As you look around today, think about what makes San Antonio different from other places you might have chosen to live. One that might come to mind is the variety of plants and trees we see every day. In the Northeast, it's the oaks, pines, and maple trees that show off their brilliant colors each Fall. In Miami, it's banyan trees and palms. In the Carribean, it's palm trees, wait-a-bit thorns, manchioneel, and hibiscus. Take a minute to enjoy what San Antonio offers us.



LIVE OAKS are everywhere in San Antonio. The live oak is probably best known for its massive horizontal limbs that give old trees their majestic character. The trunk can grow to more than six feet in diameter. The leaves remain intact through the winter, then yellow and drop in spring as new leaves expand.

MOUNTAIN CEDAR - Juniperus ashei is a shrub or tree that grows to about 30 feet. This conifer has cones that look like berries, usually contain one seed, and are eaten by many species of wildlife. Leaves are small and scale-like on mature plants but sharp and awl-like on younger plants. The shaggy bark strips of mature juniper trees are necessary for the nest building of the Golden-cheeked Warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). The wood is very durable and used for fence posts. It is also used in closets and chests where its aromatic quality repels insects. Allergy sufferers just love this one!





AGARITA - Berberis Trifoliata is an evergreen shrub with stiff and spiny trifoliate leaves. The fragrant yellow flowers are followed by acidic red berries which make excellent wine and jelly. Roasted seeds may be used as a coffee substitute. The wood and roots yield a yellow dye. Early settlers used a root decoction as a toothache remedy. The plant contains the alkaloid berberine that can cause fatal poisoning.

BUCKEYE - Aesculus pavia var. "flavencens" is confined to the Edwards Plateau area. It is a shrub or small tree having palmately compound leaves with 5-7 leaflets. Flowers are pinkish to yellow and are followed by smooth fruits containing 1-3 large, shiny brown seeds having a white hilum, hence the name "buckeye". The powdered bark has been used to treat toothache and ulcers. The roots produce lather, and together with the fruits and buds can be used as a fish poison.