Elephant Tree

Bursera microphylla, Burseraceae

Zones

9–11

Layer

Understory

Lifespan

Perennial

Growth

Slow

Guild Roles

ProducerShade ProviderWindbreak

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (preferred)Partial Shade (tolerated)

Water

Low (established)Low (seedling)Moderate (seedling)

Soil pH

6.5 – 8.5

Tolerances

Drought

Frost

Heat

Pest Resistance

Disease Resist.

Companion Plants

Mexican Giant CardonPachycereus pringlei

Nurse PlantShade Provision

Catclaw AcaciaAcacia greggii

Nitrogen FixationNurse Plant

Pitaya AgriaStenocereus gummosus

Shade ProvisionNurse Plant

Organ Pipe CactusStenocereus thurberi

Nurse PlantShade ProvisionWind Protection

Beavertail CactusOpuntia basilaris

Nurse PlantShade ProvisionWind Protection

KiaweProsopis pallida

Nitrogen FixationBeneficial Insect HabitatNurse Plant

Antagonistic Plants

CopalBursera hindsiana

Related Bursera species may compete but share beneficial volatile compounds and pollinators

Desert MyrrhCommiphora glaucescens

Both are resinous desert trees that may produce competing allelochemicals

Leather PlantJatropha dioica

Both produce latex and aromatic compounds that can inhibit nearby plant establishment

Uses

Functions

Resin ProductionShade CreationErosion ControlWildlife Habitat

Medicinal Uses

Respiratory AilmentsAnti-InflammatoryWound Healing

Common Questions

What zones does Elephant Tree grow in?

Elephant Tree grows in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11.

What are good companion plants for Elephant Tree?

Good companions for Elephant Tree include Mexican Giant Cardon, Catclaw Acacia, Pitaya Agria, Organ Pipe Cactus, Beavertail Cactus.

Design guilds with Elephant Tree and see companion relationships visually.

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