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Native Plant Database

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Bouvardia ternifolia (Scarlet bouvardia)
Loughmiller, Campbell and Lynn

Bouvardia ternifolia (Cav.) Schlecht.

Scarlet bouvardia, Firecracker bush, Trompetilla, Clavillo

Rubiaceae (Madder Family)

Synonyms: Bouvardia glaberrima

USDA Symbol: BOTE2

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Firecracker-bush or scarlet bouvardia is a 2-4 ft. shrub with shiny, oval, dark-green leaves and bugle-shaped red flowers, 2 in. long, the rim flaring into four segments. The flowers are arranged in clusters at the ends of the numerous erect branches. A shrub with brilliant scarlet, tubular flowers in loose clusters at ends of numerous erect branches.

The spectacular red corolla attracts, and provides nectar for, hummingbirds. The Spanish name, Trompetilla, which means little trumpet, refers to the corollas shape.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Size Notes: 2-4
Flower: Flowers 2 inches long
Fruit:
Size Class: 3-6 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Red
Bloom Time: May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep , Oct , Nov

Distribution

USA: AZ , NM , TX
Native Distribution: Throughout Mex. highlands, n. to Trans Pecos & NM
Native Habitat: Among boulders and rimrock of dry mt. sites
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Igneous, Gravelly, Sandy, Sandy Loam, Medium Loam, Clay Loam, Clay, Dry, rocky soils.
Conditions Comments: Most often used as a flower. Snipping old blooms will keep plant neat and dense.

Benefit

Use Ornamental: Blooms ornamental, Border, Perennial garden, Planned landscape
Use Wildlife: Nectar-hummingbirds, Browse
Conspicuous Flowers: yes

Propagation

Propagation Material: Seeds
Description: Seed; softwood cuttings
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Sibley Nature Center - Midland, TX
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX

Bibliography

Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 281 - Shinners & Mahler's Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas (1999) Diggs, G. M.; B. L. Lipscomb; B. O'Kennon; W. F...
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Bouvardia ternifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Bouvardia ternifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Bouvardia ternifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2009-04-18
Research By: TWC Staff

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