Description
Form: A shrub with a casual shape.
Leaf retention: Deciduous.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 6-10' (1.8-3m) high.
Flowers: Tiny, tubular, white, clustered on terminal spikes, strongly vanilla scented.
Bloom: Most of the year, especially after rain.
Fruit: A small drupe, splitting open when ripe, containing two nutlets.
Leaves: Small, green, slender, rounded to pointed tips, fragrant.
Stems: Squarish in cross-section. They may have a small spine at the tip. This plant forms a thicket by growing new stems at its stem base.
Wildlife: The flowers attract bees and butterflies. The seeds attract birds. Goldfinches are known to eat the flowers. The foliage is browsed by some large mammals.
Toxic / Danger: Whitebrush is poisonous to horses, mules, and burros. Possible small spines at stem tips.
Origin: Arizona through Texas and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11.
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: Yes.
Sun: Full sun to part shade. Flower production is reduced in part shade.
Soil: Well draining, pH 6.1-7.8 (slightly acidic to slightly alkaline).
Water once established: Monthly. Supplemental water improves the plant's appearance during the hottest months.
Prune: Aloysia gratissima can be shaped into a hedge.
Litter: Moderate.
Propagation: Cuttings taken late spring or early summer. Seed should be planted no more than one-quarter inch deep.
Uses: Ornamental, fragrance garden, stabilizing sand dunes.

Comments
This plant belongs to the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). Another common name is Beebrush. The butterflies are Texan Crescents.

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