Focus on a Native

Focus on a Native:  Cenizo

  by CMG Betty J

Cenizo Bush

Cenizo, or purple sage, Leucophyllum frutescens, is a tall shrub native to Central Texas that grows abundantly on rocky, limestone hills, and in ravines and ditches.  The native range of Cenizo extends from The Edwards Plateau south to Nuevo Leon, MX and west to the Trans-Pecos.  Its full size can reach 8’ with a 6’ spread.  These are the silvery bushes that are often covered with lavender flowers a few days after it rains, giving rise to their nickname of Texas Barometer Bush.  It is also known as Texas Sage, Silverleaf, and Texas Ranger. 

Cenizo Flower & Leaf

A perennial, evergreen plant, Cenizo acquires its silvery hue from a dense covering of millions of silky hairs on the leaves and young stems.  The alternate leaves are soft and usually one inch or less long with a rounded tip and smooth margins.   There is also a variety that has green leaves.  The flowers are about one inch wide and burst into bloom for a few days throughout the year after a rain shower.  The flowers of some cultivars are pinker than the usual violet color.  Its fruit is a small capsule.   

Cenizo propagation can be done by seeds or cuttings. Collect the tiny seeds before the seed capsule dries and splits open.  Plant them immediately in good potting soil.  The seeds can also be successfully stored over the winter in a cool, dry place.  Cuttings used for propagation should be semi-hardwood from the current season’s growth.   The first year after planting, they require regular watering to help grow a good root system.  After they are well established, average rainfall provides ample moisture.  Plants are commonly available commercially.

Cenizo Hedge

Cenizo is a popular landscape plant in the Hill Country.  It prefers a sunny location but can tolerate some shade.  Good drainage is a requirement to prevent cotton root rot; it is drought resistant and heat tolerant and should not be over-watered or fertilized.  Texas Sage thrives best in limestone-based clay, loam and caliche soils.  These shrubs are dense enough to be used as a hedge and pruning will help cultivated Cenizo maintain its density.  

They are the larval host of the Theona Checkerspot butterfly and the Calleta silkmoth.  Perhaps its most endearing attribute for a Hill Country landscape is that Cenizo is highly deer resistant.

Theona Checkerspot

Calleta Silkmoth