How much sun does Sandpaper Tree need?

Sandpaper Tree grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Sandpaper Tree bloom?

Sandpaper Tree blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.

Where is Sandpaper Tree native?

Sandpaper Tree (Ehretia anacua) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Sandpaper Tree attract?

Sandpaper Tree draws bees and nectar insects.

Is Sandpaper Tree HOA-friendly?

Sandpaper Tree takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Sandpaper Tree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ehretia anacua

Last reviewed: August 2026

Sandpaper Tree (Ehretia anacua) is a perennial tree native to TX. It blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August. The flowers draw bees and nectar insects.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

240"–600" H × 180"–360" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

Pollinators

bees, nectar insects

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

The Sandpaper Tree is a medium to large native Texas shade tree with distinctive rough-textured leaves that give it its common name. It produces clusters of small white flowers for an extended period from spring through summer, followed by orange berries that attract birds.

Growing Sandpaper Tree

Grow Sandpaper Tree in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 180 to 360 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Sandpaper Tree 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.

Tree size exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Best suited for backyard or with special approval

Wildlife value

This tree is excellent for pollinators, supporting bees and various nectar-feeding insects with its long blooming season. The berries provide food for birds, and the dense canopy offers nesting sites.

Common questions

How much sun does Sandpaper Tree need?: Sandpaper Tree grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Sandpaper Tree bloom?: Sandpaper Tree blooms in March, April, May, June, July, and August.
Where is Sandpaper Tree native?: Sandpaper Tree (Ehretia anacua) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Sandpaper Tree attract?: Sandpaper Tree draws bees and nectar insects.
Is Sandpaper Tree HOA-friendly?: Sandpaper Tree 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.

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

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