Leucophyllum
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 Leucophyllum frutescens 'Green Cloud'
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About 12 species, including: |
Leucophyllum is a genus of evergreen shrubs in the figwort family Scrophulariaceae, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The dozen-odd species are often called "sages", although they have no relationship to the genus Salvia.
The solitary axillary flowers are bell- or funnel-shaped, with five lobes and two lips, and colors ranging from white to magenta to purple.
These shrubs are found in sandy soils and have a high salt tolerance. They have become popular for edge and area plantings in warmer and drier areas; they require minimal water, are easily shaped into hedges, and bloom over their entire surface. Texas sage Leucophyllum frutescens is available in a variety of cultivars.
Leucophyllum shrubs are legendary for their ability to "forecast" rain, usually blooming several days prior to a rainstorm, apparently in response to humidity. They are sometimes called "barometer bush" for this reason. It is believed to be a survival trait in the plants' semi-desert habitats.
[edit] References
- ^ Olmstead, R. G., dePamphilis, C. W., Wolfe, A. D., Young, N. D., Elisons, W. J. & Reeves P. A. (2001). "Disintegration of the Scrophulariaceae". American Journal of Botany 88: 348–361. doi:.
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