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Native Plant Society of Texas

Smallflower Wrightwort

Carlowrightia parviflora

Other common name(s):

Family:

Acanthaceae (Acanthus 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
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Subshrub

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

1
to
2
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Clay, Dry, Loam

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Desert, Shrubland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Blue

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Larval Host, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Nectar Insects

Maintenance

Very drought tolerant. Has adapted to thrive with minimal moisture. Stores water in its roots during rains. Watering in a garden situation is only needed every 2-3 weeks. Works well in xeriscapes. Native habitat: Mesquite woods with Tamaulipan Scrub.

Description

Blooms March-December. Creeping to erect subshrub, bearing inflorescences of lily-like flowers. Small leaves are lance-shaped. Leaf retention depends on the region. Forms colonies. Larval host: Crimson Patch Butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Dianthera parviflora, Drejera parviflora

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem into a rooting hormone powder to encourage root development. This step can increase the chances of successful rooting, but it is optional. Fill a small pot with a well-draining potting mix, such as a combination of peat moss and perlite or sand. Poke a hole in the soil with a pencil or stick and insert the cutting into the hole, ensuring at least one node is buried in the soil. Firm the soil gently around the base of the cutting. Water the cutting thoroughly but avoid waterlogged conditions. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not soggy. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to create a humid environment, which helps in the rooting process. Place the pot in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct sun, which may scorch the cutting. Maintain a consistent temperature around 70°F (21°C) to promote rooting. Check the cutting regularly for new growth and root development, which should occur within a few weeks. The best time to propagate small-flower wrightwort is in spring and summer. During these seasons, conditions such as warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours favor the growth and establishment of cuttings. Ensuring adequate light and maintaining moderate temperatures will optimize rooting and plant health. Collect a healthy, disease-free stem cutting from small-flower wrightwort with a length of approximately 4-6 inches. Ensure the cutting has at least two nodes (points where leaves grow). Use sterile, sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut just below a node. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Carlowrightia_parviflora.html 2) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-carlowrightia-parviflora/?amp=1&print=pdf
Seed No Treatment Sowing the Seeds: Sow your Carlowrightia seeds in a well-draining seed starting mix during spring. Sprinkle seeds on the surface and lightly press them in, but avoid burying them deeply. Mist the soil gently and cover the container with a humidity dome or plastic wrap to retain moisture. Providing Optimal Conditions: Place the container in a warm, bright location, out of direct sunlight. Carlowrightia seeds appreciate consistent moisture but be careful not to overwater. Germination and Beyond: With patience, you can expect germination within 2-4 weeks. Once seedlings develop a few sets of true leaves, you can thin them out or transplant them into individual pots. Harden them off gradually before planting them outdoors after the last frost. Carlowrightia parviflora readily produces seed pods after flowering. To collect seeds, allow the pods to dry completely on the plant, then carefully break them open. Inside, you’ll find tiny, brown seeds ready for their new home. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-carlowrightia-parviflora/?amp=1&print=pdf

About the Region

2026 Fall Symposium Logo

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