Phyla nodiflora (formerly P. incisa)
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Description: Perennial with mostly prostrate, mat-forming stems to 60 cm or longer. Leaves, opposite oblanceolate to narrowly oblong, spatulate to obovate, 1-6 cm long, with toothed margins. Inflorescences erect. Flowers in tight heads or spikes arising from leaf axils, the corolla 2-3.5 mm wide, white aging to lavender or purple.
Plant Trivia:
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Common on barrier islands in depressions, swales, and flats, and on various soils in prairies, openings, and waste places along roads.
Bloom Period: April -November
Plant Use: Great groundcover. Is both nectar plant and host plant for the Phaon Crescent butterfly.
Key to the species of Phyla:
- Leaves broadest above middle………………………………………….P. nodiflora
Leaves broadest at or below middle………………………………………………….2
2. Leaves thin, 1-1.5 cm wide………………………………………………P. strigulosa
Leaves thickish, 1.5-2.5 cm wide…………………………………..P. lanceolata
stxflora 