There is a very short and steep hiking trail which starts off just from the parking lot of the Triumphant Love Lutheran Church on Great Hills Trail in Austin. You descend quickly into the valley between the hills, then you get a little workout as you climb back out. The sunset views from the top are nice also.
I liked the following description from the Native Plant Society of Texas (I hope I have the correct tree).
“The fruits are flat, circular and papery wafer-like samaras. They occur in drooping clusters, are retained well into winter and wave in the wind with an audible rattle.”
The samara has a flattened wing of papery tissue that allows the wind to carry the seed. As it turns out, it also allows for nice photos at sunset near the 3/4 mile marker on some walking path. 🙂
earthrobert 