Family: Verbenaceae

This is a subtropical shrub, or even a small tree in frost-free locations. It can reach heights of about 15’ but usually is half that size in our region. Verbena-like flowers are pink, yellow and white and mature into flaky sheaths that contain small black seeds. Flowers in warm weather.

Grow in full to part sun. Provide good drainage. Moderate to low water when established. Hardiness is untested but this species can suffer tip damage below 30°F. Mostly evergreen unless frost knocks off the leaves.

This plant attracts many pollinating insects.

The genus Lippia contains about 174 species, and is named after Augustin Lippi (1678–1705), a French-Italian naturalist and botanist. The species formosa means finely formed, handsome, or beautiful.

This species is native to Baja California, and the western coast of Mexico.

Photo by James Bailey, iNaturalist