Frog Fruit (Phyla nodiflora) is a versatile perennial ground cover native to the southern United States, known for its excellent spreading ability and suitability for erosion control. This plant remains semi-evergreen in colder months, with foliage that may turn reddish or purplish, and goes dormant during harsh winters. It thrives in a variety of soil types, including sand, loam, clay, caliche, and limestone, and can tolerate poor drainage, saline soils, drought, and flooding. Adaptable to full sun or part shade, it attracts numerous pollinators, including butterflies, and serves as a larval host for Phaon Crescentspot, Buckeye, and White Peacock butterflies. Additionally, Frog Fruit's robust nature makes it ideal for trailing over boulders, hanging baskets, or as a potted plant, providing both visual interest and support for local biodiversity.
Scientific Name: Phyla nodiflora
Origin: Southern United States
Height: Up to 6 inches
Spread: Spreads up to 4 feet
Light: Full Sun, Part Shade
Water: Low to Medium
USDA Zones: 8-11
Bloom Dates: March-November