Mortellaro's Nursery
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Olive, Mexican
Anacahuita
Cordia boissieri
Mexican Olive, or Anacahuita, is a Texas native small evergreen tree prized for its large, showy white flowers and soft gray-green foliage. Native to South Texas and northern Mexico, it brings a distinctive South Texas character to landscapes with its velvety leaves and repeated blooming habit. The flowers resemble white hibiscus blooms with a yellow throat and can appear several times throughout the warm season.
Mexican Olive thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils, especially sandy, rocky, or limestone-based soils common in South and parts of Central Texas. It tolerates alkaline soils well and is highly drought tolerant once established. Poor drainage and excessive irrigation should be avoided, as overly wet soils can reduce vigor and cold hardiness. Afternoon heat is not an issue, and strong sun promotes heavier flowering.
In the landscape, Anacahuita works beautifully as a specimen tree, courtyard accent, or informal patio tree. Mature size typically ranges from 15–25 feet tall and 10–20 feet wide, often forming a multi-trunk structure. Spacing trees 12–15 feet apart allows room for canopy development. It is considered moderately deer tolerant, though young plants may need protection in high-pressure areas.
Mexican Olive is non-toxic to pets and people. However, it is best suited for South Texas and the warmest parts of Central Texas. Temperatures in the low 20s can cause significant damage, and hard freezes may result in dieback or loss in colder winters. Planting in protected microclimates and providing freeze protection during severe cold events greatly improves survival in Central Texas.
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Texas native |
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Warm season bloomer |
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Heat loving |
Flower Color:White with Yellow Throat |
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Height:15-25 Feet |
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Spread:10-20 Feet |
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Spacing:12-15 ft |
Interesting Notes
Nonedible Fruits
USDA Hardiness Zone 8a
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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