The Texas Olive, also known as Wild Olive or Mexican Olive, is a stunning evergreen tree or large shrub native to South Texas and northeastern Mexico. Despite its name, it’s not a true olive but earns the title from its olive-like fruits. This ornamental plant is best known for its large, trumpet-shaped white flowers with yellow throats, which bloom nearly year-round in warm climates. The showy blossoms contrast beautifully against its leathery, gray-green leaves, creating a bright, eye-catching display that attracts bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds. Its moderate size—typically reaching 15 to 20 feet tall—makes it a great option for small shade trees or flowering accents in xeriscape and desert-style gardens.

Texas Olive thrives in full sun and well-drained soils, tolerating heat, drought, and even poor, rocky soil with ease. It’s especially well-suited to USDA Zones 9–11, making it an ideal choice for southern and coastal regions. Though evergreen in frost-free areas, it may act as a semi-deciduous or die back in colder winters, regrowing from the base in spring. Its low maintenance needs, high heat tolerance, and year-round floral display make Texas Olive a favorite for water-wise landscapes, pollinator gardens, and wildlife-friendly designs. It's also deer-resistant and adds long-lasting beauty to even the most rugged planting sites.

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