Texas olive

Cordia boissieri

Family: BoraginaceaeZones: 9A-11 per UF/IFAS EDIS ST181

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to peoplePets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

fruit

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

ingestion

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Not assessed for pets: the sources cited do not cover this plant. That is not a statement that it is safe. Keep pets from eating it.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 9A-11 per UF/IFAS EDIS ST181
Light: UF/IFAS: full sun in the data table; management text says full sun or partial shade on well-drained soils.
Water needs: low
Mature size: UF/IFAS: 15-20 ft tall, 10-15 ft spread; slow growing; reportedly very rare in the wild

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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