Cordia boissieri, Texas Olive
Cordia boissieri (Texas Wild Olive) is an evergreen, large shrub/small tree that is native from south Texas to central Mexico. The literature reports a mature size of about 23’ tall by 16’wide. While specimens this size are rarely seen in designed landscapes, this is likely due to its somewhat recent introduction as a widely cultivated landscape tree. Leaves are deep green with a furry feel, rather thick, oval-shaped and about 5” long. Stunning, bright, 2 inch, white funnel-shaped flowers can be produced year round in warm climates and typically peak during the spring and summer months. Flowers are followed by the development of pale green fruit that mildly resemble olives, hence the common name. Birds, including hummingbirds, animals and butterflies are attracted to the flowers and fruit, making it a wonderful addition to the landscape, beyond its obvious physical attractiveness.
Cordia thrives in full sun in well drained soils. Once established, trees require modest supplemental irrigation, mostly in the hot summer months. More frequent irrigation encourages faster, lusher foliage and increased flower displays. In frost free locations or in warmer years trees are evergreen, with leaf damage at temperatures in the mid 20's°F and wood hardy to around 18°F. Flowers, leaves and fruit generate plant litter, regularly, so placement within the landscape need to take this into consideration. At present, trees are produced from seed yet appear remarkable uniform in size, leaf and flower development and growth rate. Efforts are underway to develop cloning methods that will further enhance uniformity.
Their general cold hardiness, durability, drought tolerance, rich green color and wonderful flowers (the bulk being produced in the hotter desert months) make Cordia boissieri a tree with broad landscape applications throughout the desert southwest. Trees can be planted in grouping to emphasize flower displays, as low screen and wind breaks, in small landscape settings and as individual trees planted in combination with deciduous trees and shrubs.
Sally and Andy Wasowski, in their wonderful book "Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region," need adequate suppimental irrigation until trees are well established and, once established, are very drought tolerant. They also indicate that cattle and deer may get "tipsy" from eating Cordia fruit.
Horticultural Qualities
Cordia boissieri,Texas Olive
Foliage: Evergreen
Mature Height: 16 –23’
Mature Width: 10' - 16'
Growth Rate: Slow/Moderate
Hardiness: 18 F, (Leaf Browning 25 F)
Exposure: Full Sun
Leaf Color: Green
Shade: Filtered to Dense
Flower Color: Bright White
Flower Shape: Trumpet
Flower Season: All Warm Seasons
Thorns: None
Box Sizes Produced: 25 gal
Propagation Method: Seed & Cloning