Christ thorn, Jerusalem thorn
Paliurus spina-christi Mill.
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
Description
Christ thorn is a shrubby tree from Asia that has become established in certain riparian (associated with the banks of a river or stream) areas in the central Edwards Plateau. It is an introduced, cool-season perennial.
This multi-stemmed shrub in the Buckthorn family can grow to 15 feet tall. Christ thorn can form dense, impenetrable thickets.
The plant has yellow fruit shaped like a hat, and paired thorns, one straight, one curved.
Christ thorn is not readily browsed by livestock or deer.
Habitat
Christ thorn grows along riparian areas and low areas that receive extra moisture.
Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Yellow
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Cool
Distribution
: 07 - Edwards Plateau
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Book: Brush and Weeds of Texas Rangelands (B-6208)
Collection: Brush and Weeds
