Texas Sage (Cenizo), Green

Leucophyllum frutescens

Cenizo, Purple Sage, Texas Ranger, Texas Barometer Bush, Texas Silverleaf, Texas Sage, Silverleaf, Green Cloud

Leucophyllum frutescens, more commonly known as Texas sage, silver leaf, or barometer bush, is a lovely shrub that typically grows between 5 to 8 feet tall. Its compact yet loosely branched structure has a charming tendency to sprawl as it matures unless it’s pruned. This wonderful shrub is native to the rocky limestone slopes of the Chihuahuan Desert, stretching from northern Mexico into the beautiful landscapes of Texas and New Mexico.

One of its delightful features is the attractive silver-gray leaves, which are nearly evergreen, although you might notice a few leaves dropping during the winter months. The tiny, tubular purple flowers, adorned with five lobes and measuring about an inch in length, bloom gracefully from the leaf axils at various times throughout the year, especially from summer to fall. These beautiful blooms often appear in response to rain or significant soil moisture, which is why it’s affectionately called the barometer bush. After flowering, the blooms transform into 2-valved capsules filled with numerous tiny seeds, continuing the plant’s lovely cycle of life.