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Native Plant Society of Texas

Brushholly

Xylosma flexuosa

Other common name(s):

Brush Holly

Family:

Salicaceae (Willow Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
6
ft.

Spread

3
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Loam, Sand

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Shrubland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Fruit, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Birds, Nectar Insects, Small Mammals

Maintenance

Tolerates a wide variety of soils. Regular watering is needed, especially during establishment, and while it’s drought-tolerant, consistent moisture is preferred. Pruning can be done throughout the year, but significant pruning is best done in late winter or early spring. Can be grown as a hedge or a tree. Native habitat: chaparral and brush country.

Description

Blooms January-December. Trunk has a distinctive zigzag shape. Can grow as a small tree or a tall, spiny shrub with small, glossy leaves and serrate margins. Produces very small flower clusters on leaf axils and are hard to see, The fruit is a round, red to black, berry.

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. This prevents them from rotting in the soil. To further encourage rooting, you can dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder (optional but helpful). repare a pot with well-draining potting mix. You can mix equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite for best results. Make a small hole in the mix with a pencil and gently insert the cutting. Firm the soil around it. Water thoroughly and place the pot in a warm, bright location out of direct sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture by misting regularly or covering the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. It can take several weeks for roots to develop. You can gently tug on the cutting to check. If you feel resistance, roots are forming! Once well-rooted, transplant the new Xylosma seedlings into individual pots or your desired garden location. The best time to take cuttings is during the active growing season, typically in late spring or early summer. This is when the plant is bursting with energy and hormones that promote root development. Look for healthy, non-flowering shoots that are firm and not woody. Using clean, sharp pruning shears, take cuttings about 4-6 inches long. Make a clean cut just below a node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-xylosma-flexuosa/
Seed No Treatment Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 24 hours before planting to soften the seed coat and improve germination rates. Plant the seeds in a seed-starting mix, covering them lightly with soil. Water gently and keep the soil consistently moist. Germination can take several weeks or even months, so don’t despair if you don’t see sprouts right away. Once the seedlings emerge and have a few sets of true leaves, you can transplant them into larger containers or your garden bed. Well-draining soil is crucial for Xylosma, whether propagating from cuttings or seeds. Bright, indirect light is ideal for young plants to prevent scorching. Collect ripe berries from an existing Xylosma plant. Allow them to dry thoroughly. Alternatively, purchase Xylosma seeds from reputable online or local nurseries. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-xylosma-flexuosa/

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason