Notable Trees on Campus with This Pictorial and Informational Guide
Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
1 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin
November 2015
Urban Forestry section
Welcome! Take a tour of the most notable trees on campus with this pictorial and informational guide. Learn about our trees’ scientific and common names, diameter and height, GPS location, which trees are native to Texas, and more. Landscape Services is proud to care for more than 5,000 trees on campus. Many of our trees are rich in history and have quite a story to tell. We hope you enjoy learning about our trees as much as we enjoy caring for them.
Special thanks to the following students for their contributions in compiling this work/study project: Hiro Horikoshi, Vanessa Mendez, and Eric Gardea.
2 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Contents List of Trees: ...... 4 Battle Oaks...... 5 Littlefield Deodar cedar ...... 6 Constitution Oak ...... 7 Mesquite ...... 8 Duren Live oak ...... 9 Fritz Live oak ...... 10 Bald cypress ...... 11 Bigtooth maple ...... 12 Ginkgo ...... 13 Black walnut ...... 14 Bur oak ...... 15 Durand oak ...... 16 Barbara Jordan Oak ...... 17 Retama ...... 18 Mexican sycamore ...... 19 Mexican buckeye ...... 20 Shumard red oak ...... 21 Post oak ...... 22 Eastern red cedar ...... 23 American elm ...... 24 News: ...... 25 Links: ...... 25
3 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
List of Trees: *Denotes historical or champion tree. ×Denotes a tree that is non‐native to Texas.
Tree 1 Battle Oaks* Tree 2 Littlefield Deodar cedar*x Tree 3 Constitution Oak* Tree 4 Mesquite* Tree 5 Duren Live oak Tree 6 Fritz Live oak* Tree 7 Bald cypress Tree 8 Bigtooth maple Tree 9 Ginkgox Tree 10 Black walnut Tree 11 Bur oak Tree 12 Durand oak Tree 13 Barbara Jordan Oak* Tree 14 Retama Tree 15 Mexican sycamorex Tree 16 Mexican buckeye Tree 17 Shumard red oak Tree 18 Post oak Tree 19 Eastern red cedar Tree 20 American elm
4 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Battle Oaks
The Battle Oaks that surround the Barbara Jordan statue are an historic landmark in themselves. The three live oaks were present on the original Forty Acres when the university first opened in 1883 and are believed to have existed prior to the Civil War. Legend says that when word was received that Northern troops had reached Galveston during the war, the hill of oaks was destroyed so that a fortress could be erected to protect the Capitol; only the three oaks on campus today were left standing. The trees are named after Dr. William Battle, a UT professor of Classics and chair of the Faculty Building Committee who worked to preserve the trees on campus when plans were made to build the Biology building on the site in 1923. Thanks to him, the trees remain a landmark for generations of future Longhorns to enjoy. Tree Tag # 284, (290, 291, 292), 295 Scientific Name Quercus fusiformis Common Name Texas live oak Diameter 34”, 27”, 28”, 49”, 37” Diameter 27”-50” Height 50” Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28465129000 -97.73498336610 For More http://www.wildflower.org/ information on this plants/result.php?id_plant= species: QUFU Return to List of Trees or Contents
5 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Littlefield Deodar cedar
The Littlefield Deodar cedar stands tall in the southwest corner of one of the most cherished buildings on the 40 acres, the Littlefield home. The original owner, Major George W. Littlefield, had this Deodar cedar imported from the western Himalayan region, making it the largest of its kind in Texas according to the Texas A&M Forest Service. He went to great lengths to accommodate the evergreen, planting it in its native Himalayan soil. The tree’s grand presence is due to its most distinctive feature, its horizontal branches. The Littlefield tree is now among the university’s many historic attractions. Tree Tag # 258 Scientific Name Cedrus deodara Common Name Deodar cedar Diameter 43” Height 70’ Native to Texas No GPS 30.28742248670 -97.74092934880
For More http://plants.usda.gov/java/ information on charProfile?symbol=CEDE2 this species:
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6 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Constitution Oak
The ratification of the U.S. constitution is a revered date in American history. When The University of Texas wanted to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the ratification, President J.W. Calhoun and the Dames of America organization planted this beautiful evergreen in 1937. Thus, the Constitution Oak flourished near the east entrance to the Main Building. Tree Tag # 445 Scientific Name Quercus virginiana Common Name Southern live oak Diameter 19” Height 45’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28605926890 -97.73894903050
For More http://www.wildflower.org/ information on plants/result.php?id_plant this species: =QUVI Return to List of Trees or Contents
7 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Mesquite
