This slow growing, long-lived, deciduous tree is native to the Southwest along streambeds and hillsides at elevations from 1500 to 6000 feet. It features arching branches, smooth gray bark that becomes fissured with age, and dark green leaves with the texture of sandpaper. Birds feed on the small orange-red fruit produced in the fall months. This tough tree tolerates full sun, reflected heat, infertile soils, and is resistant to Texas root rot. It is a great tree for retention basins, as it can tolerate periodic flooding and drought. It does reseed readily.