{"product_id":"green-showers-mayten-tree-maytenus-boaria-green-showers","title":"Mayten Tree (Maytenus boaria)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eTransform Your Landscape with Elegant Weeping Beauty\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mayten tree (\u003cem\u003eMaytenus boaria\u003c\/em\u003e) delivers the graceful, cascading silhouette of a weeping willow-without the water demands, winter bareness, or aggressive roots. Native to arid regions of South America, including Chile and Argentina, this evergreen tree brings year-round movement, soft texture, and sophisticated beauty to California landscapes. Its pendulous branches sway gently in the breeze, creating a living sculpture that stands out in any garden. Mayten trees were introduced to California in 1878, and they've been earning admirers ever since with their low-maintenance elegance and drought-adapted resilience.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy You'll Love the Mayten Tree\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrought-tolerant once established\u003c\/strong\u003e – After a 1–2 year establishment period, this species thrives through the dry season with minimal supplemental watering, reducing your water bills and maintenance time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen foliage year-round\u003c\/strong\u003e – Unlike deciduous alternatives, this evergreen tree keeps its dense canopy of small green leaves through winter, providing continuous privacy and beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer resistant\u003c\/strong\u003e – The relatively leathery foliage discourages browsing, protecting your investment from wildlife damage. An ideal choice among \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/evergreen-trees\"\u003edeer resistant trees and plants\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSlow, steady growth builds lasting value\u003c\/strong\u003e – As a slow growing tree, the Mayten develops strong structure over time, creating a long-term landscape centerpiece that appreciates in beauty with each passing year.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUnique weeping form\u003c\/strong\u003e – The cascading, pendulous branches set it apart from typical landscape trees, delivering the graceful drama of a willow with the reliability of an evergreen.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes It Different\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost weeping trees share a frustrating trade-off: stunning form paired with heavy water needs, invasive roots, or bare winter branches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Mayten tree can be used as a substitute for the Weeping Willow.\u003c\/strong\u003e Where a weeping willow demands constant moisture, sends roots into sewer lines, and drops every leaf in autumn, the Mayten offers a similar pendulous silhouette while staying evergreen and drought-adapted. In fact, mature Maytens on \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/trees.stanford.edu\/ENCYC\/MAYbo.htm\"\u003eStanford's campus\u003c\/a\u003e are frequently mistaken for smaller weeping willows-until visitors notice the full canopy in January.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvergreen advantage\u003c\/strong\u003e – Deciduous weeping trees leave your landscape bare for months. The Mayten's foliage persists through winter, maintaining the screening and beauty you planted it for. Compare that to other \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/privacy-trees\"\u003eprivacy trees\u003c\/a\u003e and the year-round value becomes clear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater-wise performance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Once established, this species requires only moderate to occasional deep watering-a fraction of what water-hungry willows consume. It fits perfectly into \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/fast-growing-trees-shrubs\"\u003edrought-tolerant California landscapes\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNon-aggressive roots\u003c\/strong\u003e – The Mayten tree's roots are generally non-invasive, making it a far safer choice near walkways and structures than willow species notorious for root damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe 'Green Showers' cultivar has a more robust appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e – Selected for broader leaves and denser pendulous branching, Green Showers fills out more dramatically for those wanting maximum visual impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow To Grow The Mayten Tree Successfully\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYear 1–2: Establishment\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant your Mayten in full sun to partial shade in well drained soil. During the first two years, provide regular deep watering on a weekly schedule to encourage deep root development. Mulch around the base to retain moisture. The bark of the Mayten tree is smooth and light gray when young, giving it a clean, attractive appearance even at this early stage. Pruning is necessary when young for good branch structure-establish a strong central leader and remove competing stems.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears 2–5: Root Development \u0026amp; Drought Adaptation\u003c\/strong\u003e As roots deepen, the tree transitions toward drought tolerance. Growth accelerates modestly, and the characteristic pendulous, cascading habit becomes visible in the branchlets. Monitor for root suckers, which may appear if roots are disturbed-the Mayten tree may develop suckers if the roots are damaged or cut. Avoid heavy pruning, which can trigger additional suckering.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eYears 5–10+: Mature Elegance\u003c\/strong\u003e Mayten trees can reach heights of 20 to 30 feet with a graceful, rounded crown and a spread nearly matching the height. The Mayten tree provides excellent shade due to its dense canopy. The Mayten tree produces inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers in spring, followed by small capsules containing seeds wrapped in red arils. The fruit and seeds of the Mayten tree attract birds, adding life and movement to your garden. The Mayten tree can drop small dry fruits, creating minor litter-a small trade-off for year-round beauty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTree Details\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ccolgroup\u003e \u003ccol\u003e \u003ccol\u003e \u003c\/colgroup\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAttribute\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDetails\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBotanical name\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMaytenus boaria\u003c\/em\u003e (the specific epithet \u003cem\u003eboaria\u003c\/em\u003e comes from Latin for \"of cattle,\" as cattle historically favored the foliage)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFamily\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCelastraceae\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature height\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–30 feet in landscape cultivation; they can grow to a height