Cenizo
Leucophyllum frutescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Leucophyllum frutescens (Cenizo) is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub native to Texas that produces masses of purple tubular flowers from March through November. This desert willow attracts butterflies and other pollinators with extended blooming periods.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
60"–96" H × 48"–60" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov
Native to
TX
Pollinators
butterflies, nectar insects
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Cenizo is a drought-tolerant shrub with silvery-gray foliage that produces masses of tubular purple flowers after summer rains. This hardy native maintains an attractive rounded form and provides year-round color in the landscape. Its compact size makes it suitable for foundation plantings and mixed borders.
Growing Cenizo
Grow Cenizo in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 60 to 96 inches tall and spread 48 to 60 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Cenizo takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range
Wildlife value
The abundant purple blooms attract butterflies, bees, and other nectar-feeding insects throughout the extended flowering season. The dense branching structure also provides nesting sites for small birds.
Common questions
- When does Cenizo bloom?
- Cenizo blooms from March through November, with peak flowering often occurring after summer rains.
- What pollinators visit Leucophyllum frutescens?
- Cenizo attracts butterflies and various nectar-feeding insects with its tubular purple flowers.
- Where is Cenizo native?
- Leucophyllum frutescens is native to Texas and extends into northern Mexico and New Mexico.
- How much water does Cenizo need?
- Cenizo is extremely drought tolerant once established and thrives with minimal supplemental watering in most climates.
- Is Cenizo HOA-friendly?
- Cenizo takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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.
Does Cenizo fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.