Botanical Scout plant profile

Texas Ebony

Ebenopsis ebano

Dense evergreen foliage, deep shade with maturity, and the character of a long-lived thornscrub tree.

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See what your seedlings can become

Mature plant shown for reference. Seedlings are what you receive.

Representative mature Texas Ebony tree in a South Texas thornscrub landscape — Mature plant — growth reference

Young Texas Ebony seedlings growing together in a green nursery pot beside a measuring tape — Seedlings — plants you receive

Plant fit at a glance

Mature height & width: About 20–30 ft tall and 15–20 ft wide
Foliage: Evergreen; may lose foliage after strong freezes
Winter cold: Approximately 20°F for established plants; young plants need winter protection
Before planting: Strong thorns; choose a position away from paths and play areas.

Dimensions and cold guidance describe established plants, not a guarantee for seedlings. Protect young plants; soil, drainage, exposure, and freeze duration matter.

Growing reference

Open the growing guide

Before you choose

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Mature form: Dense, long-lived evergreen tree
Growing conditions: Full sun · Extreme heat · Low water · Dense screening · Wildlife and habitat landscapes

Choose a permanent location with room for its broad crown to develop. Its dense, protective canopy is best positioned with comfortable clearance from paths and activity areas.

Acclimation, establishment watering, and arrival care are explained once in the Botanical Scout growing guide →

The personal story

Why I keep growing Texas Ebony

Its deliberate development creates something unusually substantial: deep shade, dense structure, fragrant flowers, and remarkable durability.

Texas Ebony is a long-lived evergreen tree of the South Texas and northern Mexico thornscrub. With time, its dense foliage, sculptural branches, fragrant cream-colored flowers, and woody pods give it substantial character.

Its thorny canopy offers protective wildlife cover, and its exceptionally hard wood has a history of practical use. Small glossy leaflets and naturally rugged branching also make it an interesting species for bonsai.

Texas Ebony

See what your seedlings can become

Plant fit at a glance

Is it a good match for your landscape?

Why I keep growing Texas Ebony

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