Llano Uplift granite country

The granite domes and cliffs of the Llano Uplift, such as Enchanted Rock (above), are popular with climbers, picnickers, and hikers.

The Llano Uplift is an island of volcanic and metamorphic rock very different from the surrounding Edwards Plateau. The uplift, restricted to Llano, Mason, and adjacent counties, contains some of the oldest exposed rocks in Texas, including pink crystalline granite, schist, and marble. At places like Enchanted Rock, exposed granite forms domelike hills or mountains. The bare rock surfaces and shallow soils support unique plant communities of lichens, stonecrop, and mosses. Stunted oak trees and cacti grow out of cracks in the granite domes. Crevices between boulders collect soils and rain water and contain surprising, lush growths of ferns and unusual wildflowers. Shallow, ephemeral pools on a few large granite domes, such as Enchanted Rock, contain specialized animals and plants found nowhere else on earth.

There are many granite domes and outcrops on private ranches. Inaccessible to cattle, these sites have been little altered by ranching activities, but increased quarrying of granite and marble may threaten more of the regions hills and domes. Like other Hill Country towns, Llano and Mason are becoming popular centers for retirees and second home owners from Texas cities. More efforts will be needed to protect the granite country from development in the future.

Basin bellflower grows only in the granite country of central Texas. Cacti, grasses, and wildflowers grow in interstitial crevices and cracks in granite outcrops.

Places to see Llano Uplift granite outcrops: Protected Acreage of Llano Uplift granite outcrops: Enchanted Rock State Natural Area, Fredericksburg 800 acres Inks Lake State Park, Kingsland