sweet myrtle is found in East Texas, usually in swamp lands. Its small yellow-green leaves are fragrant with a balsam-like resinous odor. Light green berries, about ⅛ inch in diameter remain on the trees during the winter months and are coated with a thick, pale blue wax. Bay [berry] candles are made from the wax.
RIO GRANDE COTTONWOOD
(Populus fremontii var. wislizenii S. Watts)
is one of several cottonwoods growing in West Texas. Five other cottonwoods are native to the western part of the state. Wood is used for fuel and rafters of Mexican houses. It is not durable in the ground, but is fast growing on most areas. Populus tremuloides Michx., called quaking aspen or aspen popple, is a small-leafed, white-barked tree of the Trans-Pecos Region.
SPECKLED ALDER (Hazel Alder)
(Alnus rugosa [Du Roi] Spreng.)
occurs in East Texas west to approximately the 97th meridian. It is a thicket-forming shrub with thick foliage and is one of the first plants to leaf out in the spring. Birds feed upon the numerous [nutlets] produced by the woody, cone-like structure.
SWEET ACACIA (Huisache)
(Acacia farnesiana [L.] Willd.)
found mainly in South Texas, is a small, spiny shrub, with bright yellow flowers. [Fruit] a turgid, woody [pod]. The wood is heavy, hard, and a rich, reddish-brown.
GUAJILLO
(Acacia berlandieri Benth.)
pronounced “wa-he-o”, is the famous honey plant of the Lone Star State. From its white flowers bees produce a water-white honey, highly valued for its flavor and purity. Guajillo occurs in South Texas, and resembles the other trees in the acacia group. The wood is used locally for fuel.