Ebony

 In
Ebony

Ebenopsis ebano
Ebenopsis ebano
Ebano, Texas Ebony; Black-bead Ebony
South Texas and eastern Mexico to Yucatan
15

30 feet
15

20 feet
  • Texas
  • Full Sun
  • Very Low
  • Birds

About This Plant

Sun. Nearly evergreen (except for a brief leaf drop in spring) with tiny leaflets on dark, spiny bark. Ebony has a rounded crown with distinctive zigzag branches and flattened seed pods that eventually litter the ground. It is slow-growing.

In the Rio Grande Valley, ebony grows quite tall, providing dense shade in both woodlands and home landscapes. In central Texas, it is rarely used, although it is an excellent choice for drought-hardy wildscapes and evergreen native screens.

The black heartwood is unusually hard and close-grained.

Maintenance

None needed for a shrublike shape; however, for a treelike form, some patience, training (and watering!) will be needed in early years. Ebony grows slowly. Proper gloves, sleeves, and eye protection will be needed to cope with the stipular spines.

Features

Plant Type:
Small Tree
Size:
15-30' H, 15-20' W
Sunlight Requirements:
Full Sun
Soil Types:
Clay, Sandy
Wildlife:
Birds, Butterflies, Butterfly Larvae
Flower Color:
Cream, Yellow
Bloom Time:
June, July, August
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
None
Coupon Eligible:
No

This plant goes well with

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