When the university first opened, most of the 40 acres were covered with mesquite trees. Now only a few large trees of this kind remain, such as the one in the image above, placed on the east side of the Main Building. Mesquites are deeply rooted and virtually immune to diseases and insects. The seeds that spawn from the mesquites are an important wildlife food. Tree Tag # 446 Scientific Name Prosopis glandulosa Common Name Honey mesquite Diameter 28” Height 40’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28602245200 -97.73871836240
For More http://www.wildflower.org/ information on plants/result.php?id_plant= this species: PRGL2
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8 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Duren Live oak
The century-old Southern live oak has been meticulously cared for, especially during the construction of the Almetris Duren Hall Dormitory in 2007. The building was carefully designed around the evergreen, and during construction, workers were prevented from treading too close to its base. Instead of installing impervious concrete, paving stones were used that allow moisture to reach the root zones. The tree is now the main attraction in the hall’s plaza. Tree Tag # 3153 Scientific Name Quercus virginiana Common Name Southern live oak Diameter 28” Height 60’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.29160839920 -97.74073870670
For More http://www.wildflower.org/pla information on nts/result.php?id_plant=QUVI this species:
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9 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Fritz Live oak
The Fritz Live oak is specially dedicated to The University of Texas School of Law’s most beloved professor, William F. Fritz. He joined the law faculty in 1946, teaching property law. Professor Fritz was deeply respected by his students, who paid him affectionate tribute. During the summer of 1971, the freshman class planted this tree as a symbol of real property in his name. The Live oak thrives beautifully in the law school courtyard. Tree Tag # 1671 Scientific Name Quercus virginiana Common Name Southern live oak Diameter 24” Height 30’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28864503630 -97.73090108990 For More http://www.wildflower.o information on rg/plants/result.php?id_ this species: plant=QUVI
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10 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Bald cypress
The Bald cypress is a prized tree that is extremely durable and decay resistant. It is sometimes mistaken for an evergreen, but it is deciduous and can have sharp fall colors. One of the largest Bald cypress on campus is located in Waller Creek next to the footbridge at the southeast corner of the San Jacinto Dormitory. It stands over 100 feet tall and has withstood many a raging flood in its lifetime.
Tree Tag # 4044 Scientific Taxodium distichum Name Common Bald cypress Name Diameter 60” Height 100’ Native to Yes Texas GPS 30.28152586530 -97.73361334150 For More http://www.wildflower.org/ information plants/result.php?id_plant= on this TADI2 species: Return to List of Trees or Contents
11 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Bigtooth maple
The Bigtooth maple is an excellent autumn tree with great fall colors. It is drought tolerant. This tree is the maple tree best suited for central and west Texas. The tree seen above is located on the south side of the 27th Street Garage. Tree Tag # 70, 71, 72, 73 Scientific Name Acer grandidentatum Common Name Bigtooth maple Diameter 5” Height 25’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.29092501110 -97.73861229300
For More http://www.wildflower.or information on g/plants/result.php?id_pl this species: ant=ACGR3
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12 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Ginkgo
The Ginkgo or Maidenhair tree is actually not native to Texas. However, it can survive well in carefully irrigated and shaded landscapes. The tree is native to China. It can grow over 100 feet tall and produce beautiful colors during the fall. The Gingko is typically dioecious (separate male and female plants). Female plants produce fruit with a strong odor. Tree Tag # 2903 Scientific Name Ginkgo biloba Common Name Maidenhair tree Diameter 10” Height 30’ Native to Texas No GPS 30.27812589100 -97.73134744480
For More http://plants.usda.gov/j information on ava/profile?symbol=GIBI this species: 2
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13 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Black walnut
The Black walnut is another species that is rare at UT, with only a small number located within the campus. The one pictured above is located just northwest of the Thompson Conference Center. Its wood is prized and expensive, often used in making superior furniture, cabinets, etc. Walnut trees have indehiscent fruit, meaning the shell doesn't open up during its mature stage. Tree Tag # 1949 Scientific Name Juglans nigra Common Name Black walnut Diameter 21” Height 40’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28765825090 -97.72950532290
For More http://www.wildflower information on .org/plants/result.php this species: ?id_plant=JUNI
