Frog Fruit

(Phyla nodiflora)

Frog Fruit (Phyla nodiflora)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Phyla nodiflora, commonly known as frog fruit, sawtooth fogfruit, or turkey tangle fogfruit, is a perennial herb native to a wide range of habitats including coastal plains, wetlands, open woodlands, and along stream banks from South America to the southern half of the United States. It typically grows to a height of about 0.1 feet and can spread 1-3 feet wide, forming a dense mat that serves as an effective ground cover. The plant features an inflorescence with a purple center surrounded by small white-to-pink flowers that resemble a matchstick, hence the nickname matchweed. The flowers are most prolific during the warm months and can add a subtle charm to garden settings.

Frog fruit is valued for its low maintenance, tolerance to foot traffic, and ability to attract butterflies and other pollinators. It is often used in landscaping as a ground cover, in butterfly gardens, or as a lawn alternative in warm climates. It thrives in full sun to part shade and is adaptable to a variety of soil types, including those with slow to fast drainage. While it requires medium amounts of water, it can tolerate some drought once established. Gardeners should be aware that in optimal conditions, it may spread vigorously, potentially becoming invasive in some areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type:
  • Height: 0.1-0.1 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Purple, White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Fast, Medium, Slow

Common Uses

Bank Stabilization, Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant

Natural Habitat

native to a wide range of habitats including coastal plains, wetlands, open woodlands, and along stream banks from South America to the southern half of the United States

Other Names

Common Names: Texas Fogfruit , Sawtooth Frogfruit , Frog Fruit , Turkey Tangle , Carpetweed , Matchhead , Creeping Charlie , Matgrass , Turkey-Tangle , Turkey-Tangle Frogfruit

Scientific Names: Phyla nodiflora , Lippia nodiflora , Verbena nodiflora , Zappania nodiflora , Zapania nodiflora , Zapania repens , Phyla nodiflora subsp. canescens , Bertolonia crassifolia , Blairia nodiflora , Lantana sarmentosa

GBIF Accepted Name: Phyla nodiflora (L.) Greene