of 30 to 50 feet under ideal conditions\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMature spread\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e20–30 feet; mature Mayten trees have a rounded crown\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLeaf size\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLeaves are 1 to 2 inches long and ¼ to ½ inch wide; small, lanceolate, evergreen\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eUSDA Zones\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e9–10 (perfect for California); the Mayten tree is hardy down to approximately 20°F\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSun exposure\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFull sun for optimal growth; tolerates partial shade\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWell-drained soil; adaptable to various soil types from neutral to acidic\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth rate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlow to moderate (approximately 1.5–3 feet per year in favorable conditions)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWater needs\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModerate to regular watering once established; drought-tolerant at maturity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOrigin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to South America-Chile, Argentina, with related species found in Peru and Bolivia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeer resistance\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd colspan=\"1\" rowspan=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMayten trees are evergreen and low-maintenance, making them an outstanding long-term landscape investment. The Mayten tree serves as an elegant specimen tree, a lacy privacy screen, or a graceful focal point in \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/mediterranean-collection\"\u003eMediterranean-style gardens\u003c\/a\u003e. Indigenous groups have historically used infusions from Mayten leaves for medicinal purposes, and various species of the Maytenus genus have traditional medicinal properties-a testament to this plant's deep cultural history. The hard wood has traditionally been used for tool handles across its native range.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCalifornia homeowners\u003c\/strong\u003e seeking a medium sized tree that performs beautifully through the dry season without heavy watering\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGardeners wanting unique alternatives\u003c\/strong\u003e to common weeping trees-pair it with other distinctive specimens like the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/australian-willow-geijera-parviflora\"\u003eAustralian Willow\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/products\/california-pepper-tree-schinus-molle\"\u003eCalifornia Pepper Tree\u003c\/a\u003e for a layered, textured landscape\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eProperty owners needing evergreen screening\u003c\/strong\u003e that filters light rather than blocking it entirely-more graceful than solid \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/useyardwork.com\/collections\/podocarpus-privacy-hedge\"\u003eprivacy hedges\u003c\/a\u003e, with natural movement and elegance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLandscape designers\u003c\/strong\u003e creating drought-wise, Mediterranean, or naturalistic gardens where softness and year-round green are essential\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you want a tree that combines the drama of a willow with the practicality of an evergreen, the Mayten fits your needs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it really drought tolerant?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes-after a 1–2 year establishment period with regular deep watering. Once roots are established, the Mayten thrives through California's dry season with only occasional supplemental irrigation. Avoid overwatering or waterlogged soil, which can cause root issues.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow fast does it grow?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mayten is a slow growing species, adding roughly 1.5–3 feet per year under good conditions. Expect to reach 20–30 feet in height over 5–10 years depending on sun, soil, and water during establishment. Patience pays off-the mature form is worth the wait.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill deer eat it?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mayten is widely listed as deer resistant. The foliage is leathery enough to deter browsing, though very young growth on newly planted trees may occasionally attract attention.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes it need pruning?\u003c\/strong\u003e Early pruning to establish strong branch structure is important. Once mature, only minimal maintenance pruning is needed-remove dead wood and shape lightly. Heavy pruning can stimulate root suckers, so a light hand is best.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat spacing is needed?\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow 20–30 feet between trees to accommodate the full rounded crown at maturity. Avoid planting too close to foundations or hardscapes, as the tree spreads via root suckers if roots are disturbed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the Mayten tree have any invasive tendencies?\u003c\/strong\u003e The Mayten spreads via root suckers and bird-dispersed seeds. In California, it is listed as a \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.cal-ipc.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Cal_IPC_Symposium_2024_Jutta_Burger_Ron_Vanderhoff_Weed_Alerts_Pest_ratings.pdf\"\u003e\"Watch\" species by the Cal-IPC\u003c\/a\u003e, meaning it's monitored but not banned. Manage suckers promptly and plant in open areas away from wildlands.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMayten trees require full sun for optimal growth. Can they handle shade?\u003c\/strong\u003e They perform best in full sun but tolerate partial shade. In shadier conditions, growth may be slower and the canopy less dense.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eReady to Plant Your Mayten Tree?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Mayten tree delivers year-round evergreen elegance, graceful pendulous movement, and drought-smart performance-everything a California garden deserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur team specializes in California-appropriate trees and can help you select the right size, plan proper placement, and ensure your Mayten thrives from day one. Whether you're looking for a single specimen or a screening group, we'll guide you through the process.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Yardwork Nursery","offers":[{"title":"24\" Box \/ Green Showers","offer_id":42042164248749,"sku":"","price":1250.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0514\/8809\/6429\/files\/MaytenusBoaria36.jpg?v=1707261541","url":"https:\/\/www.useyardwork.com\/products\/green-showers-mayten-tree-maytenus-boaria-green-showers","provider":"Yardwork","version":"1.0","type":"link"}