Lotebush
(Ziziphus obtusifolia)
Lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia)
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Annika Lindqvist
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Annika Lindqvist
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Annika Lindqvist | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Annika Lindqvist | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-12T09:43:28-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ziziphus obtusifolia, commonly known as lotebush, graythorn, or Texas buckthorn, is a deciduous shrub native to arid and semi-arid regions such as deserts, scrublands, and grasslands in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 3-8 feet (0.9-2.4 meters) and has a similar width, forming dense thickets. The shrub’s appearance is characterized by its gray twigs covered in waxy whitish hairs, which help reduce water loss. The leaves, when present, are small and leathery, providing limited shade. The inconspicuous flowers bloom in the spring and are dull yellow-green, followed by a mealy, juicy drupe that is a valuable food source for wildlife.
Lotebush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is also used as a barrier plant due to its thorny branches. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun and tolerating a range of soil types, as long as they have adequate drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Lotebush is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in harsh conditions, making it suitable for xeriscaping and habitat restoration projects. It is also used as a barrier plant due to its thorny branches. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, preferring full sun and tolerating a range of soil types, as long as they have adequate drainage. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-8 feet
- Width: 5-6 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant
Natural Habitat
Native to arid and semi-arid regions such as deserts, scrublands, and grasslands in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Gumdrop-Tree
Scientific Names: , Ziziphus obtusifolia, Ziziphus obtusifolia var. obtusifolia, Condalia lycioides, Sarcomphalus obtusifolius, Condalia obtusifolia, Ziziphus lycioides, Condaliopsis lycioides, Condaliopsis obtusifolia, Paliurus texanus
GBIF Accepted Name: Sarcomphalus obtusifolius (Hook. ex Torr. & A.Gray) Hauenschild