Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - July 13, 2012
From: Beaumont, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Invasive Plants, Non-Natives, Plant Identification, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Differences between Lantana urticoides and Lantana camara
Answered by: Guy Thompson
QUESTION:
I have found an orange variety of lantana growning in several location in Jefferson County. Is there any way I can tell for sure if it is L. camara or the native L. urticoides?ANSWER:
Most sources state that Lantana urticoides (Texas lantana) flower color varies from yellow to orange while Lantana camara has creamy flowers that turn pink as they age, as described at this site. That is the only difference between the two species that I can find reported. It appears that there is much hybridization between the two species, with various resulting flower colors. And I have seen different flower color variations of orange and creme in a pasture presumably containing only L. urticoides. So there may not be a way to tell "for sure". But I suspect yours is L. urticoides.
From the Image Gallery
More Invasive Plants Questions
Snails in the ice plants in California
May 31, 2011 - Ice plants and snails. Every morning when I go outside I see at least 20 or more snails. Is there a certain way that I should have planted them that would have prevented them from destroying my plant?...
view the full question and answer
Tropical plants for pool landscape in Plano TX
April 05, 2011 - I have a small yard with a pool that I would like to tropically landscape. It faces west (lots of direct sun) and there is about a 3 foot parameter between the fence and the coping. Currently I have...
view the full question and answer
Getting rid of giant ragweed in Austin
October 25, 2008 - How can I get rid of a large field of giant ragweed? Part of the site is a steep slope, which is difficult to mow. I want to encourage native grasses but they are crowded out by the ragweed.
view the full question and answer
White evening primrose from Baton Rouge LA
April 16, 2013 - My husband and I have a disagreement about Mexican Primroses. I believe I have seen patches of them which are pure white. He believes they must be faded pink ones. Do white ones occasionally grow? ...
view the full question and answer
Is conium maculatum safe for cataracts from Wewoka OK
September 12, 2009 - My doctor has prescribed conium maculatum for my cataract problems. Is this safe to use in the eyes?
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
