Texas Sage (Leucophyllum frutescens) is a native Texas plant that grows to a medium-sized shrub with silvery to gray-green leaves, and beautiful purple flowers. It is sometimes called “barometer bush” because flowering is triggered by humidity or high soil moisture after rains. This plant’s native range is from Northern Mexico through the Rio Grande Plains and Trans-Pecos, into New Mexico. It is extremely drought and heat tolerant and maintenance-free once established.
After a good rain, almost like magic, it explodes with hundreds of small purple flowers. It is frequently used in xeriscape flowerbed designs. Texas Sage loves the sun, and will struggle and grow weak and leggy in a shady location.
This Texas Sage shown below is outside of my work in Round Rock. This is the first time I have ever seen it’s flowers, and it was quite a site to see.
My iNaturalist post can be found here.
Source: http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/nativeshrubs/leucophyllumfrutes.htm
Leucophyllum Frutescens, Texas Sage, Cenizo, Silverleaf, Texas Ranger, Barometer Bush, Purple Sage