Accession Count: 46
Common Name:
Chihuahuan rain sage
Family Name:
Scrophulariaceae (Figwort Family)
Botanical Name:
Leucophyllum laevigatum
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The Chihuahuan rain sage is a shrub that grows four feet tall and wide with stiff and upright stems. The overall form is rounded and open. Leaves are evergreen, blue-green, simple and alternately arranged the stem. Leaves are approximately one inch long, elliptic-obovate is shape and nearly sessile. Flowers are pale purple and are borne on current season's stem growth.
Compound:
Leu lae
Geographic Origin:
Texas, Mexico
Ecozone Origin:
Nearctic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
L. laevigatum is endemic to Texas and to northern states of Mexico (Coahuila, Nuevo, Leon, and Tamaulipas). However, it can be found in the high rocky slopes of the Chihuahuan desert at elevation of 4,000 - 8,000 feet (2).
Cultivation Notes:
Pruning is not necessary. However, if pruning is done it should be selectively done after the blooms are spent in early fall. This species is extremely drought-tolerant but avoid over-watering, it is susceptible to root rot. This hardy plant can with stand temperatures low as 15 F°.
Ethnobotany:
Chihuahuan rain sage is an important landscape ornamental plant used throughout the Southwestern United States, commonly used as a screen. It is best used in large groups as a colorful, informal hedge.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Fall
Color:
Lavender
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use
Citations:
- Starr, Greg. Starr Nursery. Personal Communication.
- public.asu.edu
