Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub
Plant Characteristics
Growth Form
Shrub
Height
8
to
10
ft.
Spread
15
to
20
ft.
Leaf Retention
Evergreen
Lifespan
Perennial
Habitat and Care Requirements
Soil Type(s)
Sand, Loam, Clay, Well Drained
Light Requirement
Sun, Part Shade
Water Requirement
Low
Native Habitat
Grassland
Bloom and Attraction
Bloom Color
Purple
Bloom Season
Spring, Summer
Seasonal Interest
Fruit, Nectar, Larval Host
Wildlife Benefit
Butterflies, Birds, Small Mammals, Bees
Maintenance
Low maintenance; drought, heat and cold tolerant. Grows faster with extra water. Propagation: Seed.
Comments
Blooms March-September. Showy, aromatic, long-living. Develops one or more trunks that are smooth when mature. Pale blue to lilac flowers appear after a rain. The leaves are small and leathery; pinnately compound and dark green. The roots can be used as a soap for woolen products as it doesn’t fade colors. Guayacan is an important nectar plant for honeybees. Pollination by bees, butterflies and nectar insects. Nesting, fruit for birds & mammals. Larval Host: Gray hairstreak, Lyside hairstreak.