Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language

Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

Vine Four O'Clock

Acleisanthes obtusa

Other common name(s):

Berlandier's Trumpets,

Family:

Nyctaginaceae (Four-O'Clock Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous, Vine

Height

5
to
4
ft.

Spread

5
to
4
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Clay, Calcareous, Well Drained, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Forage, Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Deer, Hummingbirds, Moths

Maintenance

Drought tolerant with low water needs. Doesn’t do well in wet conditions. Native habitat: grasslands, woodlands, shrubland. Propagation: root division, seed, semi-hardwood cuttings.

Comments

Blooms April-November. Herb or climbing vine, often reaching the tops of small trees. Flowers are white or light pink, trumpet-shaped, fragrant and open at night. The bright green leaves are about 2 1/2 inches long and are consumed by white-tailed deer. The fruit is an accessory, like an apple, the fleshy part of the fruit doesn’t come from the ovary, but from surrounding tissue.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Acleisanthes berlandieri, Acleisanthes greggii

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining equal parts of garden soil, coarse sand, and perlite to mimic berlandier's trumpets's natural arid environment. Sow the dried seeds into small pots or a seed tray filled with the prepared soil mixture, placing the seeds on the surface and lightly covering them with a thin layer of soil. Place the pots or seed tray in a bright, warm location, maintaining a temperature around 70-75°F (21-24°C) and misting the soil to keep it slightly moist but not waterlogged until germination occurs. Once the seedlings have sprouted and developed a few sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted to individual pots or directly into the garden. Ensure they are placed in a sunny location with well-draining soil. Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, mimicking their natural arid habitat. The optimal time to propagate berlandier's trumpets is in the spring through sowing. During this period, the warming temperatures and increased daylight hours support germination and growth. This timing aligns with natural cycles when berlandier's trumpets exhibits heightened activity, ensuring robust development. Collect mature seeds from berlandier's trumpets pods, ensuring they are fully developed and have turned a darker color, indicating ripeness. Clean the collected seeds by removing any remaining pod material, and allow them to air dry in a cool, dark place for about a week. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Acleisanthes_obtusa.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason