The 16 Biggest Trees in Texas

They say that everything is bigger in Texas, and that certainly seems to be the case with their trees. They enjoy such a great climate, so all sorts of trees do seem to grow bigger and better there than they do other places. The variety in the species seems to vary quite a bit as well. Whether you’re interested in tall trees, old trees, or trees that have extra-large diameters, you can certainly find what you’re looking for in the state of Texas.

Below is a list of the 16 biggest trees found in Texas. Whenever possible, the specific location and details about the tree are listed. Some are on private land and some are on public property, but you’ll enjoy as many of these trees as you are lucky enough to visit.

16. White Ash in Irving, Dallas County, White Ash (fraxinus americana), 13 feet

This absolutely stunning tree can be found in a residential area – more specifically, at 722 Beacon Hill Drive. It has a girth of around 13 feet and sits almost inconspicuously in an area surrounded by homes and suburbia, but it is definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.

15. American Elm in Rockwall, Texas, American Elm (ulmus americana), 23 feet

This American elm tree is actually in someone’s backyard and therefore is difficult to visit and view. Its girth measurement at 0 meters is roughly 12 feet. American elms are beautiful trees that make for a perfect backdrop if you wish to have your picture taken with them.

14. Mexican Olive in Cameron County, Mexican Olive/Anacahuita (cordia boissieri), 37 feet

This tree has a circumference of 120 inches and a spread of around 53 feet. Also called the anacahuita tree, they have beautiful white flowers on them and usually don’t get as tall as 37 feet. This one is located on public property and is very attractive.

13. Big Tree, Oak Tree (quercus virginiana), 45 feet

This is a beautiful Southern live oak tree found in Rockport at the Goose Island State Park in Aransas County. It has a girth of 34 feet and was planted around the year 1000, give or take 500 years. So, as of 2022, the tree is around 1,022 years old, give or take 500 years. If you look at a picture of the tree, you’ll not only notice its enormous size but also its many branches, which stick out in various places and make it look even larger, if that’s possible. The tree even survived Hurricane Harvey in 2016!

12. Texas Ebony in Hidalgo County, Texas Ebony (ebenopsis ebano), 46 feet

This Texas ebony tree stands at 46 feet high but has a circumference of 190 inches and a spread of 75 feet. Native to southern Texas and eastern Mexico, the tree can have a relatively small trunk but the spread at the top of the tree usually makes up for it in size.

11. Texas Madrone in Brewster, Texas, Texas Madrone (arbutus xalapensis), 46 feet

With a circumference of 162 inches and a crown spread of around 61 feet, this 46-foot tree is nothing short of spectacular. The trees usually get to no more than 40 feet in height, which makes this particular Texas madrone a bit unique. It is also a gorgeous tree with a nice round spread that everyone seems to love.

10. White Mulberry in Knox County, White Mulberry (morus alba), 46 feet

Since white mulberry trees normally only get to around 40 feet in height, the one in Knox County is a bit unique. These trees are gorgeous and have both flowers and fruit to enjoy, making them a bit different than many other species.

9. Anacua in Hidalgo County, Anacua (ehretia anacua), 51 feet

With a circumference of 144 inches and a spread of around 46 feet, this anacua tree is very impressive and has lots of tiny white flowers to make it even more noticeable. Like several other trees on this list, the anacua here is not on public property.

8. Southern Catalpa in Dallas, Texas, Southern Catalpa (catalpa bignonioides), 53 feet

This southern catalpa tree is located on private property in Dallas and has a spread of around 67 feet and a circumference of a whopping 272 inches. It is located very near the Dallas Arboretum and is thought to be about 70 years old. These are interesting-looking trees that sometimes look like two trees have grown together.

7. Tallowtree in Harris County, Tallowtree (triadica sebifera), 59 feet

Also called the Chinese tallow, this 59-foot tree is located in the Houston area and has a circumference of 163 inches and a spread of around 61 feet. It is located on private property and is somewhat small and thin at the bottom, but it has a large gorgeous spread of branches and leaves that everyone loves.

6. Texas Live Oak in Bosque County, Texas Live Oak (quercus fusiformis), 63 feet

Also called an escarpment live oak, this particular tree has a circumference of 342 inches and a spread of around 87 feet, making it quite the looker. These trees have very large trunks and branches and can get very old, and they are nothing short of majestic-looking when they are fully grown.

5. Montezuma Baldcypress in Cameron County, Montezuma Baldcypress (taxodium mucronatum), 70 feet

Although rarely seen in this type of environment, the Montezuma baldcypress found in the southmost area of Brownsville in Cameron County is a 70-foot wonder. The girth and other measurements of this tree are hard to find, but the estimate on the spread is around 90 feet. The tree is not found on public property so it may not be possible to see this one.

4. Camphor Tree in Orange County, Camphor Tree (cinnamomum camphora), 72 feet

This camphor tree has a circumference of 214 inches and a spread of around 80 feet. Since most camphor trees only get to around 40 feet high, this one is pretty unique, and its gorgeous bright-orange leaves are going to thrill you when they start to bloom!

3. Blackgum in Wood County, Blackgum (nyssa sylvatica), 78 feet

The blackgum, also called the black tupelo tree, usually gets to no more than 60 feet high, which makes this one exceptional. It has a circumference of 247 inches and a spread of 95 feet, and one of the things you’ll love the most about it is the colorful leaves it has once it starts to bloom!

2. Pecan Tree in Parker, Texas, Pecan (carya illinoinensis), 98 feet

Located in Parker County, this amazing pecan tree is nearly 100 feet tall and has a circumference of a whopping 258 inches. It also measures about 117 feet at the crown, so you can literally picture what it might look like in person. It’s also amazing when you consider just how many pecans are produced by this tree every year!

1. American Sycamore in Harris County, American Sycamore (platanus occidentalis), 105 feet

Located on private property, this American sycamore tree has a girth measurement of around nine feet. Specifically, the home is in Houston, but since it’s private property it might be difficult to view and enjoy the tree. Still, if you know someone in the area and wish to see it, you might be able to pull it off!