Aloysia macrostachya (Woolly Beebrush)

Native from Texas into northeastern and central Mexico, this aromatic, thornless shrub reaches about six feet tall. It grows in dry brushland, including caliche and sandy soils. Hairy flowering spikes rise above the foliage and carry numerous small pink to lavender flowers. The tubular flowers have flared lobes and hairy throats. Its small fruits contain two nutlets. The flowers attract honeybees and native sweat bees. Photographed in Colombia.