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Nugent, Louis R

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.

From the Image Gallery

12 photo(s) available in the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: 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 , Green
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , OK , TX , UT
Native Habitat: Stream, river banks, Chaparral & brush country

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Fruits ornamental
Use 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

Herbarium Specimen(s)

NPSOT 0418 Collected May 31, 1993 in Bexar County by Harry Cliffe

1 specimen(s) available in the Digital Herbarium

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 Plants
FNA: Find Ziziphus obtusifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Ziziphus obtusifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2021-11-11
Research By: TWC Staff

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