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Native Plant Society of Texas

Woolly Pyramidflower

Melochia tomentosa

Other common name(s):

Teabush, Red Rope, Velvety Melochia, Kidney Bush, Pyramid Bush

Family:

Malvaceae (Mallow 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 Valley
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Shrub

Height

3
to
8
ft.

Spread

2
to
6
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Rocky, Limestone, Well Drained, Moist, Dry

Light Requirement

Sun, Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Pink, Purple

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Seeds, Nectar, Pollen

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies, Hummingbirds, Bees

Maintenance

Drought tolerant once established. Long-lived, preferring dry, open places on rocky limestone hills, in thorn thickets, savannas, and along roadsides. Occasional pruning can result in denser foliage and more compact plants. However, avoid pruning after late spring so you don’t sacrifice summer flowers. Propagtion: seed.

Comments

Blooms March-November. Rare in the wild, but propagated commercially. Lance-shaped leaves have wavy edges, covered with gray-white dense hairs. Small clusters of pinkish-purple flowers bloom on and off year round. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Melochia tomentosa var. frutescens

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Semi-harwood Cutting The optimal time for propagating pyramid bush is during spring and summer using cutting methods. These seasons offer the ideal temperature and increased light levels that promote effective rooting and growth. Propagating pyramid bush in these periods aligns with natural growth cycles, leading to higher success rates in establishment. Dip the cut end into rooting hormone to encourage growth and plant in a well-draining soil mix. Moisture is key, so keep the soil consistently damp but not waterlogged. A stable environment promotes root establishment, ensuring successful new growth for pyramid bush. After roots have formed, which usually takes about 4-6 weeks, gradually acclimatize pyramid bush to less humid conditions by removing the cover for increasing lengths of time. Once the cutting is well-established and showing new growth, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or directly outdoors if climate suitable. Continue to water moderately, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Select healthy semi-woody stems and slice at a 45-degree angle below a node. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Melochia_tomentosa.html
Seed No Treatment For seed propagation, sow the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep them warm and moist until they germinate. https://earthone.io/plant/melochia%20tomentosa?srsltid=AfmBOopg2bsFNXKfQP5z-HrMblOtDf1wpwTRggq9drhqczsJxrMw_kAz

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