Texas Ebony Pithecellobium flexicaule aka Ebenopsis ebano
A robust and hardy tree native to the Chihuahuan Desert. This drought-tolerant tree can reach 35 to 60' tall and more than 20' wide in nature. It is slow- to medium-growing and should be sited in full to partial sun. The Texas Ebony is highly adaptable to multiple soils from deep, well-drained sandy gravel to clay.
USDA lists the tree's viability for zones 9 through 11. However, two of these mature trees are growing on the research facility of Texas A&M at Plano. Younger trees are susceptible to temperatures below 20 degrees F.
The tree is evergreen and the dark leaves form a dense canopy for shade. Flowers are cream to yellow, highly fragrant and evident from late spring through fall. Large, brown seed pods follow the flowers. The trunk of the Texas Ebony creates a twisted branching effect and can grow to the ground. The lower branches should be cut and cleared to enhance the twisting and gnarling effect this tree exhibits naturally. Use caution when pruning; the branches have thorns.
A robust and hardy tree native to the Chihuahuan Desert. This drought-tolerant tree can reach 35 to 60' tall and more than 20' wide in nature. It is slow- to medium-growing and should be sited in full to partial sun. The Texas Ebony is highly adaptable to multiple soils from deep, well-drained sandy gravel to clay.
USDA lists the tree's viability for zones 9 through 11. However, two of these mature trees are growing on the research facility of Texas A&M at Plano. Younger trees are susceptible to temperatures below 20 degrees F.
The tree is evergreen and the dark leaves form a dense canopy for shade. Flowers are cream to yellow, highly fragrant and evident from late spring through fall. Large, brown seed pods follow the flowers. The trunk of the Texas Ebony creates a twisted branching effect and can grow to the ground. The lower branches should be cut and cleared to enhance the twisting and gnarling effect this tree exhibits naturally. Use caution when pruning; the branches have thorns.