Sandpaper Tree

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ehretia anacua

Last reviewed: September 2026

Ehretia anacua, known as anacua or sandpaper tree, is a low water, full sun tree that produces small white flowers from March through August and grows well in the dry, sunny sites typical of South Texas.

Toxicity unknown

Sandpaper Tree (Ehretia anacua) 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

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

When does the sandpaper tree bloom?: Anacua generally flowers from March through August, producing clusters of small white blossoms that draw bees and other nectar insects.
How much water does anacua need once established?: Anacua is considered a low water tree once its root system is established, and it handles dry, sunny sites well without regular irrigation.
Why is Ehretia anacua called the sandpaper tree?: The common name comes from the rough, gritty texture of the leaf surface, which feels similar to fine sandpaper when touched.
Is anacua evergreen or deciduous?: Anacua behaves as a semi-evergreen tree, keeping most of its leaves through the year but often dropping some briefly in late winter before new growth and flowers appear.
What pollinators visit anacua flowers?: The small white flowers are visited mainly by bees and other nectar-seeking insects during the spring and summer bloom period.
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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

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.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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Common questions

When does the sandpaper tree bloom?

Anacua generally flowers from March through August, producing clusters of small white blossoms that draw bees and other nectar insects.

How much water does anacua need once established?

Anacua is considered a low water tree once its root system is established, and it handles dry, sunny sites well without regular irrigation.

Why is Ehretia anacua called the sandpaper tree?

The common name comes from the rough, gritty texture of the leaf surface, which feels similar to fine sandpaper when touched.

Is anacua evergreen or deciduous?

Anacua behaves as a semi-evergreen tree, keeping most of its leaves through the year but often dropping some briefly in late winter before new growth and flowers appear.

What pollinators visit anacua flowers?

The small white flowers are visited mainly by bees and other nectar-seeking insects during the spring and summer bloom period.

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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Common plant problems, and what to check first

See all plant problem guides