Mortonia greggii

Gregg’s Saddlebush – This small Texas native tree was originally collected by John Fairey and Carl Schoenfeld in Mexico in 1990, and has been a gorgeous ornamental addition to our dry gardens ever since. Growing up to 12-15 feet tall at maturity, Gregg’s Saddlebush is a slender and willowy tree with small deciduous foliage that clings tightly to its branches. In spring, small clusters of white flowers emerge and give off a very faint but sweet aroma. These flowers are then replaced by pendulous brown fruits that are a good food source for native birds. As it grows, the branches of this tree tend to weep downwards slightly. Plant in full sun and in very well-draining, rocky or sandy soil. Mortonia greggii is reliably drought tolerant once established, but may need some supplemental irrigation for its first year or two in the ground.