Forestiera angustifolia

Elbow Bush – Named for the abrupt 90 degree angles that the tangled branches create as it grows, Elbow Bush is a hardy Texas native that is sure to please you! Growing to be about 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide, this rounded deciduous shrub showcases small bright green leaves that grow along each branch, looking similar to an olive bush. In late fall, these tiny leaves drop to the ground, exposing the tangled skeleton of branches within, which ends up being a very sculptural and intriguing ornamental feature. At all times of year, we have observed small native birds using this shrub as a protected habitat, or sometimes picking up its fallen twigs to take back to their nests. This shrub is extremely drought tolerant, and is currently planted in our South Dry Garden where it recieves next to no supplemental watering. Plant in full sun and in very well-draining soil.