Lantana is a genus of flowering shrubs known for their clusters of small, brightly colored blossoms that provide continuous color throughout the warmer months. These resilient plants thrive in hot climates, making them popular in Texas landscaping. However, the term “Lantana” in Texas represents a complex situation because the state is home to both a beneficial native species and a highly aggressive, non-native plant. This dual presence often confuses gardeners attempting to make ecologically sound planting decisions.
The Dual Nature of Texas Lantana
Lantana is both native and non-native to Texas. The state hosts at least one indigenous species, Lantana urticoides, commonly referred to as Texas Lantana or Calico Bush. Texas is also heavily populated by Lantana camara, a highly invasive non-native species often sold as Common Lantana or Shrub Verbena. The non-native variety was introduced for its vibrant colors and hardiness, leading to its widespread popularity in ornamental horticulture. The invasive species easily escapes cultivation, quickly naturalizing and causing problems in disturbed areas across the state.
Characteristics of the Native Texas Species
The native Lantana urticoides is a resilient perennial shrub, typically reaching three to six feet tall with a spreading, mounding growth habit. It is valued for its exceptional hardiness, adapting well to arid conditions and requiring minimal water once established. The leaves are rough to the touch and possess a pungent aroma when crushed, a characteristic that often deters deer.
This Texas Lantana provides a crucial ecological function as a host plant for native butterflies and a rich nectar source for various pollinators, including bees and hummingbirds. The flowers bloom profusely from spring until the first frost, displaying a color palette that shifts from yellow to orange and then to red as the blossoms mature. While the dark blue or black berries are poisonous to humans and livestock if ingested, the plant supports local insect populations, making it an excellent choice for native landscaping.
Understanding the Invasive Lantana Camara
The problematic species, Lantana camara, originated in the neotropics of Central and South America and was introduced to Texas as an ornamental plant. This non-native shrub is recognized globally as one of the most aggressive invasive plants due to its ability to outcompete native flora. It possesses a scrambling growth habit, often growing taller and leggier than its native counterpart, and forms dense, impenetrable thickets.
A major concern with Lantana camara involves its toxicity, which poses a significant threat to animals. The leaves and, especially, the small, unripe green berries contain pentacyclic triterpenoids that are poisonous to livestock like cattle, sheep, and goats. Ingesting this plant can lead to photosensitization, severe liver damage, and even death. Furthermore, the invasive species releases allelopathic chemicals that actively suppress the growth and germination of other plants nearby.
Distinguishing Native from Non-Native Varieties
Differentiating the native Texas Lantana from the invasive Lantana camara requires observing specific morphological details. One difference lies in the size and texture of the leaves. The native L. urticoides has smaller leaves, typically up to two and a half inches long, with a rough, sandpaper-like surface. In contrast, the invasive L. camara often features larger leaves, sometimes reaching six inches in length.
The most reliable distinction is often found in the flowers and resulting berries. While both types of Lantana have flower heads where blossoms change color, the invasive L. camara typically exhibits a wider and more varied color range within a single cluster, frequently including shades of white, pink, and lavender alongside yellow and red. The native species generally remains within the yellow, orange, and red spectrum. Additionally, the non-native variety tends to form a larger, more sprawling shrub that is more prone to producing the highly toxic, unripened berries dispersed by birds.