmla greggii) 9. Amur River Privet (Ligustrum amurense) 10. Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum) 11. Abelia (Abelia grandifiora) SELECTION AND PLANNING I One of the most essential steps in tree and shrub planting is to have a definite plan before any selections are made. The greatest importance is attached to the plan because trees usually last a life time, giving a per- manent atmosphere to the home. A well-developed planting also influences strangers to form a better opinion of the people and the country. In selecting trees, the following points should be considered: 1. Use: Are they to be used for windbreak, shade o!" ornament? _ 2. What will be their ultimate shape and size? Will they be too large, too narrow, too dwarfed? 3. Length of life. 4. Rate of growth. 5. Climatic adaptability: Will they stand sudden changes of temperature, cold, intense sun, irregular rainfall, drouths, excessive transpiration? 6. Rooting habits: Will it be shallow or deep-rooted? Will it sprout and prove a pest? Shallow-rooted trees usually fare best here. 7. Strength of wood: Is it strong enough to withstand hard Winds? 8. Size: Never plant trees over 2 inches in diameter. Much better success results with young trees 6 to 10 feet tall, as the shock to the root system is less. TIME OF PLANTING In this region spring planting is to be preferred, the most suitable months being February and March. The Texas Legislature has set aside February 22 as Arbor Day and this date is usually an ideal time for planting deciduous trees in western Texas. Evergreen trees should be set out from the 12 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION middle of March to the middle of April. On account of the dry winters, fall planting rarely proves successful in the High Plains Region. Until the roots become established, there is no means of supplying water to the plant and the loss of Water through transpiration causes the trees to dry out badly Fig. 4. View of the substation farmstead in 1912 before trees dlld shrubs were planted. Fig". 5. Arizona cypress, a valuable, fast-growing evergreen, in 1930, flanking the same driveway as shown in Fig. 4. and often to die. Delaying planting until the leaves are almost ready to appear is not a good practice, as often the roots do not become established soon enough to properly support the leaf growth. While it is possible to move trees at seasons other than those recommended, the probability of TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 13 their living is lessened and the amount of care necessary to make them survive is increased. PREPARATION OF THE LAND Row Plantings: Where hedges, shelterbelts, windbreaks, and roadside plantings are to be established, an area about 30 feet wide, where this. much is available, should be plowed and thoroughly prepared to a depth of 6 to 12 inches. The land should be handled in such a manner that the slope will be toward the center where the trees will be planted, thus causing the water to drain toward the trees. Both thorough preparation of a large feeding area for the roots and the drainage of the water toward the center are essential to the survival and satisfactory early development of the planting. The utilization of teams and plows is a much more economical practice than the use of hand labor, besides being more effective. This method can also be used in avenue planting where feasible. Lawn, Foundation and Group Plantings: As the preparation of the soil for this type of planting is usually done by hand, it is well to take the garden hose and flood the area sufficiently to moisten the ground some ten inches or more. After the soil has been well watered and had an oppor- tunity to dry a little, the area can be spaded and leveled. Holes 2 feet deep and 3 feet wide should be dug for even the smallest tree. A safe practice is to dig the holes twice as wide as is necessary to accommodate the root system. Unless the soil from the hole is rich, replace it with rich top soil when planting the tree. This creates a better condition for root development immediately after planting. Have this soil on hand before the tree is set. PLANTING Deciduous trees and shrubs are usually transplanted barerooted. Upon receiving the trees, caution should be exercised in seeing that the roots are not exposed to the sun or air for any length of time before the plant is set out. Never let the roots dry out, as dried-out roots are a major cause of failure in the tree planting. Trees are usually packed in wet moss or straw and wrapped in burlap to insure arrival in good condition. Where a number of plants are to be set out, it is well to set them in a tub of water after unwrapping, or make a mud puddle of sufficient depth to cover the roots and keep the trees in this puddle until ready to plant. Any broken, bruised or injured roots should be pruned back; use a sharp knife or pruning shear and make. the cut on an angle from the underside of the root. Where a continuous row of trees is to be planted, considerable labor can be saved by running a deep furrow with the lister. If the trees are not too large, the trench or furrow will probably be sufficiently deep and wide to receive the trees without further labor. Soil can be thrown to the trees with a moldboard plow. The newly planted tree should set at such a depth that the nursery soil mark will occupy relatively the same position with respect to the soil level that it did when the tree was in the nursery. The l4 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION roots should be spread out to conform as nearly to their natural position as possible, pack and tramp the soil thoroughly around the roots, leaving a depression or basin ‘of some three inches below the turf. This basin should be kept filled with water for several hours, allowing the ground to become thoroughly soaked and causing the soil to be closely packed around the the roots. After the Wet soil has had an opportunity to settle, fill in with sufficient dry dirt to make sure the tree is sitting at the proper depth. There should still remain a shallow depression for retaining natural and ir- rigation water (Fig. 6). RQPE‘ av: r1051; lwcsusfaxa, Ffiar 1N ...suaizv6 F1195?’ vans I I azaoss Mcxrcvr I Fig. 6. Tree-planting specifications. Select long-lived, hardy, well-shaped trees adapted to your soil and climate, and plant as indicated. Since the prevailing wind is from the southwest it is a good practice to place the trees in the ground so that its strongest branches will face this direction. It is also advisable to lean the tree slightly toward the southwest. Large trees should be anchored (Fig. 6) to prevent their being blown about by strong winds. Any means that will not chafe the bark is satis- factory. ' When conifers and broadleaf evergreens are received, they usually are in cans or are balled and burlaped. In nursery catalogs this is indicated by the statement “in cans” or the letters “B & B”. Nurserymen have TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 15 found from long experience that this method of handling gives most satis- Tffactory results, especially with conifers over eight to ten inches high. i Plants received in this condition should be set out without trying to remove . the burlap. If transplanting in cans, see that there are plenty of holes in the sides and bottom for the roots to come out while the can is rusting or, Ebetter, cut the can away. In the case of “B & B” trees, cut the twine at the top of the ball after the tree is firmly set in the hole. When balled and burlaped trees are being planted, the soil should be firmly tramped around the sides and not on top of the balls. Conifers should have a bairrel or l. nail keg, with the bottom and top knocked out, placed over them for several weeks to prevent excessive transpiration. CULTIVATION, CARE AND PRUNING Cultivation and Care: Trees, like any crop, make a more rapid growth Where they have the entire use of the soil. It is unreasonable to expect them to compete with weeds and native grass, so that, when possible, T they should be cultivated like any farm crop. If this is not feasible, the 7 turf, by all means, should be removed to a distance of four feet on all sides. For rapid growth the ground should be kept moist to a depth of three feet the first two years. Where possible, this can be accomplished by thoroughly soaking the ground twice a week. Light irrigation is ineffective and valueless. Our experience has proved that after the first two years, satisfactory growth can be maintained in hardy trees and shrubs by clean tillage. As is the case with field crops in the fertile, dry prairie region, so it is with trees; moisture is the limiting factor in their growth and development. The conservation of moisture through cultivation is, therefore, of the utmost importance. When preparing the ground for planting, clean tillage can be practiced; elimination of turf and weed growth is one of the greatest fac- tors in conserving moisture. In addition, providing a large feeding area for the roots hastens their development. Where drainage toward the tree has not been produced prior to planting, a grader or drag may be used to create a terrace on the low side running parallel with and sloping toward the tree-row. In this region where a large proportion of our precipitation comes in the form of torrential rains, run- off water from adjacent areas, which would otherwise be lost, can often be diverted onto tree-planted areas to excellent advantage. The use of terraces and natural drainage can not be too strongly recommended, especially for grove, windbreak, and roadside planting, which usually are not close to water supply. Foundation, specimen, and other nearby plantings are usually sufficiently close to a water supply to obtain enough moisture to produce the luxurious growth and thriftiness so generally admired. Pruning: Nursery-grown trees usually require little or no pruning upon arrival except when unusually large ones have been purchased. For several years following transplanting, heading up (trimming off the lowest branches), and maintaining the leader or central stem is all that is necessary l6 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION for deciduous trees. Trimming off the lowest branches should be practic until the first limbs are seven to nine feet from the ground. Should so V branches grow excessively, they may be controlled by pinching off th terminal buds. Crotches should not be allowed to form, as this usualli leads to splitting in case of heavy winds, sleet, and ice. For deciduous tre ‘3 late winter and early spring is the ideal time to do heavy pruning. Th‘ wound, if large, should immediately be covered with a thick coat of whi I lead and oil. Most shrubs send up many stems or central branches from the root, andi pruning consists merely of thinning out this clump from year to year by} removing the more aged and coarser branches, and by cutting them offl under the ground surface while the shrub is dormant. Where flowers arei borne on the previous year’s wood, thinning should be delayed until afterj; flowering. When, due t0 winter injury, most of the top growth is killed; or injured, the entire shrub should be cut back to the ground. This permit a new plant to develop, and it usually does so in one season. In the more formal plantings many shrubs and most hedges are trimmed org sheared. This is done as needed during the growing season but should? cease early in the fall. l When the central leader of an evergreen is destroyed, it is well to train? the strongest available shoot and suppress the growth of the remaining by» pinching off the terminal buds. Evergreens can be pruned or sheared, any time of the year, but early spring and summer pruning is more effectiveg for stimulating growth. Late-fall and winter pruning exposes the morecel; tender growth, during its resting period, to the strong, dry winds, which“ often inflict serious injury. Never remove the lower branches of evergreens. DECIDUOUS TREES Comparative rate of growth, as indicated by height, spread, and trunk diameter, is shown in Table 1, listing various species of deciduous trees. These trees were planted on the Lubbock Station at various times during the last 20 years and have been subject to different conditions affecting growth as indicated in the last column of the table. In the following discussion of the description and performance of deciduous trees, no strict listing of them in their order of importance has been followed although, the best adapted species suitable for more general planting are naturally presented first and those of lesser importance discussed later. Except in a few instances, the description and perform- ance of the various species discussed in this Bulletin are based upon results of their growth and development on the station grounds. Chinese iElm-—-Ulmus pumila This tree is native to northern China and Manchuria, where it is usedi as an avenue, shade, and timber tree. Frank N. Meyer, Agriculturalj Explorer for the Office of Foreign Seed and Plant Introduction, Unitedi States Department of Agriculture, first collected seed of the species ati TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 17 Table 1. Growth and development of various species of deciduous trees planted at the Lubbock Station. p Planted Growth to Dec., 1931 Imgagw“ n Variety _ , condition Year Hgt Hgt., Di_am., Spr d for f1.“ ft. m. ft. growth: Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila.) . . . . . . . , , . , , . _ . , , , 77 1919 4-5 43 16.8 36 excellent Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila) . 1919 4-5 34 11.6 22 good Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila) . _. 1919 4-5 30 11.8 27 fair Chinese Elm (Ulmus aowwila) . .. . 1919 4-5 27 8.6 26 fair Chinese Elm (U/mz.» pumilal. .. . .. 1919 4-5 27 9.1 28 fair Chinese a Elm (Uvmus pumila) ...... ,. . 1923 3 26 5.9 13 fair Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila) . . 192s s 25 4,8 15 fair Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumila)... .. . .. 1930 8 13 1.1 3 poor Chinese Elm (Ulmus pumilzflenu... . 1930 8 14 2.0 6 poor American Elm (Ulmus amerilra/rza) ,, 1918 1-2 24 6.5 12 good American Elm (Ulmus amevimwza). 1918 1-2 24 7.4 15 good American Elm (Ulmus anzc1~u:¢na),, ,, . , 1918 1—2 32 11.4 18 fair American Elm (Ulmus americana). 1922 4-5 15 4.0 4 fair American Elm (Ulmus americana) . . . . .. 1922 4-5 12 3.0 6 good Elm (Ulmus parvifolia) . _ .. n 1923 6 15 3.7 13 poor Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) , , . ..... .. 1912 6-7 3 10.0 24 good Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis) 7' . .. . 1917 4-6 21 7.7 18 good Honey locust (Gleditsia triacalnthus) " , , .. 1918 4-6 3 10.1 30 good Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthits) ., 1918 4-6 3 6,6 26 good Honey locust (Gleditsia triaca'nth1¢s)....... .. 