Forest Trail at Austin Nature & Science Center

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The Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail is a permanent self-guided exhibit that includes forty-five trees planted and maintained site-wide to encourage the selection of native trees appropriate for commercial and residential landscapes in Austin and Central Texas. The exhibit’s artistic signage, in English and Spanish, identifies each tree with a common name and scientific name, mature height, tree facts, and whether it is deciduous or evergreen.  

Contact Information

Austin Nature & Science Center
512-974-3888

Overview


Overview 1 of 1

Right Tree, Right Place, Right Reason

The Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail's catch phrase, Right Tree • Right Place • Right Reason, serves as an easy reminder to do some research and ask some questions before selecting and investing in a tree. This will help to ensure a successful long-term outcome that costs less to maintain, gives confidence that the chosen tree will fulfill its intended purpose, and avoids unintended problems as it grows.

Choosing the Right Tree

Learning a few key facts about a tree can help you choose the right tree for your project, location and budget. Consider why you are planting a tree, the tree’s role in the landscape, and what it will need to grow and thrive. Soil types, depth, and moisture content vary widely in this region and are a key factor in tree selection.

Allow adequate room for the tree to grow to its natural height and width that considers proper spacing between trees and permanent elements like sidewalks, buildings, utilities in the ground and above, and aesthetics.

A tree can live between fifteen and hundreds of years, depending on genus and species, so time spent considering these factors is well spent.

The Forest Trail exhibit’s theme and focus is encouraging people to choose and plant trees regionally native to Central Texas because these trees are well adapted to Austin’s local conditions, sustain local wildlife, and are in keeping with its local identity. Wherever you live, please consider planting trees native to your location.

Why an Urban Forest is Vital

Austin’s urban forest—its tree canopy—is vital to water and air quality and helps mitigate the urban heat island effect. It’s a healthy and sustainable mix of trees, vegetation, and other components that comprise a contiguous and thriving ecosystem valued, protected, and cared for by the City and all of its citizens as an essential environmental, economic, and community asset.  

Funding for the trail generously provided by a City of Austin - Urban Forest Grant. The Urban Forest Grant (UFG) has been established to promote conservation and improvement projects that benefit Austin’s urban forest.

View this page on www.austintexas.gov

Trees


Trees 1 of 3

Small Trees

Small trees at the Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail. 

American Smoke treeAmerican Smoke Tree

American Smoke Tree (Cotinus obovatus)

  • 6' - 12' (1.8m -- 3.7m)
  • Large flower clusters resemble "smoke"
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

  American Smoke tree

Racimos de flares grandes que semejan ''humo''

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien.

Anacacho Orchid treeAnacacho Orchid Tree

Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides) 

  • 10' - 15' (3m - 4.6m)
  • Unique foliage and showy white, sometimes pink, flowers
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Anacacho Orchid Tree

Follaje único con flores blancas vistosas, algunas veces rosas

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Bubba Desert WillowBubba Desert Willow

Bubba Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis 'Bubba') 

  • 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)
  • This cultivar's large purple flowers attract pollinators; not a true willow.
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

 Bubba Desert Willow

Las flores grandes moradas de esta variedad cultivada atraen polinizadores; no es un árbol de sauce en sí

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Carolina Buckthorn treeCaroline Buckthorn

Carolina Buckthorn (Frangula caroliniana)

  • 6' - 12' (1.8m - 3.7m)
  • Showy small tree with glossy foliage; berries for wildlife
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Carolina Buckthorn

Pequeño árbol vistoso con follaje brillante; frutas del bosque para la vida salvaje

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Eve's Necklace treeEve’s Necklace

Eve's Necklace (Stryphnolobium affine) 

  • 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m).
  • Lovely pink spring blooms followed by interesting seed pods
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Eve's Necklace tree

Bonitas flores rosas durante la p·rimavera, seguidas por vainas de semillas interesantes

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Goldenball LeadtreeGoldenball Leadtree

Goldenball Leadtree (Leucaena retusa) 

  • 15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
  • Fragrant yellow puffball flowers throughout the growing season
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Goldenball Leadtree

Flores en forma de bolas de algodón fragantes de color amarillo durante la temporada de crecimiento

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Little Gem Southern Magnolia treeLittle Gem Southern Magnolia

Little Gem Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem')

  • 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)
  • Dwarf cultivar with a dense pyramid shape; fragrant large white flowers
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Little Gem Southern Magnolia tree

Variedad enana cultivada con una forma de pirámide densa; flores blancas grandes y fragantes

