TreeRM

Anacua

Ehretia anacua 路 Boraginaceae 路 also Sandpaper tree, Knockaway, Anaqua

A semi-evergreen small to medium tree (20-45 feet) with dark, sandpaper-rough leaves, masses of fragrant white flowers in spring and edible orange berries that birds love. Often multi-trunked, the trunks fuse into a fluted column with age. At Austin's latitude it may freeze back in a severe winter but regrows; farther south it is a major shade tree.

Broadleaf evergreenMedium growthSun or part shadeLow water
Anacua
Carlos Abrego, CC BY-SA 2.5, via Wikimedia Commons

Where it stands

Native

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 TX, United Statessource

Recommended

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 Austin, TX, United States 路 On the City of Austin Grow Green native and adapted plant list (Watershed Protection). Listed as 'Anacua (Sandpaper Tree)'; may die back in severe winters.source

Care

Water regularly through the first two summers, then it is very drought tolerant. Tolerates part or even full shade. Prune to shape, raise the canopy or remove root suckers. Fruit drop can be messy near patios. Little pest or disease trouble.

Benefits

FlowersPollinatorsBirdsEdibleWildlifeDrought tolerantShade

Good for

Yard shadeSmall yardStreet tree

Watch out for

Messy fruit