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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

Subshrub

Height

1
to
4
ft.

Spread

1
to
1.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Caliche, Limestone

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland, Shrubland, Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple, Violet

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer

Seasonal Interest

Unknown

Wildlife Benefit

Unknown

Maintenance

Native to arid regions, Texasfan is drought-tolerant, thriving with minimal moisture. Best suited for xeric landscapes, benefits from well-draining soil to promote healthy root development and prevent waterlogging. Native habitat: grasslands, shrublands, and woodlands.

Description

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/ 2) https://www.picturethisai.com/wiki/Meximalva_filipes.html
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

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