As you may know, the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) passionately advocates for the use of landscape trees, shrubs, and other plants that are native to each area, and each climate, of Texas. This winter season, which begins on December 21st, the Kerrville and Fredericksburg NPSOT chapters are promoting the Anacacho Orchid (Bauhinia lunarioides) at local nurseries as part of the N.I.C.E. Native Plant Partner program.
You may have seen this lovely small tree (single- or multi-trunked) around town when it is in full bloom and wished you knew its name. Though not a true orchid (it is actually a member of the pea family), the delicate blooms resemble small orchids. It is native only to a few canyons in western central Texas and in adjacent northeastern Mexico. Blooming time is from March through May and occasionally again in later summer land fall after a good rain.
An airy, delicate appearing tree the Anacacho Orchid is relatively fast-growing. After getting established over the first year, it grows rapidly – and usually tops out at about 8-10 feet at maturity. Although it will tolerate part shade (it makes a great understory tree beneath a larger deciduous tree) it will produce more blooms in full sun. The flowers’ nectar attracts both butterflies and bees.
MAKES ITS OWN FERTILIZER
Like other members of the pea family, no fertilizer is needed because the orchid tree makes its own! This nitrogen-fixing tree hosts soil bacteria known as rhizobia in its roots, which do the actual work of converting nitrogen from the atmosphere into a usable form for plants, in exchange for sugars. Avoid planting it in turf or other areas you are likely to apply fertilizers. This native plant will become lanky and flowering is reduced when the plant is given excess nitrogen.
One of my favorite features of this tree is its unique leaves which grow in pairs of two – with a deep cloven-hoof design resembling a deer hoof. Its delicate orchid-like blooms can be white to light pink and its fruit is a flattened green seed pod that splits open to release seeds when it dries.
Although this tree (or large shrub) is deciduous (loses its leaves in winter), its silvery-gray bark is still beautiful. It is heat and cold tolerant, but should be planted where it has protection from cold winter winds. (Consider planting it on the south side of your home.) It is hardy to 15 degrees F. It also likes our limestone soil. And, typical of most natives, it has low water requirements.
Cage this one, but not because deer will nibble it.
While the Anacacho Orchid is considered to be highly deer-resistant, all small trees should be caged during their first few years to prevent bark damage from rubbing.
EVERYONE HAS ROOM FOR AT LEAST ONE
This beautiful tree, with its showy flowers and unique foliage, will make quite a statement in your native garden. In fact, you might find room for two or three!
WHERE TO FIND IT
Our local N.I.C.E. nurseries have happily agreed to stock up on our Plant of the Season in order to have it available to the public. These independent nurseries carry only the best plants for our area, as well as high-quality soil amendments and gardening supplies.
Look for the “N.I.C.E. Plant of the Season” sign stake at these nurseries and growers in Fredericksburg, Medina, Kerrville, and Comfort:
∙ Friendly Natives, 1107 N. Llano Street, Fredericksburg, 830-997-6288
∙ Medina Garden Nursery, 13417 Tx. Highway 16, Medina, 830-589-2771
∙ Natives of Texas, 4256 Medina Highway, Kerrville, 830-896-2169
∙ Plant Haus 2, 604 Jefferson Street, Kerrville, 830-792-4444
∙ The Gardens at The Ridge, 13439 S. Ranch Road 783 (Harper Rd.), Kerrville, 830-896-0430
∙ The Garden Haus, 109 FM 473, Comfort, 830-995-5610
Cindy Anderson, a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas (Kerrville Chapter) and the Hill Country Master Gardeners, is an enthusiastic (though often frustrated) gardener. She has learned first-hand the value of native plants, and gladly shares reviews of her favorites in this quarterly seasonal column.
