Sandpaper Tree

Sandpaper Tree (Ehretia anacua) is an outstanding evergreen Texas tree in the Boraginaceae (Borage Family). Typically reaching 20 ft. in height with a spread of 15 ft., it is native across the East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains, and Texas Blackland Prairies. Distinguished by dark foliage that is dark green, rough like sandpaper, it offers an exceptional visual and tactile texture. During spring and summer, the plant produces delightfully fragrant, white flower clusters. Flowering is followed by edible, yellow to red two-seeded berries that add vibrant visual contrast and seasonal interest. Yellowish orange fruit are sweet and good for jams. It plays a vital ecological role as The exclusive host for larvae and adults of the Anacua Tortoise Beetle (Coptocycla texana). Blossoms attract honeybees. Fruits attract numerous birds and mammals. Thriving in clay, dry, loam, sand, and well drained, Sandpaper Tree demonstrates outstanding hardiness once established. It requires minimal supplemental water and adapts seamlessly to drought conditions. It features high deer resistance.