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Native Plant Society of Texas

Texas Baby-bonnets

Coursetia axillaris

Other common name(s):

Texas Babybonnets

Family:

Fabaceae (Pea 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

Shrub

Height

3
to
5
ft.

Spread

2
to
3
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Caliche, Dry, Saline

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Pink, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies

Maintenance

Largely confined to the Rio Grande Valley. Rare in the wild, but propagated commercially. Drought tolerant. It can adapt to various soils as long as they are well-drained. Somewhat tolerant of saline soils. Will go dormant in summer heat but will return in cooler weather. Supplemental watering encourages flowering. Propagation: seed, stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms February-May. A densely branched shrub. Leaves are compound, divided into 6–10 small leaflets. Produces tiny sweet-pea-shaped flowers that can be white, yellow, or pink. The fruit is a small, reddish pod. Larval host: Southern Dogface Butterfly.

References

1) https://www.itis.gov/servlet/SingleRpt/SingleRpt?search_topic=TSN&search_value=26555&print_version=SCR&source=from_print#null, 2) https://bonap.net/TDC/Image/Map?taxonType=Species&taxonId=10853&locationType=County&mapType=Normal, 3) https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=COAX, 4) https://portal.torcherbaria.org/portal/taxa/index.php?taxon=Coursetia+axillaris&formsubmit=Search+Terms, 5) Richardson, Alfred. Plants of Deep South Texas: A Field Guide to the Woody and Flowering Species (Perspectives on South Texas, sponsored by Texas A&M University-Kingsville), p. 255. Texas A&M University Press, 6) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coursetia_axillaris#:~:text=Coursetia%20axillaris%2C%20the%20Texas%20babybonnets,the%20Lower%20Rio%20Grande%20Valley, 7) http://www.texaswildbuds.com/coursetia-axillaris.html#:~:text=(Texas%20Babybonnets)&text=Habitat:%20Open%20areas%2C%20caliche%20ridges,the%20Wildflower%20Center%20in%20Austin.

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone powder to enhance root development. Shake off any excess powder to ensure even application. Plant the prepared cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining rooting medium, such as a mix of perlite and peat moss. Water thoroughly to settle the medium around the cutting. Place the pot in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Maintain consistent moisture in the rooting medium, but avoid waterlogging. Covering the pot with a plastic bag can help retain humidity while still allowing for air circulation. After successful rooting, gradually acclimate texas babybonnets to outdoor conditions by exposing it to more direct sunlight and reducing humidity. Transplant to a well-draining soil in a location that receives partial to full sun. Water regularly but avoid overwatering, and consider applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer to support healthy growth. Prune as needed to maintain shape and remove any dead or diseased branches. Choose healthy, semi-hardwood stems from texas babybonnets that are free from pests and diseases. These should be taken from the current year's growth for optimal rooting success.. Use a sterilized, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut a 4-6 inch section of the stem just below a node. Remove any leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce moisture loss and focus energy on root development. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Coursetia_axillaris.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