Mexican Wild Olive, commonly called Anacahuita, produces lovely, thin, white blossoms that entice bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It produces grape-sized fruit that insects and birds enjoy, but they are not recommended for human consumption as indigestion and intoxication are reported side-effects.
Texas Native
Year-Round Bloomer
Pollinator
Bird Friendly
Drought Tolerant
About This Plant
Did You Know?
Mexican Olive is the state tree of the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, just across the Rio Grande. In Spanish it is called 'Anacahuita' — completely unrelated to VNC's other tree, the Anacua.
Growing Details
Sun
Full Sun
Water
Low — Drought tolerant
Soil
Well-drained, caliche tolerant
Range
South TX & NE Mexico
Family
Boraginaceae
Bloom
Nearly year-round
Wildlife Value
- Large white flowers attract Giant Swallowtails, Queens, and native bees year-round
- Berries eaten by mockingbirds, thrashers, and warblers
- Dense canopy shelters warblers and vireos during spring migration
- One of the best all-round wildlife trees for South Texas gardens
Photos
Flowers
Fruit
Leaves
Full Tree
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