- Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) - This is truly an underrated miracle tree of life! This large shrub/small tree not only produces copious crops of deliciously sweet berries, but is also a highly heat/drought-resistant xeriscape native that can still withstand low temperatures down to 5ð-10ð F. Moreover, it is an attractive ornamental complete with creamy bell flowers, multicolored trunks and rugged hardwood that can be used for woodworking. Note that is is dioecious though, so you need at least a male & female of each to bear fruit... But what other trees possess such a rare combination of form, function & low maintenance??? None that I can think of! Other overlooked candidates might include: - Oriental Raisin Tree (Hovenia dulcis) - This is a nice, large, fast-growing tree that bears sweet, edible peduncles tasting similar to a combination of raisin, clove, cinnamon and sugar. http://examine.com/supplements/Hovenia+dulcis/ (But do note that while it is not invasive in the US, it could be in some much hotter, tropical climates.) - Pineapple Guava (Feijoa sellowiana) - This large shrub/small tree has both edible flowers and fruits and is fairly low-maintenance. It is both quite pest and heat-resistant, needing only some sufficient watering during peak summer heat months. http://www.ediblelandscapingmadeeasy.com/2011/12/21/pineapple-guava-a-great-shrub-for-your-edible-landscape/#1 http://selectree.calpoly.edu/treedetail.lasso?rid=599 - All-In-One Almond Tree - Almond trees bear both beautiful flowers and edible almonds. - Mission Olive Tree - Olive trees not only bear healthy fruit & oil, but its leaves also serve as a great antimicrobial. It is drought-tolerant once established and can grow extremely old. - Moringa Oleifera (PKM1) Tree (Horseradish Tree) - This is another miraculous tree with multiple medicinal and health benefits. The leaves are edible and the crushed seeds even help purify water. It is also a very fast-growing and resilient softwood. http://miracletrees.org/ - Western Soapberry (Sapindus drummondii) - Soapberry does well in poor, dry or nutrient-deficient soils. The foliage is handsome, the flowers are fragrant and attract bees, and its soap nuts contain saponin, an antimicrobial, natural detergent. http://www.floridata.com/ref/s/sapi_sap.cfm - Medjool Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera) - If you got space for a palm tree, why not an edible date palm? http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/botany/date-palm-info.htm Here is a link that might be useful: Texas Persimmon This post was edited by blakrab on Mon, Jan 6, 14 at 21:19

Here is an address that may be of help to you, I believe Steven Hammer is considered the world expert on the species. sphaeroid@juno.com You are able to download his list. All plants will have species names, and good documentation if that is important to you, he is a master at packing for shipping. You never know what he (Steven Hammer) is offering at any givin time. I can safely recommned both nurseries. Steve is a specialist and hope you enjoy his sense of humor. Norma

my experiences.. snow will burn and look like carp for 5 years ... bear with it.... it will reward you .. its a winter sun/wind issue ... mine is planted under an oak ... and as it has grown from 6 foot to 30 feet ... snow has prospered ... even w/o leaves.. i think the oak is dulling winter sun.. which is killer on white tissue.. up here in the great white north ... i am warning you.. because i know you as a perfectionist.. and this one might take some patience ... i might recommend you not put it where you will see it every day ... saffron spray will also burn in winter .. the yellow tissue part .. not the green ... .... i will have to track mine down and see what its current condition is ... you crack me up with your excitement of 30 days.. lol .. sooooo you are going to start planting 8/27 .. lol.... NOT!!!! lets deal with reality... 9/27 .. lol ... ken ps: you cant start on 8/27 by killing or removing the grass ... bed building .. fluffing the soil in the hole ...etc ... but i do not suggest major root surgery in august.. sometimes sept turn cool immediately.. like some switch is thrown.. but other years.. it can be near as cruel as august.. the KEY is ... cool/cold nights .. so that no matter what the day throws at you ... the nights are cool enough for the plant to recover ... to pump enough water to offset what the day sucked out of it ...

ejr: You probably realize this (& it's most excellent Weston is guaranteeing to replace those that don't survive), but you are planting quite late. Even here on the coast in Lynn we are now getting freezes. The ideal time to plant in the autumn is in September, which gives the roots a chance to develop while the top is slowing down and preparing for winter. In any case, water, water, water, water, water! Mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch, mulch! The watering will help give the plants a bit of water in their tissues that they will need for the winter, and the mulch will help stabilize soil temperatures underneath them. That fights "heaving" which can happen when you plant late, for the soil in the planting hole will have different physical characteristics than the surrounding soil, and so as the ground freezes and thaws during the winter days the planting hole soil can get shoved up above the rest of the soil (hence "heaving"). That rips the roots of the plant out of place and sets them back very badly (or can even kill them). Those are the two usual pieces of advice for fall planting anyway, but they will matter even more for you. Make sure to carefully note whatever advice Weston offers you and follow it well. Doing so will help ensure that they honor their guarantee. Not following the supplier's advice in such a situation can lead to the warranty becoming void. (Check to see if there are any disclaimers in the guarantee. Don't be surprised if there are.)