How much sun does Lotebush need?

Lotebush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Lotebush bloom?

Lotebush blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Lotebush native?

Lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Lotebush HOA-friendly?

Lotebush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Lotebush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ziziphus obtusifolia

Last reviewed: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

108"–156" H × 72"–96" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states

Pollinators

nectar insects

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Lotebush.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range

Lotebush is a large, thorny native shrub that can reach 12 feet tall and 8 feet wide. It produces small clusters of tiny greenish-white flowers in spring and develops into an open, somewhat irregular form. The plant is extremely drought tolerant once established and provides excellent wildlife habitat.

In an HOA neighborhood

Lotebush is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

Trees often require HOA/ARC approval even when allowed.
Verify setbacks from sidewalks, driveways, utilities, and structures.
Confirm mature height/canopy limits and sightline rules for corners.

Wildlife value

The spring blooms attract beneficial insects including native bees and butterflies. Birds value the small fruits and use the thorny branches for nesting protection.

Common questions

How much sun does Lotebush need?: Lotebush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Lotebush bloom?: Lotebush blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Lotebush native?: Lotebush (Ziziphus obtusifolia) is native to AZ, CA, CO, KS and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Lotebush attract?: Lotebush draws nectar insects.
Is Lotebush HOA-friendly?: Lotebush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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

Ready to grow Lotebush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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