Texas Wild Olive (Cordia boissieri) - How to Grow & Care Guide

Plant Snapshot

Common Name: Texas Wild Olive
Latin Name: Cordia boissieri
Alternate Names: Mexican olive, Anacahuita
Hardiness Zones: USDA 8–11.
Typical Height: 10–20 ft (3–6 m).
Typical Spread: 10–20 ft (3–6 m).
Bloom Period: Spring to early summer in many climates.
Soil Preferences: Well drained loam or rocky soils. Tolerates alkaline and poor soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites which cause decline.
Light Preferences: Full sun to light shade. Best flowering in full sun.
Toxicity: No major toxicity records found in common pet plant lists but authoritative toxicology data is limited. Fruit eaten by birds. Use caution if ingestion is a concern.
Propagation: By seed and by cuttings. Nursery propagated transplants are commonly used in landscapes.

Key Facts

Small evergreen or semi evergreen tree or large shrub.
Native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico.
Showy fragrant white tubular flowers in spring and sometimes into summer.
Attracts bees and butterflies and is valued by birds for its fruit.
Tolerates drought and alkaline soils once established.
Prefers well drained soils and declines in poorly drained sites.
Propagated by seed and by cuttings or nursery grafted plants.

Texas Wild Olive (Cordia boissieri) is a small evergreen or semi evergreen tree native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico. It produces fragrant white tubular flowers in spring and sometimes into summer and provides fruit that attracts birds and supports pollinators.

Identification

A small evergreen tree or large shrub typically 10 to 20 feet tall with a broad rounded crown and a similar spread. It bears showy fragrant white tubular flowers in spring and sometimes into summer and produces small fruit valued by birds. Flowers attract bees and butterflies.

Best uses and where to grow

Use as a specimen or mixed shrub border in warm, well drained landscapes and in wildlife gardens where birds are desired. It prefers full sun to light shade and tolerates alkaline and poor soils. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites because plants decline in wet soil.

Planting season and spacing

Plant container grown specimens when they are actively growing and the risk of hard frost has passed in your area. Space single trunks 10 to 20 feet apart to match the mature spread and prevent crowding. Choose a sunny, well drained site with room for a broad crown.

Watering and drought tolerance

Water regularly during the first two growing seasons to establish a deep root system. Once established the species tolerates drought and alkaline soils, but insufficient water while young reduces flowering and slows growth. Poor drainage typically leads to root loss and decline, so avoid waterlogged sites.

After flowering care and pruning

Light pruning after flowering maintains shape and reduces crossing branches without removing next season’s flower buds. Plants can be trained to a single trunk or left multi stem; pruning and fertility influence final height and spread. Remove dead wood and thin dense areas to improve air circulation.

Propagation

Propagate by seed and by cuttings; nursery grafted or transplanted stock is commonly used in landscapes. Seed germination and cutting success depend on local technique and timing, so using fresh seed or reputable nursery plants gives more reliable establishment. Local trials often determine best methods.

Controlling spread and maintenance

Mature size generally matches a 10 to 20 foot height and spread, so control mainly by spacing and routine pruning. The species does not typically require aggressive root barriers; instead manage crown size with annual maintenance. Provide winter protection in colder parts of USDA zone 8 where dieback can occur.

Frequently asked questions

How fast does Texas Wild Olive grow?: Growth rate varies by site and care. In favorable conditions plants reach a mature 10 to 20 foot size while those in colder or drier sites grow more slowly and often remain smaller.
What USDA hardiness zones suit this plant?: It is generally listed for approximately USDA zones 8 to 11. The lower limit varies by source and by winter protection, so expect slower growth and possible dieback in colder parts of zone 8.
Is Texas Wild Olive drought tolerant?: Yes. Once established it tolerates drought and alkaline soils, but young plants need regular watering to develop a deep root system and to flower well.
How should I propagate Texas Wild Olive?: Propagation is by seed or cuttings and commercial nursery transplants are common. Success rates vary by method and locale, so use fresh seed or nursery stock for best results.
Do the flowers and fruit attract wildlife?: Yes. The fragrant white flowers attract bees and butterflies, and the fruit is valued by birds, making the plant useful for wildlife friendly landscapes.
Is Texas Wild Olive toxic?: Authoritative toxicology information is limited. If ingestion by children or pets is a concern consult local poison control resources or the ASPCA for guidance.