2021 Plant of the Year, Special Recognition

Special Recognition is awarded to a plant with limited geographical presence.  This year the award went to Ehretia anacua, sandpaper tree.  Given its common name by early settlers in Texas who used the coarse leaves as sandpaper, Ehretia anacua, is an outstanding supporter of wildlife.  The flowers provide food for many bees, butterflies, and insects.  The fruits that follow are valuable to birds, mammals, and humans!  Early German settlers in Central Texas called the tree vogelbeerenbaum or bird-berry tree.  A fascinating feature of sandpaper tree is the way its young sapling trunks intertwine to create an extraordinary natural sculpture in the adult tree trunk.  Drought tolerant and of beautiful form, this is a wonderful shade-provider in its sun-drenched natural environment.  USDA Hardiness Zones 8-11.

Photo Credit: Mary Pinke Neck (mondo.petnik@att.net)