Lantana urticoides (L. horrida)

Also known as Texas Lantana, Calico Bush

Texas lantana is a common plant in Texas landscapes. It grows in various soils throughout the state, especially along the coast and in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Mexico. This low, spreading shrub has rough, aromatic leaves and thrives in poor, sandy, gravelly soils in hot, dry areas, under full sun or light shade. In the southern part of the state, its branches may die in winter and re-emerge in spring. Where it does not die back, its stems should be pruned after frost and occasionally during the growing season to maintain a compact shape, as it flowers on new wood. In mid-to-late summer, lantana flowers are abundant, with tiny red, yellow, and orange flowers clustered together.

Although its leaves are poisonous, its nectar attracts butterflies, and birds eat the fruit. Lantana is a good choice for sunny, neglected areas. Once established, it requires minimal care and consistently flowers from mid-summer, always attracting butterflies.

Nectar Source Plant: Gulf Fritillary (Dione vanillae), Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes), Monarch Butterfly (Danaus plexippus), Giant Swallowtail (Papilio cresphontes), Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Julia (Dryas iulia), Pipevine Swallowtail (Battus philenor), Spicebush Swallowtail (Papilio troilus), Zebra Longwing ( Heliconius charithonia)

BONAP MAP

Height: 2’-6’
Spread: 2’-6’
Bloom: April-October
Light: Full Sun
Water: Low
Zone: 8, 9, 10, 11
Origin: Texas, New Mexico, Arizona