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Native Plant Society of Texas

Wild Shrimp Plant

Yeatesia platystegia

Other common name(s):

Montell Bractspike

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.

Edwards Plateau, Southern Texas Plains
Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

.25
to
.5
ft.

Leaf Retention

Deciduous

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Well Drained, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Medium

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

White, Purple

Bloom Season

Summer

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Nectar Insects

Maintenance

A South Texas plant that can winter further north in a protected area of the garden or through milder winters. Unique to Texas in the Rio Grande Valley and the Edwards Plateau Ecoregions. Rare in the wild, but is propagated commercially. May need extra care if grown outside of its native range. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms June-August. Wild shrimp plant has bracts that resemble a shrimp’s abdomen and open over a long period. They are pale lavender fading to near white. Leaves are lance-shaped. The fruit is a capsule.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Tetramerium platystegium

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment The best time to propagate montell bractspike is in the spring, utilizing sowing methods. Spring provides optimal conditions with mild temperatures and increasing daylight, which support seed germination and growth. These factors align to ensure robust development during the early stages, making spring ideal for propagating montell bractspike. Choose a well-draining potting mix specific for seeds. Fill seed trays or small pots with the mix. Water the soil thoroughly to ensure it is evenly moist. Sow the seeds evenly on the soil surface. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of the potting mix, about 1/4 inch deep. Firm the soil gently to ensure good seed-to-soil contact. Place the seed trays or pots in a warm, bright location with indirect light. Maintain a consistent moisture level by misting the soil surface as needed. Germination typically occurs within 2-3 weeks. Once seedlings have emerged and developed at least two sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or a prepared garden bed with well-draining soil. Gradually acclimate the young plants to outdoor conditions before planting them in their final location. Maintain consistent watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Provide bright, indirect light and protect from strong, direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Gather seeds from mature montell bractspike plants. Ensure the seeds are fully developed and dry by waiting until the seed heads have turned brown and started to split.Clean the seeds by removing any debris and other plant material. Soak the seeds in water overnight to enhance germination. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Yeatesia_platystegia.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