If you’re not from Texas you may be alarmed to see our native Live oaks, Quercus fusiformis, dropping their leaves in spring. Don’t worry! Live oaks are semi-evergreen, so they keep their dark green foliage all winter. Then they push off their leaves in late February/early March and simultaneously grow new leaves and flowers, called catkins. Monterrey Oak, Quercus polymorpha, is a favorite well-adapted shade tree that is also semi-evergreen. ~ Colleen Dieter
Photo: Escarpment live oak – Nina Hawkins
