Frogfruit and Horseherb

So often many of the green “things” growing in our yards we refer to as weeds. However, with the increasing use of native plants, we are paying more attention to what we used to think of as “just weeds.” Two such plants are frogfruit (Phyla incisa) and Horseherb. Both are very common ground covers that seem to be used more and more. It’s probably hard to find in many nurseries, but you can undoubtedly find some in your neighbor’s yard, along the highways, in unkept or untended places and in other corners.

The city of Austin’s Native and Adapted Landscape Plants, an Earthwise guide for Central Texas, is one of the best booklets around to guide us in choosing plants that protect and preserve our water resources. One of the beauties of using this booklet is that is has colored pictures of every plant it recommends and both Frogfruit and Horseherb are included.

Frogfruit grows in sun or shade to a height of 6-8”. It spreads rapidly, has small white flowers, and is a larval host plant to butterflies. It can be mowed or cut back to 3” in February if you feel the need to do so. Horseherb (Callyptocarpus vialis) goes to a height of 6-10” in sun or shade. It has small yellow flowers. Again, if you feel you need to, mowing helps to revitalize it. Horseherb tolerates some foot traffic, it is great for dry shade, is highly recommended for revegetation.

Both of these plants appeared naturally in my yard and I keep them for ease of maintenance and to enhance the hill country look. If you are not already familiar with these two excellent groundcovers, start looking for them. By the way, the Austin landscape guide is often found for free or for a dollar or two in places like King Feed. The County Agent’s office should have them also and I believe they are always free.

Written by Martha Knies