Lantana involucrata (Buttonsage)

Native to Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, Colombia and Venezuela, this woody evergreen shrub grows about 4 to 6 feet tall, with dense clusters of small, fragrant white to lavender flowers. Its opposite, oval leaves have toothed margins and rough upper surfaces, releasing an aroma when crushed. Small purple to purplish-black fruits follow the flowers and attract birds. The species grows in coastal strands, dunes, hammocks, and pinelands. It flowers and fruits year-round in Florida, providing nectar for butterflies, bees and other pollinators. It tolerates drought and is used for hedges, screens and wildlife gardens. Photographed in Colombia.