Contents
Description
Esenbeckia Berlandieri is a species of flowering plant in the family Rutaceae. It is native to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and 30 centimeters in diameter. The bark is gray-brown and rough with deep fissures, and the branches are spiny. The leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets that are green above and paler below. The flowers are small and white, blooming in early to mid-summer. The fruit is a 2-3 centimeter diameter capsule that splits into 5 parts.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Genus | Esenbeckia |
Appearance
Esenbeckia Berlandieri is a small to medium-sized tree with a rounded crown. It has a gray-brown bark that is rough with deep fissures. The branches are spiny and the leaves are pinnate, with 5-7 leaflets that are green above and paler below. The flowers are small and white, blooming in early to mid-summer. The fruit is a 2-3 centimeter diameter capsule that splits into 5 parts. The tree is deciduous and loses its leaves in the winter.
Care Guide
Esenbeckia Berlandieri is a hardy tree that is easy to care for. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun, but can tolerate some shade. Water regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer. Esenbeckia Berlandieri is hardy to USDA zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Esenbeckia Berlandieri is relatively pest and disease-free, but can be affected by spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. These can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The tree can also be affected by root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly-drained soil.
Habitat
Esenbeckia Berlandieri is native to the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including dry rocky hillsides and stream banks. The tree is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Esenbeckia Berlandieri a good shade tree?
A: Esenbeckia Berlandieri prefers full sun, but can tolerate some shade. It is not typically used as a shade tree.
Q: Can Esenbeckia Berlandieri be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Esenbeckia Berlandieri can be grown in containers. Use a well-draining soil mix and water regularly.
Q: Does Esenbeckia Berlandieri attract wildlife?
A: The flowers of Esenbeckia Berlandieri attract bees and butterflies, and the fruit is eaten by birds and small mammals.
Q: How fast does Esenbeckia Berlandieri grow?
A: Esenbeckia Berlandieri grows relatively slowly, typically reaching a height of 6-8 meters after 10-20 years.
Related Plants
- Esenbeckia grandiflora
- Esenbeckia leiocarpa
- Esenbeckia runyonii
References
- “Esenbeckia berlandieri.” Flora of North America.
- “Esenbeckia.” Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center.
- “Esenbeckia Berlandieri.” Missouri Botanical Garden.
