Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Celastraceae

Genus:

Mortonia

Species:

Mortonia sempervirens

USDA Symbol:

MOSE

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

250 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

mar,apr,may

Bloom Colors:

white

Landscaping Shrub:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Bees:

★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, bees

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from root crown after fire; adapted to fire-prone Chihuahuan Desert and Trans-Pecos scrublands.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

rocky, well-drained, calcareous soil

pH:

6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to arid regions, prefers limestone substrates