I was drawn to this plant because of it’s unique silvery-gray-green color. Leucophyllum frutescens is an evergreen shrub, covered with densely-growing, star-shaped leaves. The ashy appearance of the leaves is due to the millions of tiny hairs covering them. Their flowers are bright pink-lavender and bilaterally symmetrical. This species has many other commons names, including: Texas Ranger, Purple Sage, Texas Silverleaf, and Texas Barometer Bush.
Cenizo can bloom virtually all year round. They typically bloom after consistent rainy periods, especially during the summer months – this is how they obtained the common name “Texas Barometer.” This plant’s native habitat range is Texas (Rio Grande Plain & Edward’s Plateau) and Mexico (South of Nuevo Leon).
It is very drought, cold, and heat-tolerant; although, prolonged periods of humidity and heat can be fatal. It’s ecological usefulness includes providing nesting sites for various bird species and it’s flowers provide nectar to butterflies and bees. Up until a couple decades ago, there was only one species of Leucophyllum frutescens available in the nursery trade. Today, thanks to the research efforts of Benny Simpson of Texas A&M University, as well as other horticulturists, there are now multiple clones to choose from (i.e. Leucophyllum candidum Silver Cloud, Leucophyllum candidum Thunder Cloud, Leucophyllum zygophyllum Cimarron, Leucophyllum frutescens White Cloud, etc.).
Sources: http://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=LEFR3
http://www.azlca.com/uploads/documents/a-16_love_those_leucophyllums.pdf