Lantana urticoides (Formerly Lantana horrida)
Family: Verbenaceae
Plant Description: Aromatic, many-branched shrub reaching height of 2 m; branches unarmed or with stout recurved prickles. Leaves simple, opposite, ovate to broadly ovate, with coarsely toothed margins. The upper leaf surface is hairy. Flowers yellow to orange or red; fruit a black or dark blue drupe containing two nutlets.
Plant Trivia: Toxic to livestock, causing damage to the liver. Corollas opening yellow usually turning orange or red. Variations in flower color can make this a difficult species to identify.
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Throughout Texas. Likes sandy soils.
Bloom Period:
Plant Use: Popular ornamental; many lantana cultivars present in nurseries.
Key to Genera if needed:
stxflora 