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Mexican Buckeye treeMexican Buckeye

Mexican Buckeye (Ungnadia speciosa)

  • 12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
  • Not a true buckeye, but has similar large seeds; showy pink spring blooms
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Mexican Buckeye Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

No un castaño de indias en sí, pero tiene semillas grandes similares; flores rosas vistosas durante la primavera

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Mexican Pistachio treeMexican Pistachio

Mexican Pistachio (Pistacia mexicana)

  • 12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
  • Ornamental tree with white spring blooms and showy red growth
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Mexican Pistachio Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Árbol ornamental con flores blancas en la primavera y que crecen hasta mostrar un color rojizo vistaoso

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Mexican Plum treeMexican Plum

MEXICAN PLUM Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) 

  • 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)
  • Fragrant white flowers in early spring; provides tasty fruit
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Mexican Plum Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Flores blancas fragantes al inicio de la primavera; da una fruta de sabot agradable

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Mexican Redbud treeMexican Redbud

Mexican Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. mexicana)

  • 15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
  • More drought tolerant than other reginal redbuds with smaller, glossy, wavy-edged leaves
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Mexican Redbud Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Tolera la sequía más que otros árboles de ciclamor con hojas más pequeñas, brillantes y con orillas onduladas

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Oklahoma RedbudOklahoma Redbud

Oklahoma Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis 'Oklahoma')

  • 15' - 25' (6.1m - 4.6m)
  • This cultivar sports darker pink flowers; vigorous, healthy growth habit
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Oklahoma Redbud Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Esta variedad de cultivo muestra flores rosas de color obscuro; con un hábito de crecimiento sano y vigoroso

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Peve Minaret Bald Cypress treePeve Minaret Bald Cypress

Peve Minaret Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum 'Peve Minaret')

  • 8' - 12' (2.4m - 3.7m)
  • This conifer's dwarf cultivar is better suited to a home landscape
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Peve Minaret Bald Cypress Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Este conífero enano de variedad cultivada luce mejor en un proyecto de paisajismo de casa

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Possumhaw treePossumhaw

Possumhaw (Ilex decidua) 

  • 12' - 20' (3. 7m - 6.1m)
  • Orange-red berries throughout winter; high wildlife value
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Possumhaw Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Frutos del bosque durante todo el invierno; de gran valor para la fauna silvestre
 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Scarlet Buckeye treeScarlet Buckeye

Scarlet Buckeye (Aesculus pavia)

  • 5' - 15' (1.Sm - 4.6m)
  • Gorgeous large red bloom clusters in mid-spring; summer leaf drop occurs in dry cqnditions
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Scarlet Buckeye Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Grupos de flores grandes de color rojo con una aparienca atractiva a mediados de la primavera; la caída de hojas ocurre durante el verano en condiciones de sequía

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Texas Mountain LaurelTexas Mountain Laurel

Texas Mountain Laurel (Sophora secundiflora)

  • 12' - 20' (3.7m - 6.1m)
  • Fragrant purple grape candy scented blooms in the spring
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Texas Mountain Laurel Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Flores fragantes con olor a dulce de uva morada; crece en la primavera

Texas PersimmonTexas Persimmon

Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) 

  • 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
  • Bears fruit attractive to wildlife; peeling bark reveals smooth, colorful trunks·
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Texas Persimmon Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Da una fruta que es atractiva para la vida salvaje; al pelar la corteza revela troncos suaves y coloridos

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Texas RedbudTexas Redbud

Texas Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis)

  • 15' - 20' (4.6m - 6.1m)
  • Light pink blooms early spring; more drought tolerant than eastern redbud species
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Texas Redbud Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Flores rosas claro a principios de la primavera; más resistente a la sequía que las especies de árboles de ciclamor de la zona este

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Wafer AshWafer Ash

Wafer Ash (Ptelea trifoliata)

  • 6' - 15' (1.8m - 4.6m)
  • Sweet nectar attracts many pollinators; the seed "hops" were once used for brewing beer
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Wafer Ash Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Un néctar dulce atrae muchos polinizadores; los "lúpulos" de la semilla se usaron en algún momenta para la preparación de cerveza

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

YauponYaupon

Yaupon (Ilex vomitoria)

  • 10'-20' (3m-6.1m)
  • Popular small tree with red berries; has weeping, columnar, and dwarf forms
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Yaupon Tree. Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Árbol pequeño popular con frutas del bosque rojas; tiene formas de ramas caídas, en columna y enanas

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

 

View this page on www.austintexas.gov

Trees 2 of 3

Medium Trees

Medium trees at the Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail. 

