Elbowbush
Forestiera pubescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Forestiera pubescens (Elbowbush) is a drought-tolerant native shrub found across the southwestern United States from Arizona to Texas. This hardy plant blooms from March through May and attracts beneficial pollinators including bees and butterflies.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Elbowbush as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
48"–120" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, CA, CO, NM and 4 more states
Pollinators
butterflies, bees, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Elbowbush is a native Texas shrub that forms a dense, rounded mass of small leaves and tiny branches. It produces inconspicuous flowers in spring followed by small blue-black berries, and its compact growth makes it useful for informal hedges or natural screens.
Growing Elbowbush
Grow Elbowbush in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 48 to 120 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Elbowbush 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 spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other nectar-seeking insects. Birds enjoy the small berries that follow the blooms.
Common questions
- When does Forestiera pubescens bloom?
- Elbowbush blooms from March through May, producing small flowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other nectar-feeding insects.
- Where is Forestiera pubescens native?
- Elbowbush is native to eight states in the southwestern and south-central United States: Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.
- What pollinators does Elbowbush attract?
- Forestiera pubescens attracts butterflies, bees, and various nectar-feeding insects during its spring blooming period.
- How much water does Forestiera pubescens need?
- Elbowbush is adapted to low water conditions and is considered drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and water-wise gardens.
- Is Elbowbush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Elbowbush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Elbowbush HOA-friendly?
- Elbowbush 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Elbowbush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.