Frog Fruit

Low Growing Groundcover to Replace Turf

Frog FruitNeed a substitute ground cover for turf grass in "no tread areas"?  Phyla nodiflora, common names include, Frog Fruit, Turkey Tangle Fog Fruit or Capeweed may be an alternative.

This low ground cover has tiny white flowers which may be mixed with purple. It grows best in full sun but will take part shade.

Easy to establish from cuttings, it is also available from nurseries in 4-inch or 1-gallon pots and can even be purchased in trays (Green Isle Gardens - Groveland, about 45 minutes from The Villages).  Just plant and keep moist until established.  Some water during dry periods will keep it lush and green.

Frog Fruit in bloomTo avoid fungus, mow Frog Fruit to 4 to 6 inches with a push mower or hand loppers.  This will keep the lower stems dry.  While it will take some light foot traffic, Frog Fruit looks fuller when in an area free from trampling.  Looks best during the growing season, but does not freeze completely like the exotic Perennial Peanut.

FNPS plant list:  http://www.fnps.org/plants/plant/phyla-nodiflora
Florida Wildflower: https://www.flawildflowers.org/flower-friday-phyla-nodiflora
Atlas of Florida Plants: https://florida.plantatlas.usf.edu/Plant.aspx?id=3520

Frogfruit is a host plant for these butterflies

  • Phaon Crescent  (Phyciodes phaon) Florida Museum
    • Small Orange with yellow bands and brown edges
    • The female lays greenish-yellow eggs in clusters under leaves
    • Caterpillar is small with brown stripes
    • Florida Wildflowers  - name, identification, habitat
  • Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia)
  • White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae
    • White and tan with black eye spots
    • Female lays green eggs singly
    • Caterpillar is black with orange spines
    • Florida Wildflowers  - identification, habitat
  • Good nectar source for Hairstreaks and many other insects.

Frog Fruit

Plant Specifics

  • Zone: 8-11
  • Growth Rate: Vigorous
  • Deciduous: No, evergreen
  • Drought tolerance: Tolerant of drought and
  • flooding
  • Soil: Tolerates all soil types
  • Light: Full sun to part shade
  • Flowers: White and purple, blooms
  • May to October
  • Form: Spreading groundcover
  • Size: 3-6 inches in height
  • Wildlife: Attracts butterflies
  • Pests: None

Groundcover in Beds

Frogfruit spreads easily. Allow it to flourish. It suppresses weeds, provides organic material, and covers the ground keeping it cooler in hot weather and providing shelter from cold winter winds. If it becomes too aggressive clip it. It's cheaper than pine straw. 

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