Marcus, Joseph A.
Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene
Texas frogfruit, Turkey tangle fogfruit, Frogfruit
Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)
Texas Frogfruit can be used as an excellent ground cover and is
evergreen in warm years. It is also
evergreen in areas protected from frost. It spreads vigorously. Frogfruit generally is a good
nectar plant for butterflies. It is an attractive plant rambling over boulders or the edges of hanging baskets. It also can tolerate drought and flooding.
This species is a member of the verbena family (family Verbenaceae), which includes about 75 genera and 3,000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, mostly of tropical and warm temperate regions. Among them, teak is a highly prized furniture wood, and Vervain, Lantana, Lippia or Frog
Fruit, and Chase
Tree or Vitex are grown as ornamentals.
Image Gallery:
42 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen Size Notes: 3-6 inches
Leaf: Green, with reddish or purplish tinge in cold winters
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct
Distribution
USA: AL , AZ , AR , CA , FL , GA , HI , KS , KY , LA , MD , MS , MO , NV , NM , NC , OK , OR , PA , SC , TX , UT , VA
Native Distribution: Southern half of the US to the tropics.
Native Habitat: Anywhere from ditches and roadways to beaches and fields.
USDA Native Status: L48(N), HI(I), PR(N), VI(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Low , Medium
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist , Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: Medium
Heat Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sand, loam, clay, caliche, limestone. Poor drainage and saline soils okay.
Conditions Comments: Tolerates drought and flooding. Will go dormant during hard winters.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A great groundcover for full sun and part shade areas, with trailing foliage and charming, mini-verbena-like flowers. Would also do well as a pot plant.
Use Wildlife: Attracts numerous insect pollinators.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Attracts: Butterflies
Larval Host: Phaon Crescentspot, Buckeye, and White Peacock butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
Deer Resistant: Moderate
Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA)
Phyla nodiflora is a larval host and/or nectar source for:
Last Update: 2009-03-09
