Re: Leucophyllum frutescens

I have seen this plant at my local nursery in the past but refrained from
trying it do to its mature size and the natural growing conditions stated in
a book I have called "Low Water Use Plants - for California and the
Southwest" by Carol Shuler.

 In it, this plant is described as 'Leucophyllum is a diverse genus of hardy
shrubs from the Chihuahuan Desert. All are cold and drought tolerant and
primarily reliant on the summer monsoons to induce flowering. Some species
will bloom nearly any time the humidity is up'. (Nice book by the way)

Being a Southern California gardener - summer monsoons is not a part of our
natural experience. From this description, it seems not to need much water
but will only bloom during irrigation or natural humidity or rain. With our
wettist time also being our coolest time, I thought this might lead to
problems for it or shorter life span. But surely, someone has tried it in
our area.

Marilyn Jacobsen
So California foothills

----- Original Message -----
From: "Karl Hoover" <karl@quack.kfu.com>
To: <akvav@hol.gr>
Cc: <medit-plants@ucdavis.edu>
Sent: Monday, June 18, 2001 12:52 PM
Subject: Re: Leucophyllum frutescens


Odd this plant in the figwort family isn't more common in California, looks
as though it is indeed quite drought tolerant. Maybe it needs more heat,
anyone out there know? It's also called 'purple sage' 'texas ranger'
and 'silver leaf' References say it's reasonably easy from seed.

> I recently returned from a trip to Texas and Louisianna where I saw
> this lovely shrub in bloom all over the gulf region.  It is marketed at
> garden stores by the name of "silverado sage."  It looks like it might
> do well as a med-plant, but I wanted to ask the experts first.  Has
> anyone had experience growing this plant in non-humid conditions?
> Also, are there any restrictions taking American plants out of the
> country? Karen in Athens
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