1918 4-6 21 7.0 22 good Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia)“ .. .. .. 1912 4-6 26 12.7 26 good Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) . . . 1918 4-6 24 8.3 15 good Black locust (Rabi/Ma pseudoacacia) , . 1918 4-6 26 8.0 18 good Soft maple (Aver saccharinum) . . . 1916 4-6 25 9.5 24 good Soft maple (Acer sacchar/inuvn) . . . 1918 4-6 22 10.0 18 good Soft maple (Acer saccharinum.) . 1918 4-6 24 7.8 18 good Green ash (F. penn. lanceolata) , __ , . , . . . . _, 1917 5~6 20 4.9 15 good Green ash (F. pen/n. lanceolata) . , . . 1923 5-6 12 2.1 6 poor Black walnut (Juglans niyra) . 1918 1-2 20 8.6 21 good Black walnut (Juglans nigra) .. . . 1918 1-2 21 9.1 ~ 27 good Black walnut (Juglans 7179711) . 1919 2 10 3.2 8 good Rough-leaved hackberry (Celtis occiden.) 1918 5-6 18 6.0 12 fair Southern hackberry (Celtis laevigata) _, , 1923 5-6 24 4.0 15 fair Chinese hackberry (Celtis chinensis) , 1921 1-2 11 4.4 12 fair Russian mulberry (Morus alba. tatarica) .. 1912 4-6 25 19-6 30 good Russian mulberry (Mwus alba tatarica)..___ 1918 3-4 16 8.0 5 poor Babylonian willow (Salim babylonica), ,,,,,,,,, .. 1913 2—3 23 14.6 g 30 good Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) . . _ , , _ _ ,_ 1926 6 11 1.6 6 poor Chinese maple (Acer buergerianum.) 1923 5-6 10 1.7 5 poor Red bud (Cercis spp.) ................................ .. 1919 3-4 21 8.8 15 good ‘Excellenv-Receiving all water needed. Good-Clean cultivation, some supplemental water. Fair-Turf cut back 4 feet in all direction, some supplemental water. Poor—-Competing with turf and little supplemental water. 18 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Fig. 7. Chinese elm, 14 years 01d, 43 ‘feet high, and 17 inches in diameter, planted in turf but receiving plenty of Water, showing habit of growth. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 19 ‘Fengtai, near Peking, China, and sent them to the Washington office ’ during March, 1908. : The Lubbock Station introduced the Chinese elm into West Texas, de- xltermined its adaptability and value, and distributed it widely in this region. Before a seed supply was available in this country, a number of “i importations of seed from China were made and thousands of seedlings were grown and distributed throughout the State. The unusual perform- Lances of these early introductions developed a widespread interest in this j tree. This resulted in a general planting of this species over the entire western two-thirds of the State and created an enormous demand upon nurseries for planting stock. t; The leaves of the Chinese elm somewhat resemble the American elm ‘abut are smaller and more numerous, and give a very dense, dark-green appearance. At Lubbock, it puts out its first leaves between the middle Yand last of March, averaging 17 days earlier than the American elm and J 23 days earlier than Black locust. The leaves usually fall between ‘November 20 and December 1, while the American elm and the Black p, locust usually defoliate by the first of November. It has an extensive surface rooting system, which probably is one of the main reasons it has gproved so valuable in all subhumid regions. It is one of our easiest trees to transplant either as seedlings or even after trees are large, and trans- planted trees very seldom fail to grow. After it becomes established, it is junusually resistant to drouth and neglect, responding quickly to water. ; It is also hardy to heat and cold. .~ The wood is extremely tough and flexible, allowing itito withstand a a great amount of high wind without damage. i Many growth types appear among the seedlings but usually the tree is § spreading in habit, affording an excellent shade. The growth of this species t, is so vigorous and usually of such type that it requires constant pruning " while young in order to properly shape the tree. The bark on the young trees is of a dark-gray color. j , The seed crop is uncertain on account of severe freezing weather often encountered during late March, although the trees bloom freely each spring. l’ At Lubbock, only three seed crops have been made in the past six years. Seed " usually ripen early in April and should be planted as soon after maturity as possible. Plantings made at the station during the past twelve years show much higher germination where home-grown seed were used rather than those imported from China. The seed ripen in China in May and by the time they. arrive in this country, the planting season is usually over and when held over to the next spring the viability of the seed is much impaired. Chinese elm trees planted in the canyon near Lubbock with a number of i other varieties in a wet alkali situation, have been the only ones other than the Honey locust to survive and have made excellent growth under these l conditions. The ability of this tree to adapt itself to various soil types and j climatic conditions is becoming more apparent each year. The Plains Region is free of root-rot, but the Chinese elm, like many other trees, is susceptible to this disease and should not be grown where it is prevalent. 20 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Fourteen four- to five-foot trees spaced out in a row ten feet apart in 1919, receiving clean cultivation and supplemental water the first three years, had reached a height of 24 feet and a diameter of 8.5 inches by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season, they were 26 feet high, had a spread of 24 feet, and a diameter of 9.5 inches. One specimen set out in 1919 and receiving regular irrigation reached a height of 34 feet and a diameter of 12 inches by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season it was 43 feet tall, with a spread of 36 feet a_nd a diameter of 16.8 inches (Fig. 7). Eight- foot trees planted in a lawn in 1927 and receiving regular supplemental water were 25 feet high, with a spread of 18 feet, and a diameter of 5.9 Fig. 8. Five-year-old avenue planting of Chilnese elm in front of the Texas Technological ege. inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. Thousands of Chinese elm trees have been grown from seed on the station and distributed throughout the Plains and as yet no serious objections have been found. At present, this is the outstanding tree for avenue (Fig. 8), lawn and windbreak plantings in this region. The length of life, and per- formance of this tree when it becomes older, is as yet to be determined. Elm— Ulmus parvifolia This small-leafed, many and slender-branched, slow-growing elm was often confused with Ulmus pumila when this latter-named tree became popular, as it is also a native of China. It is very hardy, capable of withstanding ex- TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 21 tremes of temperatures and of enduring dry,‘ hot situations, and a consider- able degree of shade. The branches are tough and flexible, a desirable characteristic for this region. It differs from U Imus pumila. in several respects. The leaves are smaller, thicker, and present a somewhat glossy appearance; the rate of growth is much slower and its flowers appear in September. Flowers of Ulmzrs pumila appear in the spring. One specimen, set out in 1923 at a height of 6 feet, surrounded by turf but receiving several irrigations each year, has reached a height of 15 feet, a spread of 13 feet, and a trunk diameter of 3.7 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. A row of seedlings set out in 1923 within three feet of a young mulberry hedge are now 10 feet tall and present a clean, thrifty appearance. For years they were completely shaded by the mulberries but have lived and made a fair growth in spite of this severe competition. They have had several irrigations each year. Ulmus parvifolia appears to be desirable where a slow-growing, hardy, drouth-resistant, clean-appearing tree of good shade is needed. American Elm—Ulmus americana The American elm is native to the north central and eastern part of Texas, where it grows in the lower lands and along the streams. On the Plains, its growth habit is variable; it usually grows tall and some- what narrow, instead of making the tall, spreading type usually associated with the American elm, although this is partially due to the lack of suf- ficient pruning when young. It is slow growing but long-lived. The wood is tough and resistant to high winds. The leaves, appearing about April 10, drop about the first of November. While the foliage is fairly dense, only a limited shade is afforded on account of the upright growth of the tree. It withstands severe changes in temperature and exists under fairly dry con- ditions but for satisfactory results it should have adequate supplemental irrigation water. A row of American and Chinese elms was planted in 1922; the two varieties were alternated and spaced 18 feet apart. By the end of the 1931 growing season, the American elms averaged 13.5 feet in height with a spread of 5 feet and a trunk diameter of 3.5 inches. The Chinese elms averaged 22 feet in height with a spread of 22 feet and a trunk diameter of 8.2 inches. Another row of American elms planted in 1918, receiving clean cultivation and having access to a large amount of run-off water, averaged‘ 26 feet high, with a spread of 15 feet and a trunk diameter of 8.4 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. The principal objections to this tree are its slow and uneven manner of growth and occasional injury from the flat-head borer. It can be recom- mended for lawn and avenue planting where it will receive good care. Soft Maple—Acer saccharinmn The Soft maple, also called Silver maple, is a native of the moist soil of 22 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION the East and Middle West, where it makes a rapid growth. In the Plains Region its growth is comparatively slow. This many-branched tree with its abundant, deeply-cut leaves makes a . good shade when well watered but the beautiful fall coloring usually as- sociated with the maple leaves is seldom seen in this region. It has a tendency to branch close to the ground, and as the wood is brittle, the larger limbs are often broken by Winds. It should be kept well pruned . while young, but caution should be exercised in not pruning too severely. Its shallow rooting system makes it possible to utilize the light showers frequent in this region. A number of maple trees were planted along driveways on the Station ground in 1916 and 1918. They have had the advantage of clean cultivation a and a considerable amount of run-off water. The largest 10f these trees, by the end of the growing season in 1931, were 23 feet high, had a spread of 18 feet, and a diameter of 9 inches. Others of the species, competing with turf, have made unsatisfactory growth and a few have died. The maple makes a good avenue and lawn tree in West Texas but should be used only where excellent care, including spraying for scale insects, is insured. Green Ash——Fraxinus pennsylvanica lomceolata The Green ash is found growing native over a large portion of the United States, usually along streams or on moist soil. It is extremely tenacious of life, able to withstand dry situations and a considerable amount of alkali, and is hardy to heat and cold. The leaves are bright green, on both sides, presenting a clean, attractive appearance, and together with the broad, round top, produce a shapely shade tree. It is usually in leaf by April 10 and defoliated by the latter part of October. i A number of Green ash trees, about 6 feet tall, were set out in a Wind- break in 1917. These trees, at the end of the 1931 growing season, were 20 feet tall, with a spread of 15 feet, and had a trunk diameter of 5 inches. They were watered the first two years and have always had clean cultivation. One 6 foot specimen, set out in turf in 1923 but receiving supplemental water each year, is 12 feet high with a spread of 6 feet, and a trunk dia- meter of 2.1 inches. This is a good tree for lawn, avenue, and windbreak plantings in West Texas. It is hardy, drouth-resistant, and an attractive shade tree as is shown by the success with which it has been used for general planting, especially in the northern Panhandle. Honey Locust—Gleditsia triacavzthus The Honey locust (Gleditsia tria/canthus) is often confused with the Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), which because so readily destroyed by A borers, is unpopular in this region; as a result few plantings of Honey - locust have been made. It is a long-lived, fast-growing tree with light feathery, fern-like foliage. It puts out its leaves April 10 to 20 and drops TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 23 them about the first of November. The white flowers which appear between April 20 and 30, lasting 10 to 15 days, present an unusually attractive sight and their sweet, fragrant odor permeates the atmosphere for a con- siderable distance. The stout, spreading branches with their foliage and the broad, rather loose head make it a graceful tree, furnishing limited shade. The dark-gray bark is a distinguishable characteristic. It is drouth-resist- ant, is able to withstand considerable alkalifis hardy to heat and cold, and has a strong rooting system. A number of five- to six-foot trees set out in 1918 as a windbreak, spaced 20 feet apart, had attained by 1926 an average height of 25 feet and a diameter of 6 inches. By the end of the 1931 growing season they were 80 feet high, had a spread of 26 feet, and a diameter of 9.3 inches. . Fig. 9. A roadside planting of Honey locust, a hardy, drouth-resistant tree adapted to est ‘Texas. Its disadvantages for lawn and avenue planting are the long sharp spines and the litter caused from seed pods. However, spineless strains are avail- able, and if the thornless forms are planted, the Honey locust can be recommended as one of the best and most hardy trees for this region (Fig. 9). It is worthy of much more extensive planting in the future. Small twigs are occasionally injured by the twig girdler, but otherwise this tree is comparatively free from damage by insects. S)’ camor e—-— P lottomus o cciclerttotlis The sycamore is a large, hardwood tree native along the streams and on rich bottom land in the eastern part of the State to Zavala County. It has the ability to adapt itself to a, Wide range of conditions. In the PléllflS country it is a naturaPy symmetrical, fast-growing, long-lived tree making 24 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION a limited shade. The open habit of growth, large, light-green leaves, smooth, grayish-green bark are the striking features. The older bark yearly flakes off in large areas exposing the white younger bark. The leaves put out‘ between the middle and last of April, and it is defoliated by late