Whitebrush
(Aloysia gratissima)
Whitebrush (Aloysia gratissima)
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Dick Culbert
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Dick Culbert
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Dick Culbert | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/deed.en | Uploader: McZusatz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Aloysia gratissima, commonly known as Whitebrush, is an evergreen shrub native to the chaparral, scrublands, and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America. It typically grows to a height of 3-10 feet (0.9-3 meters) and can spread up to 8 feet (2.4 meters). Whitebrush has a loose, open form with slender, aromatic leaves and produces clusters of small, white, tubular flowers that are highly fragrant and bloom from late spring through fall, attracting bees and butterflies.
Whitebrush is valued for its drought tolerance, fragrant flowers, and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, or for erosion control on slopes. Whitebrush prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils; it is tolerant of both low and medium water conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape and to encourage denser foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Whitebrush is valued for its drought tolerance, fragrant flowers, and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and xeriscaping. It is often used in naturalistic plantings, as a border shrub, or for erosion control on slopes. Whitebrush prefers full sun to part shade and requires well-drained soils; it is tolerant of both low and medium water conditions. While generally low-maintenance, it can be pruned to maintain a more compact shape and to encourage denser foliage.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 3-10 feet
- Width: 2-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to chaparral, scrublands, and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States, Mexico, and parts of South America
Other Names
Common Names: Common Bee-Brush, Cedrón Del Monte
Scientific Names: , Aloysia gratissima, Aloysia lycioides, Aloysia floribunda, Aloysia gratissima var. schulziae, Lippia lycioides, Aloysia gratissima var. paraguariensis, Aloysia lycioides var. paraguariensis, Aloysia lycioides var. schulziae, Lantana virgata
GBIF Accepted Name: Aloysia gratissima (Gillies & Hook.) Tronc.