• Photo of Leucophyllum frutescens (Leucophyllum frutescenss)

Plant Profile: Leucophyllum frutescens

Taxonomy: Leucophyllum frutescens

Names

Texas Barometer Bush, Texas Sage

  • Photo of Leucophyllum frutescens (Leucophyllum frutescenss)

Phonetic Spelling:loo-koh-FIL-um froo-TESS-enz

Genus:Leucophyllum

Species:frutescens

Family:Scrophulariaceae

Texas sage is a hardy, low-maintenance evergreen shrub belonging to the Scrophulariaceae family. This plant blooms seasonally, producing vibrant purple flowers that depend on humidity levels. It is versatile, making it suitable for use as a hedge, in foundation plantings, or even in patio containers. Texas sage thrives in low-humidity environments and demonstrates remarkable resilience to drought and heat. It is important not to fertilize these plants, as they require very little upkeep once they are established. Propagation can be achieved through seeds or cuttings, and the plant exhibits moderate salt tolerance. Its growth habit is compact with a loosely branched structure.

Regarding pests and diseases, Texas sage is generally free from significant issues. However, it is crucial to avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage. In regions with heavy rainfall, utilizing raised beds is advisable to promote healthy growth.

Leucophyllum frutescens Feature Summary

Leucophyllum frutescens Image Gallery

Tags

#evergreen
#showy flowers
#heat tolerant
#drought tolerant
#silver leaves
#salt tolerant
#hedges
#xeriscaping
#container plants

Similar Plants

Leucophyllum frutescens Feature Summary

Flowers
Small (up to 1") bloom singly from the leaf axils at various times during the year but primarily from summer into fall. The flowers are followed by 2-valved capsules.
Purple/Lavender
4-5 petals/rays
< 1 inch
Whole Plant Traits
Cultural Conditions
Leaves
Green
Gray/Silver

Leucophyllum frutescens Attributes

Leucophyllum frutescens: Country Or Region Of Origin

Mexico

Leucophyllum frutescens Flowers

Leucophyllum frutescens: Flower Description

Small (up to 1") bloom singly from the leaf axils at various times during the year but primarily from summer into fall. The flowers are followed by 2-valved capsules.

Leucophyllum frutescens: Flower Color

filter_vintage
Purple/Lavender

Leucophyllum frutescens: Flower Petals

2-3 rays/petals
4-5 petals/rays
6 petals/rays
7 - 20 petals/rays
asymmetrical petals
Bracts
Colored Sepals
fused petals
more than 20 petals/rays
Tepals

Leucophyllum frutescens: Flower Shape

Bell
Cross
Crown
Cup
Dome
Funnel
Irregular
Lipped
Radial
Saucer
Star
Trumpet
Tubular
Urn
Wheel

Leucophyllum frutescens: Flower Size

1-3 inches
3-6 inches
< 1 inch
> 6 inches

Leucophyllum frutescens Whole Plant Traits

Leucophyllum frutescens: Plant Type

Annual
Bulb
Carnivorous
Edible
Epiphyte
Fern
Ground Cover
Herb
Herbaceous Perennial
Houseplant
Mushroom
Native Plant
Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Perennial
Poisonous
Rose
Shrub
Succulent
Tree
Turfgrass
Vegetable
Vine
Water Plant
Weed
Wildflower

Leucophyllum frutescens Cultural Conditions

Leucophyllum frutescens: NC Region

Coastal
Mountains
Piedmont

Leucophyllum frutescens: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone

thermostat
10a
thermostat
10b
thermostat
8a
thermostat
8b
thermostat
9a
thermostat
9b

Leucophyllum frutescens Leaves

Leucophyllum frutescens: Leaf Color

spa
Gray/Silver
spa
Green

Leucophyllum frutescens: Hairs Present

No
Yes

Leucophyllum frutescens Stem

Leucophyllum frutescens: Stem Is Aromatic

No
Yes

Leucophyllum frutescens Landscape

Leucophyllum frutescens: Design Feature

Accent
Barrier
Border
Flowering Tree
Foundation Planting
Hedge
Mass Planting
Screen/Privacy
Security
Shade Tree
Small groups
Small Tree
Specimen
Street Tree
Understory Tree

Leucophyllum frutescens: Resistance To Challenges

Black Walnut
Compaction
Deer
Diseases
Drought
Dry Soil
Erosion
Fire
Foot Traffic
Heat
Heavy Shade
Humidity
Insect Pests
Pollution
Poor Soil
Rabbits
Salt
Slugs
Squirrels
Storm damage
Urban Conditions
Voles
Wet Soil
Wind

Leucophyllum frutescens: Landscape Location

Coastal
Container
Hanging Baskets
Houseplants
Lawn
Meadow
Naturalized Area
Near Septic
Patio
Pond
Pool/Hardscape
Recreational Play Area
Riparian
Rock Wall
Slope/Bank
Small Space
Vertical Spaces
Walkways
Woodland