October. It will stand severe pruning. One speciment tree planted on the Station grounds in 1912, receiving sup- plemental water and excellent care, has attained a height of 33 feet, a spread of 24 feet, and a diameter of 10 inches in 20 years. Twenty trees planted in one of the windbreak rows in 1918 and spaced 20 feet apart were 21 feet high, with a spread of 18 feet, and a diameter of 8 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. Many of these trees are unthrifty and some of them are dying because of their inability to withstand competition with other varieties better adapted for this type of planting. They have had clean cultivation but no irrigation after the first few years. The sycamore is adapted to avenue and lawn plantings where it will receive considerable water and care, but it cannot be recommended for general planting under dry-land conditions in the region. Russian Mulberry-— Morus alba tatarica This variety of the mulberry family was introduced into the Great Plains States by the Russian Mennonites. It is a low, dense, slow-growing but drouth-resistant tree adapted to dry situations and once established will grow without irrigation. It is thickly branched and affords excellent shade. The leaves vary in size and shape, usually being more or less lobed. The fruit varies in size and color on different trees and ripens unevenly over a considerable period of time. It is seldom used for human food but birds are extremely fond of the berries. In the spring of 1919, 120 Russian mulberry seedlings, 2 to 3 feet in height, were planted in the north or outside row of a windbreak planting across the north side of the Station farm. They all lived and have made a low, dense growth and a good windbreak with only reasonable cultivation and care. In 1931, these trees are 14 feet high, have a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 7 inches. Other plantings for screen and wind protection have been made on the Station with very satisfactory results. One large Russian mulberry, planted in a grove of other species in 1912 and having access to favorable moisture, is now 25 feet high, with a spread of 30 feet, a trunk diameter of 20 inches, and is a beautiful specimen with thick, dark-green foliage. Trees planted around the barn lot on the Station in 1912 have reached a height of 18.3 feet, spread of 18.3 feet, and have a trunk diameter of 10.8 inches. Livestock have eaten the branches of these trees back and they have withstood many hardships and made good growth without irrigation. On account of the large number of flies attracted to the decaying ber- ries, plantings of this tree should not be made near the house. This tree is not fully hardy to the low temperatures on the Plains and the ends of the branches are occasionally frozen back a foot or more, especially when TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 25 the trees are young. Winter killing of the ends of the branches is not so severe here, however. as farther to the north. This tree can be highly recommended for extensive planting as a dense, low-growing tree adapted for use in windbreak and shelterbelt plantings. It is well suited for planting as a screen for unsightly backgrounds, as a shade for poultry yards, and for shade and shelter for livestock, as well as for planting in groves and as an individual tree in dry locations. Black WaInut-QJugZans nigra The Black walnut is native to practically the entire eastern half of the United States. In Texas it is found growing in the eastern two-thirds of the State. Juglans rupestris, another species of walnut, is native to the western and southwestern parts of Texas. It is a fairly fast-growing, hardy tree with rough bark, spreading branches and dense foliage. These characteristics, combined with that of a long life, make it an excellent shade tree. Nuts planted in 1917 had produced trees 17 feet in height and with a trunk diameter of 5.1 inches in 1926. By 1931 they were 20 feet in height with a spread of 23 feet, and a trunk diameter of 8 inches. These trees have had clean cultivation and some supplemental water. Two specimens set out in 1923, at a height of 6 feet and having little care, are now 10 feet high, have a spread of 8 feet, and a diameter of 2.5 inches. ' This tree can be used in lawn and grove plantings where clean cultiva- tion is possible, and because of its hardiness, drouth resistance, and long life, should be much more generally planted. Rough-Leaved Hackberry—Celtis occidentalis This hackberry is found native from New England to Virginia and west to Kansas and Missouri. It is a medium-lived tree and makes a naturally symmetrical growth. The foliage is fairly dense, furnishing good shade; however, its rate‘of growth is slow. It is hardy to heat and cold and re- sistant to drouth. C. occidentalis differs from C. laevigata in several ways; its bark ‘is brownish-gray in color, the leaves are thicker and rougher, xvith toothed edges, and it attains a greater height at maturity. Two six-foot trees, set out in 1918 and having considerable competition, reached a height of 8.6 feet and a diameter of 1.2 inches by 1926. I By the end of the 1931 growing season they were 18 feet high, with a spread of 12 feet, and a trunk diameter of 6 inches. On account of its slow growth and the fact that it leaves out late and defoliates early in the fall, it has never gained much popularity in this region. Like the C. laevigata there are other trees better adapted, so that at present it cannot be recommended for general planting. Southern Hackberry-—Celtis laevigata The Southern hackberry, or Sugarberry, so named on account of its small, dark-brown, sweet berriesfis native to the eastern and central por- tion of Texas. While it prefers a rich, moist soil and makes its best growth 26 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION under these conditions, it is tenacious of life and does fairly well on poor, dry soils. It is a small- to medium-sized tree of short life and slow growth. The head is open and oblong. The bark is rather rough with wart-like projections and pale-gray in color. The leaves are long, lance- shaped, and thin, with smooth edges. They appear in April and drop early in October. ‘ One specimen of this tree, planted in 1923, which received good care but had strong competition with other trees, had reached a height of 24 feet, with a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 4 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. There are many trees that can be more highly recommended for plant- ing in this section. Hackberry-Celtis chinensis This is a native of Japan, where it grows to a height of 30 feet. Three seedlings, 12 to 18 inches high, were received from the United States De- partment of Agriculture, March 4, 1921. These have made a slow growth here but, like others of this genus, are capable of withstanding extremes of temperature and drouth. The smooth, glossy, dark-green leaves will aver- age 3 inches in length. The head, somewhat resembling C. occidentalis, is well branched and produces a good shade. The smooth bark is gray in color. As a whole, this is one of the cleanest-appearing trees on the Station grounds. One specimen, located where it has had strong competition, reached a height of 11 feet, with a spread of 12 feet, and a trunk diameter of 4.4 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. This hackberry, on account of its clean appearance, is preferred over C. laevigata and C. occidentalis. Cottonwood--Populizas deltoides virg'iniana, Sudw. The cottonwood is found growing along water courses throughout Texas. Early settlers found the tree growing naturally along streams and in canyons in the western part of the State both as individual trees and in groups and groves. They cut many for firewood but others still survive. It was one of the first trees to be planted extensively in this region but is fast losing popularity on account of constant leaf injury from insects, short life, the brittle wood, which is injured by high winds, root suckering habit, and the rather “dirty” effect produced from “cotton.” It is easy to propagate from root cuttings and the rooted plants transplant readily. Two specimens on the Station grounds grew very well at first, but when one was 15 years old and the other 17, they were so severely injured by heavy winds that they had to be removed. Its fast-growing, spreading habit, and the ease with which it can be propagated and transplanted still make it useful for plantings around tank dams, streams, irrigation ditches, and similar locations with a plentiful moisture supply. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 27 Fig. 10. Home water system before screening with trees and shrubs. Babylonian willow on right. Fig. 11. The same as Fig. 10 seven years later when trees and shrubs were used effectively to screen the structures. 28 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Black Locust—Robinia pseudoacacia The Black locust is not native to Texas but has readily adapted itself’ to this region, and until the coming of the locust borer into the Panhandle, it was one of the most useful trees for lawn, avenue, and windbreak plantings. It is fast-growing and short- to medium-lived, producing a dense shade in years of abundant rainfall. It is hardy to heat and cold and fairly resistant to both alkali and drouth. The pinnate or fern-like leaves and broad, oval head make a pleasing appearance. The leaves appear between the middle and last of April and fall by the first of November. White, ‘sweet-scented, pea-like blooms in long racemes appear in late April. _A one-half mile row of Black locusts was set out as a windbreak in 1918 with the trees 20 feet apart. They have received no irrigation water since 1920 but have had the benefit of clean cultivation. By the end of the 1931 growing season they averaged 25 feet in height, had a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 8.1 inches. The tree-root suckers badly and there is some litter from seed pods. The locust borer (Cyllene robinae) has killed many plantings in this region, especially in the northern Panhandle, and this insect is gradually moving south. Because of the borer, Black locust cannot be recommended for general planting. Babylonian Willow—-Salix babylonica This tree is a native of western China. The long, slender, drooping branches, grayish-green in color, together with the small light-green leaves, glaucous on the under side, tend to make it an attractive and graceful tree. Babylonian willow makes a large, broad-headed, spreading growth in this locality. Two specimens set out in 1913 and receiving excellent care averaged 25 feet in height with a spread of 31.5 feet and a diameter of 17.3 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. On account of its fast growth, hardiness, and ease of propagation by cuttings, it is perhaps the most useful willow for this region. However, like most willows, it is subject to crown gall and care should be taken to secure trees free from this disease. Pecalv-Hicoria pecan The pecan is native to the central portion of Texas, where it makes an excellent shade and a valuable nut tree. It is the official State tree. In its native habitat it attains great size, sometimes reaching a height of 100 feet. The bark, smooth while young, becomes rough with age and is broken into scales. The wood, unlike that of the other hickories, is hard and brittle and of little value except for fuel. Its uniform, oval crown, with its large leaves, makes an excellent shade tree. On account of the difficulty encountered in transplanting, and its rather slow growth, this tree cannot be recommended for upland planting in Northwest Texas. If a few pecan trees are desired for nuts in this region TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 29 they should be planted in a favorable location along streams or tank dams and given good care. In the Low Plains region pecan plantings should be developed more extensively on subirrigated lands and similar favorable locations. ApricoP-Prunus armeniaca The apricot, a fruit tree, is not usually associated with the shade trees. However, in this region, where it blooms early in March, the fruit is almost invariably killed by frost; for this reason the tree is suitable only for shade and ornamental planting.- One apricot tree, planted in 1914 adjacent to a privet hedge and receiving some supplemental water each year, has attained a height of 24 feet, a spread of 24 feet, and a diameter of 12.7 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. Apricot trees planted in the orchard and elsewhere have withstood drought and made good shade. On account of its drought resistance, hardiness, and dense shade, it is desirable for farmstead plantings or in back yards where a low growing, spreading type of tree is needed. Russian Olive——Elaeagnus angustifolia The Russian olive is a native of western and central Asia. In the United States it will usually be found where shelterbelt plantings, under par- ticularly trying conditions, are used. Where given plenty of room and at- tention it makes a fair-sized tree but usually can be classed as a tall shrub. The woolly foliage, silver-gray in color, is quite noticeable, as are the rather fragrant yellow blossoms. Some twenty plants, growing in the Station arboretum since 1923, under extremely trying conditions, have proved to be hardy to extremes of tem- perature and resistant to dry weather. Specimen plantings reached a height of 25 feet with a spread of approximately 20 feet. It can be used for windbreak and ornamental planting where a small-sized tree can be used, and to give variety in" color, but is not recommended for general planting. The Russian olive does not seem to do as well in this re- gion as it does farther north in the Great Plains. Live Oak-Querczcs virginiana This species, an evergreen, is native to the Southern states and in Texas west to the Red River and the Guadalupe Mountains, ranging from the moist soil along streams to‘the slopes of hills in regions of scant rainfall. In Texas it varies in size from a small scrub-oak, a few feet in height, to a magnificent, large, spreading tree. The great spread and height, under favorable conditions, together with its dark-green glossy foliage, makes it a very picturesque and valuable shade tree. The Live oak renews its foliage each year by dropping the old leaves shortly after the new growth appears. One 3-foot specimen, planted in the arboretum in the spring of 1926, had reached a height of 5 feet, with a spread of 40 inches, and a trunk diameter 30 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION of 1 inch by the end of the 19f.