The Genus Condalia
Snakewood
Family: Rhamnaceae
Condalia is a genus of spinescent shrubs native to tropical and subtropical deserts and xeric shrublands in North and South America. Most have fruits that are somewhat edible.
Edible berries that are eaten by humans and wildlife (some species are more edible than others). Great bird plant due to fruits and spine-tipped branches that make a great habitat for the smaller birds. Larval host for owlet and geometrid moths.
All can take full to part sun, moderate to low water when established. Most species are cold hardy to at least 15°F.
Correll's Snakewood (Condalia correllii) has the most edible berries of the genus. Found on dry slopes, drainages, canyons, from 4,000-5,000' in Arizona, New Mexico, and south into northern Mexico. Photo by Sue Carnahan, SEINET
Little Buckthorn (Condalia ericoides) has very small leaves. Found in Chihuahuan desertscrub in New Mexico, Texas, and into northern Mexico. Photo by Carlos G Velazco-Macias, iNaturalist
Bitter Snakewood (Condalia globosa) is occasional to common in sandy washes, rare on rocky slopes, grows below 4,500' in Arizona, southern California, Baja California, and Sonora. Photo by Enrique Flores García, iNaturalist
Knifeleaf Condalia (Condalia spathulata) is found on dry rocky hillsides, only in New Mexico and Texas. Photo by Chet Burrier, iNaturalist
Warnock Snakewood (Condalia warnockii) is found along dry washes, drainages, and in canyons from 1,500-5,000' in Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, south into Mexico. Photo by Frankie Coburn, SEINET