Texas ranger - Leucophyllum frutescens (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Texas ranger

Also known as: Texas barometerbush, Texas silverleaf, Wild lilac

Leucophyllum frutescens or texas ranger is used often as an ornamental plant as it is fairly easy to grow. While it is sometimes known as Texas sage, it is not an actual sage as it belongs to the barometer bush genus (Leucophyllum).

Scientific classification

Species

Texas ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Shrub

Plant Type

Summer

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

1.5 m to 2.5 m

Plant Height

1.2 m to 1.8 m

Spread

Green, Silver, Gray

Leaf Color

2.5 cm

Flower Size

Black

Fruit Color

Purple, Pink, Lavender

Flower Color

Silver

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Texas ranger

Distribution of Texas ranger

Distribution Map

Texas ranger is native to southwestern Texas and Mexico, and naturally occurs in shrublands. It has been introduced to several Caribbean islands, where it's cultivated as an ornamental. The texas ranger is reported as an invasive species in Anguilla.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Deserts, Dry forests

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Texas ranger is a wild flowering shrub that has great ornamental appeal with its gray-green leaves and abundant flowers. The plant's dense growth makes it a good choice for hedging, but it is showy enough to be grown as a standalone specimen. Texas ranger makes a great addition to a Mediterranean garden but also does well in containers. It grows well with other dry climate plants like agaves and yuccas.

Symbolism

Health, protection, weather divination

Interesting Facts

Texas ranger, or Leucophyllum frutescens, is grown as an easycare ornamental shrub. Its leaves and foliage have a silvery grey appearance, which is caused from the soft white hairs that cover the leaves. The leaves are soft to the touch. After heavy rains, the shrub will burst into bloom, covering its foliage with a rose-colored blanket of flowers that attract all kinds of bees and hummingbirds.

Name Story

Texas sage: Although it may be called sage, it is not really a plant from the Salvia genus. Its purple flowers and silver-green leaves make it an excellent plant for any scenic landscapes. Furthermore, it's called Texas sage because it's native to Texas. It's also called the barometer plant locally because the shrub will bloom once it starts to get humid after a long drought.

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Quickly Identify Texas ranger

Silvery, velvety stems with square shape and fine trichomes, 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick.

Soft, bluish-grey leaves, 1 to 1.2 inches long, with smooth margins and velvety texture.

Compact shrub with showy purple flowers, 1 inch wide, blooming from leaf axils.

Seasonal blooms triggered by humidity changes, followed by 2-valved capsules.

Thrives in low humidity, drought-resistant, moderate salt tolerance, propagates via seeds or cuttings.

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Care Guide for Texas ranger

Every 1-2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

15 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Thriving in arid environments, texas ranger conserves water with high drought tolerance and moderate watering needs, ideally once every 1-2 weeks. Best grown outdoors, texas ranger complements natural rainfall patterns and is suitable for xeriscaping.

Fertilize: Texas ranger requires a balanced fertilizer in spring and high nitrogen in early summer for optimal growth. Feed lightly to prevent harm from over-fertilization. Adjust frequency seasonally; reduce in winter. Follow fertilizer instructions, avoiding direct foliage contact for best vibrancy and resilience.

Pruning: Texas ranger features silvery foliage and purple flowers. Prune in early spring, focusing on dead branches and overcrowding to encourage healthy growth, improve air circulation, and enhance blooming. Disinfect tools to prevent disease and maintain the plant's vigor and aesthetic appeal.

Propagation: Texas ranger is propagated best through cuttings in spring and summer, presenting a moderate difficulty level. Success is indicated by new bud formation. For optimal results, use healthy, well-draining soil.

Repotting: Texas ranger can grow up to 5 feet and should be repotted every 2-3 years, ideally in spring. Use a slightly larger pot with well-draining soil, avoiding over-watering. Its drought tolerance simplifies post-repotting care.

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Images of Texas ranger

Distribution of Texas ranger

Culture

Quickly Identify Texas ranger

Care Guide for Texas ranger

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