Ash, Texas (Fraxinus texensis)
Texas ash is a rounded, 40'-50' native tree with bright green samaras in the spring and brilliant fall color, which can range from gold to bronzy-red to purple depending on the weather and individual genetics. It occurs naturally on limestone bluffs from the Dallas area through the Edwards Plateau, so it prefers very little water and excellent drainage. Don't confuse it with the Fan-Tex ash, which does not grow well here; the real McCoy is a long-lived, trouble-free and beautiful shade tree.