Texas Ebony
(Ebenopsis ebano)
Texas Ebony (Ebenopsis ebano)
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Tatters
CC BY-SA 2.0
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Tatters
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Tatters | License Type: CC BY-SA 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Tatters | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ebenopsis ebano, commonly known as Texas Ebony, is an evergreen tree or large shrub native to the Tamaulipan mezquital, a dry, thorny shrubland found in Mexico and southern Texas. It typically grows to a height of 20-25 feet (6-8 meters) and a width of 20 feet (6 meters). Texas Ebony has a dense, spreading canopy with dark green, pinnate leaves that provide deep shade. It produces fragrant, cream-colored flowers with yellow throats from late spring to early summer, which are followed by woody seed pods that persist on the tree. The bark is dark and deeply furrowed, adding to its ornamental value.
Texas Ebony is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, arid environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It is often used as a shade tree, ornamental specimen, or for hedges in landscapes that can accommodate its thorny nature. This species is also important for wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds and insects. It requires minimal water once established, prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests like borers and diseases such as Texas root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Texas Ebony is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in hot, arid environments, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It is often used as a shade tree, ornamental specimen, or for hedges in landscapes that can accommodate its thorny nature. This species is also important for wildlife, providing food and habitat for birds and insects. It requires minimal water once established, prefers well-drained soils, and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests like borers and diseases such as Texas root rot in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-25 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: Cream, White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Hedges, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Tamaulipan mezquital
Other Names
Common Names: Acte, Ebano
Scientific Names: , Ebenopsis ebano, Pithecellobium flexicaule, Ebenopsis confinis, Ebenopsis flexicaulis, Pithecellobium ebano, Chloroleucon ebano, Acacia flexicaulis, Mimosa ebano, Pithecellobium texense
GBIF Accepted Name: Ebenopsis ebano (Berland.) Barneby & J.W.Grimes