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14 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Bur oak
The Bur oaks are beautifully structured trees (also known as the Mossy-cup oak). Few exist on the Main Campus. The two oaks shown above were planted in the courtyard east of Anna Hiss Gym. These trees typically have large acorns—the largest of any oak species. The acorns are massive enough to cause damage to surrounding objects or humans, which is why they are rare on campus. The tree has a wide range, found locally near river bottoms and deep floodplain soils. Tree Tag # 669 & 670 Scientific Name Quercus macrocarpa Common Name Bur oak, Mossy-cup oak Diameter 11” & 12” Height 25’ & 25’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28846953720 -97.73754135000
For More http://www.wildflower.org information on /plants/result.php?id_plan this species: t=QUMA2
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15 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Durand oak
The Durand oak is a rather large species, typically achieving 60 feet in height and 30 inches in diameter. One of the Durand oaks on campus is located next to the Creekside Dormitory, northeast of the Main Campus. These trees are common to East Texas, near rivers. They range all the way from East Texas to South Carolina. Tree Tag # 1614 Scientific Name Quercus sinuata Common Name Durand oak Diameter 34” Height 55’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28869944780 -97.73306440810
For More http://www.wildflower.org/pl information on ants/result.php?id_plant=QUS this species: I
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16 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Barbara Jordan Oak
Barbara Jordan was a famous politician and Civil Rights activist throughout the 1960s and 1970s. Born in Houston in 1936, Jordan became the first African American elected into the Texas Senate, and soon after became the first southern black female elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. After retiring from politics, she became a professor at The University of Texas at Austin, teaching ethics. This Southern live oak tree is an addition to other memorials on campus that commemorate her accomplishments. Tree Tag # 5193 Scientific Name Quercus virginiana Common Name Southern live oak Diameter 4” Height 12’
Native to Texas Yes
GPS 30.28522394000 -97.72937973000 For More http://www.wildflower.org/plant information on s/result.php?id_plant=QUVI this species: Return to List of Trees or Contents
17 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Retama
The Retama is a rather unique tree that has a spiny stem, with slightly drooping branches and tiny yellow blooming flowers. The flower petals are nearly equal in size and color; however, one petal in each head contains a honey gland which makes that petal a reddish color. The Retama range from Central Texas all the way to northern South America and westward to Arizona. They are drought, heat, and salt tolerant and are fast growing in dry areas. Tree Tag # 5194 Scientific Name Parkinsonia aculeata Common Name Retama, Paloverde Diameter 2” Height 12’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28695053000 -97.74009376000 For More http://www.wildflower.org/plant information on s/result.php?id_plant=PAAC3 this species:
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18 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Mexican sycamore
The Mexican sycamore has become a popular landscape tree in the past decade. They have unique exfoliating bark and large leaves that turn to a bright upright green color during the spring. Mexican sycamores are also fast growing, and are resistant to bacterial leaf scorch and drought conditions as well as insects and disease, but may not tolerate extreme cold. They are native to creek bottoms, so they require moist planting sites. Tree Tag # 4095 Scientific Name Platanus mexicana Common Name Mexican sycamore Diameter 5” Native to Texas No Height 20’ GPS 30.28179029810 -97.73344714790
For More http://texastreeplanting.tamu.e information on du/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=6 this species: 6
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19 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Shumard red oak
One of the largest of the red oak species, the Shumard red oak is native to Texas and can be seen through the rest of the United States. Specimens generally exhibit excurrent (conical) canopy growth when young, and develop a decurrent (rounded) canopy at maturity. They adapt well to different soil conditions, but are susceptible to oak wilt. The leaves are large with pointy lobes (tips of leaf), and are arranged alternatively on the twig. They bear relatively large acorns and provide food for a variety of birds and rodents. Tree Tag # 42 Scientific Name Quercus shumardii Common Name Shumard red oak Diameter 28” Height 56’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.29052100080 -97.74008065930
For More http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ result.php?id_plant=QURU information on this species:
