Native Plants

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Sunday - April 08, 2007

From: AUSTIN, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Trees
Title: Native trees for cemetery plot in Karnes County, TX
Answered by: Nan Hampton

QUESTION:

I'm looking for a tree for a cemetery plot in Karnes County at Pana Maria. There will be someone to regularly water it. I understand live oak and pecan are native to the area. I assume these would be good trees. But are there any other nice trees that would do well in the area based on size, longevity, looks or appropriateness for a cemetery?

ANSWER:

The two trees you suggested, Carya illinoinensis (pecan) and Quercus virginiana (live oak), are native to Karnes County and should do well in the cemetery setting. Here are suggestions for a few more trees that are native to Karnes County or adjacent counties:

Evergreens: Sophora secundiflora (mescal bean), Ilex opaca (American holly), and Ilex vomitoria (yaupon)

Elms: Ulmus americana (American elm) and Ulmus crassifolia (cedar elm)