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.
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.
