SelecTree

A Tree Selection Guide

MAYTEN TREE

Maytenus boaria

FAMILY Celastraceae

SYNONYMS

ADDITIONAL COMMON NAMES

MAYTEN

See: all Maytenusor Champion
Photo locations: Blake Garden - Kensington, CA, San Francisco, CA, Nipomo, CA, Santa Barbara Courthouse - Santa Barbara, CA and Strybing Arboretum - San Francisco, CA
by M. Ritter, J. Reimer

GENERAL INFO

Resistant to oak root fungus. Takes some drought. Must have good drainage.
Native range: ChilePotential invasiveness: This plant is classified as potentially invasive in specific areas of California by the California Invasive Plant Council (Cal-IPC).Horticultural use: Screen

TREE CHARACTERISTICS

Tree Shape: Rounded or WeepingMaximum Tree Height: 50 feetCanopy Width: 20-30 feetGrowth Rate: ~24 in/yearLeaf Arrangement and Leaf Form: Alternate, SimpleLeaf Shape: OvateLeaf color: GreenFlowers: InconspicuousFlower Time: SpringFruit: Very Small Orange or Red CapsuleFruiting time: SummerBark Color: Dark Brown, FissuredLitter Type: Dry Fruit

SITE CONDITIONS

Recommended Planting Area: 4' to 7'Water Use Rating: MediumSunset Climate Zone: 8 - 9, 14 - 24Shade Tolerance: NoUSDA Hardiness Zone: 9, 10Soil Texture: Loam or Sand or ClaySoil pH: Slightly Acidic to Very AlkalineSalt Tolerance: Moderate

CONSIDERATIONS

Branch Strength: MediumRoot Damage Potential: ModeratePotential health issues: No known hazardsWildlife interactions: Attracts birdsDisease Resistance and Pest Resistance: ArmillariaUtility Friendly: NoWCISA Appraisal: Suggested LCANT 24" box, Group 1, Approx. cross sectional area 2.09 sq. in.

External Resources

WikipediaiNaturalistKew

CITE THIS TREE

"SelecTree. UFEI. "Maytenus boaria Tree Record." 1995-2025. Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo. Accessed on Jun 12, 2025."
< https://selectree.calpoly.edu/tree-detail/925 >

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