Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Phryma leptostachya
Phryma leptostachya L.
American Lopseed, Lopseed
Verbenaceae (Verbena Family)
Synonym(s): Phryma leptostachya var. confertifolia
USDA Symbol: PHLE5
USDA Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)
Pairs of small, white or pinkish-lavender flowers in slender, elongated, spike-like clusters along top of stem and its diverging branches. This species also occurs in Asia. The downward-hanging fruit, which accounts for the common name, makes the plant easily recognizable. Three of the calyx teeth are hooked at the tip, which may assist in dispersal by attachment to animals. This species is sometimes placed in its own family, the Phrymaceae.
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.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Pink , PurpleBloom Time: Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: AL , AR , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , ME , MI , MN , MO , MS , NC , ND , NE , NH , NJ , NY , OH , OK , PA , RI , SC , SD , TN , TX , VA , VT , WI , WV , WYCanada: MB , NB , ON , QC
Native Distribution: Manitoba east to New Brunswick, south to Florida, west to Texas, and north to North Dakota.
Native Habitat: Moist woods and thickets.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part Shade , ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Benefit
Warning: Berries and other plant parts are poisonous if eaten. Sensitivity to a toxin varies with a person’s age, weight, physical condition, and individual susceptibility. Children are most vulnerable because of their curiosity and small size. Toxicity can vary iConspicuous Flowers: yes
National Wetland Indicator Status
Region: | AGCP | AK | AW | CB | EMP | GP | HI | MW | NCNE | WMVE |
Status: | FACU | FACU | FACU | FACU | UPL | FACU | FAC |
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Pineywoods Native Plant Center - Nacogdoches, TX
Wildflower Center Seed Bank
LBJWC-1082 Collected 2007-08-17 in Harrison County by Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower CenterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Phryma leptostachya in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Phryma leptostachya in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Phryma leptostachya
Metadata
Record Modified: 2022-05-05Research By: TWC Staff