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Ziziphus obtusifolia
Ziziphus obtusifolia (Hook. ex Torr. & A. Gray) A. Gray
Lotebush, Lote-bush Condalia, Graythorn
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn Family)
Synonym(s):
USDA Symbol: ziob
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Densely branched shrub with small leaves and stiff branchlets ending in spines. Frequent in unshaded places with very shallow soil over limestone. Bark with light gray coating interrupted by fine, lengthwise cracks resulting from radial growth. Leaves in clusters or alternate, up to 1 1/4 inches long, but mostly about half this length, variable in shape and with serrate or smooth margins. Flowers inconspicuous, in small clusters. Fruit fleshy, black, about 3/3 inch in diameter.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Tree
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Fruit Type: Drupe
Size Notes: Up to about 8 feet tall. Often much shorter.
Fruit: Black
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Yellow , GreenBloom Time: Mar , Apr
Distribution
USA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , OK , TX , UTNative Habitat: Stream, river banks, Chaparral & brush country
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Fruits ornamentalUse Wildlife: Browse, Nectar-insects, Fruit-birds, Fruit-mammals, Cover, Nesting site
Attracts: Birds
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Fredericksburg Nature Center - Fredericksburg, TX
Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 354 - Native & Naturalized Woody Plants of Austin & the Hill Country (1981) Lynch, D.Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Bibref 297 - Trees of Central Texas (1984) Vines, Robert A.
Search More Titles in Bibliography
Additional resources
USDA: Find Ziziphus obtusifolia in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Ziziphus obtusifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ziziphus obtusifolia
Metadata
Record Modified: 2021-11-11Research By: TWC Staff