‘~1 growing season. It has withstood a tem- perature of 10 degrees below zero without injury to the Wood; however, the leaves have been killed twice. In this region the Live oak probably can be used as a shrub or small tree but needs further testing as to general adaptability to the High Plains. Mesquite—~P1'os0pis juliflora The mesquite is found growing over the greater portion of the Southwest. In Texas it ranges in height from a bush 3 to 12 feet tall, in the Plains section, to a tree 40 or 50 feet tall in the southern part of the State. This tough-wooded, slow-growing, drouth-resistant tree is occasionally injured, and sometimes killed, by extremely low temperatures. A large number of trees were destroyed in 1930 by a temperature of 10 degrees below zero. On account of its characteristic, short, divi mg trunk, the branches form a loose, irregular top. This, together with its light-green, lacy-like foliage. makes a graceful appearing tree. The yellowish-orange-colored racemed flowers, which produce a great amount of nectar, make the tree valuable to the apiculturist. The matured seed pods, four to nine inches in length, g are greatly relished by cattle on the range and furnish a considerable source of food. One specimen on the Station grounds, having access to supplemental water, has reached a height of 12 feet. The mesquite should be utilized more as a hardy shrub in this region, while farther south, below the Caprock, it is adaptable to yard and avenue planting. Western Catalpa- Catalpa speciosa The Western or hardy catalpa is native to the central portion of the United States, thriving along the rich, moist soils of the Mississippi Basin. The Western catalpa should not be confused with the Eastern catalpa (Catalpa bignowrioides), as the latter is not nearly so hardy. The Western catalpa is a rather unevenly shaped, medium-lived tree. reaching its maximum development at an early age. The flowers, white and purple in color, together with the large leaves, make it a conspicuous tree. The wood is strong and durable in contact with water or soil; hence it is used as fence posts in many regions. It has proved hardy to heat and cold and resistant to dry weather in this region. Two specimens, planted in turf in 1919 and receiving some supplemental water, had reached an average height of 14.8 feet, and a diameter of 7 inches by 1926. By the end of the 1931 growing season they averaged 17.5 feet high, with a spread of 17 feet, and a trunk diameter of 9.3 inches. Because of the oriental and semi-tropical effect produced by the blossoms and the large heart-shaped, pointed leaves, the catalpa can be recommended for limited planting where variety is desired. Chinaberry—Melia azedctrach The Chinaberry, which is supposed to be a native of India, is grown extensively in the central portion of Texas for shade. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 31 The open, irregular crown, covered with small, dark-green, pinnate leaves, forms a fair shade. The brittle wood is often damaged by high winds. The Chinaberry fruits heavily and when the berries fall they cause a large amount of litter. On account of its fast growth it develops a fair shade in a short time. Two trees, planted on the south of a building ‘in 1919, were 16.2 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 7.1 inches by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season they averaged 14 feet in height, with a spread of 9.5 feet, and a diameter of 9 inches. The branches have been frozen back several times, particularly during the winter of 1930 when from 2 to 8 feet were killed by a cold period during late March. Osage Orange-Towylon pomiferztnz The Osage Orange, or Bois d’arc, is native to the northeastern part of Texas. Its tough wood was used by the Indians in early days for making bows. This small, slow-growing, long-lived tree has a rather rounded head which furnished a limited, dense shade. The leaves are dark-green in color and the bark yellowish-brown. It is extremely drouth-resistant and hardy to both heat and cold. The large, green, orange-like fruits cause consider~ able litter when they drop in early fall. Once established, this tree is dif- ficult to eradicate, as the roots continue to send up sprouts. A numberof trees set out in a windbreak planting in 1918 had reached a height of 25 feet, with a spread of 18 feet, and a trunk diameter of 7.4 inches by the end of the 1931 growing season. Trees set 12 inches apart in a hedge at the same time have reached a height of 15 feet. Some of the old Osage orange trees planted by the early settlers in Crosby County have been eaten back and tramped down by livestock but still persist along fence rows. Although the Osage orange can be planted for shade, it is used. principally in hedges and windbreaks. Paradise, or Tree of Heaven—-Ailanthus altissi/mia The Ailanthus is a native of China. Since being introduced into the United States it has spread over a large territory. It is found growing practically all over the state of Texas. In this region the tree makes a rapid growth while young but soon becomes straggly and unkept in appearance. The long, slender, fern-like leaves are resistant to smoke and dust. On account of this characteristic, it is used for avenue and lawn plantings in certain sections of the United States. Three one-foot seedlings, planted in the arboretum in 1918 and receiving the benefit of clean tillage, had, by the end of the 1931 growing season, reached a height of 15 feet, with a spread of 10.5 feet, and a trunk diameter of 5 inches. There are so many .more attractive trees for this region that the Ailanthus is not recommeded for general planting, although it is drouth-resistant and will grow in many dry locations without much care. 11am...“ BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Box Elder—-Acer negtmdo The Box elder, sometimes called the Ash Leaf maple, is native from west- ern New England to Minnesota and southward to central Florida and eastern Texas. Varieties of the species range from central Canada to Arizona and California. The leaves are dark-green on both sides; at Lubbock they usually appear early in April and fall during the first ten days of October. The wood is rather brittle, causing the limbs to be damaged by high winds. When planted on rich, moist soils, this tree, while young, makes a rapid growth, reaching maturity at an early age. For this reason, it is often used as a nurse tree in large plantings of more slow-growing varieties. One‘specimen, six feet high when set out in 1913, had reached a height of 19 feet and a trunk diameter of 5.2 inches by 1926. By the end of the 1931 growing season it was 21 feet high, had a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 8.8 inches. The “Box elder is not especially recommended for this region because many other trees, better adapted, are available. EVERGREEN TREES Table shows the height, spread, and trunk diameter of evergreens planted at the Station during the last ten or twelve years, and indicates the growth and development that may be expected from the various species when planted in this region. The rapid growth of Arizona cypress in both height and spread is indicative of the particular adaptability of this evergreen to the region. ' 9 _4 Table 2. Growth and development of various species of evergreen trees planted at the Lubbock Station. ' Location , Planted Growth t0 Dec., 1931 and, Variety condition Hgt. l Hgt. Diam., Spr’ for Year ft. ft. in. ft. growth* l Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)” ______ _, 1918 3-4 l 20 8.0 _| poor Arizona cypress Cupressus arizonica). ..... _, 1919 1.5 l 25 10.4 18 fair Arizona cypress (Cupressus arizonica)”, _ 1923 3-4 19 7.2 15 l poor Western Yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa) ______ _, 1919 1.5 15 4.6 good Western Yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa) ...... 1 1919 1.5 13 4.6 good Western Yellow pine (Pinus ponderosa) ,,,,,, 1 1922 1.5 111/2 3.1 poor Chinese arborvitae (Thuja orientalis)... , ..... .. 1919 1.5 11 ____ -- fair Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) , _ , , _ , , _ , _ __ 1921 2-3 14 4,0 p901‘ Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) , , _ _ , ,,,, ,_ 1924 2—3 12% 3,0 fair Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) ,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ,, 1920 2-3 16 6,0 12 fair *Excellent——Receiving all water needed. Good—Clean cultivation, some supplemental water. Fain-Turf cut back 4 feet in all directions, some supplemental water. P0or——Com- peting with turf and little supplemental water. A discussion of the adaptability of the more important evergreen species that have been under trial and observation at the Station follows: i \ JTREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS CC OJ Eastern Red Ceatllar——Juniperus virginicma Among the forty or more species of Juniper scattered over the world, nine are native to Texas. The Eastern Red Cedar, Juniperus virginicma, is native from Nova Scotia to eastern North Dakota and south to East Texas, growing on dry, gravelly ridges and limestone hills where few other trees will survive. The wood is much valued for the making of pencils, railroad ties, and fence posts, as it is soft, strong, and extremely resistant to the effects of moisture. Juniperus pinchotii, J. meocicana, and J. monosperma are the three species of junipers commonly found in north- western Texas. The dense foliage of Juniperus virginiana varies in color from a deep ‘ green to aglaucous silvery green; some trees retain their beautiful colors the year around, while others turn a purplish brown for some three months during the winter. Naturally graceful, the Red cedar responds to shear- ing so that, in addition to the many species of junipers differing in growth habit, it is possible to produce various effects ranging from the pleasing naturalistic forms to the effective formal types. Following a warm period in March, 1931, when most deciduous trees leaved out, a temperature of twelve and sixteen degrees was recorded the last of the month. Juniperus virginiana was uninjured while many other evergreens received severe setbacks. This cedar is undoubtedly one of our most dependable and usable ever- greens and is recommended to be planted singly, in groups, or in a wind- break. It is preferable to our native West Texas cedars. _A row of Red cedars set out in 1919 and spaced ten feet apart for windbreak purposes had attained a height of 16 feet, with trunk diameters of over 6 inches, by the end of the 1931 growing season. Three specimens sheared to a narrow, compact, pyramidal form, have reached practically the same height. Western Red Cedar—~Juniperus scopuloruwz The Western or Rocky Mountain Red cedar, which resembles the Juniparus -uirginiwna quite closely, is native to the Rocky Mountains and through to the Pacific Coast. Like the J. virginiana. it is variable in form and in color, ranging from gray to green. Some of our plantings retain their color throughout the year; others turn brown in winter. Nurserymen pro- pagate the more desirable forms and colors by cuttings or by grafting on al- lied root stocks; hence, it is always desirable to state the color of foliage and form of growth desired. As compared with J. virginiana, where grown from seed, J. scopulorztm usually develops a broader head with several stems near the base, the bark shreds and the foliage is more of a silvery gray. Like the J. virginiana, it can be used in foundation plantings, borders, groups, masses, specimens, or for windbreak purposes. 34 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Chinese Junipen-Juniperus chlinenslis Several 12- to 15-inch seedlings of this species (under S. P. I. No. 18577) were secured from the United States Department of Agriculture in April, 1923. The original seeds of this tree were collected by F. N. Meyer, a plant explorer for the United States Department of Agriculture at Shankaikuan, China. This type is “a handsome, ornamental juniper, narrowly cylindrical in shape, erect habit of growth, somewhat like the Irish juniper, and with dense, glaucous or silvery-green foliage. The needles are stiffer and longer than the Irish juniper. Seedlings of this tree are found growing on exposed dry places.” One of the distinctive characteristics of this juniper is the needleshaped foliage instead of the scale-like foliage common to most members of this genus. The Chinese juniper has been gaining popularity in this region on account of its narrow growth habit and ability to retain its beautiful silver-green color fairly well throughout the winter months. While this tree is con- sidered hardy, the early spring growth has been “nipped” by frost during some of the sudden changes in temperature which are usual to this region. On March 27 and 28, 1931, temperatures of 16 and 12 degrees following several weeks of warm weather, destroyed practically one-third of the leaves and they have been slow in recovering. One of the above mentioned plants had attained a height of 5 feet by April, 1926, and 9 feet by April, 193d. This handsome juniper is recommended for specimen and group planting where a conifer is desired. Pfitzer Juniper~Juniipeirus chinens/is var. pfitzericona The Pfitzer juniper is much used in groups and border plantings on account of its semi-prostrate growth habit. If allowed to make a normal growth, it assumes an attractive, low, broad, irregular form with horizontal branches which, in time, form an erect, bushy head 6 to 8 feet tall. The branches, with their pendulous tips, are well covered by the handsome, light olive-green foliage. “ A typical juniper, the Pfitzer adapts itself to most soil and climatic conditions. Also, it responds to shearing, a fact which should be remem- bered when used in borders. Recommended for group and border plantings, it is one of the few con- ifers that can be used near the house in this region without eventually giving a top-heavy effect. Creeping Juniper-—Jzmiperus horizontalis The Creeping juniper is aptly named as the long stems, varying in height up to 4 feet, and clothed with bluish-green foliage, slowly carpet the ground. This hardy, dependable plant is tolerant to shade and dry situations. It is useful in planting where a ground covering is needed but in this region drifting soil greatly detracts from its appearance. C»; Q: I TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWWBST TEXAS Swedish JuIllp€l‘-——-Jlt7l-ip61"2lS COHLlllll/ILIZS rva/r. sruec/ica Loud. The Swedish juniper, which has a narrow columnar growth habit, re- quires a large amount of moisture. The branches, drooping at the tips, are densely covered with light blue-green, needle-like foliage. A handsome conifer of unusually slow growth, the Swedish juniper probably will never attain much popularity in this region on account of its slow growth and need for large quantities of supplemental water. A native form, Julniperzts cmrzvizlzzvvz/is