Rio grande butterfly-bush (Buddleja sessiliflora, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 345 (1818))

Family: Scrophulariaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 2: 345 (1818)

Year: 1818

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Buddleja

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Arizona, S. Texas to Mexico

Description

The Rio Grande butterfly-bush, scientifically known as Buddleja sessiliflora, is a captivating addition to the Scrophulariaceae family. First documented by famed botanists F.W.H. von Humboldt, A.J.A. Bonpland, and C.S. Kunth in their work “Nov. Gen. Sp.” in 1818, this plant has intrigued botanists and nature enthusiasts for centuries.

Originating from southern Arizona and southern Texas, the Rio Grande butterfly-bush extends its reach into the diverse landscapes of Mexico. This distribution speaks to its adaptability and resilience in different climatic conditions, ranging from arid deserts to more temperate regions.

Characterized by its vibrant and attractive floral displays, Buddleja sessiliflora is known to draw a variety of butterflies, hence its common name. The blooms, which typically emerge in the warmer months, are a magnet for pollinators, playing a vital role in the local ecosystems by facilitating cross-pollination.

Gardening enthusiasts prize the Rio Grande butterfly-bush not only for its ecological benefits but also for its aesthetic appeal. Its lush foliage and brilliant blossoms add a splash of color to any landscape, while its hardy nature requires minimal maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners.

In summary, the Rio Grande butterfly-bush is a remarkable plant that enriches its environment with beauty and ecological functionality. Its historical documentation by renowned botanists highlights its significance in the botanical world, and its widespread presence from southern Arizona and Texas into Mexico underscores its importance in regional biodiversity.

Common Names

Eng: rio grande butterfly-bush, rio grande butterflybush
Spa: cola de zorra, lengua da vaca, tepozán, tepozán verde
En: Rio Grande butterfly-bush, Rio Grande butterflybush
Es: Cola de zorra, Tepozán, Tepozán verde, Lengua da vaca
: Rio grande butterflybush

Synonyms

• Buddleja wrightii (B.L.Rob.)
• Buddleja melliodora (Kunth & C.D.Bouché)
• Buddleja pringlei (A.Gray)
• Buddleja barbata (Kunth & C.D.Bouché)
• Buddleja pseudoverticillata (M.Martens & Galeotti)
• Buddleja verticillata (Kunth)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 29, 2022 by Sanne Sanne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2021 by erick cuevas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Raphaël Zylberberg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2022 by Raphaël Zylberberg (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Feb 13, 2020 by Victor Olea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − Laura (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 26, 2016 by EOL − Laura (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 14, 2016 by EOL − Elizabeth Torres Bahena (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3173335)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:545883-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Buddleja sessiliflora Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Shrub

Growth