Texas Olive - Cordia boissieri

The Texas Olive Tree is a great ornamental tree for any size garden. It can tolerate even the hottest desert environment but isn't great with frost. If a frost occurs some dieback is possible, but the tree will grow back once it warms up. Half of the year this tree produces gorgeous white flowers with a yellow throat. The lush green/grey leaves and classic olive tree trunk makes this tree quite a conversation piece.

The only negative we have for this tree is the litter. During the winter the leaves turn a grey/yellow grey and shed. The leaves are fairly large and on a patio in the desert look a bit like mice! Olives shed during the late summer. Not recommended for planting near a pool for this reason.

Another great reason to use this plant in the desert - wind resistance. The trunk is strong and solid, if pruned properly this tree should never need staking. In our experiences it has held up to 85MPH wind gusts!

The Texas Olive can also be pruned as a shrub.

Other common names: Anacahuita, Mexican Olive, Wild Olive

Size (HXW): 30 Ft X 25 Ft

USDA Hardiness zones: 9a - 10b

Sun requirement: Full sun

Water requirement: Drought tolerant once established. Supplemental water will encourage flowering.

Similar suggested plants: Little leaf cordia

Bloom period: Blooms off and on all year, most prolific in the late spring and summer.

Planting and growing information: Plant in well-draining soil and water regularly until established. The Texas Olive fruit is not for human consumption. Best method for growing Texas Olive Trees - propagation from cuttings. Seeds can be used, however they must be planted fairly quickly as they lose their viability after a few months.

Photos:

Image courtesy of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center