Texas Trees Pt. 1 - 15 Flowering Trees Every Texan Should Grow (Medicinal + Practical Edition)

Texas Trees Pt. 1 - 15 Flowering Trees Every Texan Should Grow (Medicinal + Practical Edition)

15 Flowering Trees Every Texan Should Grow (Medicinal + Practical Edition)

Bismillah. A tree for every purpose under the sun.

1. Crape Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)

  • Medicinal Use: Bark traditionally used in Asian medicine for digestive issues.

  • Pollinator Value: High—bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds love it.

  • Practical Use: Excellent privacy screen or driveway accent.

  • Texas Tip: Thrives in full sun and tolerates drought. Prune in late winter to shape, not "crape murder."

2. Redbud (Cercis canadensis)

  • Medicinal Use: Edible flowers used for anti-inflammatory teas.

  • Pollinator Value: Early spring bloomer—critical nectar source for native bees.

  • Practical Use: Flowers and young pods are edible; good for permaculture.

  • Texas Tip: Native and adaptable. Forest Pansy variety is especially striking.

3. Vitex / Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

  • Medicinal Use: Used for hormonal balancing, PMS, and menopausal symptoms.

  • Pollinator Value: Very high—draws bees and butterflies through late summer.

  • Practical Use: Air-freshening cut branches and herbal tinctures.

  • Texas Tip: Loves sun. Cut back aggressively in winter for fuller summer growth.

4. Southern Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora)

  • Medicinal Use: Bark extract shows calming and anti-anxiety effects.

  • Pollinator Value: Large flowers attract beetles and pollinators.

  • Practical Use: Evergreen beauty; leaves used in garlands.

  • Texas Tip: Needs space. Protect from intense drought during youth.

5. Japanese Snowbell (Styrax japonicus)

  • Medicinal Use: Styrax resin used historically as incense and antimicrobial wash.

  • Pollinator Value: Bell-shaped flowers feed native bees.

  • Practical Use: Elegant shade tree; mild fragrance.

  • Texas Tip: Prefers morning sun and rich soil. Use as a patio or courtyard tree.

6. Hibiscus (H. rosa-sinensis or H. syriacus)

  • Medicinal Use: Calms blood pressure, supports heart health.

  • Pollinator Value: High—especially for butterflies and hummingbirds.

  • Practical Use: Makes tangy hibiscus tea (dried flowers).

  • Texas Tip: Hardy types (like Rose of Sharon) handle winters better. Water regularly in heat.

7. Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)

  • Medicinal Use: Bark used for fevers; berries have antioxidant benefits.

  • Pollinator Value: Mid-spring blooms for bees and beneficial insects.

  • Practical Use: Late summer fruits are edible (jelly, wine).

  • Texas Tip: Requires morning sun and acidic soil. Better for East TX.

8. Saucer Magnolia (Magnolia × soulangeana)

  • Medicinal Use: Bark in Chinese medicine used for sinus support.

  • Pollinator Value: Attracts early-season bees.

  • Practical Use: Decorative flower petals for arrangements.

  • Texas Tip: Best in East or Central Texas. Needs rich, moist soil.

9. Serviceberry (Amelanchier arborea)

  • Medicinal Use: High antioxidant fruit; used for digestion and immunity.

  • Pollinator Value: Spring nectar + habitat for birds.

  • Practical Use: Edible berries rival blueberries. Great for jams.

  • Texas Tip: Choose drought-tolerant varieties like Autumn Brilliance.

10. Crabapple (Malus spp.)

  • Medicinal Use: Fruit is used in detox and pectin-rich remedies.

  • Pollinator Value: Excellent pollinator support tree.

  • Practical Use: Jelly, vinegar, and ornamental fall fruit.

  • Texas Tip: Requires chill hours. Best for North and Central TX.

11. Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata)

  • Medicinal Use: Bark extract used in cough remedies.

  • Pollinator Value: Bees love the dense floral displays.

  • Practical Use: Spring beauty, craft-worthy bark and branches.

  • Texas Tip: Select heat-tolerant varieties like Kwanzan. Needs consistent water.

12. Tea Olive (Osmanthus fragrans)

  • Medicinal Use: Flowers used in Chinese teas for digestion and breath.

  • Pollinator Value: Low, but provides scent and winter bloom.

  • Practical Use: Cuttings for fragrant wreaths.

  • Texas Tip: Needs partial shade. Great for borders or under larger trees.

13. Camellia (C. japonica or C. sinensis)

  • Medicinal Use: Green and black tea both come from Camellia sinensis.

  • Pollinator Value: Moderate. Early-season nectar source.

  • Practical Use: Source of ornamental tea and cosmetic oil.

  • Texas Tip: Needs acidic soil and some shade. Best in East Texas.

14. Heptacodium / Seven Sons Tree (Heptacodium miconioides)

  • Medicinal Use: Research ongoing; used in traditional Chinese medicine.

  • Pollinator Value: Superb late-season pollinator.

  • Practical Use: Stunning bark in winter, fragrant flowers in fall.

  • Texas Tip: Rare but grows well in rich, irrigated soil.

15. Japanese Snowball (Viburnum plicatum)

  • Medicinal Use: Viburnum species historically used for cramping and muscle pain.

  • Pollinator Value: Attracts bees, butterflies, and beneficial bugs.

  • Practical Use: Beautiful hedge; flowers useful for crafts.

  • Texas Tip: Provide rich, loamy soil. Needs some afternoon shade in hot zones.

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