imowltalnla, is found in the mountains of western Texas on cold sites. Arizona Cypress——Cu.pressus arizorwzricct The Arizona cypress is a native to the mountains of northern Mexico, New Mexico, and eastern Arizona. In Arizona, it is found growing at rather high altitudes, where it attains a height of some 70 feet. Fig. 12. Specimen of Arizona cypress of graceful habit and beautiful blue-green color. Because of the need of an evergreen with such attractive blue-green foliage, the Arizona cypress was introduced into West Texas by the Lub- bock Station (Fig. 12). The early trials with this tree proved so success- ful that it was later grown in our nursery from seed and a large number of seedlings distributed throughout this part of the State. It rapidly establishes itself as a drouth-resistant, hardy, rapid-growing evergreen adapted to this region, rivaling the Colorado Blue spruce in its beautiful 36 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION blue-green color. Much can yet be done in propagating desirable forms and colors of this species vegetatively so as to eliminate the inferior types commonly found among seedlings. The foliage, which is its most striking characteristic, varies in color from green to a silvery blue and combines with its graceful branches to produce a handsome, colorful tree of pleasing effect. Another character- istic is the strong, aromatic fragrance of the foliage which delights all nature lovers. The thin bark of the young trees flakes off, exposing the mottled, rosy- red under bark which gradually turns to a deep purplish-red. The older trees which lack the rosy-red under bark slowly shed the older cover in small pieces. Trees grown from seed are usually spreading in habit, although many pyramidal, compact types appear. This tree responds to shearing quite readily, making it possible to secure a variety of forms. It is a rapid- growing tree capable of withstanding prolonged dry, hot periods, responds quickly to water, and is a lover of full sunlight. Somewhat tender while young, older trees withstood a temperature of 10 degrees below zero during the winter of 1929 when most of the younger plantings were severely injured. It was noticed that pot- and can-grown plants suffered more than plants which were balled and bunlaped when transplanted. As it is somewhat difficult to transplant, care should be exercised in purchasing only such trees as have been transplanted several times. In 1919, 12- to 15-inch seedlings were planted in a row 8 feet apart for windbreak purposes. They are now (1931) 2O feet high. Individual speci- mens set out at the same time were 18 feet high, with a diameter of 5.7 inches, by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season they were 25 feet high, with a spread of 18 feet, and a trunk diameter of 10.4 inches. The Arizona cypress, which is undoubtedly our most graceful and striking evergreen and best suited to a naturalistic setting, is recommended for specimen, group, and windbreak planting (Fig. 13). Macnab Cypress—Cup'ressus macnabiana This rare cypress is native, usually in small groves, to southwestern Oregon and California on lava beds, dry hills, and low slopes, rarely grow- ing over 30 feet high. The foliage of the Macnab cypress is bluish to dark-green in color, much finer than Cupressus arizonica, and has the characteristic, strong aromatic fragrance. Unfortunately, we have only one specimen in our planting, but this ‘dense, pyramidal-headed tree has proved hardy to heat, cold, and dry soil. It is worthy of further trial in western Texas. Italian Cypress-Cupresszts sempervirens The Italian cypress is native to southern Europe and western Asia. This handsome, tall tree with its dark green foliage is greatly admired, especially the columnar form. It is used for individual and group plantings, being TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 37 in especial demand around homes Where an extremely narrow evergreen is desired. Unfortunately, this tree has not proved hardy in our plantings although we know of one planting of 11 trees, 4 of which have gone through two winters in this region without perceptible damage. Until more in- formation is obtained it cannot be recommended for the northern part of western Texas, although some varieties of Italian cypress now available are said to be entirely hardy to cold. Fig. 13. Corner of private enclosure bordered with trees and shrubs. Arizona cypress l” ‘on right and Babylonian willow on left Lindleyi Cypress-Cupresszts lindleyi The Lindleyi cypress, a native of Mexico, is a handsome tree with slightly pendulous, spreading branches and silver-green foliage. Two 24-inch plants were set out during the spring of 1923. A temperature of 8 degrees in December killed them back about 2 inches. By December, 1924, they had attained a height of 4 feet but were completely killed by a temperature of 2 degrees below zero, proving their lack of hardiness to this region. Western Yellow Pine-—Pinus ponderosa The Western Yellow or Bull pine is native to mountain slopes, dry valleys, and high mesas from British Columbia to northern Mexico, east ,,to north- western Nebraska and the Black Hills in South Dakota, extending into the Guadalupe and Davis Mountains of Texas. It is often 100 to 250 feet tall. Young trees of the species are commonly called Black Jack pine because of the dark col-or of their bark. As the trees grow older this bark peels off, 3b BULLETIN NO. 447, IlPJXIAS AGRlCUL/llUlLAIl EXPERIMENT‘ STATION leaving the deep-fissured, yellowish-red bark which gives this pine its name. The foliage of this symmetrical, handsome, ornamental tree is a dense growth of bright green needles about 5 inches in length and usually appearing in sheaths of three. It has withstood prolonged dry periods andgreat extremes of temperatures in plantings at the Lubbock station. The Western Yellow pine is easy to propagate from seed but seedling Fig. 14. Specimen of Western Yellow pine, 13 years old, 13 feet high. _ A good evergreen, slow-growing when young but later grows quite rapidly. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 39 growth is extremely slow for the first 4 or 5 years. From this age on they make a rapid growth, averaging 18 inches a year. Transplanting several times and pruning the roots each time will increase the lateral root growth, which will better the chances of its living at the final transplanting. Rate 0f growth can be materially increased by cultivation and watering after the final planting. As pines usually make their vertical growth during the first part of May in this region, this growth can be increased by keeping the soil moist from February on. . Twelve- to fifteen-inch Western Yellow pines set in a row 10 feet apart in 1919 ranged in height from 7 to 15 feet, with an average of 12 feet by the end of the 1931 growing season (Fig. 14). The trunk diameters average 4.6 inches. A somewhat massive tree, with the serene, stately appearance typical of pines, the Western Yellow pine, so far, is preferred over all other pines and is recommended for specimen, group, and windbreak planting. Jeffrey Pine—- Pinus jefifireyi The Jeffrey pine is native to southern Oregon and California. Several trees planted in a row of P/ivzus ponderosa have proved hardy to this region but lack the growth vigor of the latter. The leaves are more of a blue-green in color and considerably longer than Pinus ponderosa. Austrian Pine-Finns nigra var. austriiaca. This tall-growing tree, with dark-gray bark, is native to southeastern Europe from Austria to Rumania. The branches come out in a regular whorl, forming a symmetrical pyramidal shape. The leaves are dark-green in color and much more rigid than P. ponderosa. On account of its sym- metrical shape, it makes a beautiful ornamental tree for specimen or group planting and also can be used for windbreaks although it is not as rapid in growth as P. ponderosa. Scotch Pine-Finns sylvestris Native over a wide territory ranging from Europe to western Asia and northeastern Siberia, the Scotch pine has the faculty of adapting itself to almost any soil. Although it prefers a cool, gravelly subsoil, it thrives on the sandy soils of this region, making a rapid growth. Usually somewhat awkward in appearance, probably on account of the short limbs and leaves, the shape depends somewhat on the source of seed. It is more of a pictur- esque than a graceful tree. Our plantings of Scotch pine have not made quite the rapid growth of P. ponderosa. The Scotch pine is recommended for windbreak plantings. Chinese Arborvitae-Thuja 01'2'e1ztalis China, the source of many of our beautiful ornamental trees and shrubs, is the native home of the Chinese arborvitae. A fast-growing evergreen, 40 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION 1 Fig. 15. Buildings exposed and unattractive without plantings 0f trees and shrubs. Fig. 16. Same buildings shown on right of Fig. 15 but six years later. Arborvitae hedge in foreground; Arizona cypress and Chinaberry trees in background. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 41 easily transplanted, able to withstand dry soils and extremes of temperature in this region, it has long been a favorite. It responds quickly to water and, like the Red cedar, its appearance is greatly improved by shearing. This arborvitae is variable in form; hence a large number of named varie- ties suitable for almost all plantings are available and thus, combined with its adaptability to most climate and soils, it deserves its great popularity. The failure of trees grown from seed to retain uniformly the beautiful olive-green color throughout the winter, the prevalence of leaf rust, and the inclination to lose its pyramidal form as it grows older, is quite an induce- ment to plant only the named varieties which have been propagated by nurserymen for some characteristic, such as color or form. Several rows of trees, rows placed 12 feet apart and trees spaced 5 feet apart, set out in 1918, have made a dense shelterbelt reaching a height of 16 feet by the end of the 1931 growing season. Receiving no supplemental water after the first two years, they have proven ideal for windbreaks. The Chinese arborvitae is recommended for screen and windbreak or hedge planting, while the dwarf, compact, and pyramidal forms are recommended for borders, groups, and specimens. Colorado Blue Spruce-Piazza pungens The Colorado Blue spruce is native to the Rocky Mountain region in Colo- rado, Utah, Wyoming, and northern New Mexico, where it thrives best on the moist, northerly slopes and in the fertile soil along the mountain streams at elevations of 6500 to 10,000 feet. Of the ornamental conifers it is probably the most generally planted tree in the United States. Stern, unyielding in outline in its pyramidal growth habit, the strong branches are in regular whorls, layer-like in appearance. The short leaves or needles, which are rarely over an inch in length, vary from dark-green to silvery blue in color. The “shiners,” or silvery blue forms, are the most admired and popular, and once their silvery blue color is seen glistening and sparkling in the sunlight, this beautiful tree is never forgotten. Deodar Cedar-Cedrus deodara, Laws. The Deodar cedar is a native of the western flanks of the Himalaya Moun- tains, where it attains a height of 150 feet. The straight, tapering stem, horizontal or slightly pendulous branches, irregularly spaced on the trunk with the dense bluish-green foliage, leaves little to be desired in its beauty of luxuriance when grown under adapted conditions. The Station’s plantings have been severely injured twice in the last five years. On one occasion a number of the trees were killed and all were defoliated by a temperature of ten degrees below zero. Unable to withstand a great amount of dry weather or severe temperatures, this handsome, slow- growing evergreen is not sufficiently hardy to be grown extensively in the High Plains but in the southern part of the Plains and in the Low Plains region it is more successful. 42 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Atlas Cedar—Cedrus atlantica The Atlas cedar is a native of the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. This cedar is more columnar in form than deodara and the leaves somewhat shorter. It reaches a height of 120 feet in its native habitat. Plantings of Atlas cedar on the Station appear much slower in growth but more hardy to cold and dry weather than C. deodara. While it is yet too early to be conclusive, this appears the best Cedrus for this region. Cedar of Lebanon——Cedrus libani, Loud. This cedar, so prominent in Biblical history, is a native of Asia Minor, where it attains a height of 120 feet. Like atlantica and deodara, the libani Fig. 17. Evergreens around farm buildings break the winds and improve the appearance. Arizona cypress, Red cedar, and Chinese arborvitae about the barn. is a beautiful, stately tree of blue-green foliage and long, horizontal branches which droop slightly. Our short experience with this species indicates that it is not any better adapted than deodara. LARGE SHRUBS, OR SMALL TREES Certain large shrubs, or small trees, that do not fall naturally into either the tree or shrub classes but which are valuable for yard plantings, tall backgrounds and group plantings, are listed below with their des- cription, habits, and adaptability. