Three leaved Lantana is a tropical shrub from south and central America and Mexico that grows 2-5 feet tall. In NC it can be grown as an annual or bought inside for the winter. Cuttings can also be taken and brought inside to start for the next season. The leaves grow in a whirl of three and the blooms are clusters of lavender flowers that occur during the growing season. The fruit is ornamentally significant and is an elongated popcorn-like spike of lavender fruits. This plant does best in average well-drained soils and tolerates poor soil.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Fully ripe (deep blue or black) berries are reported to be edible.
Uses (ethnobotany)
Crushed leaves are made into a tea and used to treat rheumatism, generalized body pains and indigestion. The leaves are also used to treat colds and ringworm. The roots are used to treat eczema. Stems, wood is used as fuel and for making brooms.