Anaqua treeAnaqua

Anaqua (Ehretia anacua)

  • 25' - 40' (7.6m - 12.2m)
  • Great source of nectar for pollinators and fruit for birds
  • Semi-evergreen Semi-perennifolio

Anaqua tree

Gran fuente de néctar para polinizadores y fruta para los pájaros

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Ashe JuniperAshe Juniper

Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei)

  • 25' - 35' (7.6m - 10.7m)
  • High wildlife value; can be used for a windbreak and screening
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Ashe Juniper tree

Gran valor para la fauna silvestre; puede ser usado como rompe-vientos y protección

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Bigtooth MapleBigtooth Maple

Bigtooth Maple (Acer grandidetatum)

  • 25' - 45' (7.6m - 13.7m)
  • Three to five-lobed leaves turn bright shades of red, gold, or orange in the fall
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Big Tooth Maple tree

Hojas con tres a cinco lóbulos que toman tonalidades brillantes de rojo, dorado o anaranjado en el otoño

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Chinkapin OakChinkapin Oak

Chinkapin Oak (Quercus muehlenbergii)

  • 40' - 50' (12.2m - 15.2m)
  • Excellent shade tree adapted to limestone soils
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Chinkapin Oak

Excelente árbol para proporcionar sombra adaptado a los suelos de piedra caliza

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Escarpment Black CherryEscarpment Black Cherry

Escarpment Black Cherry (Prunus serotina var. eximia)

  • 20' - 35' (6.1m - 10.7m)
  • High wildlife value; attracts pollinators
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Escarpment Black Cherry

Gran valor para la fauna silvestre; atrae polinizadores

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Honey MesquiteHoney Mesquite

Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa)

  • 25' - 35' (7.6m - 10.7m)
  • Heat and drought tolerant; thornless selection available
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Honey Mesquite

Tolera el calor y la sequía; existe una selección sin espinas


 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

HuisacheHuisache

Huisache (Vachellia farnesiana)

  • 20' - 35' (6.1m - 10.7m)
  • Fragrant yellow spring flower clusters; a source of perfume since the 19th century
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Huisache

Racimos de flores fragantes de color amarillo durante la primavera; una fuente para fabricar perfume desde el Siglo 19

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Lacey OakLacey Oak

Lacey Oak (Quercus laceyi)

  • 15' - 25' (4.6m - 7.6m)
  • Summer foliage takes on a bluish smokey appearance
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Lacey_Oak

El follaje durante el verano cambia a una apariencia azul grisácea

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Mexican White OakMexican White Oak

Mexican White Oak (Quercus polymorpha)

  • 30' - 40' (9.1m - 12.2m)
  • Adapted to a variety of landscape conditions; resistant to Oak Wilt disease
  • Semi-evergreen Semi-perennifolio

Mexican_White_Oak

Adaptado a una variedad de condiciones de paisajismo; resistente a la enfermedad llamada "Oak Wilt"
 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Post OakPost Oak

Post Oak (Quercus stellata)

  • Root disturbance and overwatering can be detrimental; mature trees are majestic with large, curving branches
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Post_Oak

El perturbar la raíz o regar en exceso puede ser perjudicial; los árboles maduros son majestuosos con ramas grandes y curvas

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Red MulberryRed Mulberry

Red Mulberry (Morus rubra)

  • 25' - 45' (7.6m - 13.7m)
  • High wildlife value; tasty fruit
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Red_Mulberry

De gran valor para la fauna silvestre; fruta de sabot agradable


 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Texas AshTexas Ash

Texas Ash (Fraxinus albicans)

  • 30’ - 45’ (9.1m - 13.8m)
  • Excellent medium sized tree for a smaller landscape with yellow fall foliage
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Texas Ash

Excelente árbol de tamaño mediano para un paisajismo pequeño con follaje amarillo durante el otoño

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Texas Red OakTexas Red Oak

Texas Red Oak (Quercus buckleyi) 

  • 35' - 45' (10.7m - 13.8m)
  • Beautiful orange and red fall leaf coloration
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Texas Red Oak

Bella coloración de hojas naranjas y rojas durante el otoño

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Western SoapberryWestern Soapberry

Western Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria var. drummondii)

  • 30' - 50' (9.1m - 15.2m)
  • Fruit used to make soap, adaptable to harsh conditions; has high wildlife value
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Western_Soapberry

La fruta se usa para hacer jabón, adaptable a condiciones climatológicas agresivas; tiene gran valor para la fauna silvestre

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Wright AcaciaWright Acacia

Wright Acacia (Senegalia wrightii)

  • 10' - 20' (3m - 6.1m)
  • Most cold hardy of the Texas; acacia species; very resistant to pests and diseases
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Wright_Acacia

La más resistente al frio de las especies de acacia en Texas; muy resistente a plagas y enfermedades

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

 

View this page on www.austintexas.gov

Trees 3 of 3

Large Trees

Large trees at the Austin Nature & Science Center’s Forest Trail. 

