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Species specifics: Lotebush
Fast facts about lotebush
- Also commonly referred to as gumdrop tree, blue brush, bluebush, graythorn and whitethorn.
- Native to the southern Plains and Southwest, lotebush can provide wildlife value and structural diversity, but expanding stands may indicate a shift toward increased woody plant dominance that can affect long-term pasture productivity and stocking rates.
- The pereinnial woody shrub is heavily branched, typically grows around 6 feet tall and is well adapted to dry environments.
What to look for
Lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia), also commonly called gumdrop tree, blue brush, bluebush, graythorn and whitethorn, is a native perennial woody shrub found throughout much of the southern Plains and Southwest. While it can provide valuable wildlife habitat and browse diversity, unmanaged stands can gradually crowd out desirable grasses and reduce grazing efficiency in rangeland and pastures.
This thorny, heavily branched shrub typically grows 6 to 10 feet tall, though mature plants may reach up to 13 feet under favorable conditions. Plants often form dense rounded clumps with rigid branching and thorn-tipped twigs that can make livestock movement and pasture access difficult when populations increase.
One of the easiest identification characteristics is the plant’s gray- to blue-green appearance. Younger branches are often coated with a pale, waxy bloom that gives the shrub a bluish cast from a distance - a likely contributor to the common name “blue brush.” Small oval leaves are leathery, alternate and typically less than 1 inch long with rounded or blunt tips.
Lotebush produces small yellow-green flowers in spring to early summer, followed by round fleshy fruits that transition from green to dark purple or black as they mature. The berry-like drupes are eaten by birds and wildlife, while the dense thorny canopy provides valuable nesting and loafing cover for quail, songbirds and small mammals. White-tailed deer may browse tender growth, though cattle generally consider the shrub low preference forage.
In moderation, lotebush can contribute to wildlife diversity and habitat structure on native rangelands. However, like many woody brush species, populations can expand over time, especially where grazing pressure, reduced fire frequency or drought stress weaken competitive perennial grasses. Dense patches may reduce forage production, limit accessibility and create localized monocultures that compete with desirable pasture species.
Where it is found
Lotebush is native to arid and semi-arid regions of the southern Great Plains and Southwest, commonly occurring across Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Arizona, extending south into northern and central Mexico. It is especially common throughout western and central Texas, including the Rolling Plains, Edwards Plateau, South Texas brush country and portions of the Trans-Pecos region.
The shrub is well adapted to dry environments and is frequently found on rocky hillsides, limestone soils, mesas, gravelly uplands and shallow range sites. It commonly occurs in mixed brush communities alongside mesquite, juniper, pricklypear, catclaw acacia and other drought-tolerant woody species.
Historically, lotebush was often restricted to rougher terrain and rocky breaks. However, recent population studies have found that woody species encroachment across many grassland systems during the past century has increased lotebush density in some areas, particularly where fire suppression and long-term grazing pressure have reduced grass competition.
Ranchers are most likely to encounter lotebush in native rangeland, open pasture, fencelines, draws and lightly managed brush country. Individual plants or scattered clumps can provide wildlife value and structural diversity, but expanding stands may indicate a shift toward increased woody plant dominance that can affect long-term pasture productivity and stocking rates.
How to treat it
When populations need thinning or control, there are herbicide options available. Broadcast applications can be made anytime of the year, including during dormancy except when soil is frozen or saturated with moisture, using Spike® 20P herbicide at 20 pounds per acre.
Alternatively, Surmount® herbicide at 2% volume/volume with an approved non-ionic surfactant at 0.25% volume/volume can be applied as a foliar application when the new leaf growth has matured. Thoroughly wet all foliage for the best control.
Surmount® is a Restricted Use Pesticide. Surmount is not registered for sale or use in all states. Contact your state pesticide regulatory agency to determine if a product is registered for sale or use in your state. Spike® is a registered trademark of Nutrichem used under license. Always read and follow label directions.