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Big Bend Silverleaf

Leucophyllum minus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Big Bend Silverleaf (Leucophyllum minus)
Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

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 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse 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 the USDA PLANTS Database 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 the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Big Bend Silverleaf? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz