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Velvet Lantana

Lantana velutina

Last reviewed: October 2026

Velvet Lantana (Lantana velutina)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Center for Urban Ecology

Toxicity unknown

Velvet Lantana (Lantana velutina) 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

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

N/A

Native to

TX

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts

Velvet Lantana is a low-growing native wildflower with soft, velvety leaves and small clustered blooms. This compact annual typically stays under 2 feet tall and works well as a colorful groundcover or border plant in sunny areas.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Velvet Lantana is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • Requires seasonal replanting
  • May have messy dieback

Wildlife value

Attracts butterflies, bees, and other beneficial pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers. The seeds provide food for small birds and wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Velvet Lantana need?
Velvet Lantana grows best in full sun conditions.
Where is Velvet Lantana native?
Velvet Lantana (Lantana velutina) is native to TX, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Velvet Lantana HOA-friendly?
Velvet Lantana 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.

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