Question on Texas Ranger/Texas Sage and Texas/Black Persimmon

Is anyone familiar with these two?

I've got a Texas Ranger (Leuophyllum , but I don't know what variety) and I'm trying to find out if the branches are useful/safe for composting or hugelkultur. It was planted by the previous owner in a terrible spot (inside corner of the wall, where it has to be trimmed back), but it's a great bee attractor and I figure if I can use the branches, I won't mind trimming it back so much. Was also thinking of planting underneath the bush, but wasn't sure how well it competes for water. Anyone have any experience with this?


I also was wondering if anyone has much experience with Texas Persimmons? I've heard them called Black persimmons, too. (Diospyros texans ). A local nursery has them and I'm trying to figure out a good guild to go with this tree in the desert. Just not sure yet!

I'm not going to be much help, most of the texas sage I've seen has been in landscaping, but I've seen a variety of flowers growing under and around them. The wild stuff is about the same but all I've seen around them is other scrub brush and sotol.
The Texas persimmon I'm really not sure about, in the wild it tends to grow in isolated stands, it's durn near impossible to grow from seed, and it is a much sought after food for wildlife, especially the local coon and ringtail population.