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Snake-eyes

Phaulothamnus spinescens

Last reviewed: July 2026

Snake-eyes (Phaulothamnus spinescens)
Photo: (c) psweet, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by psweet

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–72" H × 60"–72" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

TX

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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Snake-eyes is a medium-sized evergreen shrub that forms a rounded, dense shape reaching 5-6 feet tall and wide. It produces small flowers from summer through fall and thrives in partial sun with moderate watering. This native Texas plant maintains its foliage year-round and has a naturally compact growth habit.

In an HOA neighborhood

Snake-eyes 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

While specific pollinator data is limited, the extended bloom period from June through November likely provides nectar for various native insects during the growing season.

Common questions

How much sun does Snake-eyes need?
Snake-eyes grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Snake-eyes bloom?
Snake-eyes blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Snake-eyes native?
Snake-eyes (Phaulothamnus spinescens) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Snake-eyes HOA-friendly?
Snake-eyes 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.

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

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