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21 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Mexican buckeye
The Mexican buckeye is a large, multi-stemmed shrub with beautiful pink flowers during the early spring. Native to northeastern Mexico, this unique plant is the only species of the Ungnadia genus. The crown is irregular-shaped and is composed of many small, upright branches. The buckeye also has persistent seed pods and smooth, mottled grey/brown bark, making it an attractive feature in the winter landscape. The three- chambered pods contain sweet seeds, which are poisonous. Some say carrying the seeds in your pocket will bring good luck. Tree Tag # 5195 Scientific Name Ungnadia speciosa Common Name Mexican buckeye Diameter 4” Height 15’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28581839000 -97.73991492000 For More http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ result.php?id_plant=UNSP information on this species:
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20 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Post oak
Post oaks are most common in the southern part of the eastern prairies and are usually found on dry or sandy sites. Austin has many large pockets of Post oak, especially on the east side of town. The leaves are wavy margined and have round lobes. The Post oak got its name from its timber being used as fence posts. The wood is hard, tough, rot resistant, and also used for barbecuing. Tree Tag # 2175 Scientific Name Quercus stellata Common Name Post oak Diameter 25” Height 60’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28381471640 -97.72951242990
For More http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ result.php?id_plant=QUST information on this species:
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22 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
Eastern red cedar
Eastern red cedar is an evergreen and can grow up to 90 feet tall. Leaves can have both needle and scale patterns. Cones have two to four seeds and are an important food sources for wildlife during the winter. Apart from the other juniper species, the red cedar usually has a central leading trunk. This specific tree on Waller Creek is co-dominant (the main stem of the tree splits into two stems of equal size), which is rare for this species. Tree Tag # 1400 Scientific Name Juniperus virginiana Common Name Eastern red cedar Diameter 40” Height 57’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28653362670 -97.73387599220
For More http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ result.php?id_plant=JUVI information on this species:
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23 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
American elm
Having one of largest ranges of any tree in North America, the American elm is an extremely hardy tree species. They can grow in a variety of conditions, withstand harsh temperatures and can live multiple centuries. The leaves are double serrated and oval in shape. With its wide-spreading branches, bold canopy, and both attractive and sturdy structural form, the elm is an ideal street tree. This species was widely afflicted with Dutch Elm Disease in the mid-20th century. As it turns out, the disease is making a comeback, with several confirmed outbreaks in North Texas. Tree Tag # 1710 Scientific Name Ulmus americana Common Name American elm Diameter 41” Height 43’ Native to Texas Yes GPS 30.28534080960 -97.73235387700
For More http://www.wildflower.org/plants/ result.php?id_plant=ULAM information on this species:
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24 Notable Trees at The University of Texas at Austin November 2015
News:
Tree awards won by Facilities Services – Landscape Services branch: o 2007 Community Forestry Awards – Gold Leaf Award . Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium Tree Reclamation Project . Awarded by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas chapter of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) . Tree Relocation (video) o 2010 Community Forestry Awards – Arboriculture Project of the Year . Norman Hackerman Building Tree Relocation Project . Awarded by the Texas A&M Forest Service and the Texas chapter of the ISA UT designated as Tree Campus USA by Arbor Day Foundation: o 2008 to 2014 o http://www.arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/index.cfm UT’s Department of Housing & Food Services (DHFS) tree website: o http://utree.utexas.edu/about.php o http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNmHNBuJ3rE
Links:
The University of Texas at Austin Campus Trees and Plants by Scott Fleenor and Kathryn McWilliams of the School of National Sciences, a self-guided tour and maps of selected trees and plants on campus o https://repositories.lib.utexas.edu/handle/2152/22926 International Society of Arboriculture ((ISA) o http://www.treesaregood.com/ Arbor Day Foundation o http://www.arborday.org/index.cfm Texas A&M Forest Service (TFS) o http://tfsweb.tamu.edu/main/article.aspx?id=1279
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