Aloysia Species, Beebrush, Whitebrush

Whitebrush is a densely branched, deciduous shrub that is native to the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico, Texas), Mexico, ...Read MoreSouth America to Uruguay and Argentina. It can be found occurring on limestone bluffs, sandy soil and gravelly hillsides. It tolerates poorly drained soils and is drought tolerant.

It grows between 3 to 10 feet tall and can be 8 feet in width. The 1/8 to 1 1/4 inches long leaves are simple, opposite and lanceolate to elliptical. Sometimes, it forms a thicket of stems from the base. It tends to have a scraggly appearance; but, it can be pruned into a a small tree or hedge. From March to November (especially after rains), it produces white or violet-tinged flowers with yellow throats on loose 1 to 3 inches spikes. These have a strong vanilla scent.

The flowers are attractive to butterflies and bees. The dense growth provides cover for birds and small mammals. It is occasionally browsed by white-tailed deer, cattle and goats. But, usually this occurs during times of stress. It is poisonous to horses, burros and mules. It causses them to be emaciated, weak and nervous. Sometimes, it kills them.