Anacacho Orchid Tree

Texas’s Native Orchid Tree

The Anacacho Orchid Tree (Bauhinia lunarioides) is a rare, beautiful native of the Texas Hill Country that produces clusters of delicate white orchid-like flowers in spring. Compact, drought-tolerant, and perfectly suited to small spaces, it’s a landscape gem. Alfaro Tree Sales grows Anacacho Orchid Trees at our 40-acre Atascosa nursery.

1–2 ft/yr
Growth Rate
12–15 ft
Mature Height
Excellent
Drought Tolerance
Since ’76
Growing & Planting
Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
12–15 ft
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Orchid-Like Flowers
Spring Flowers

Orchid-Like Flowers

In spring (March–April), the Anacacho Orchid Tree produces clusters of white to pale pink flowers that resemble orchids. It often re-blooms after summer rains. Butterflies and hummingbirds are drawn to the blossoms.

Orchid-like spring flowers Compact size for small spaces Native Texas Hill Country species Field-grown at our 40-acre nursery

Anacacho Orchid Tree vs. Desert Willow

Two compact flowering natives for SA landscapes.

Recommended

Anacacho Orchid Tree

Growth Rate1–2 ft/yr
FlowersWhite orchid-like
DroughtExcellent
Mature Height12–15 ft
SizeCompact
Bloom SeasonSpring + repeat

Desert Willow

Growth Rate2–3 ft/yr
FlowersPink/purple trumpets
DroughtExcellent
Mature Height15–25 ft
SizeMedium
Bloom SeasonSummer–fall

Growth Timeline

Expected height after planting a multi-trunk specimen (5–8 ft at install).

6 ft
Planting
9 ft
Year 3
12 ft
Year 7
Full bloom
15 ft
Year 12+
Mature

Care After Planting

Watering

Water deeply once per week during the first season. Once established, very drought-tolerant with minimal supplemental water.

Soil & Fertilizer

Perfect for SA’s limestone soils. Requires well-drained conditions. No fertilizer needed — too much can reduce flowering.

Pruning

Light pruning to shape. Can be trained as a single-trunk tree or left as a multi-stem shrub. Prune after spring bloom.

Best Planting Time

October through March. Plant in a spot with good drainage and some afternoon shade protection in the hottest areas.

Our Planting Process

1

Select & Deliver

Choose your tree at our nursery or by phone. We deliver it to your property.

2

Plant & Mulch

Machine-dug hole, native soil backfill, deep watering, and mulch ring installed.

3

Follow-Up

Written care instructions plus a 30-day establishment check from our crew.

Sun
Full Sun to Part Shade
Water
Low
Growth Rate
1–2 ft/yr
Mature Height
12–15 ft
Canopy Spread
10–15 ft
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Foliage
Semi-Deciduous
Native Range
SW Texas Hill Country
Soil
Alkaline / Limestone
Best For
Small Yards, Accent
Category
Native
Nursery
40 Acres, Atascosa TX

Compact — typically 12–15 ft tall and 10–15 ft wide, making them ideal for small yards, patios, and foundation plantings.

Primarily in spring (March–April) with white orchid-like flowers. They often re-bloom after summer rains.

Yes, very. They’re native to the dry Texas Hill Country and thrive with minimal irrigation once established.

Absolutely — their compact 12–15 ft size makes them perfect for small spaces, courtyards, and near patios.

October through March is ideal. They establish quickly in San Antonio’s mild winters.

We offer Anacacho Orchid Trees in various sizes. Field-grown at our nursery in Atascosa. Call (210) 202-4284.

Yes. Professional delivery and planting across the SA metro. Request a free quote.

Yes — they’re native to a small area of southwest Texas and not widely grown commercially, making them a distinctive choice for your landscape.