Bitter Snakewood
(Condalia globosa)
Bitter Snakewood (Condalia globosa)
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Bob Miller
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Bob Miller
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bob Miller | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Bob Miller | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2018-09-15T17:51:53-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Condalia globosa, commonly known as Bitter Snakewood, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, as well as to chaparral and scrub habitats in Arizona, California, and Northwest Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters) and a width of 8-16 feet (2.4-4.9 meters), with a dense, rounded form. Bitter Snakewood is characterized by its rigid, spiny branches and small, leathery leaves that help conserve water in its arid native environment. It produces inconspicuous yellow flowers in the winter and spring, which are followed by small, dark purple to black berries that are an important food source for local wildlife.
Bitter Snakewood is valued in cultivation for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used as a barrier plant due to its spiny branches. This plant requires minimal maintenance once established, needing only full sun and well-drained soils. It is highly adaptable to poor soil conditions and can tolerate both low and moderate water regimes, though it thrives with infrequent, deep watering. There are no widely recognized cultivars of this species, and it is generally grown from seed. Potential problems include overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and it may be susceptible to pests such as scale insects when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Bitter Snakewood is valued in cultivation for its drought tolerance and its ability to thrive in harsh desert conditions, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used as a barrier plant due to its spiny branches. This plant requires minimal maintenance once established, needing only full sun and well-drained soils. It is highly adaptable to poor soil conditions and can tolerate both low and moderate water regimes, though it thrives with infrequent, deep watering. There are no widely recognized cultivars of this species, and it is generally grown from seed. Potential problems include overwatering, which can lead to root rot, and it may be susceptible to pests such as scale insects when grown outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 8-10 feet
- Width: 8-16 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Sonoran and Mojave Deserts, chaparral, and scrub habitats in Arizona, California, and Northwest Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Bitter Condalia
Scientific Names: , Condalia globosa, Condalia globosa var. globosa,
GBIF Accepted Name: Condalia globosa I.M.Johnst.