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Texas Arboretum

The Wildflower Center’s newest feature is The Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum. Developed as a classic arboretum, this is an interpreted collection where visitors can learn about the diversity of Texas trees in a relatively compact area. The ground plane is maintained in simple sweeps of native grasses and wildflowers, and pathways connect different groupings of trees. A major emphasis will be placed on Texas oaks, but many other woody species are included. The arboretum serves as a resource for tree-identification, field trips, and outdoor classes, and is the centerpiece of the Wildflower Center’s tree-related educational programs and events.Plan for Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Xeric Collection

Trees for hot, dry, rocky, inhospitable places.

The Xeric Collection

In much of south and west Texas, rainfall is sparse and soil is thin. Likewise, not all garden locations have abundant rain and deep, rich, loamy soil. Luckily, many plant species survive and thrive in the most demanding environments. Xeric species are adapted to dry environments and many are excellent in garden settings.

Plant Lists

View The Xeric Collection Collection in Native Plant Information Network.

Printer Friendly: Species List with Growing Conditions | Species List with QR Tags

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Adopt a Tree Program

This is an open invitation to ISA Certified Arborists to showcase their skill in the Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum. We are seeking highly trained arborists with an interest in supporting this project to provide professional tree care service. All arborists  must be licensed and insured and must complete an application form to participate. Preference will be given to arborists with Texas Oak Wilt Certification. For more information about the arboretum or to submit an application, please contact Joe Marcus at 512-232-0108.

Tree Adopters
  • They Might Be Monkeys! (Nevic Donnelly and Keith Babberney)
  • The Davey Tree Expert Company (Dave Madden)
  • Sunrise Tree Services (Miles J. Lefler)
  • Austin, TX Tree Care & Natural Gardening (Bo Masters)
  • University of Texas at Austin Landcape Services (Larry Maginnis) 

Supporters of the Mollie Steves Zachry Texas Arboretum

  • San Antonio Area Foundation at the request of Mollie Steves Zachry ($1.4 M)
  • Melissa Jones of Austin (Donation of Kawasaki mule)
  • We Love Trees (Discount on oak wilt trenching)
  • Texas Chapter of the International Society for Arboriculture ($10,000 for tree purchase)
  • Betsy Rogers and the C.L. Browning Ranch (Donation of equipment and brush clearing)
  • University of Texas at Austin's Landscape Services (Donation of brush clearing)
  • Susan Vaughan Foundation (Donation of tree Shears for tractor)
  • NRG Energy Inc. (Volunteer brush clearing)
  • Entercom Austin (Volunteer brush clearing)
  • Sul Ross State University (Donation of West Texas oaks)
  • San Antonio Area Foundation at the request of Mollie Steves Zachry ($20,000 for landscape design)
  • John Michael Reyes raised $4,000 and contributed 400 hours to create a picnic area, purchasing and preparing and installing picnic benches for his Eagle Scout project.
  • Whole Foods (Volunteer Workday 02/23/2011, 03/10/2011)
  • Pedernales Electric Cooperative (In kind electrical service for power line feature)
  • Austin Energy (Donation of trees for power line feature)
  • Texas Forest Service (Donation of Treaty Oak grafted clone)
  • G4 Spatial Technologies (Donation of training and technical expertise on the use of electronic mapping equipment.)
  • Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust ($18.5K) - Installation of the Hill Country Trails Entrance Garden.

Arboretum News

Firefighter Memorial Tree Planting - September 10, 2011 Event

Treaty Oak Clone in Center Arboretum - February 15, 2011 Press Release

Texas Arboretum: A True Community Project - April, 2011 Web Feature

$1.4 Million to Create Texas Arboretum - August 17, 2010 Press Release