Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
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.

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 Herbs/Forbs Questions
Suppliers for Lantana urticoides
March 23, 2007 - I would like to plant yellow Lantana in my beds because of the hot drought conditions we have in north central Texas. Where can I find this to plant now?
view the full question and answer
Source for dotted blue-eyed grass from Saluda SC
February 23, 2013 - I lived in Texas for several years and now live on acreage in South Carolina. I have heard that bluebonnets don't grow well in South Carolina. However, there is a place by the road near our house t...
view the full question and answer
Alternative for HABITURF® in Contra Costa County, CA
September 17, 2014 - We live in Kensington, just north of Berkeley, in the San Francisco area. We intend to get rid of our water consuming lawn and we are wondering what kind of alternative you would suggest. You don't s...
view the full question and answer
How to Deal with Leggy Artemisia 'Silver Mound'
October 03, 2015 - I have two Artemisia (I think 'Silver Mound') in full sun in West Austin. They have been happily growing there for the past 10 or so years. Both were hard-hit by last winter's cold weather and did...
view the full question and answer
Non-blooming blue-eyed grass in Northeast Maryland
May 02, 2009 - I purchased blue eyed grass(sisyrinchium angustifolium)It was in bloom when I planted it, but has never bloomed since. It looks healthy and gets full sun, but for at least 3 years or more, it has neve...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |