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Elephant Tree

Bursera microphylla

true

5 Gallon

Elephant Tree

In stock

10x10

Sizes:

Elephant Tree - Bursera microphylla

Also known as: Torote, Copalillo

Elephant Tree is one of the most sculptural and recognizable trees of the Sonoran Desert. It is a drought-adapted species in the Torchwood family and the only member of its family native to the United States. In California, its northern range reaches into the Anza-Borrego region and extends into the eastern foothills of the Santa Rosa Mountains. It is also native to Arizona and widely distributed throughout northern Mexico, including Baja California, Baja California Sur, Sonora, Sinaloa, and Zacatecas.

This small tree typically grows 10–20 feet tall, though in harsher desert conditions it may remain much smaller and more shrub-like. Its thick, swollen trunk is what gives the tree its name - it often resembles the leg or trunk of an elephant. This fleshy, enlarged base (sometimes referred to as a caudex, meaning a thickened stem used for storage) holds water, allowing the plant to survive long periods of extreme drought. The smooth, pale gray bark peels away in thin, papery layers, and younger branches often have a reddish tint.

The leaves are small and divided into several tiny leaflets. During an extended drought, the tree will shed its leaves to conserve moisture. In late spring to summer, Elephant Tree produces rounded yellow buds that open into small, star-shaped white to cream flowers. These are followed by yellow fruits containing a single seed, which are eaten and dispersed by wildlife.

Elephant Tree thrives in rocky, fast-draining soils and full sun. It should not be planted in heavy or poorly drained soil, and once established, it requires very little supplemental water. Over-irrigation can cause decline. It may be grown in a container almost indefinitely, and its slow growth and swollen trunk make it a popular natural “bonsai” specimen. In desert gardens, it pairs beautifully with native shrubs, cacti, and perennials from California and Baja.

In rocky desert habitats, Elephant Tree provides important structure and shelter, creating cooler microclimates and supporting a variety of birds, insects, and reptiles. The Cahuilla people traditionally valued their aromatic red sap for medicinal uses, adding cultural significance to its ecological role.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —

Nectar Source: Native bees (various species) and small desert pollinators

Bird Resources: Fruit; Insects; Shelter; Nesting sites

Bird Species:
Phainopepla (Phainopepla nitens)
Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps)
Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata)
Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

Other Wildlife:
Provides shade and protective cover for reptiles and small mammals. While not a food source for Desert Tortoises (Gopherus agassizii), it offers habitat value by creating cooler, protected areas beneath its canopy.

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Very Low

Exposure:

Full Sun

Mature size:

10x10

Growth rate:

Slow

Flower color:

Cream

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

To shape

Cold Hardiness:

25 degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.