Big Bend Silverleaf
Leucophyllum minus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Big Bend Silverleaf (Leucophyllum minus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
12"–36" H × 12"–36" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
NM, TX
Pollinators
butterflies, bees
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Big Bend Silverleaf is a compact, drought-tolerant shrub with silvery-gray foliage that provides year-round color. It produces tubular flowers in shades of purple, pink, or white from spring through fall, creating an extended blooming period. This low-maintenance native requires minimal water once established and thrives in hot, sunny locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Big Bend Silverleaf is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Requires annual shaping to stay compact
Wildlife value
The long blooming season attracts butterflies and bees throughout most of the growing season. The tubular flowers are particularly valuable for providing nectar when many other plants have finished blooming.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big Bend Silverleaf need?
- Big Bend Silverleaf grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Big Bend Silverleaf bloom?
- Big Bend Silverleaf blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
- Where is Big Bend Silverleaf native?
- Big Bend Silverleaf (Leucophyllum minus) is native to NM, TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Big Bend Silverleaf attract?
- Big Bend Silverleaf draws butterflies and bees.
- Is Big Bend Silverleaf HOA-friendly?
- Big Bend Silverleaf is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Big Bend Silverleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz