Phyla nodiflora
Also known as Texas Frogfruit, Turkey Tangle Fogfruit, Frogfruit
Texas Frogfruit can serve as an excellent ground cover and remains evergreen in warm years or areas protected from frost. It spreads vigorously and is generally a good nectar plant for butterflies. This plant is attractive when it rambles over boulders or the edges of hanging baskets, and it can tolerate drought and flooding.
This species belongs to the verbena family (family Verbenaceae), which comprises about 75 genera and 3,000 species of herbs, shrubs, and trees, primarily found in tropical and warm temperate regions. Teak is a highly prized furniture wood, while Vervain, Lantana, Lippia or Frog Fruit, Chaste Tree, or Vitex are grown as ornamentals.
Water is necessary to maintain a solid cover in dry areas or seasons. It's important not to mow while the plant is blooming, as it can take years to recover.
NPSOT Summer Featured Plant 2023
Butterfly Host Plant: Phaon Crecent (Phyciodes phaon), Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), White Peacock Butterfly (Anartia jatrophae)
Nectar Source Plant: Common Checkered Skipper (Pyrgus communis), Queen (Danaus gilippus)
BONAP MAP
Height: 3" -6""
Spread: 1'-2'
Bl'om: May-October
Light: Full sun, Part Shade, Dappled Shade
Water: Low, Medium
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10
Origin: Texas, Southeastern & Central U.S.