Texas Ebony Tree

Looking to add a medium-sized shade tree in the desert? Texas ebony tree should be on your list.

It has become quite popular in the Southwest due to its dense canopy, fragrant blooms, and heat and drought tolerance.

The best way to identify this tree is through its small, deep green oval leaves that grow in pairs to form leaflets, dense branches that twist and turn, and of course, its long, dark seedpods.

Botanical name: Ebenopsis ebano

Other names: Pithecellobium flexicaule (former name), Ebony ape's earring, ebano

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Texas ebony tree can become 70+ feet tall, but more commonly grows to 30-40 feet tall.

The smooth gray trunk is about 1-2 feet in diameter. On older trees, the trunks are darker and rougher. Dense, twisting branches that contain sharp thorns.

Small, oval, deep green leaves grow in 3-5 pairs to form leaflets. Dense canopy. Evergreen in warm and dry areas such as the Coachella Valley. Deciduous in areas with colder winters.

As an Ebenopsis, the Texas ebony tree is a member of the blooming pea family. Numerous, fragrant, creamy-white spikes of flowers appear in the spring, followed by long, dark brown pods that contain seeds.

The dense canopy makes the Texas ebony a great shade tree. Prune during springtime to create more vertical space between the canopy and the ground. Wear gloves when handling, since it has many thorns.

Drought and heat tolerant once mature. Use to create a resting area and/or to protect smaller plants from heat.

Slow-growing habit.

Flowers attract pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

Produces lots of pollen and fallen seedpods. We don't recommend planting it near swimming pools.

As part of the pea family, Texas ebony is a nitrogen-fixer and will enrich its surrounding soil.

Deep green leaves add a sense of lushness to the garden.

Twisted branches look great against landscape light at night.

Texas ebony wood is prized among many woodworkers due to its luster, density, and rot resistance. Can be used for a variety of projects from furniture to gardening tools to smaller objects.

Texas ebony is from South Texas and Northeastern Mexico around the Gulf area

Soil: Tolerant of a variety of soils, including loose and compact desert soils.

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees for a short period of time.

Water:  Drought tolerant once mature. Occasional, deep watering. For new and young trees, water more often.

Sun: Full sun. Partial shade in the Palm Springs area is ok.

Pests: When healthy, the Texas ebony tree has minimal pests and is resistant to rot. Reduce stress on young trees that are not established by providing adequate water and possibly shade.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture, weak branch growth, leaf drop

Signs of too little water: Leaf discoloration, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Burning, scarring, fading color

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, discoloring

Although Texas ebony produces lots of seeds, because it has a hard exterior, some preparation is needed.

We recommend propagating via cuttings. Obtain a woody branch that is slightly green, and plant in moist soil.

How much does the Texas ebony tree cost?

At our nursery, a Texas ebony tree costs $120 for a 15-gallon container, $250 for a 24-inch box, $500 for a 30-inch box, $750 for a 36-inch box, and $2,500 for a 48-inch box

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date information on pricing. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

Is the Texas ebony tree evergreen?

Texas ebony tree is evergreen in warm places with mild winters where it gets regular irrigation. 

How fast does Texas ebony grow?

This tree grows at a slow rate, growing about a foot per year.