LANTANA
(sp. Lantana camara)
Originally from the West
Indies, it’s not really a
Rockport native, but it has
naturalized quite nicely
throughout most of Texas.
The Lantana is poisonous to
animals, humans and even
other plants.
TEXAS LANTANA
CALICO BUSH
(sp. Lantana horrida)
A true Texas native, the foliage of the
Texas Lantana or Calico Bush gives off
a somewhat unpleasant odor after being
crushed or bruised. It’s a great butterfly
attractant and is tolerant to salt, deer, heat
& drought. The leaves of this species are
smaller and rougher than its imported
relative, Lantana camara, and can withstand and flourish in the full South Texas
sun and triple digit temperatures like few
other plants can.
LORE: Its deep purple-black berries
are poisonous to most mammals, but
birds relish them and spread the seeds.
Also, the wood from the Texas Lantana
has been used for weaving baskets.
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