Mexican Silktassel

Garrya ovata

Eggleaf Silktassel, Eggleaf Garrya, Zumaque, Cuauchichic, Cuauchichi, Guachichi

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map (hover for ecoregion names)

Native Habitat: Grassland, Woodland

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Needs well drained soil. Can be temperamental and typically grown in limestone areas of Central Texas.

Comments

Fast growing. This evergreen shrubby tree has interesting leaves with wavy edges and blue-black berries. Is often found growing in the understory of woodland edge. Good substitute for Ligustrum.

Growth Form

Tree

Height

6 to

12 ft

Spread

3 to

6 ft

Soil Type(s)

Limestone, Alkaline

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Season

Spring

Seasonal Interest

Flowers

Wildlife Benefit

Birds

Visit us at https://npsot.org

References

1) Griffith, Bryce, Omernick & Rodgers (2007). Ecoregions of Texas. 2) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=GAOV. 3) http://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=12219&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 4) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014, 5) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=27834#null, 6) Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, City of Austin and Texas A&M, 2014.

Native Plant Society of Texas