About Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr.
Taxon Identity
Abutilon fruticosum Guill. & Perr. is a perennial herb.
Height
It can grow up to 1.8 metres (6 ft) tall, but usually does not exceed 90 centimetres (35 in).
Leaf Arrangement
Its leaves are alternately arranged, growing up to 10 cm (4 in) long.
Leaf Characteristics
The leaf blades are thick, covered in hairs, and appear gray.
Flower Size
Its yellow-orange flowers are up to approximately 2.5 cm (1 in) wide.
Flowering Period
In Texas, flowering takes place from June through October.
Native Range
This species is native to Africa, southern and southwestern Asia (ranging from Saudi Arabia to India), northern Mexico, and the south-central United States.
Habitat
It grows in chaparral, woodlands, prairies, cliffs, slopes, and limestone outcrops.
Ungulate Herbivory
Wild and domesticated ungulates feed on this plant.
Wildlife Food Value
Its seeds provide food for birds such as bobwhite quail, and its flowers attract both birds and butterflies.
Butterfly Host Role
It also acts as a host plant for the larvae of several butterfly species.
Cultivation Use
It is drought-tolerant and can be used for xeriscaping.
