West Indian Shrub-Verbena

Also known as Texas Lantana, and Calico Bush, this spreading shrub grows prickled branches and light gray to light brown, flaky bark. Its tubular flowers form in clusters of red, orange, and yellow, before maturing to round, fleshy fruit that is dark blue to black. Though birds greatly enjoy these berries, they are poisonous to most mammals, including humans. This plant is highly drought tolerant, growing in full sun and poor, well-drained soils, though it may die back to the roots during cold winters.