The South Texas Plains, Rio Grande Plains, or the “Brush Country” due to its dominating vegetation of low growing vegetation and thorny shrubs and trees is located south of the Balcones Escarpment below a line from Del Rio to San Antonio.
.jpg)
The southernmost part, the Rio Grande Valley, is a more subtropical region with more diverse vegetation. Historically the south Texas plains was covered by open grasslands with a scattering of trees, but extensive overgrazing prompted the encroachment of brush. Today, the primary vegetation consists of mesquite, acacias, blackbrush, guajillo, huisache, granjeno, persimmon, whitebrush, and prickly pear, mixed taller trees, such as live oak, hackberry, and cedar elm in the deeper, bottomland soils. Soils of the region are generally alkaline to slightly acidic clays and clay loams. The average annual rainfall of 20 to 32 inches increases from west to east with high summer temperatures and very high evaporation rates.
Livestock grazing and crop production continues to be the principal agricultural land use, however, over the last century, wildlife, especially white-tailed deer hunting has become just as noteworthy. The excellent habitat of this region supports white-tailed deer, javelina, feral hogs, mountain lions, bobcats, Rio Grande turkey, northern bobwhite quail, scaled quail, and it is a major stopping point for all species of migratory game birds, waterbirds, and neotropical songbirds. Although many land changes have occurred in this region over the last century, the South Texas Plains remains rich in wildlife and a haven for many unique species of plants and animals.
.jpg)
Interested in moving to the South Texas region, or just want to learn more about the area? Our agents with West and Swope Ranches are experts in the local South Texas real estate market and are ready to help you find the land, ranch, or farm property to meet your needs.
Contact us online or call 844-888-3384 o start your search for South Texas ranches and land today. To learn more about ranch living in Texas, you can find local information and real estate news on our blog or discover more with our Coordinates Land Magazine.
Connect