Arizona Wild Flowers
Wildflower Pictures And Photos

Gray Thorn, Zizyphus obtusifolia

Gray Thorn, Zizyphus obtusifolia - May 18, 2006 Gilbert Riparian Preserve.

Ripe Fruit Lotebush, Zizyphus obtusifolia	Texas Buckthorn Leaves Zizyphus obtusifolia
Graythorn Thorns

Gray Thorn Zizyphus obtusifolia, Buckthorn Family ( Rhamnaceae ), Gray Thorn. Also called Lotebush, Texas Buckthorn. A landscape shrub that will reach a mature size of about 6 feet tall by 8 feet wide. It's branches are waxy and gray - green, most branches end in a terminal thorn. The blue - black berries attract wildlife, it's thorns offer protection for nesting birds and other wildlife. This plant was identified for us by Park Ranger, Scott Cleaves at the Gilbert Riparian Institute. Height: About 6 - 8 feet. Flowers: The flowers are inconspicuous green - yellow flowers with 5 petals, in axillary cymes of 2 to 7 flowers. Blooming Time: June - July. Stems: Waxy gray - green stems with a terminal thorn. Leaves: The leaves are shiny green leaves, 1/2 to 1 1/4 inches long , smooth to a slightly toothed margin. Fruit: It's blue-black berries are a wildlife attractant. Elevation: 500 - 3,500 Feet. Habitat: Washes, flats and canyons below 5000'. The American Southwest and Sonoran deserts of Arizona and Mexico. Miscellaneous: Flowering Photos Taken At May 18, 2006 At Gilbert Riparian Preserve.