Cordia Boissieri
Contents
Description
Cordia Boissieri, also known as Texas Olive, is a small tree native to Texas and Northern Mexico. It belongs to the Boraginaceae family and is known for its beautiful white flowers and dark green leaves. This tree can reach up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide, making it a great choice for a small garden or patio.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Boraginales |
| Family | Boraginaceae |
| Genus | Cordia |
Appearance
The Cordia Boissieri tree has a dense, rounded canopy with glossy, dark green leaves that are 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. Its white, trumpet-shaped flowers bloom in the spring and summer and are followed by small, edible fruits that resemble olives. The tree’s bark is gray and smooth when young, but becomes rougher and darker as it ages.
Care Guide
Water: Cordia Boissieri needs regular watering during the first few years of growth, but can tolerate drought once established. Water the tree deeply once a week in the absence of rain.
Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer to encourage healthy growth and flowering.
Soil: This tree prefers well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 and 8.0. Amend the soil with organic matter before planting.
Sunlight: Cordia Boissieri thrives in full sun but can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones: This tree is hardy in USDA zones 8b to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cordia Boissieri is relatively pest and disease-free, but it can be susceptible to root rot if planted in poorly-drained soil. It may also attract spider mites and whiteflies, which can be controlled with insecticidal soap.
Habitat
Cordia Boissieri is native to Texas and Northern Mexico, where it grows in dry, rocky soils in areas with little rainfall. It is commonly found in the Chihuahuan Desert and the Edwards Plateau.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Cordia Boissieri tolerate frost?
A: While this tree can tolerate some cold temperatures, it is not frost-tolerant and may suffer damage if exposed to prolonged freezing temperatures.
Q: How often should I prune my Cordia Boissieri?
A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove any dead or damaged branches and to maintain its shape. Avoid pruning in the summer or fall, as this can stimulate new growth that may be damaged by winter frost.
Q: Are the fruits of Cordia Boissieri edible?
A: Yes, the small, olive-like fruits of this tree are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They have a sweet, slightly tart flavor and are often used to make jelly or jam.
Q: Can Cordia Boissieri be grown in a container?
A: Yes, this tree can be grown in a container as long as it has enough room for its roots to spread and access to regular watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
- Cordia africana
- Cordia alliodora
- Cordia dentata
- Cordia sebestena
References
- “Cordia Boissieri.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COBO4
- “Cordia Boissieri.” Texas A&M Forest Service. https://tfsweb.tamu.edu/content/article.aspx?id=14691
- “Cordia Boissieri.” Arizona State University. https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetail.php?genus=Cordia&species=boissieri
