# Anacua (Ehretia anacua)

> 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.

Source: https://treerm.org/trees/ehretia-anacua · Updated 2026-11-08 · License CC BY 4.0

## Facts

- Also called: Sandpaper tree, Knockaway, Anaqua
- Family: Boraginaceae
- Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Mature height: 10 m; spread 7 m
- Growth: Medium growth
- USDA hardiness zones: 8 to 10
- Light: Sun or part shade
- Water: Low water
- Soil: Well-drained alkaline soils: sand, loam, clay or caliche
- Native range: Central and south Texas south through eastern Mexico

**Benefits:** Flowers, Pollinators, Birds, Edible, Wildlife, Drought tolerant, Shade

**Good for:** Yard shade, Small yard, Street tree

**Watch out for:** Messy fruit

## 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.

## Where it stands

- **Native:** TX, United States
- **Recommended:** Austin, TX, United States (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.); Houston, TX, United States (On the City of Houston Planning and Development Department Street Tree List)

## Sources

- https://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/EHAN
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=EHAN
- https://www.austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/plant-guide/anacua-sandpaper-tree
- https://www.treefolks.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/NeighborWoodsTreeMenu-2026.pdf