Turkey Tangle Frogfruit is a versatile and hardy groundcover that thrives in a variety of conditions, including areas with poor soil. Its ability to attract pollinators makes it valuable in wildlife gardens, and it is especially beneficial in xeriscapes or areas where water conservation is a priority.
 
General Information
Status in Florida: Native
Native Habitat: Dry prairies, roadsides, disturbed areas, and open woodlands
Native States: Southeastern United States, including Florida, Texas, and other parts of the southeastern U.S.
Growing Zones: 8-11
Size at Maturity: 1-2 feet tall, 2-3 feet wide
Phenology: Evergreen or semi-evergreen in warmer climates
Life Cycle: Perennial
Growth Rate: Moderate
Growth Habit: Groundcover, spreading, mat-forming
Bloom Season: Spring to summer
Bloom Color: White or pale purple with yellow centers
 
Growth Conditions
Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to part shade
Soil Texture: Adaptable, can grow in sandy, loamy, or clay soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
Moisture Requirements: Dry to average moisture
Tolerance to Salt Spray: Moderate
Keystone Plant: No
 
Landscape Considerations
Recommended Landscape Uses: Groundcover, erosion control, meadow or prairie planting, pollinator garden
Maintenance Tips: May need occasional trimming to maintain shape; tolerates mowing well
Considerations: Spreads easily but is not aggressive; may need to be contained in garden beds
Hurricane Wind Resistant: Yes
Erosion Control: Yes
Nitrogen Fixing: No
 
Other Information
Edible: No
Pet Safe: Yes
Deer and Rabbit Resistance: Yes
Historical Medicinal Uses: Used in traditional herbal medicine for its mild medicinal properties, such as being a remedy for fevers and coughs
Florida Native Companion Plant: Beach Sunflower (Helianthus debilis), Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta)
Wildlife Benefit: Attracts pollinators such as bees and butterflies; also provides cover and habitat for small animals
Caterpillar Host Plant: Yes, for various butterflies including the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
Propagation: Seed, division, stem cutting