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Snake Herb at San Antonio Botanical Gardens
Snake Herb
Dyschoriste linearis
Snake Herb (Dyschoriste linearis) is a Texas native groundcover well suited for hot, dry sites where turf grasses struggle. It stays low to the ground, usually only reaching 4 to 6 inches tall, but spreads outward to form dense mats that suppress weeds and help hold soil in place. This makes it an excellent choice for naturalized lawns, parkways, or areas where low-water landscaping is desired. It thrives in the thin, rocky soils of Central and South Texas and is adapted to both sandy and calcareous sites.
In the landscape, Snake Herb provides seasonal color with its small purple to violet blooms that appear from spring into fall, especially after rains. It is best planted in full sun to light shade, though it will tolerate some afternoon heat with ease. Once established, it is highly drought-tolerant and requires little to no supplemental irrigation. Because of its prostrate growth habit, it is often used as a turf substitute in low-traffic areas, a border planting, or as a filler between stepping stones.
Snake Herb is deer-tolerant and non-toxic, making it a safe option for pet-friendly landscapes. It performs best with good drainage and is not well suited for persistently wet soils. When planted as a groundcover, space plants about 12 inches apart to allow them to spread and fill in. With its adaptability, drought hardiness, and long bloom season, Snake Herb is a practical and attractive native option for Texas landscapes.
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Groundcover |
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Drought-tolerant |
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Long blooming period |
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Height:4-6 in
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Spread:2-3 ft
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Spacing:12 in
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USDA Hardiness Zone 7a
Available Sizes:
| Item |
Description |
| HER-SNA-4FL |
#4FL HERB, SNAKE |
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Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Full Sun |
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Full Sun to Part Shade |
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Habit
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Perennial |
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Evergreen |
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Semi Evergreen |
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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