Arizona Cypress, evergreen, drought & heat tolerant, fast growth.

Arizona Cypress, Hesperocyparis arizonica – Size: 30-45ft :

One of the best screen & wind break trees we offer, the Arizona Cypress take well to the Texas Hill Country! It’s innate drought tolerance, ability to withstand the summer sun and fast growth in poor soils all serve it well in our; sometimes harsh, but beautiful land scape. With a bluish hue to the foliage and very enjoyable fresh fragrance when brushed by, these trees are nice to have around. Some folks have taken to buying an Arizona Cypress and keeping them potted in the house for Christmas, then planting them to celebrate the holidays passing. The wood they produce is durable and often used for fence posts or other exposed building projects, as the pine oils will help prevent decay.

Hollyleaf Cherry, Prunus ilicifolia – Size: up to 30ft, prune to tree or shrub

Originally found in the coastal ranges of California, the Hollyleaf Cherry is a well adapted tree or shrub for the our climate. It’s evergreen, heat and drought tolerant, a wildlife forage plant with fruits edible to humans too and long lived. By storing energy in the root mass, these plants can survive fire or other forms of disturbance underground and come back strong. Birds and squirrels enjoy the fruit and spread the seeds, aiding in self propagation and distribution of these plants across the greater landscape; however, the seeds are poisonous to live stock. Native Americans have numerous culinary and medicinal uses ranging from making meal after leaching the toxins from the seeds, to ceremonial delicacies and even treating colds and coughs with infusions from the roots and bark.

ARTICHOKES & CARDOONS: In this article, we’re delivering a double whammy. Two “cousin plants” that your garden, landscape, house plant collection or food forest should not be without. Why? Well, I thought you’d never ask! They’ve come a long way and to fully appreciate the journey we need to go back to the beginning. Read more…

SORREL has been finding its way into the human diet for thousands of years. The plant originates from highland regions in what is now France and surrounding European countries. Sorrel makes a tasty addition to soups, sandwiches, and salads. It is also used in many other foods, including reindeer milk. (Yeah, yeah, we know — central Texas isn’t exactly awash in fresh reindeer milk. We just thought it would be a great way to let you know just how versatile sorrel really is.) Read more about sorrel.

TOMATOES: It’s probably safe to assume that you all know what a tomato is. But not all tomatoes are created equal. They come in a stunning range of colors, shapes, and sizes. Read about heirloom tomatoes, open-pollinated tomatoes, and the many delicious varieties of tomatoes that we offer at Hill Country Natives.

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