Plant profile: Texas ranger

Kathleen Konicek-Moran for The National

The evergreen shrub, also known as Leucophyllum frutescens, enjoys drier areas.

The Leucophyllum frutescens – also referred to as the Texas sage or Texas ranger – is an evergreen shrub native to Texas, plus the Mexican states Coahuila, Nuevo Leon and Tamaulipas. Known for being an ornamental plant, it’s commonly used for hedge and area plantings.

The Leucophyllum is a flowering shrub that requires minimal water and is typically planted in warmer and drier areas.

For this reason, it’s an ideal addition to gardens in the UAE. Each leaf is covered in tiny silver hairs that have a felt-like feel.

While in the UAE it’s mainly grown as densely vegetated, close-clipped hedges, the Leucophyllum’s natural habitat tends to be more open. Typically, the shrub responds best to pruning, with flowers appearing on new growth. The Leucophyllum is also widely available and can be propagated by soft wood cuttings.