Phyla nodiflora

Common Names

Lippia, Turkey Tangle, Fogfruit, Frog Fruit, Sawtooth Fogfruit

Summary

Frog Fruit is a low-growing, mat-forming perennial in the Verbenaceae family. It spreads by aboveground runners to form dense ground cover, typically 2–6 inches tall, with small white to pinkish flowers (purple centers) on erect stalks and blooms year-round in warm climates. It tolerates full sun to partial shade and a wide range of well-drained soils, including clay, loam, and sand; drought-tolerant once established. It is commonly used as ground cover or turf substitute in gardens and landscapes.

Propagation is by cuttings, division, or seeds. It attracts bees and butterflies and serves as a larval host for several butterfly species. It is generally pest- and disease-resistant but can spread rapidly, requiring pruning or other management to contain growth. It is hardy in USDA zones 8–11 and may stay evergreen in warm climates, with leaf drop possible in colder winters.

Lifecycle

Perennial, Annual

Height

1-6 inches

Spread

12-36 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 8-11

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Full Sun to Partial Shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained soil, adaptable to sand, loam, and clay, tolerates poor soils

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, preferably loamy and moist but not waterlogged.

Soil pH

6.1-7.8, no single ideal pH, tolerates all pH levels (acidic, neutral, and alkaline)

Bloom Color

White with purple centers

Bloom Time

Year-round

Foliage Color

Green to blue-green

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Other

Growth Rate

Fast growth that can become invasive.

Seasons of Interest

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators