Beebush is a slender, densely-branched shrub that grows on grasslands, rocky slopes and limestone bluffs in the Trans-Pecos, Edwards Plateau, and Rio Grande Plains. It flowers from March to November, especially after rains, with vanilla-scented white flower spikes that are very attractive to bees, who make a delicious honey from the nectar. It can be aggressive, forming thickets, especially on disturbed ground; this provides an important protective cover for wildlife but makes it unpopular with ranchers. Drought tolerant, it grows on poor soils in full sun; it can adapt to richer soil (even poorly drained) and shade, but will flower best in full sun. In the landscape it can be used as an informal hedge or screen or as background for accent plants. Its strongly scented flowers would make it attractive planted near a walkway. It is toxic to horses, mules and burros.

Height: to 10’

Flowers: tiny and aromatic; white to purple

Blooms: April - September

Elevation: 3000-4000’

Habitat: rocky or gravelly hills, sandy or limestone soils, and arroyos