Turkey tangle - Phyla nodiflora (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Turkey tangle

Also known as: Frogfruit, Sawtooth fogfruit, Carpetweed, Matgrass

Phyla nodiflora is a perennial herb that's referred to as turkey tangle. It is widely used as an ornamental ground cover plant when grown intentionally, but also has a reputation as a lawn weed. Turkey tangle is not an uncommon sight around marshes, where ducks and geese will munch on its leaves.

Scientific classification

Species

Turkey tangle (Phyla nodiflora)

Mints plantains olives and allies

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Perennial, Annual

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

All year round

Harvest Time

20 cm

Plant Height

1 m

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Summer

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Turkey tangle

Attributes of Turkey tangle

Growth Rate

During the summer, turkey tangle's rapid growth manifests in a profusion of small, fragrant flowers, boosted leaf production, and height increase, adapting to bright sun and heat optimally. Despite growth moderation in other seasons, summer's speed favors the plant's robust development and ground-covering capabilities.

Distribution of Turkey tangle

Distribution Map

Turkey tangle establishes its native range across multiple continents including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Its natural territorial span contrasts starkly with its notable introduction to regions of Europe and the Pacific. Proudly it thrives both wild in its homeland and as a cultivated species in foreign territories, manifesting a truly global presence.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Stream banks, grassy places

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Planting a bit of turkey tangle in your informal cottage or butterfly garden goes a long way towards decoration, as its unique summertime blooms are exceedingly colorful and attract plenty of pollinators. Since it has a short flowering period, you can utilize it as green ground cover for most of the year. Its creeping vines would also work well in hanging baskets.

Interesting Facts

Turkey tangle is an evergreen in frost-protected areas. It grows well as a ground cover, and produces pretty flowers that provide nectar for butterflies. It is both drought and flood tolerant. It forms dense mats as it grows across the ground. In the Philippines, the leaves are used to make a tea.

Name Story

Turkey tangle: Turkey tangle, or Phyla nodiflora, has plenty of synonyms, depending on where you live. Although it is often known as turkey tangle, it is often also called frogfruit or turkey tangle fogfruit, but never turkey tangle frogfruit. The reasoning is unknown, but regardless of the name, turkey tangle is a member of the verbena family, which includes a similar plant, known as lantana.

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Care Guide for Turkey tangle

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from tropical regions, turkey tangle prefers consistent moisture and high humidity. It thrives with weekly watering and can tolerate brief dry spells. As an evergreen, turkey tangle remains vibrant across various climates, requiring less frequent irrigation in cooler months.

Fertilize: Turkey tangle benefits from balanced fertilization (10-10-10) every 4-6 weeks during growth. Use phosphorus-rich options for flowering, applying slowly to prevent root burn. Adjust in dormancy and water pre and post-application for absorption. Follow safety guidelines for optimal growth and blooms.

Pruning: Turkey tangle thrives with light pruning in early spring to late winter, enhancing shape and health. Trim back overgrown stems and remove dead parts to encourage growth. Regular pruning controls spreading, boosts flowering, and minimizes disease, resulting in a denser, healthier plant.

Propagation: Turkey tangle thrives through cuttings in moist, well-draining soil with high humidity. Stem cuttings from healthy plants establish roots quickly, leading to vigorous growth and aromatic foliage. Regular watering while avoiding waterlogged conditions promotes robust spread.

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Images of Turkey tangle

Attributes of Turkey tangle

Distribution of Turkey tangle

Culture

Care Guide for Turkey tangle

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