Title: Texas A&M Forest Service - Trees of Texas - Ecoregions - High Plains - High Plains
Headings: 
Texas Eco-Regions
High Plains back to Eco-Regions Map
Elevation
Precipitation
Topography
Soils
Vegetation Description
Impacts of Fire
Historical Information
Other

Content: This plain is one of the largest and most completely flat areas of its size in the world. Extending from Canyon to Silverton, is the Palo Duro Canyon, America’s second largest canyon. The canyon is approximately 120 miles long, 20 miles wide, and 800 feet deep. Early Spanish explorers are believed to have discovered the area and dubbed the canyon "Palo Duro" which is Spanish for "hard wood" which refers to the abundant mesquite and juniper trees. Soils
Soil in the High Plains is primarily heavy, clay above an impervious caliche layer with some sand found in the eastern panhandle. Soils are alkaline throughout the area which limits the types of trees that can be grown successfully. Vegetation Description
The High Plains region is primarily a short-grass prairie, also known for its shrubby mesquite, juniper, cottonwood, and agricultural crops. It is predominantly grassland; juniper, cottonwood and mesquite are predominant tree species. The rim of the Palo Duro Canyon is considered part of the short grass prairie while the elevated moisture of the canyon floor supports a greater diversity of plants including some medium and tall grass species along with shrubs and trees.