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 43 Salt Cedar—— Tamarix The Salt cedar is of African and Mediterranean origin. The various species of this small tree, or tall shrub, are typically at home on the great arid regions of North Africa and. other countries bordering the Mediterran- ean Sea. They appear to thrive equally well on dry, wet, or alkali soils, hav- ing a great range in the United States. In Texas they thrive over the entire state but are used to a greater extent in the western and southern part. The tamarix is a fast-growing, short-lived, small tree or shrub, rather graceful in appearance, with feathery foliage varying in color from a light green to a gray-blue green. The blossoms, which vary in time of appearance among the different species, are quite small and individually inconspicuous; however, they are borne in long racemes and in such profusion that the plant is a mass of pink during the blooming period. As the early spring bloomers produce their flowers on the preceding year’s wood, pruning should be deferred until after blooming. However, most species produce the flowers on the new wood and with these species early spring pruning should be practiced. The leaves usually appear early in April and fall ' shortly after frost. Of the six species planted on the Station, the Athel, or Evergreen, is the only one that has not proved to be hardy. The others are remarkably well adapted, hardy, extremely drouth-resistant, and respond quickly to water. The tamarix is easily propagated, either from rooted plants or cuttings. Twelve- to 18-inch cuttings, set out in the spring, take root readily and with good care make a growth of 3 to 8 feet the first year. When used for hedges or windbreaks, growth should berenewed every few years by cutting the plant back to the ground. This also produces-a well branched plant. This plant is highly recommended for screens, hedges, windbreaks (Fig. 25), and group plantings and can also be pruned and trained into individual trees for shade and ornamental plantings. Tamarioc odessana: This tamarix is a native of the Caspian region. It has an upright habit of growth and the scale-like bark is grayish-purple in color. The foliage is light blue-green, feathery, rather coarse and dense. The flowers of T. odessana are by far the brightest pink among the tamarix, and this, combined with the beautiful foliage, makes it the most popular tamarix in this region. Tawzarioc juniperina variety japonica: The japonica is a horticultural variety of Tawzaria: jzmiperina whose native home is in Northern China and Japan. Its growth habit is quite similar to T. oddessana although a little more spreading. The foliage is nearly as dense and darker green in color. The pink flowers, appearing in early spring on the last year’s wood, blend with the red bark, which has fewer scales than T. odessana. Tanzarix pentandra variety anturensis: This tamarix is a horticultural variety of Tamarix pentandra. It makes a tall, spreading, well branched shrub. The color of the bark is red, while the foliage is quite similar in color to Tamarioc odessana but not nearly as dense. The flowers are rosy pink. 44 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION T amarix yaarviflora: “Tam-arise pariflora is a native of Southern Europe. In growth it is spreading, with numerous long, slender branches, attaining a greater height than T. odessana. The foliage, which is darker than the T. odessana, is neither as feathery nor as dense. The pink flowers appear in late March or early April on the last year’s wood. The bark is reddish- brown in color. Tanwwix gallica L.: This tamarix is a native of the salt marshes of the Mediterranean country, especially of France. In Texas it grows in the Pecos Valley, thriving along the alkali flats and streams; in the towns it is used as a shade and avenue tree. The delicate, light-pink flowers appear in the summer, being borne on new wood. Tamarix articulata: The Athel, or Evergreen, tamarix is a native of Northeast Africa and Western Asia. It has been repeatedly killed on the Station grounds at Lubbock with temperatures of 18 degrees above zero. In the mild-wintered regions of South Texas, especially in the Rio Grande Valley, it is used a great deal for windbreak plantings, making a very rapid growth. Its beautiful, silver-green foliage adds greatly to the landscape of that section. Red Bud—Judas Tree—Ce1'cz's spp. Two species of Red Bud are found in Texas; Cercis canadensis is common in East Texas to the Brazos River, on stream borders and rich bottom lands. Cercis reniformis (formerly texensis) is native from near Dallas south into Mexico, on limestone hills and ridges. This slow-growing, long-lived, hardy, small tree, Cercis canadensis, is deserving of more attention as it blends in with most plantings. The bright, purplish-red, pea-like blooms, appearing in clusters, present an unusually attractive sight in early spring. In this region they appear the first of April and last for about 20 days. The clean-looking, large, glossy-green, heart-shaped leaves, which follow the flowers, drop during the first week of November. In the fall the leaves turn a bright yellow, affording an ex- cellent variety of color. . One 3-foot specimen, set out in a half-shaded position in 1918 and receiv- ing good care, was 10 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 3.3 inches by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season it was 16 feet high, with a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 8.8 inches. The Red Bud can be highly recommended for group and specimen plant- ings (Fig. 18) in this region. Desert, or Flowering Willow—-Chil0psis linearis The Flowering willow is a small tree native to the dry regions of the Southwest. Several specimens planted on the Substation grounds have proved resistant to extremes of temperature and prolonged periods of drouth. Planted in the shade, it makes an upright growth to reach sunlight. Some of the specimens attain a height of 20 feet, while in the open it has a tendency to spread and usually attains a height of about 12 feet. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS The most distinguishing characteristic of this tree is the bell-shaped flowers which appear the first of June and last for a period of about 15 days. Different trees produce flowers varying in color from white to a deep red. It is unusually well adapted for dry situations. Fig. 18. Redbud, 10 years old, in full bloom in April. 46 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Chinese Pistacia—Pistacia chinensis The Chinese pistacia was collected near Shantung, China, by-Frank N. Meyer, Agricultural Explorer for the United States Department of Agricul- ture. Seedlings received at the Station in March, 1921, carried the following description: “An ornamental tree suited to the mild-wintered regions of the Southwest. It is long-lived and adapted to avenue planting. Its hand- some pinnate foliage, which turns red in autumn, resembles Sumac and Sophora. The seed yields an oil used for cooking. The wood is hard and free from insect attacks and is employed in furniture making. It is said that the leaf buds, boiled like spinach, are eaten by the Chinese.” One specimen, set out on the lawn, receiving no supplemental water after the first year, and though having to compete with turf, has always presented a thrifty appearance. By the end of the 1926 growing period it was 6 feet 7 inches tall, with a trunk diameter of .6 inch. By the end of the 1931 growing season it was 11 feet high, with a spread of 6 feet, and a trunk diameter of 1.6 inches. At the same time, other specimens in the arboretum, receiving clean cultivation, were 13 feet high, with a spread of 10 feet, and a trunk diameter of 3 inches. The pistacia can be used in lawn and avenue plantings where a slow~ growth tree will serve. It is especially effective where used as a setting for the small bungalow type of home. ' Maple— A cer buergerianu m The Acer buergerianunz is a native of China and Japan. In 1921 the United States Department of Agriculture sent several trees to the Station, together with the following description: “A small, deciduous tree with three-lobed leaves, one and one-half to three and one-half inches long, shiny, dark green above, somewhat paler and dull beneath. Flowers small, downy, umbel-like clusters. Is probably hardy throughout the United States.” These trees were about two and one-half to three feet in height when received. One specimen planted in turf, receiving supplemental Water, had attained a height of 6.8 feet and a diameter of .6 of an inch by 1926. At the end of the 1931 growing season it was 1O feet high, had a spread of 5 feet, and a diameter of 1.7 inches. This Chinese maple has proved to be hardy to heat and cold and resis- tant to drought, so that it can be recommended for group plantings with -other small trees where its bright-colored, fall leaves will lend considerable variety. Pagoda Tree——S0ph0ra japonica One 3-foot specimen of this spreading, well branched, round-headed tree, set out in 1923 in a dry, hot situation, has attained a height of 10 feet, with a spread of 12 feet, and a diameter of 3 inches by the summer of 1931. The dense, dark-green foliage is rather graceful and when the tree is in flower, during late summer, it presents a pleasing appearance. It with- stood, without injury, a temperature of 10 degrees below zero during the TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 47 winter of 1930, but the tender tip growth was injured by temperatures of 12 and 16 degrees above zero during the latter part of March, 1931, fol- lowing a rather warm period. This tree can be easily identified by its dark-green. bark. In this region the Pagoda can and should take the place of the China- berry, which it resembles in appearance, as it makes a much more hardy tree. ' Siberian Pea Tree——Caragana arborescens This shrub, or small tree, a native of Siberia, has shown remarkable ability to adapt itself to a wide range in climatic and soil conditions in the United States. Planted on the light, sandy soil of the Station grounds, in a dry, hot situation, it has made a slow growth but has proved hardy to extremes of temperature and dry weather. i It has an upright habit of growth and produces bright-green leaves. The “Pea-like”, pale-yellow flowers, which appear in early May, are fol- lowed by small fruit pods. I - It can be used in hedges, group plantings, or as a background for low- growing shrubs. Bungei Catalpa— Catalpa bungei The Bungei catalpa is native to Northern China. It is usually a small tree some 10 feet in height with an extremely dense growth of large leaves from the many branches of the dense, rounded head. The leaves, resembling Catalpa speciosa but not so large or pointed, appear the last week in April and drop between November 1 and 15. Two specimens were set out in 1918. One, in a favorable location, had reached a height of 10.2 feet and a diameter of 4 inches by 1926. By the end of the 1931 growing season it was 12 feet tall, with a spread of 15 feet, and a trunk diameter of 8.5 inches. The other specimen, having to compete with turf and receiving no supplemental water, died in 1929, having made little growth. , On account of its umbrella-like shape, it is a conspicuous tree to be used where necessary to obtain special landscape effect. Teas Weeping Mulberry-—Morus tartarica pendula This horticultural variety of the mulberry, with its pendant branches forming a spray of leaves reaching to the ground, presents a striking appearance. Two specimens, set out in 1923, have proved as hardy as the Russian mulberry. . On account of its unusual appearance, it should be used sparingly and only for special landscape effects. Umbrella China—-Melia azedarach zimbraculifera This is a horticultural variety of M elia azedarach and develops a decidedly umbrella-like crown of regular, dense foliage. With the exception of this 48 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION characteristic, it is so familiar that no further description is necessary. Further south, where it is not subject to winter killing, it can be used in formal plantings. Its rapid growth and dense shade also make it a valuable tree-for shade and ornamental plantings about homes. It is pre- ferable to the common Chinaberry. Soapberry or Wild China Tree—Sapindus drummondii The Soapberry or Wild China tree is native to Texas, New Mexico, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Mexico. It is one of the few trees native to this region and is found growing in the canyons penetrating the High Plains. A small tree, rarely exceeding 20 feet in height, it has an upright, open- growth habit which makes it of little ornamental value. The compound cones bear 4 to 9 pairs of alternate lance-shaped, pale yellow-green leaf- lets, about two and one-half inches long and one-half to two-thirds inch wide. Its yellowish-white flowers appear in terminal panicles, and are followed by yellow berries which hang on throughout the winter. It is suited to a wide range of soil conditions, is drouth-resistant, and withstands cold; This small tree or tall shrub can be used where hardi- _ ness is an essential characteristic. Several trees in the Station plantings have made a uniformly good growth. One tree, set out as a 3-fo0t tree in 1923, in a crowded position, was A16 feet high, with a trunk diameter of 4 inches in 1931. Choke Cherry—-P1'unius virginiana The Choke cherry, a native of the United States and Canada, adapts itself to a wide range of temperature, soils, and moisture. In western Texas a variety of the species is found growing along the water courses of the canyons. The thin, rather dark green leaves, with the many branches, make a dense foliage. The bark is smooth and brownish-gray in color. The fruit, which is red or dark-crimson in color, ripens in late summer. In its wild condition it grows more as a shrub, while under cultivation it makes a small tree. The Choke cherry can be recommended for use as a screen or shelter around chicken lots. SHRUBS The list of shrubs described in the following pages is by no means com- plete as no attempt has been made to include all those which might be grown. It does, however, include the most important shrubs and those which have been under trial and observation at the Station. S pirea—S piraca Spiraea vzmhouttei: Of the 80 or more species of spirea, Vanhouttei is the most popular and extensively planted, and is probably the most beloved and admired shrub in the United States. STREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 49 Beginning in late April when the small, slightly round leaves make their first appearance to completely clothe the long, slender, reddish-brown, pendulous branches with their dense foliage, until frost, this round, grace- ful shrub commands the admiration of the nature lover. Early in April the small, delicate, white flowers appear in such profusion on the gracefully drooping branches that from a distance they resemble a veritable cascade. With the coming of fall, while not dressing up in the brilliant hues of some shrubs, it still has sufficient color to retain the attention. Several plants at the Station, given plenty of room, have a spread of 12 feet and a height of 7 feet (Fig. 19); others, by judicious thinning of the growth, are medium-sized shrubs. Attractive in massed plantings against the home, for foreground, groups, Fig. 19. Spiraea vanhouttei in full bloom. This graceful and spreading shrub is 20 years old. screens, or hedges, demanding little in the way of care and attention, the Spiraea UCLTLhOUttGi, is nature’s expression of a generally useful, thrifty and graceful shrub. Spiraea thunbergii: One of the most delicately appearing of the spireas, S. thunbergii is hardy to this region and withstands a certain amount of neglect. Graceful, with its slender, arching branches, the bright green, lance-like leaves of this shrub produce the neat effect needed for border plantings. The exquisite little white flowers usually are the first in our plantings to herald the coming of spring, appearing from late February to middle March. Blooming so early, however, they are killed before the height of the blooming period