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UF/IFAS Extension University of Florida

Frogfruit

A dense mat of frogfruit growing on campus.

Frogfruit is a vigorous groundcover, well suited as a companion or alternative to turfgrass. Its delicate, pollinator-friendly flowers improve the biodiversity of the landscape while adding a whimsical yet natural feel.

Characteristics

Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora), also called turkey tangle fogfruit, matchweed or capeweed, is native to Florida and common worldwide. It forms dense mats that spread via long stems (stolons) rooted at the nodes. One plant can reach 8 to 10 feet long and ½ to 1 foot tall. The tiny purple and white blooms appear May through October and attract many pollinators. Frogfruit is a larval host plant for butterflies like the phaon crescent, buckeye and white peacock. It also provides nectar for the ceraunus blue butterfly and local bees.

If you prefer a different approach to lawn care to that of a traditional landscape dominated by turfgrass, frogfruit is a great option. Easily found in disturbed sites and natural areas, frogfruit’s growth habit blends well as a companion species in mixed lawns, including lawns that are predominantly bahiagrass or St. Augustinegrass. Frogfruit is widely available from nurseries specializing in native plants. UF/IFAS is even breeding frogfruit to improve its resiliency, winter color and flowering.

Planting and Care

Very close look at a single frogfruit flower with velvety purple center surrounded by tiny white and lavender blossoms.

Frogfruit is well adapted throughout Florida, ranging from USDA Hardiness Zones 8a to 11. It grows in any soil texture or pH, can handle both dry and moist conditions, and persists under frequent traffic. It thrives in partial shade and full sun, which makes it an excellent option for parts of the lawn with short periods of shade.

Easily planted with plugs, frogfruit spreads rapidly to fill in bare patches in the lawn. It will appear dormant during winter or a drought, and may experience damage during a freeze, but frogfruit returns to a healthy state with consistent warm temperatures. This native is easily propagated from cuttings placed in wet potting soil or water.

Frogfruit does not have any major disease or pest concerns, making it a mostly hands-off plant. Once established, there’s not much action required on your part, aside from occasional mowing (to 4 inches or higher) which will improve the appearance of this groundcover.

Frogfruit’s benefits are numerous, including minimal maintenance requirements, drought tolerance and ecological advantages. Adding this Florida-Friendly groundcover will diversify the landscape and attract pollinators, which makes for fun viewing opportunities and supports local wildlife.

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