What Is a Gumdrop Tree?

Characteristics

• The gumdrop tree is actually a shrub, rarely growing taller than 2 to 3 feet. This shrub develops grayish stems and branches that form horizontal, zigzag patterns rather than growing vertically. Gumdrop trees have light green leaves with a waxy texture. The branches of gumdrop trees have small stems that resemble thorns. During May or June, gumdrop tree fruits ripen; the fruit of gumdrop trees are oval-shaped and purple. Although gumdrop tree fruit is edible for humans, it does not have a pleasant taste.

Range and Habitat

• Native to the American Southwest, gumdrop trees are in states such as Arizona, California, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada. The farthest east gumdrop trees grow are in West Texas and Southwest Oklahoma. Gumdrop trees thrive in arid desert regions, and also grow at elevations of 3,500 feet. Gardeners can only cultivate gumdrop trees in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 7. Gumdrop trees are also native throughout Mexico.

Flowering

• Gumdrop trees are flowering plants, producing white flowers from April through June. The flowers on gumdrop trees have five petals and grow in clusters of two to seven flowers. The trees lose their foliage during the fall and winter.

Management

• When growing gumdrop trees, gardeners place them in full sunlight. Gumdrop trees have a high drought tolerance, meaning they only require a minimal amount of water. This shrub only needs to be watered once or twice per week. Gumdrop trees have the ability to regenerate from cut stems and trunks. After being cut, gumdrop trees regenerate at a more rapid pace than newly planted gumdrop trees.

Wildlife

• The gumdrop tree's fruit provides nourishment for a number of birds such as white-winged doves and Gambel's quail. The shrub's leaves are also a food source for herbivorous mammals, including deer and mountain goats. When inclement weather arrives, gumdrop trees provide shelter for ground-dwelling birds, small mammals and reptiles. Ancient Native American cultures used gumdrop tree leaves for alleviating sore eyes and the tree roots as a substitute for soap.