is reached and sometimes fail to bloom here. 5O BULLETIN NO. 4-47, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Spiraea prunifoliaa The Bridal Wreath, S. prunifolia, the old-fashioned, double-flowered spirea, still retains its popularity for group and founda- tion plantings where a graceful, medium-sized, hardy shrub is desired. "l The long, slender branches are well clothed with slightly oval-shaped, dark- green leaves, which make a pleasing background for the small, white, double flowers appearing in March or April, depending on seasonal conditions. . As with the other early-blooming spireas, thinning out the entire shoots as they become old and ragged will cause the shrub to retain its graceful, characteristic, fresh appearance. Spiraea bumaldo oar. Anthony Waterer: The Anthony Waterer spirea is extensively used for foreground and mass plantings where a shrub attaining a height of some l8 inches is needed. This hardy shrub is tolerant of shade and dry situations. When it is given good care, thebright, car- mine flowers bloom off and on from late spring until early autumn. Japanese Barberry-Berberis thiunbergii The Japanese barberry is a native to the mountainous region of Japan. It was so enthusiastically received by the first growers in the United States that it has deservedly become one of the universal favorites. The large number of stout, purplish-red to brown branches, noticeably grooved, with the abundant, small, oval, dark-green leaves, pubescent beneath, form a fresh-appearing, neat, compact shrub. As fall approaches, the leaves begin to change color slowly, varying=from degrees of yellow to bright-red. The bright-red berries, usually lasting throughout the winter, enliven the barrenness of the season in that particular spot. This hardy, dependable shrub, capable of withstanding a large amount of dry weather, shade, and neglect, reaches a height of about 4 feet and can be used in mass and foreground plantings about the home. Mexican Sage—-Lavender Cottom-Santolina chamaecyptzrissus L. The Mexican sage is native to the Mediterranean region of southern Europe. This is a many-branched, evergreen, dwarf shrub rarely exceeding 12 inches in height and 18 inches in width at the Station. The pinnate leaves are silver-gray in color and about one-half to one inch long and have a strong aromatic odor. The small, yellow or orange-colored flowers are daisy-like in appearance and begin to bloom early in June. This sun-loving, round evergreen shrub is perfectly hardy, withstands drouth, and is highly recommended as a dwarf border or edging plant for this region. . Autumn Sage-Sailvia greggii The Autumn sage, a native of the semi-arid regions of southwestern Texas and Mexico, is extremely hardy and thrifty in this region. This semi-evergreen shrub, with its large number of slender, character- istic sage branches, grayish-brown in color, is a lover of sun but is able to withstand considerable shade. It has an open, spreading habit of growth, rarely attaining a height of over 3 feet, but with good care one plant will ~ human}. ._“ TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS against a background of Babylonian willow. Fig. 20. Ornamental Pampas grass 52 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION cover forty square feet. However, with well directed pruning it can be used successfully in small foreground plantings. The unusually large number of small, oblong, bright-green leaves, which have a distinct sage odor, practically cover the branches. The lovely, attractive, cerise red blooms, appearing in racemes at the end of practically every branch, pre- senting a most beautiful contrast with the foliage, are borne in such pro- fusion from early spring until frost that no one can afford to leave the Autumn sage out of his small shrub collection. Snowberry—Sympho1'icarpos racemosus The Snowberry, a favorite of the Middle West, is rarely seen in this region. From a distance the growth habit appears rather upright but as one obtains a closer view the numerous, long, slender branches have a slightly drooping character, especially in the fall when covered with berries. It is an unobtrusive looking shrub, 4 to 5 feet in height, with small, oval, green leaves, pubescent beneath, and with inconspicuous, small, dainty, pink flowers borne in clusters towards the end of the new growth. Early in September, white, marble-like berries adorn the tip ends, remaining well into the fall after the leaves have been dropped. Desiring part shade and moist soil, it is a hardy, ideal shrub for north exposures. French Mulberry (American Beautyberry)—Callicarpa americanct The French mulberry in its native form is found growing from Virginia to Texas and in parts of northern Mexico. In Texas it abounds in the moist, rich lands of the central part of the State. The large, rather coarse glandular leaves, mulberry-like in appearance, are dark green on the upper side and light grayish-green underneath. They are formed in opposite pairs which are spaced from one and one-half to two inches apart on the dark-purple, rather pubescent, woody branches. The size of the leaves alone make it unusually noticeable. With the coming of October, numerous violet-colored berries, which adorn the new growth, appear in clusters at the basq of the leaves, adding much color and beauty to the plant, causing it to take first rank among the fall ornamental shrubs. Although it is a moisture and partial shade-loving plant, it is able to withstand a considerable amount of dry weather and responds quickly to water. It is not extremely hardy in this region; however, if killed entirely to the ground, new, vigorous growth soon appears which produces the much prized berries. It is particularly desirable for massed and background plantings. Symphoricarpas——Symphoricarpos chenaultii Rehd. This relative of the coralberry is another of the berried shrubs much admired for its beautiful growth habit and the attractive fruit. This neat little plant, with its multitude of graceful, long, slender, drooping branches covered with extremely small, dark-green, oval leaves, slightly pubescent beneath, is deserving of space in any partially shaded planting. Around TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 53 October 1, delicate, small, rosy-pink berries appear singly and in clusters on this year’s wood, and last well into the winter. Capable of withstanding a fair degree of dry weather, this beautiful little shrub should be given some shade and will more than repay the time spent in giving it the supplemental waterings which it requires t0 make its best growth. It is recommended for group and mass planting around the home where a small shrub is desired. Mahonia—— Mahonia aq u ifoliuwz The Mahonia is native to the Pacific Coast region from British Columbia to California. The rather coarse-looking limbs coming from the roots are well covered by leaves so that this erect shrub, reaching a height of about 4 feet in West Texas, presents an attractive appearance. The holly-like leaves, appearing opposite each other, are a lustrous, dark green in color above and pale green beneath. An evergreen, it can be admired the year around; the yellow flowers in racemes in early spring, the clear, bright- green foliage of summer, partially turning a rich red in autumn, and the small, blue-black berries which appear in the fall, lasting throughout the winter, make it a popular shrub. Given some shade and a moist soil, this year-around, hardy shrub is recommended for foundation use as a medium- sized back-ground, especially on north exposures. Amur River Privet-Lia1zst1"ua1z amureoise The Amur River privet is native to the valley of the Amur River of northern China. It is the favorite ligustrum in Texas for sheared hedge planting. Hardy and well adapted, it is a neat, close, upright shrub, reaching a height of 12 to 15 feet where allowed to go unsheared. The small, oblong, rounded, dark green leaves, light green beneath, are closely arranged on the sturdy, brownish-gray branches, completely cloth- ing them. Although usually retaining its foliage throughout the year, the leaves will drop at zero temperatures. A severe freeze the last of March, 1931, following a warm February and early March, killed the wood to the ground at Lubbock for the first time in 12 years. Recommended for screens, sheared specimens, and hedge plantings, the Amur privet is the best ligustrum for this region. California PriveF-Ligustruon ovalifoliztvzz The California privet is a native of Japan, and like the Amur River, is much used as a sheared hedge. The large, dark-green, glossy leaves are the most distinguishing characteristic of this species. This shrub, with its upright-growth habit and the many, close-set, grayish-green branches, produce a much more rigid effect than does L. amurense. Capable of withstanding more dry weather than L. amurense but not as hardy, it should be classed as a half evergreen in this region. It usually goes through three out of five years without defoliating, however. Though 54 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION killed back to the ground the spring of 1931, this vigorous shrub made: a growth of approximately 3 feet the following growing season. i1 California privet is recommended for sheared hedges (Fig. 1) and speci-AY, HIGHS. Euonymus-—Eu0nyw1ous japonica Euovzyoizolzs japmzica, one of the broadleaf evergreens, is not fully hardy to this region. Usually retaining its foliage throughout the winter, it has j; been killed back to the ground once in seven years and lost its foliage 1,, twice; however, it is defoliated but for a month or two at the most. l‘ The large number of deep green branches completely clothed by lustrous, f dark-green, slightly crinkled leaves, toothed and somewhat oval in shape, f; with their clean, fresh appearance, add materially to foundation plantings, especially in the winter when other shrubs are defoliated. i7 At home in the shade or sun, this vigorous, upright-growing shrub varies in height from 2 to 8 feet and is valued for foundation and group plantings where an evergreen is desired. Crape Myrtle—Lagerstoemia indica The Crape Myrtle, a native of southern and eastern Asia and northern Australia, has been naturalized in the American tropics and southern United States. In the Plains region of Texas it is a shrub of medium height, usually making a growth of 4 to 6 feet, while in regions farther south it often attains a height of 20 feet. This thrifty, well branched, upright-growing shrub, flowering in the heat of midsummer, is unusually attractive during the blooming period, giving life to any planting. The length of the flowering season depends upon the amount of moisture and care. The beautifully fringed and crinkled flowers which are borne in terminal and auxiliary panicles make this a most popular shrub for group, mass, or specimen plantings. There are several varieties of color: pink, magenta, crimson, and pale lavendar. The smooth, green, oblong leaves, quite attractive during spring and summer, add doubly to the beauty of the shrub with their yellow and scarlet fall colors. Sun-lovers by nature, our plantings have shown great tolerance to shade, varying from the full shade and competition of trees to the more open foundation plantings. Withstanding dry weather, it is only half hardy to cold, often killing back to the ground, but has endured a temperature of 10 degrees below zero. As the flowers are borne on the new wood, little pruning is necessary here, as they kill back rather often in the winter. Smoke Tree—Rhus cotinus The Smoke tree in Europe and Asia, where this variety is native, has been a garden favorite for centuries. It will, under favorable conditions, attain 15 feet or more in height, but under stressed conditions is a large shrub. The yellowish-green flowers that appear from April 2O to May 5 are loosely arranged in panicles, presenting a misty effect, which is one of the most attractive features of the shrub. The light-green leaves, which a .v-,..1...rl,a-z.;m.m' m; TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 55 are round and smooth, turn a rosy crimson hue during the late autumn. Several specimens of this shrub planted in rather crowded, shaded positions have made a satisfactory growth and now average 4 to 10 feet high. It is very suitable for specimen plantings on the lawn and for background, boundary or group plantings where a tall shrub is desired. Very hardy and well adapted. Staghorn Sumac—-Rhus typhina The Staghorn sumac is found growing from southern Canada to the Gulf throughout the eastern half of the United States. It makes an upright, spreading growth and in some regions attains a height of 10 to 15 feet; however, in this region it will have to be classed as a tall shrub, as our plantings rarely reach a height over 8 feet. Its blunt, clumsy-appearing branches, a dark reddish-brown in color, are covered with a thick, velvety, hair-like growth which gives it the appearance of the staghorn, hence its name. Fig. 21. Row of evergreens used as a windbreak. Arizona cypress, left, and Arborvitae, right. The brilliant red and orange fall coloring of the fern-like leaves is the most striking characteristic of the sumac; however, the clear, green leaves of spring and summer are quite attractive. Although it is comparatively drouth-resistant, the fall coloring is much more brilliant when the shrub receives late summer and fall moisture. This shrub can be recommended especially for background plantings; also for group plantings where variety is desired. 