Spiny Allthorn

Sun or bright shade. The stems and thorns are evergreen; the leaves themselves are tiny and scale-like, appearing only after summer rains. Greenish-white star flowers appear in warm weather, with a sweat-like fragrance that attracts abundant pollinators. The blackberries, in autumn, are pretty.

A great specimen for native brush sculptors, allthorn is exceptionally drought- and cold- tolerant, growing to a rounded form that provides cover for birds and other wildlife. It’s not widely available, though; check with native plant suppliers, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.