The cedar elm is a well known Texas native tree. Its quite versatile, able to thrive in Texas extreme drought and heat, or wet conditions and nearly any soil type. Growing at an annual rate of about 1.5 to 2.5 feet and reaching a height between 40 to 50 feet at maturity, this tree is an ideal shade tree for your Texas residence. Their small, green leaves are known for turning a beautiful yellow in the fall before they shed.