The Ground Cover Covering Half of Texas, and Why Butterflies Hate It
The short version
- Asiatic Jasmine is from Asia and provides essentially zero wildlife value.
- Frogfruit is a Texas native that stays low, handles foot traffic, and tolerates drought.
- Frogfruit is a larval host for White Peacock and Phaon Crescent butterflies.
Asiatic Jasmine is used as a ground cover across Texas. It stays green and fills in fast. It is also from Asia and provides almost no value for wildlife. Frogfruit is a Texas native ground cover that stays low, handles foot traffic, tolerates drought, and is a larval host for White Peacock and Phaon Crescent butterflies.
Why Asiatic Jasmine is a dead zone for wildlife
Asiatic Jasmine (Trachelospermum asiaticum) forms a dense mat that few insects or birds use. It does not feed caterpillars or provide nectar in a way that supports local pollinators. In a yard that is mostly turf and Asiatic Jasmine, you have very little habitat. For people who want to support butterflies and other wildlife, that is a missed opportunity.
Grow Frogfruit instead
Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora) is a Texas native that stays low, handles light foot traffic, and tolerates drought once established. It can take full sun to part shade. It is a larval host for White Peacock and Phaon Crescent butterflies, so planting it adds real value to the local food web. For more on ground covers and dogs, see pet-friendly ground cover Texas and dog-friendly backyard Texas native.
For butterfly gardening, see attract butterflies yard Texas. Frogfruit and other natives often qualify for rebates in Texas cities.
Plan a native yard
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