Description
Form: Herb.
Lifespan: A short-lived perennial.
Leaf retention: Evergreen in frost-free regions.
Growth rate: Moderate.
Mature Size: 1' (30cm) high and 2-3' (60-90cm) wide.
Flowers: Tiny, purple to pink, tubular with five notched lobes joined at their base, in hemispherical clusters.
Bloom: Nearly year-round in frost-free regions.
Fruit: A dry fruit that splits into single seeded parts when ripe.
Leaves: Green, softly hairy, triangle shaped, toothed margins.
Stems: Spreading, hairy.
Wildlife: The flowers attract butterflies.
Toxic / Danger: No.
Origin: Southwestern United States and Mexico.

Cultivation and Uses
USDA hardiness zones: 8-11. This plant dies to the ground in hard freezes. It is root hardy to 10°F (-12°C).
Heat tolerant: Yes.
Drought tolerant: This plant may survive without water or rain up to six or eight weeks.
Sun: Full sun.
Soil: Well draining, dry, pH 5.6-8.5 (acidic to alkaline).
Water after becoming established: Once or twice a month, accommodating for rain.
Mulch: No. The soil should dry quickly after watering or rain.
First Year Care: Water every two or three days to establish an extensive root system, but do not overwater.
Prune: Deadhead spent flowers if desired. Remove winter damage after the danger of freezing is past.
Litter: Low.
Propagation: Seed and cuttings. This plant self-seeds freely.
Uses: Ornamental, butterfly garden, groundcover.

Comments
This plant is a member of the Verbena family (Verbenaceae). Its scientific synonym is Glandularia gooddingii. It is similar to Verbena bipinnatifida: Dakota Mock Vervain. The butterfly is a Gulf Fritillary. Another visiting butterfly species is the Pipevine Swallowtail.

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