We like to think of small, ornamental trees as anchors and focal points in the landscape. They provide balance and give us structure to design other beds and landscape features around. So, we want them to perform! Choose these native trees and you get tons of blooms for pollinators, very low water use, very few problems with pests, and great longevity. No need to worry about a freeze with any of these. Plus, these trees don’t just survive our summers—they show off in them. We feel lucky to have all these natives in stock at Gill’s right now – come check ’em out!
🌸 Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides)
Why you’ll love it: A compact beauty with delicate white or pink orchid-like blooms in spring.
Pollinators: Butterflies and native bees are frequent guests—especially swallowtails and hairstreaks.
Growing tips: Needs good drainage and full sun. Bounces back quickly after cold winters.
🌼 Desert Willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Why you’ll love it: Large trumpet-shaped blooms in pinks and purples, blooming on and off all summer.
Pollinators: Hummingbirds can’t resist it. Bees and large butterflies like monarchs and Gulf fritillaries show up too.
Growing tips: Loves heat, sun, and dry soil. If planting in heavy clay soil, it’s a good idea to mound up and plant high. Can be pruned as a tree or left shrub-like.
💛 Retama (Parkinsonia aculeata)
Why you’ll love it: Elegant open form, green bark, and brilliant yellow blooms from spring to fall.
Pollinators: Butterflies, especially sulphurs, and small bees crowd the flowers.
Growing tips: Full sun, fast-growing, and extremely drought-hardy. Just keep in mind—it does have thorns!
🌿 Arroyo Sweetwood (Myrospermum sousanum)
Why you’ll love it: A graceful small tree with shiny foliage and dainty white blooms with a honey-like fragrance.
Pollinators: Honeybees and native bees buzz all over this tree when it flowers.
Growing tips: Needs sun and good drainage. Works beautifully in wild naturalistic or low-water landscapes.
🖤 Eve’s Necklace (Styphnolobium affine)
Why you’ll love it: Pink wisteria-like blooms in spring followed by shiny black seed pods that look like beads.
Pollinators: Butterflies and small bees are drawn to the nectar-rich blooms.
Growing tips: Grows about 15 feet tall, tolerates sun to part shade, and adds great texture in the landscape.
🌿 Texas Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana)
Why you’ll love it: This small, airy tree erupts in fragrant white flower spikes in spring and after summer rains.
Pollinators: Bees love this one—especially native solitary bees and honeybees.
Growing tips: Full sun to part shade, and does fine in our clay or sandy soil types. Grows up to about 12 feet and is very low-maintenance. Very easy to prune and shape to your liking.
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