Listed as endangered by the state of Florida, this Florida Native is primarily used for habitat restorations and natural landscapes due to its rareness. It is an excellent pollinator attractor because of their small white and very fragrant flower clusters. Can grow in areas that receive little to no water due to this shrub being highly drought tolerant. Truly a butterfly garden must have!
How to care for Shrub Thoroughwort
Light. Full sun suits it best; it also grows in part sun.
Water. Water while it establishes. Once settled it needs no supplemental water and handles very long dry periods.
Soil and feeding. It grows in moist, well-drained limestone soil with a layer of organic matter. It tolerates poor soil but thrives with some organic content.
Size. Grows 5–6 ft tall, usually taller than wide. Use it as a screen at the back of a garden.
Good to know. A Florida native of the Miami-Dade pine rocklands, listed as endangered in Florida. White to pinkish flowers appear all year and attract butterflies and bees. Salt wind may burn the leaves.
Sources: Natives for Your Neighborhood (Institute for Regional Conservation): Koanophyllon villosum · Florida Native Plant Society: Koanophyllon villosum
