SafePlants

Rio Grande Beebrush (Aloysia macrostachya)

The Rio Grande Beebrush, also known as Woolly Bee-brush, Vara Dulce, or Sweet-stem, is an attractive shrub native to the Rio Grande Plains of Texas.

Considerations for Pets

• This is a shrub.

Scientific Classification

• Scientific Name: Aloysia macrostachya (Torr.) Moldenke
• Family: Verbenaceae (Verbena family)
• Rank: Species

Common Names

• Rio Grande Beebrush
• Woolly Bee-brush
• Vara Dulce
• Sweet-stem

Synonyms and Related Species

• Other Aloysia species include: Aloysia minthiosa, Aloysia nahuire, Aloysia oblanceolata, Aloysia peruviana, Aloysia citriodora (Lemon Beebrush), Aloysia gratissima (Beebrush/Whitebrush), Aloysia triphylla (Lemon Beebrush), and Aloysia wrightii (Wright's Beebrush).

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Rio Grande Plains of Texas.
• Found on rocky hillsides and dry arroyos.
• Also found in the Rio Grande Valley.

Morphology and Growth Habits

• It is a tall, erect shrub with an airy texture.
• Perennial duration, meaning it grows year after year.

Ecological Role

• Important for beekeepers, especially in the Texas Rio Grande Valley.
• Less susceptible to canopy reduction and mortality than blackbrush.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Attracts bees.
• Serves as a host plant for the Rustic Sphinx Moth (Manduca rustica) caterpillar.
• Used as a food source and cover for Whitetail deer, Rio Grande turkey, bobwhite quail, dove, and duck

Resources and Further Information

• Discover Life: Provides information about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of Aloysia macrostachya.
• Rio Grande Valley Native Plants Links: Can be found via the "Home" page or by searching.
• Plant Resources: Plant profile including nomenclature reference.