CL Browning Ranch


Tawny emperor (Asterocampa clyton) feeds on tatalencho (Gymnosperma glutinosum).
The Ashe juniper (Juniperus ashei) in Buckthorn Canyon was harvested out for fence material several decades ago. The unusable juniper was left in place, creating a blanket of brush that prevented cattle or deer from accessing the canyon. As a result of no grazing pressure, several rough-leaf dogwoods (Cornus drummondii), escarpment black cherries (Prunus serotina), Carolina buckthorns (Rhamnus carliniana), and rusty black-haw viburnums (Viburnum rufidulum) thrive in this area today.

Located in the upper reaches of Buckthorn Canyon is one of the prime habitat areas for the endangered golden-cheeked warbler (Dendroica chrysoparia). On a north- and west-facing slope can be found a mixed forest of Texas red oak and mature Ashe juniper where the average canopy height exceeds 20 feet and the canopy coverage exceeds 35%.

Click to view:
Elevation Model of Buckthorn Canyon.
Satellite Image of Buckthorn Canyon.