American SycamoreAmerican Sycamore

American Sycamore (Platanus occidentalis)

  • 75' - 100' (22.9m - 30.5m)
  • Tallest deciduous tree in the United States
  • Deciduous Caducifolio
  • 2nd generation "Moon Tree" from Apollo 14 Mission

American Sycamore tree

Árbol caducifolio más alto en los Estados Unidos

generación "Arbol de la Luna" de la Misión Apollo 14

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Bald CypressBald Cypress

Bald Cypress (Taxodium distichum)

  • 75' - 100' (22. 9m - 30.5m)
  • Conifer that thrives in moist, deep soils; known for their "knees" that are a special kind of root
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Bald Cypress tree

Conífera que crece mucho en suelos húmedos, profundos; conocida por sus "rodillas"que son una raíz especial

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Blue Ice Arizona CypressBlue Ice Arizona Cypress

Blue Ice Arizona Cypress (Hesperocyparis arizonica 'Blue Ice')

  • 50' - 75' (15.2m - 22.8m)
  • This cultivar sports intense, smoky blue foliage; makes a good windbreak or screen

Blue Ice Arizona Cypress tree

Esta variedad de cultivo muestra un follaje azul, grisáceo; constituye un buen rompe-vientos o protección

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Bur OakBur Oak

Bur Oak, (Quercus macrocarpa)

  • 50' - 75' (15.2m - 22.9m)
  • Largest acorn of all oaks
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Bur Oak tree

La bellota más grande de todos los robles

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Cedar ElmCedar Elm

Cedar Elm (UImus crassifolia)

  • 50' - 70' (15.2m - 21.3m)
  • Adapted to a variety of landscape conditions; yellow fall color
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Cedar Elm tree

Adaptado a una variedad de condiciones del bosque; color amarillo en el otoño

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Common HackberryCommon Hackberry

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

  • 25' - 75' (7.6m - 22. 9m)
  • Rarely planted but often present; high wildlife value
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Common Hackberry

Rara vez plantado pero presente muy a menudo; gran valor para la fauna silvestre

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Eastern CottonwoodEastern Cottonwood

Eastern Cottonwood (Populus deltoides)

  • 65' - 100' (21.3m - 27.4m)
  • Fast growing and short lived; best planted in a large rural landscape
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Eastern Cottonwood tree

De rápido crecimiento pero de vida corta; es mejor plantado en un área o entorno rural grande

 

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Escarpment Live OakEscarpment Live Oak

Escarpment Live Oak (Quercus fusiformis)

  • 35' - 65' (10.7m - 19.8m)
  • Popular oak that is smaller than Q. virginiana; better fit for home landscapes
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Escarpment Live Oak tree 

Roble popular menor al Q. virginiana; más adecuado para jardines caseros

 

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

Montezuma Bald CypressMontezuma Bald Cypress

Montezuma Bald Cypress (Taxodium mucronatum)

  • Unlike·bald cypress, does not produce root "knees"
  • 45' - 70' (13.7m - 21.3m)
  • Evergreen Perennifolios

Montezuma Bald Cypress

A diferencia del ciprés de los pantanos; no produce raíces en forma de "rodillas" 

 

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

PecanPecan

Pecan (Carya illinoinensis)

  • 50' - 75' (15.2m - 22.9m)
  • State Tree of Texas with tasty fruit and high wildlife value
  • Deciduous Caducifolio

Pecan tree

El árbol del Estado de Texas con fruta de sabot agradable y de gran valor para la fauna silvestre

 

 

Artwork © Robert O’Brien

 

View this page on www.austintexas.gov

Resources


Resources 1 of 1

Forest Trail Map, Poster & Booklet

Forest Trail Map (jpeg image)

Forest Trail Poster

Download the Forest Trail PDF Booklet and take it with you for some fun, interactive learning activities as you explore the trail. 

Other resources about trees