Goldenball Leadtree: a DELIGHTFUL small tree to plant this winter – by Cindy Anderson
The drought we’ve been experiencing for the past few years has many of us hesitating to buy new plants. But TREES are vitally important to our planet – the more the better. Trees purify the air and combat climate change. Tree roots keep soil in place. Trees provide nourishment and habitat for insects, birds, and other wildlife.
But one of the most important benefits of trees is spiritual – that is, they are beautiful. Trees offer countless varieties of interesting barks and foliage, tree forms and shapes, varying textures, and vibrant colors – all of which add peace and beauty to our yards and to our lives.
As you may know, the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) passionately advocates for the use of landscape trees and 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 Goldenball Leadtree (Leucaena retusa) at local nurseries as part of the N.I.C.E. Native Plant Partner program. (The N.I.C.E. acronym stands for “Natives Improve and Conserve Environments.”) The goal of the program is to introduce people to great native plants that are available locally to use in place of non-native species.
Read on for the description of a most delightful tree – one of my very favorites in my own backyard.
Goldenball Leadtree
Goldenball Leadtree is a very decorative, fast-growing deciduous tree that natively occurs on dry rocky slopes in Texas. It usually grows 6 to 15 feet tall. It has airy, “acacia-like” foliage that casts a lovely filtered shade, but is open enough that sun-loving species can bloom underneath.. It is a very attractive foliage plant most of the year, but puts on quite a show with bright yellow powder-puff flowers that appear from spring to fall. It is very drought tolerant and can withstand reflected heat from sidewalks or patios.
Though it is a good browse plant for cattle, this small tree is now cultivated in warm regions for the showy yellow flowers and conspicuous seed pods that follow the blooms. The yellow puff-ball flowers are sweet-smelling and will appear after every rain from spring through fall.
It also adapts to different soils, but prefers good drainage. The bark is cinnamon-colored and flaky. It is a legume with the acacia look, but without the thorns.
In the wild, Goldenball Leadtree grows in fairly harsh conditions in unshaded, well-drained sites in rocky limestone areas and dry canyons. A Texas native, it is found in the western part of the Edwards Plateau and the Trans Pecos area, as well as in New Mexico and northern Mexico. It does very well in Hill Country gardens.
It can be pruned to be a single-trunked tree, but does best in its natural multi-trunked form. Its fast-growing branches are thin and brittle, so it benefits from occasional pruning. Give it a dry location in full sun or part shade. This tree will need to be caged to protect it from browsing deer or cattle.
How about buying a Goldenball Leadtree for someone on your Christmas gift list? Or better yet, for yourself?
WHERE TO FIND IT
Our local NICE 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 “NICE Plant of the Season” sign stake at these nurseries and growers in Kerrville, Fredericksburg, Medina, and Comfort:
· 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 Farm to Market Rd. 473, Comfort, 830-995-5610
· Friendly Natives, 1107 N. Llano Street, Fredericksburg, 830-997-6288
· Medina Garden Nursery, 13417 Tx. Highway 16, Medina, 830-589-2771
Our chapter website contains articles of past NICE plants, going back as far as 2009. To peruse the list, go to our website: npsot.org/chapters/kerrville and click on the third bullet that says:
Information about previous NICE! plants is available here.
Cindy Anderson is a member of the Native Plant Society of Texas (Kerrville Chapter) and the Hill Country Master Gardeners. 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.