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Brushholly

Xylosma flexuosa

Last reviewed: October 2026

Brushholly (Xylosma flexuosa)
Photo: (c) Neptalí Ramírez Marcial, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Brushholly (Xylosma flexuosa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

36"–72" H × 36"–48" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

TX

Pollinators

nectar insects

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Brushholly is a versatile evergreen shrub with small, glossy leaves and a naturally dense growth habit. It produces inconspicuous flowers from spring through fall and can be maintained as a formal hedge or allowed to grow in a more natural form. The plant is drought tolerant once established and adapts well to various soil conditions.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Brushholly takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

The extended blooming period from March through November provides nectar for small insects, bees, and butterflies throughout most of the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Brushholly need?
Brushholly grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Brushholly bloom?
Brushholly blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Brushholly native?
Brushholly (Xylosma flexuosa) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Brushholly attract?
Brushholly draws nectar insects.
Is Brushholly HOA-friendly?
Brushholly takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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