Texas Snowbell Ecology and Distribution

The "Texas Snowbell" is a small treelike shrub that can grow to be as tall as 15 feet in height. It is said to be flowering plant that blooms in the month of April . It has been found in steep limestone bluffs, cliff faces, rock ledges, and gravel bars along streams and rivers. These botanical inhabitants of Texas can be found in the Western Edwards Plateau of Edwards, Real, and Val Verde Counties. The Edwards Plateau area includes the Granitic Central Basin and is commonly referred to as part of the "Texas Hill Contry". This area is 98 percent rangeland and it is primarily used for livestock and wildlife production. Currently there are only 10 known populations of the "Texas Snowbell" left in these Texas counties. One of the main reasons that they are in danger is that they are a common food source for many animals. Deer and goats are among the most common predators of the Texas Snowbell. The problem does not stop here, insects and small animals also tend to feed on the small seedlings. This becomes a major problem when the small Texas Snowbell shrubs try to survive in the wild.

Click here to return to the homepage.

This page created with Netscape Navigator Gold