Phyla nodiflora
Plant Information:
Botanical Name: Phyla nodiflora
Common Name: Frog Fruit
Family: Verbenaceae
Origin: N America, Cen & S America
Type: Native Perennial
Size: 8"h x 40"w
Exposure: Sun to Partial Shade
Zones: Zone 5-10
Butterflies: Yes
Hummingbirds: No
Container Size: Large Pot Band
The fruit of this native groundcover is actually not eaten by frogs. Closely related to Lantanas and Verbenas, Frog Fruit is an outstanding choice for butterfly gardens. Its flowers provide nectar for adult butterflies and its leaves provide food for the larva of the Phaon Crescent as well as my favorite butterfly, the Common Buckeye. I?ve seen the leaves of this durable plant remain green during extreme drought even after the Bermuda lawn it was growing in turned brown in dormancy. Also called Fog Fruit, Turkey Tangle and Match Stick Plant, its small flower clusters are mostly white with tiny bits of purple and yellow.