Allthorn, Crown of Thorns, Junco
Koeberlinia spinosa Zucc.
Capparaceae
Description
Allthorn is a native, warm-season, perennial shrub that typically grows from 8 to 15 ft or 2.4 to 4.6 m. It can reach heights up to 23 feet or 7 m. It is a thick, green, and tangled mass of thorns that remains leafless throughout most of the year. After the rain, Allthorn will sprout small, scale-like, and alternating leaves for a short period of time. The fruit of Allthorn consists of 4-8 small, shiny, black berries which are preceded by tiny greenish-white flowers with 4 petals. Blooming may occur from March through October, especially after receiving rainfall. The new growth of Allthorn is highly palatable and is grazed by cattle and wildlife. When the plant matures, it loses its value for cattle and may cause punctures and tears to the skin. The wildlife value remains good throughout the plant's growth. Allthorn fruits are consumed by birds, and it provides shelter for quail and other wildlife species.Habitat
Allthorn is distributed across Texas, Arizona, California, and New Mexico. In Texas, it is found on most soil types, from gravelly to sandy, throughout the Trans-Pecos and Rio Grande Plains. It is tolerant of drought and extreme temperatures.Images
Plant Characteristics
Flower Color: Green, White
Seed Type: Fruit/Berry
Duration: Perennial
Stem Texture: Prickly, Spiny, or Thorny
Growth Habit: Shrub (Woody)
Leaf Shape
: Simple with Pinnate or Parallel Venation
Season: Warm
Distribution
: 02 - Gulf Prairies and Marshes, 04 - Blackland Prairies, 05 - Cross Timbers and Prairies, 06 - South Texas Plains, 07 - Edwards Plateau, 09 - High Plains, 10 - Trans-Pecos
Distributions
Distribution refers to the ecological region in Texas that a plant has been found. You can also view a clickable map.
Collection: Brush and Weeds
