creeping lantana
ExplorePlants
creeping lantana
Lantana montevidensis
Creeping lantana is a colorful plant that grows close to the ground. It has bright flowers that attract butterflies and bees, making gardens look cheerful and lively!
Habitat: Urban areas
Appearance
The creeping lantana has trailing stems forming dense mats of foliage. Its small, tubular flowers appear in flattened clusters, typically vibrant purple, sometimes with white or yellow centers, creating a colorful carpet.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderLamialesFamilyVerbenaceaeGenusLantana
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Despite its beauty, this plant is listed as an invasive weed in many warm parts of the world.
Each 'flower' is actually a cluster of many tiny, individual blooms, attracting more pollinators.
Its small, round fruits change from green to dark purple when ripe, signaling they are ready for dispersal!
Rubbing its leaves releases a distinct, strong scent, often described as citrusy or peppery.
Special abilities
Ability
Ground Hugger
Creeping lantana can spread its stems widely and root as it grows, helping it quickly cover large areas and outcompete other plants.
Ability
Toxin Shield
Creeping lantana has toxic compounds in its leaves and berries, protecting it from being eaten by many animals.
Ability
Sun Seeker
Creeping lantana can thrive in full sun and tolerate drought conditions, allowing it to grow in tough, open environments.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 50-200 cm
- Flower Size
- 0.5-1 cm
- Bloom Season
- Year-round in tropical/subtropical climates
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- Moderate
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
Monarch butterfly
Danaus plexippus
visits flowers for nectar
pollinates
Honey bee
Apis mellifera
collects nectar from its many small flowers
eaten by
Cattle
Bos taurus
can be poisoned if they ingest leaves or berries
eats
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
disperses seeds by eating its berries
depends on
Oleander aphid
Aphis nerii
feeds on sap from its stems and leaves
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fragrant Flower
Fragrant flowers emit a pleasant aroma, often to attract pollinators or for defense.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Rapid Growing
Rapid growing plants exhibit accelerated growth rates, quickly increasing in size and biomass within a short period.
Urban Friendly
This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
While the flowers are pretty, it's best to look and not touch, as some parts can be harmful if eaten.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is creeping lantana?
10-30 cm
How wide does creeping lantana spread?
50-200 cm
How big are the flowers on creeping lantana?
0.5-1 cm
When does creeping lantana bloom?
Year-round in tropical/subtropical climates
Is creeping lantana edible?
No
Is creeping lantana toxic?
Moderate
What is creeping lantana's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is creeping lantana pollinated?
Insect
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