56 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Common Snowball-—Vibu'rnum opulus var. sterile This,.large, vigorous, rather upright-growing, coarse shrub, sometimes approaching a small tree in this region, is a horticultural variety of the European cranberry bush, V. opulus. The large, lobed, and opposite-ap- pearing leaves usually make theirappearance in early April and from a distance their deep, dark-green color completely screens the coarse, Woody branches. By the first of May the large, showy clusters of creamy white flowers effectively clothe the plant for a period of fifteen days, thereby making it one of the outstanding early spring shrubs. Snowball is hardy to heat and cold and capable of existing in dry situa- tions,, but our plantings have proven that for best results it should have half shade and a cool, moist soil. It is most effective in a naturalistic setting. Golden Bell— Forsythia suspensa Of Asiatictorigin and a favorite in the American yards for years, the Golden Bell is still found in many plantings although the newer species are gradually supplanting it. The central stems are upright in growth, from which long, drooping branches appear, making a cataract of dark-green foliage. The dense, smooth, clean-looking, oval-shape leaves with their broad-rounded base and pointed tip, appear in early April in our plantings. The numerous, yellow- golden, bell-shaped flowers, from which it derives its common name, Golden Bell, are often killed by late spring frost so that it is not a sure bloomer in this territory. It is well adapted to a, wide range of conditions and suitable where hardi- ness is the main factor. Attaining a height of 7 feet, the Golden Bell can be used at the base of tall-walled buildings, in rugged, distant corners wherever a graceful drooping type of shrub will suffice. Mock Orange-— Philadelphus coronarirus The Mock Orange, so named on account of the similarity of the fragrance of the flowers to the orange ,blossom, is one of the few shrubs whose identity and cultivation date back to the ancient times of the Greeks, from which country it is thought this species originated. This large, upright-growing shrub has a number of strong branches. The bark on the old growth is somewhat grayish-white, while the slightly drooping new growth, on which the flowers appear, is a dark purple in color. Medium-sized green leaves appear early in April, resembling those of the holly somewhat on account of their dentation. Early in May the mass of wide open, creamy-white flowers fill the surrounding atmosphere with their rich fragrance. Hardy, long-lived, and capable of adapting itself to most soils, this tall shrub is recommended for screens, unsightly corners, and the base of tall buildings. Pruning should consist of thinning out the old growth. TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 57 Vitem-Vitea: negundo va/r. incisa The V/itex negmzdo, a native of China and India, islone of some sixty species native to the tropical and sub-tropical portions of the world. In height and growth habit they range from a shrub to a small tree. The weight of the flowers and seed cause the square, sturdy, upright, pur- plish-brown branches to arch, giving this large shrub a graceful appearance. The terminal spikes or loose clusters of lavender-colored flowers begin blooming during midsummer and from then until fall are the center of admiration. Fig. 2'2. Red cedar used as a windbreak. Trees 12 years old and 16 feet high. One of the best evergreens for West Texas. A somewhat oriental effect is produced by the narrow, bright green, serrate or toothed leaves, grayish pubescent beneath, which are borne in opposite whorls of three or five leaflets each, and are spaced about two inches apart. Adapting itself to various soil types and hot, dry situations, but being killed back by temperatures of ten degrees below ‘zero, this sturdy, depend- able, effective shrub can be used as a screen or where a tall background is needed. Chaste Tree-Vitea: agnus-castus The strong, sage-like aroma of this shrub is a distinguishing character- istic. In appearance it differs but slightly from V. negundo. However, it is taller and lacks the graceful arching of the branches. The long, smooth, slender leaves, which appear in whorls of five to seven, are usually not serrated. The flowers, which are lilac‘to pale-violet in color, appear early in July. 58 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION Like V. negundo, this vigorous shrub should be used as a screen, in corners, and where a tall background is desired. ' Weigela-— Weigela rosea Lindl. The Weigela, a native of northern China, ‘has gained wide popularity in England and the United States, mainly on account of its beautiful flower- ing habit. The shrub, which makes a growth of 6 to 8 feet in height in our plantings, has strong, rugged branches sometimes reaching the ground- when given sufficient room; however, under crowded conditions it makes a straggly, open growth. The coarse, dark green leaves make a beautiful background for the rose-pink, tubular flowers appearing in clusters of three or four on terminal branchlets and lasting some three weeks, be- ginning the latter part of April. At this time the Weigela is in its glory. Weigela rosea var. Hendersoni produces more flowers than "rosea and they are dark-red in color. Fig. 23. Shelterbelt on north side of farm (right) composed of a row each of Black locust, Honey locust, and Russian mulberry. Used as a screen, along walls, and open group plantings, the Weigela is a hardy, thrifty, and useful shrub. Althea, or Rose of Sharon—H1Tbiscus sy/riacus The Althea, an old favorite of the South, has the ability to withstand an unusual amount of neglect. It varies in height up to about 12 feet but usually makes a good growth of about 4 feet in this region. Of upright growth habit, the rugged, strong, unattractive branches are fairly well screened by the three-lobed, coarsely toothed, bright green leaves. The possibility of obtaining a great variety of colors—-white, blue, violet, pink, and violet-red—-its freely blooming characteristic, and the fact that it TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 59 blooms during late midsummer, all help to retain the popularity of this dependable shrub. It is recommended for distant groups, corners, and dry, hot situations. WINDBREAKS Windbreaks, or shelterbelts, are purely mechanical means of lessening the detrimental effects of destructive winds. More attention should be given in Central and West Texas to extensive plantings of trees, both deciduous and evergreen, for home and farmstead protection. In the Winter, when the land is bleak and barren, a shelter- belt around the farmstead, in which evergreens are used, will liven up its general appearance besides sheltering the home and lessening fuel con- sumption. Through its protecting influence livestock can more easily be kept in a thrifty condition. During the spring months, when the tender Fig. 24. View underneath the shelterbelt shown in Fig. 22. Black locust, left, Honey locust, right, 12 years old. garden and flowers are often injured by the strong, dry winds and drift- ing soil, the damage can be moderated or prevented by the use of low- growing evergreens as a shelterbelt (Figs. 21, 22, 23). A good arrangement for shelterbelt is to have a row or two of evergreens about 100 feet from the building, extending around the north, west, and part of the south side. These trees should be spaced 6 to 1/0 feet apart and the soil handled as previously outlined. To be more effective it is well to add a row of deciduous trees on the inside, as this will tend to deflect the wind upward. It should be remembered that it is possible to get trees too close to buildings, thus preventing a good circulation of air during the warm summer months. 60 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION For windbreaks around the farm, three or four rows should be used (Fig. 23 and 24); the outside row can be of evergreens, or some dwarf deciduous tree, such as Russian mulberry, and the inside rows of some taller-growing species, such as Chinese elms, which are trimmed up for about nine feet from the ground. By spacing the trees twenty to twenty- five feet apart in rows the same distance apart and alternating the position of the trees, a dense, effective windbreak is produced. Where trees are placed in such manner, clean cultivation can be practiced without difficulty. HOME PRODUCTION OF TREE SEEDLINGS FOR THE FARM It is often both desirable and possible for the farmer to grow his trees, either from seed or seedlings, especially if he contemplates a rather exten- sive planting, and in this manner materially reduce the cost. Fig. 25. The Tamarix is a valuable, drouth-resistant, and fast-growing plant for hedge or windbreak in West Texas. Tamarix hedge, untrimmed, 5 years old, 18 feet high, used to protect the home garden from the winds. After determining the variety or varieties desired for the planting, it is always well to use home-grown seeds if possible. If unable to secure the seeds locally, one should procure them through some reliable tree seed house. Some seeds, such as Chinese elm, lose their germinating qualities rapidly and should be planted as soon after maturity as possible. When not planted at once they should be stored in a cool, damp place, while other seeds should be kept in as dry a place as possible. Many tree seeds, such as Red cedar, should have the pulp removed before planting. This can be TREES AND SHRUBS IN NORTHWEST TEXAS 61 done by rubbing over screen wire or with any rough-surfaced tool. Un- usually hard-coated seeds, like Red cedar, should be stratified over winter; mix the seed with coarse sand, using sufficient sand so that the seeds do not come in contact with each other, keep moist at all times, and store in a cool place, such as a dugout. Germination can be hastened with seeds that have a fairly hard coat by soaking in water for 24 hours previous to plant- ing. For planting, a specially prepared seedbed is necessary and this should be located on well drained, fertile soil that can be watered regularly. The seedbed area should be spaded or plowed to a depth of 12 inches; a small amount of fertilizer should be worked in and the bed then leveled and firmed. Leveling is of great importance, as failure will allow the seed to collect in shallow depressions as the area is irrigated. Fig. 26. Propagating tree seedlings in seedbeds. Covers slatted with plaster lath give half shade to the young seedlings. The seedbed should be given protection; to do this a frame with sides and ends made from 1 x 12-inch boards, 4 feet wide and 12 feet long, is used (Fig. 26). Covers constructed of plaster lath, spaced 1 inch apart, are placed on top of the frame. This insures partial shade and prevents the direct rays of the sun from drying the soil too rapidly or scalding the seedlings. ‘ The seed are sown in the seedbed in a manner quite similar to that used with tomatoes or peppers. In this region pure sand, free of organic matter, can be screened over the seed to a depth of 1A to 1/2 inch. Straw or hay, free of seed, some 6 inches deep, can be used as a mulch and later removed as the seed germinate. If desired, burlap can be spread over the top and removed as soon as the seedlings are well started. Caution should be exercised not to get the surrounding air too damp or the seedlings will begin to die from a disease known as “damping off.” On account of the naturally dry air of this region, little difficulty is encountered from this 62 BULLETIN NO. 447, TEXAS AGRICULTURAL EXPERIMENT STATION disease provided plenty of ventilation is given. If prevalent, it can usually be controlled by giving the plants full sun for several days. In growing trees from seedlings care must be exercised in giving attention to the young seedlings at all times. Proper ventilation, shading, weeding, and soil moisture are essential in obtaining a good survival and a balanced rate of growth between root and stem. Time of planting the seed depends on soil temperatures and available moisture. Generally late April or_early May is best in this region. Evergreen seedlings should be transplanted in the bed each spring for several years, as‘ this stimulates root growth, prevents excessive top growth, and insures better success when transplanted to the nursery row or permanent location. Deciduous trees often can be safely transplanted to their permanent location by the end of the first year. It is always advisable to retain as much of the roots as possible when transplanting. In trans- planting seedlings, the best way to prevent drying out of the roots and to expedite planting is to place them in a bucket of water. In this manner the seedlings can be transferred directly from the water to the soil. The quickest and most satisfactory method, especially where watering‘ of the seedbeds twice each day, as is necessary in this region, cannot be con- veniently done, is to purchase seedlings. The advantage in using seedlings is that they can be set out in the garden area where irrigation by flooding can be practiced; one to three years in time is gained and they require less water and attention. SUMMARY Experiments were begun at the Lubbock Station in the spring of 1917 with the view of determining the adaptability of various trees and shrubs to the region. On the basis of these experiments and experience with various species of shade and ornamental plants, various lists are given of trees and shrubs for special purposes, such as avenue and yard planting, roadside planting, small trees, windbreaks, screens, hedges, backgrounds, borders, specimen and foundation plantings. Important factors to take into consideration in the selection and planning of shade and ornamental plantings are: their adaptability, length of life, rate of growth, intended usage, size, shape, and habits_of growth. Trees and shrubs planted in the fall in Northwest Texas are subjected to drying out of both stems and roots. Spring plantings are, therefore, recommended for both deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. In transplanting trees it is important to settle the dirt firmly about the roots. This can be done best by thoroughly tamping the soil as the tree is planted and then watering thoroughly to further settle the ground. Trees, like any crop, make a better growth where they have the entire use of the soil and are not compelled to compete with weeds, grass, and other vegetation. Clean cultivation is especially important in the western part of the State. The Chinese elm, a new tree introduced into the region in 1919 and given TREES AND SHRUBS IN ‘NORTHWEST TEXAS 63 wide distribution for trial plantings, has proved to be one of the best varieties for yard, roadside, and windbreak plantings. It is a drouth- resistant, rapid-growing tree well adapted to this part of the State. The Green ash, Honey locust, Soft maple, American elm, and Russian mulberry are other deciduous trees which do well and are recommended for this region. The Arizona cypress is another new tree introduced into this region which has proved to be one of the very best evergreen trees for specimen plantings, tall backgrounds, or windbreaks. It is attractive in coloring, of rapid growth, and is highly recommended for more extensive planting. Red cedar, Chinese arborvitae, and Western Yellow pine are the three other evergreen conifers which are well adapted and are recommended for planting in this region. Tamarix (Salt cedar), Red Bud, Flowering willow, Chinese pistacia, Siberian Pea tree, Bungei catalpa, Weeping willow, and Soapberry are small trees or large shrubs recommended for planting. Among the best adapted shrubs are the Spireas, Amur River and California privets, Sumac, Vitex, Crape Myrtle, and Weigela. ' The Chinese elm, Honey locust, Russian mulberry, and Salt cedar are among the best deciduous trees and the Chinese arborvitae, Red cedar, Arizona cypress, and Western Yellow pine are the best evergreen conifers recommended for windbreak and shelterbelt plantings.