#leucophyllum

Leucophyllum zygophyllum 'Cimarron'

This shrub in the Scrophulariaceae (sometimes called the Figwort Family) is native to the vicinity of the Chihuahuan Desert in northeastern Mexico. The very pale felted leaves are cupped, and it is a wonderful garden subject on account of this, but it is truly stunning when it bursts into flower, with the purple-blue of the flowers making a great contrast with the silvery foliage. It is similar to Leucophyllum frutescens (often called Texas Ranger), but that species has flowers that are pinker.

Leucophyllum zygophyllum 'Cimarron'

This showy shrub is native to northeastern Mexico, and it belongs to the family Scrophulariaceae. It looks quite similar to its better known Texan cousin Leucophyllum frutescens, and both of these tend to bloom in response to barometric changes when summer thunderstorms come through, so they are called "barometer bushes". Here in California, we do not get summer thunderstorms, and the leucophyllums tend to wait until fall to produce flowers. With its pale felted leaves and purple flowers, this plant is a show-stopper!

Leucophyllum zygophyllum ‘Cimarron’

Leucophyllum zygophyllum is a shrub in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to the Chihuahuan Desert. Its cupped felted grayish-white leaves are attractive to begin with, but the bursts of lavender-pink or lavender-purple flowers in the fall create a memorable display.

Leucophyllum zygophyllum ‘Cimarron’

Leucophyllums are attractive shrubs in the family Scrophulariaceae, native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. The name “Texas Ranger” is often used for the ones from that state, and their flowers range from white to blue to purple. The plant in the photo is a cultivar of Leucophyllum zygophyllum, native to the Chihuahuan Desert, and it was introduced by Mountain States Nursery in Arizona. The combination of the pale felted leaves and the lavender-purple flowers is striking.