Greythorn, Lotebush
Ziziphus obtusifolia
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Shrub |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pollinators | Bees, (others?) |
| Has Spines | Yes |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
6-8' × 6-8' |
| Freeze Tolerant | Yes |
| Flowering Season | May-September |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 15-20 °F |
| Leaf Description | Thin, with rounded tips |
| Fruit | Red to dark purple berries |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Elevation Range | 1000-5000 ft. |
| Description | Greythorn is not what someone might typically think of as a "landscaping plant." Alternating, branchlets with unforgivingly sharp points jut out from a bluish/green stem, which occasionally produces flushes of small, narrow leaves. However this species is excellent at attracting wildlife, especially birds, who perch on the spiny branches and nab the purplish berries. Works well in a drought tolerant informal hedge with wolfberry (Lycium spp.), hackberry (Celtis pallida), and algerita (Berberis spp.). |
