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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

4
to
5
ft.

Spread

4
to
5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Calcareous, Clay, Dry, Sand, Well Drained

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink, White

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.

Description

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

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This low-elevations region of Texas extends inland from the barrier islands, about 60 or so miles, and stretches from Brownsville to Louisiana. In total, it covers about 9.5 million acres, with a high point of 150 feet in elevation. More than 1000 species of plants can be found in this region. On the southern end, species more common in Mexico (such as Sabal mexicana) and Central America occur.

The barrier islands provide us with dune systems, and clay flats to the inland side, which have species found in these areas alone. Many plants here, such as Ipomoea pes-caprae (beach morning glory), can be found throughout tropical regions of the globe. I’ve encountered the same species on the beaches of Guam.

Once inland, vast marshes and wet prairies occur. Occasionally, oak (Quercus fusiformis) groves can be found. Common grasses include species of Bothriochloa, Paspalum, and Sporobolus; eastern gamagrass (Tripsacum dactyloides); and switchgrass (Panicum species). Many rivers and creeks cut through the Gulf Prairies, and along these riparian areas various species of trees, Sabal minor, and other plants adapted to clay soils can be found. Due to overgrazing, farming, and fire suppression, woody species such as mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa) and huisache (Acacia farnesiana), and invasive species such as chinaberry (Melia azedarach), Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius), and Chinese tallow (Sapium sebiferum) have increased and displaced our native flora.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason