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Native Plant Society of Texas

Texasfan

Meximalva filipes

Other common name(s):

Texas Fan

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.

Chihuahuan Deserts, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Low Mountains and Bajadas
Balcones Canyonlands
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Semiarid Edwards Bajada

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

3
to
4
ft.

Spread

to
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Limestone, Caliche

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Native Habitat

Grassland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple, Violet

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Unknown

Wildlife Benefit

Unknown

Maintenance

Native habitat: grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands on limestone or caliche. No landscape information available at this time. Will be updated as more information is found.

Comments

Blooms March-August. Stems branched and hairy, Leaves hairy, lance-shaped and serrated. Flowers: buds nodding. The fruit is a schizocarp, a dry fruit that splits into multiple, one-seeded segments called mericarps when mature.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Sida filipes

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Fill a seed tray or small pots with seed-starting mix. Place the container in a warm, sunny spot, preferably a greenhouse or indoors under a grow light. Meximalva filipes seeds typically germinate within 10-14 days. Once seedlings develop their first true leaves, you can transplant them to individual pots or directly into your garden. After the Meximalva filipes flowering, carefully collect the seeds from dried seedpods. Ensure they are fully mature and dry before storing in a cool, dry place. https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-meximalva-filipes/
Stem Cutting Applying a rooting hormone to the cut end can improve success rates. Place the cuttings in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the soil and create a mini-greenhouse by covering the pot with a plastic bag or dome. Keep the soil consistently moist and provide bright, indirect light. It can take a few weeks for roots to develop, so patience is crucial. Select strong, healthy stems from your existing Meximalva filipes that have grown about 6-8 inches long. Using a sharp knife or pruning shears, make a clean, straight cut about a quarter inch below a leaf node (the area where a leaf emerges from the stem). Remove any leaves that will be below the soil line. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-meximalva-filipes/ 2) https://www.montana.edu/extension/broadwater/blog-article.html?id=21879
Seed Scarification Scarify the seeds lightly by rubbing them with sandpaper to promote better water absorption. Prepare a well-draining soil mix consisting of equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss. Fill small pots or a seed-starting tray with the soil mix, and lightly moisten it with water. Plant the prepared seeds 1/4 inch deep in the soil mix. Space the seeds adequately to allow for ample room for growth. Lightly cover the seeds with soil and gently water to settle the soil. Place the pots or tray in a warm, sunny location. Maintain a consistent temperature between 70-75°F (21-24°C). Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Germination should occur in 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings have developed at least two sets of true leaves, carefully transplant them into individual pots with a similar soil mix. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outside for a few hours each day over a period of one week. Collect seeds from mature texasfan plants. Ensure the seeds are dry and free from any mold or damage. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Meximalva_filipes.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