James H. Schutte
Family
Boraginaceae
Botanical Name
CORDIA boissieri
Plant Common Name
Anacahuita, Texas Olive
General Description
Texas olive is an attractive small tree with great drought tolerance, rough sandpapery leaves and wonderful ivory-white flowers. Native to Mexico and Texas and New Mexico in the United States, it can have a varied habit. In more desert conditions it tends to be a sprawling shrub, but in a garden setting where there is average and consistent moisture a nice small rounded tree will develop. It will become a deciduous plant in areas with a definite cold or very dry winter.
The outstanding feature of Texas olive is the pretty, funnel-shaped, ivory flowers that have a tan-yellow throat. They are found in clusters at tip branches starting in mid-spring and into summer, and then again in the fall. Any insect or bird that feeds on nectar can be attracted to this plant. The small, sticky fruits that form are why it is called Texas olive, and may be problematic when they drop regarding pedestrians' traction and sidewalk cleanliness and appearance.
Texas olive requires full sun and an average to seasonally dry, well-drained soil. It greatly resents wet soil! Although it has the ability to grow into a handsome small tree, pruning can keep the plant in a shrub form. It can be used in warm seaside locations.
Texas olive is free of problems and pests in the landscape as long as the soil is not too wet and there is ample sunlight. Ensure that ample moisture is supplied in summer and a dry period coincides with winter.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tree
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
3'-20' / 0.9m - 6.1m
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Width
5'-20' / 1.5m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Fall, Late Fall, Early Winter
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Texas, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt, Soil Compaction
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Oval/Rounded
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Ivory
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Black
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Gray Green, Dark Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Olive, Gray Green
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Bark Color
Slate Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Shade Trees, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds, Hummingbirds, Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
No