Lantana
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Lantana are a genus (Lantana L.) of flowering shrubs in the Verbena family (Verbenaceae).
These popular ornamental shrubs are known for the care free qualities and resistance to drought conditions. Their flowers attract a wide variety of butterfly species looking for nectar.
About six native Lantana species grow in the Southern areas of the United States from California, east to Florida.
Lantana camara, or Common Lantana, pictured above, is a tropical species, with an extensive southern range and knack of being aggressively invasive.
The bottom picture shows the flowers of a native species, Lantana urticoides, sometimes called Texas Lantana or Calico Bush. It grows in the same range as Lantana camara.
Warnings about the toxicity of Lantana camara abound. The unripe berries cause the most problems, while the leaves are toxic to animals and can also cause skin irritations. Similar toxicity concerns are reported for Lantana urticoides.
© 2003-2009 Patricia A. Michaels