Texas Madrone
Smooth red-orange bark peels from twisting evergreen trunks in West Texas mountain canyons, linking the Trans-Pecos to a wider Mexican highland flora.
Artwork inspired by Tom Lea
Texas madrone is an evergreen broadleaf tree recognized by smooth exfoliating bark in cream, pink, red, and cinnamon tones, leathery leaves, small urn-shaped white flowers, and clusters of orange-red fruit. It grows in rocky canyons and mountain woodland from West Texas south through Mexican highlands.
Wild trees can be difficult to transplant because root disturbance, soil, moisture, and fungal relationships matter; peeling bark is normal and should never be stripped. Drought, fire, browsing, development, and poor recruitment affect local stands. Observe from trails and use fallen material for study.
- Status
- Uncommon borderland evergreen
- Best clue
- Peeling red bark and orange-red berries
- Texas habitat
- Rocky canyons and mountain woodland
Quick guide
- Identify by
- Look for peeling red bark and orange-red berries.
- Confirm with
- Confirm the sighting against rocky canyons and mountain woodland.
Field marks for Texas Madrone
- Bark
- Smooth peeling surface revealing cream, coral, and red layers.
- Leaf
- Thick evergreen oval leaf, often toothed on younger growth.
- Fruit
- Small rough orange-red berries in clusters.
- Place
- Rocky Trans-Pecos canyons continuing into Mexican mountains.
Good to know
The species is not endemic to Texas despite the common name; most of its geographic range continues through Mexico and Central America. Wild-dug specimens usually fail and are inappropriate—seek responsibly propagated nursery stock.
Notice these
- Peeling red bark and orange-red berries
- Rocky canyons and mountain woodland
- Uncommon borderland evergreen