Texas Torchwood, or Chapotillo, is an understory shrub with oily, citrus-scented leaves. Because it can grow in sun or shade, stays relatively small and produces long-blooming, fragrant flowers in the fall, it is gaining popularity as a sensible addition to residential landscapes in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Texas Native
Butterfly Host
Giant Swallowtail Host
Rare
Aromatic
About This Plant
Did You Know?
The Giant Swallowtail caterpillar that feeds on Torchwood is a master of disguise — it looks exactly like a fresh bird dropping, which deters most predators from eating it.
Growing Details
Sun
Part Shade to Full Sun
Water
Low
Soil
Well-drained, sandy or rocky
Range
Lower RGV only
Family
Rutaceae (Citrus family)
Status
Rare — limited range
Wildlife Value
- Primary larval host for Giant Swallowtail butterfly in South Texas
- Small flowers attract specialist native bees in spring
- One of only a handful of US locations where this plant grows wild
- Related to citrus — leaves have distinctive aromatic oil glands
Photos
Leaves
Flowers
Berries
Shrub Form
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