Accession Count: 202
Common Name:
bush lantana
Family Name:
Verbenaceae
Botanical Name:
Lantana camara
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
L. camara is a small evergreen shrub, growing up to six feet tall with a slightly wider spread at maturity (1, 2, 3, 5). Its stems are often tangled, dense, and woody; leaves are dark green and oblong, growing two to five inches long, with toothed edges and a rough surface (1, 2, 3). From June until winter, dense clusters of five-petaled flowers sprout in many different colors, including pink, red, and yellow, often in the same cluster. These flowers tend to attract lots of butterflies (1, 2, 3, 5). The berries and leaves of this plant are toxic when ingested (3, 4). L. camara is considered an invasive species in many tropical and sub-tropical regions but is not invasive in Arizona (4).
Compound:
Lan cam
Geographic Origin:
Central America
Ecozone Origin:
Neotropic
Biome Origin:
SA
Natural History:
Lantana is a widespread and problematic invasive plant with negative effects in over 60 countries globally. It originates from tropical America and was commonly introduced to other countries around the world, mainly by British colonialists, as an ornamental and/or living fence. It is now invasive in many parts of Africa, Asia and Oceania (7).
Cultivation Notes:
L. camara is tolerant of drought and a wide range of soils and is generally considered a low maintenance, fast-growing plant. In arid regions, it should have a consistent source of water, especially during the summer, but care should be taken not to over-water. Sustained temperatures below freezing may kill the plant above ground, but it will readily sprout again from roots in the spring (1, 2). Pruning yearly is important in order to maintain the shrub's shape.
Ethnobotany:
This plant species is suitable as a container plant, border, espalier, or even a hedge. The scented flowers attract butterflies, but the foliage is poisonous.
Height:
0 - 5 feet
Width:
0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Spring
Flower Season:
ForeSummer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Toxic
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
