Lotebush, Blue brush, Gumdrop tree
Zizyphus obtusifolia (T. & G.) Gray var. obtusifolia
Rhamnaceae (Buckthorn family)
Description
This shrub is a native, cool-season perennial in the Buckthorn family. Commonly named lotebush, gumdrop tree and clepe, it is a rigid, intricately branched shrub that grows to 6 feet tall and is greenish gray to blue-gray. Lotebush has thorn-tipped branches of various lengths, as well as many sharp, straight thorns along the stems. Lotebush leaves are often grayish green and vary greatly in shape from oval to oblong. They are less than 1.5 inches long and either entire or shallow toothed. The flowers are inconspicuous. The fruit is black, mealy and stonelike, about the size of a pea.This shrub provides good grazing for wildlife and poor grazing for livestock. It is best known for providing good cover for wildlife, especially quail, and a nursery area or protection for young plants that are easily grazed out of a pasture.Habitat
Lotebush is widespread across Texas on dry ranges in the central, southern and western parts of the state.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
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 03 - Post Oak Savannah, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 08 - Rolling Plains, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
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
