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A respected desert
landscape designer once quipped that Texas Ebony trees
were too green to be a desert tree. Due in part to a slow growth
rate and chronic lack of saleable trees, Texas Ebony
(Pithecellobium flexicaule) is among the most under-utilized
and under appreciated arid landscape tree. The common name
itself is a misnomer since the wood is dark mahogany to purple
or brown, not black. The trees are highly drought tolerant, slow
growing and are moderately cold hardy
to 25 F and may be damaged or killed below 20 F. Leaves are
made-up of clusters of shiny, dark green leaflets. Branches are
highly spined and zig-zag at each node. Branching is usually
dense resulting in a thick canopy that casts dense shade. This
combination of thorns and dense branching makes Texas Ebony
ideal for security screen plantings. It is also used as an
accent tree with its striking dark green leaf color, smoky grey
bark and semi deciduous growth habit. The tree prefers well
drained soils and full sun. Young trees require
pruning
to insure that they will mature with desirable shape. Clusters
of fragrant yellow or white flowers
are produced from May to October with 4 to 6 inch seed pods
maturing within 30 days. Pods split open naturally to release
most seeds. Reports suggest that Texas Ebony can grow to 15 to
30 feet.
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