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.
Stop into any of our locations and allow one of our expertly trained nursery professionals to help you with your landscape design and show you how to incorporate beautiful plants like these into your yard or home.
"I have mine planted in a large pot near my deck and its been doing great for 4 years now. Very nice shape and look. And the flowers add a nice aesthetic to my outdoor space. "
