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Ehretia spp.

ehretias

Boraginaceae

Tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas

Attracts Pollinators Attracts Butterflies Drought Tolerant Fragrant (light)

Native to North America

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–11

Overview

Ehretia spp. is a genus of about 50 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs in the borage family, Boraginaceae, spread through the warmer parts of Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. Most are small to medium trees 15 to 50 feet (5 to 15 m) tall with rounded crowns and simple, alternate leaves that are often rough to the touch. Small, white to cream, five-lobed flowers are carried in branched clusters and are usually fragrant, drawing bees and other insects in spring or summer. The flowers are followed by small, round, fleshy fruits that ripen yellow, orange, or red and are eaten by birds. E. anacua, the anacua or sandpaper tree of Texas and Mexico, is grown as a shade and street tree with sandpapery leaves and white flower clusters. The genus ranges through woodland, savanna, and dry forest, often on well-drained ground, and many species tolerate heat and drought once established. Most are frost tender to half-hardy and grow in warm-temperate to tropical climates. They are grown as shade trees, hedges, and bird-attracting plants for fruit and flowers.

Native Range

Ehretia spp. is found across tropical and subtropical Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. E. anacua is native to southern Texas and northeastern Mexico, while E. acuminata ranges from East Asia to Australia. Most species grow in warm woodland, savanna, and dry forest.

Suggested Uses

Ehretias are grown as shade, street, and specimen trees in warm climates, and as informal flowering hedges or screens. The fragrant flowers draw bees and the leaves and fruit support birds and other wildlife. The fruiting species are planted in wildlife and naturalistic gardens where dropped fruit is not a problem on paving.

How to Identify

Look for a small to medium tree with simple, alternate leaves that are often rough or sandpapery on the upper surface, and rounded clusters of small white to cream flowers. The flowers give way to small, round, fleshy fruits in yellow to orange or red. The rough leaves, white flower clusters, and berry-like fruit help separate Ehretia spp. from related borage-family trees such as Cordia spp., which tends to have larger, brighter flowers.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height15' - 50'

Width/Spread15' - 40'

Colors

Flower Colors

white

Foliage Colors

green

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~4 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering is mainly in spring and early summer, though tropical species may bloom at other times. The fragrant white flower clusters open over a few weeks and draw many insects. The small fruits ripen in summer and autumn and are quickly taken by birds.

Detailed Descriptions

Flower Description

White to cream

Foliage Description

Green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily

• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight

• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight

• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight

Soil Requirements

pH Range6.0 - 8.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

loam sand rocky chalk

Drainagewell drained

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

tender

Time to Maturity

Flowers and fruits in 3-5 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Ehretia spp. grows in full sun to part shade in deep, free-draining soil and tolerates a range of textures, including sandy and limestone ground. Established trees are heat- and drought-tolerant, needing extra water mainly while young. A soil pH from about 6.0 to 8.0 suits most species. Many are frost tender or only half-hardy, growing outdoors in roughly USDA zones 8 to 11 depending on species, with E. anacua among the hardier. Growth is moderate, and trees develop a broad, shady crown with age. Few pests trouble them, and they tolerate urban conditions and occasional pruning.

Pruning

Young trees are trained to a clear trunk and an even framework of branches for use as shade or street trees. Crossing, weak, and dead wood is removed in late winter while dormant or after flowering. Established trees need little pruning beyond shaping and clearance.