Texas Kidneywood
(Eysenhardtia texana)
Texas Kidneywood (Eysenhardtia texana)
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Michelle W.
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Michelle W.
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Michelle W. | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Michelle W. | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-07T11:27:32-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eysenhardtia texana, commonly known as Texas kidneywood, bee-brush, or vara dulce, is a deciduous shrub or small tree in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to the Rio Grande Valley region of south Texas, northeastern Mexico, and the eastern Chihuahuan Desert areas of Coahuila. Texas kidneywood typically reaches a height of 3 to 10 feet (1 to 3 meters) with a similar spread, and it features an open, airy form. The compound leaves are bright green, and the plant produces fragrant white to pale yellow flowers from late spring to early fall, which are highly attractive to bees and butterflies. The bark is gray and furrowed, adding textural interest to the garden.
Texas kidneywood is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to attract pollinators with its showy, fragrant flowers. It is commonly used in xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as an informal hedge or screen. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for rock gardens and arid landscapes. While it is low-maintenance, it benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a desirable shape. It is not known for serious pest or disease issues, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Texas kidneywood is valued for its drought tolerance and its ability to attract pollinators with its showy, fragrant flowers. It is commonly used in xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as an informal hedge or screen. This species thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils, making it suitable for rock gardens and arid landscapes. While it is low-maintenance, it benefits from occasional pruning to maintain a desirable shape. It is not known for serious pest or disease issues, but overwatering should be avoided to prevent root rot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Width: 2-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Native to the Rio Grande Valley region of south Texas, northeastern Mexico, and the eastern Chihuahuan Desert areas of Coahuila
Other Names
Common Names: Bee Brush, Vara Dulce
Scientific Names: , Eysenhardtia texana, Eysenhardtia angustifolia, Eysenhardtia drummondii,
GBIF Accepted Name: Eysenhardtia texana Scheele