The life history of lotebush has not been thoroughly studied. In 1979, a study was initiated by M.A. Foster and P.W. Jacoby to monitor the seasonal developments of lotebush on rangeland near Vernon, Texas. One of their findings showed that the fruiting drupes began their development in late March and reached maturity by late June. It was further confirmed that the fruits did not develop immediately after flowering, but the fertilized ovaries overwintered on dormant plants and developed the following spring. Flower buds appeared in May about six weeks after fruit began to develop.