Texas Wildbuds
Schaefferia cuneifolia
(Desert Yaupon)
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 4204-2
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 4194
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 4197
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 4204-1
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 4206
Schaefferia cuneifolia, Falcon State Park, Starr Co. 6163
| Scientific Name | Schaefferia cuneifolia | USDA PLANTS Symbol | SCCU4 |
| Common Name | Desert Yaupon | ITIS Taxonomic Serial No. | 505046 |
| Family | Celastraceae (Staff-tree) | SEINet Reference |
Click Here |
| Description | Habitat: Various soils; rocky hillsides, breaks and canyons. Plant: Shrubs 3 to 6-1/2 ft. tall with intricately branched, rigid stems and twigs that are light gray and somewhat spiney. Leaves: Alternate or in tight clusters (fascicles), cuneate-obovate to oblanceolate, 0.2 to nearly 1-inch long and 0.6-inch wide; surfaces are pale gree, smooth and somewhat leathery. Inflorescence: Inconspicuous small flowers, solitary or in clusters along the stem branches; 4 oblong, greenish-cream petals about 3 mm long; dioecious (male and female blossoms on separate plants). Bloom Period: February to July. Fruit: Nearly round, red to orange berries (drupes) about 0.2-inch in diameter or less. References: "Manual of the Vascular Plants of Texas" by Correll and Johnston, Plants of Texas Rangelands and Flora of North America. |
BONAP Distribution Map Map Color Key |
Texas Status: Native |
Banner photo of Castilleja indivisa and Lupinus ssp. taken along FM 1323 north of Johnson City, Blanco County
© Tom Lebsack 2026
Every attempt is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and relevant information, but the completeness or accuracy of any information presented on this website cannot be guaranteed. I use authoritative references to insure high standards of accuracy and review and update the information frequently. Please contact me if you find errors.