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 CA, CO, KS, NE and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

108"–156" H × 72"–96" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

CA, CO, KS, NE and 2 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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain 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 CA, CO, KS, NE and 2 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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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