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Fruit

Rhamnaceae

Coyotillo is a common shrub in South Texas on the Rio Grande Plains, often seen growing with guajillo and blackbrush acacia, as well as in the Trans-Pecos and Edwards Plateau and into Mexico. It is a thornless evergreen shrub, growing from 3 to 6 feet high, with very dark green oblong leaves with conspicuous veins. The small, greenish flowers occur from summer to fall, followed by fruit that is a small dark red, brown or black drupe. Coyotillo grows under a wide range of conditions, and is useful in the landscape where a medium-sized evergreen shrub is desired. It would be especially suited to rock gardens and other similarly dry sites. The fruit of the coyotillo, or more specifically, the seeds within the fruit, is reportedly extremely toxic to both humans and domestic animals, causing paralysis of the limbs. The seeds and leaves are poisonous to livestock, which do not graze it except in extreme drought. Nevertheless, some indigenous wildlife, like coyotes and chachalacas, do eat the fruit.

Plant Habit or Use: small shrub
medium shrub

Exposure: sun

Flower Color: greenish white

Blooming Period: summer
fall

Fruit Characteristics: blackish drupe

Height: 3 to 6 feet

Width: 3 to 6 feet

Plant Character: evergreen

Heat Tolerance: very high

Water Requirements:

Soil Requirements: alkaline

USDA Hardiness Zone: 8

Additional Comments: