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Native Plant Society of Texas

Low Menodora

Menodora heterophylla

Other common name(s):

Redbud

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Chihuahuan Deserts, East Central Texas Plains, Edwards Plateau, Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes, Southern Texas Plains
Low Mountains and Bajadas, Stockton Plateau
Limestone Cut Plain
Southern Post Oak Savanna
Balcones Canyonlands, Edwards Plateau Woodland, Llano Uplift, Semiarid Edwards Plateau
Coastal Sand Plain, Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley, Southern Subhumid Gulf Coastal Prairies
Northern Nueces Alluvial Plains, Rio Grande Floodplain and Terraces, Semiarid Edwards Bajada, Texas-Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

0
to
1
ft.

Spread

0
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Semi Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Gravelly, Limestone, Caliche, Dry

Light Requirement

Part Shade

Water Requirement

Low

Native Habitat

Grassland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Red, Yellow

Bloom Season

Spring, Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar

Wildlife Benefit

Nectar Insects

Maintenance

An early bloomer. Can be used as a ground cover. Thrives in a variety of soils. Drought tolerant. Propagation: seed.

Comments

Blooms February-October. Low growing, with tiny, narrow leaves. Showy, yellow flowers. The fruit is a capsule, usually occurring in pairs.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Low Menodora, Twinpod

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Seed No Treatment Clean and dry the seeds thoroughly. Remove any debris or plant material to prevent mold and disease. Prepare a well-draining soil mix by combining equal parts potting soil, sand, and perlite. Fill seed trays or small pots with the soil mix. Place the seeds on the surface of the soil mix and lightly press them in. Cover with a thin layer of soil or sand, ensuring good soil-to-seed contact. Mist the soil with water to keep it evenly moist but not waterlogged. Place the trays or pots in a warm, bright area with indirect sunlight. Monitor moisture levels and mist as needed until germination occurs. Harvest mature seeds from existing low menodora plants. Look for brown, dry seed capsules that easily release seeds when gently crushed. 1) https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Menodora_heterophylla.html#:~:text=Harvest%20mature%20seeds%20from%20existing,Watering%20and%20germination 2) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/menodora-heterophylla-moric-ex-dc/559367/1
Seed Stratification Menodora seeds benefit from a period of cold, moist stratification to break their dormancy. In late fall or winter, mix the seeds with a moist (not soggy) seed starting mix or vermiculite. Place the mixture in a sealed plastic bag and store it in the refrigerator (33-40°F) for 4-6 weeks. After stratification, sow the seeds in seed trays or pots filled with a well-draining seed starting mix. Press the seeds gently onto the surface, but avoid burying them deeply, as they require light to germinate. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Misting the surface with water can prevent disturbing the small seeds. Place the seed trays in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. A temperature around 70-75°F is ideal for germination. Menodora seeds can take 2-4 weeks (or even longer) to germinate. Be patient and continue to provide consistent moisture and light. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-menodora-heterophylla/ 2) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/menodora-heterophylla-moric-ex-dc/559367/1
Stem Cutting Select healthy, non-flowering stems for your cuttings. Aim for sections that are at least 4-6 inches long. Using sharp, sterilized pruning shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node (the point where a leaf attaches to the stem). Remove the leaves from the lower third of the cutting to prevent them from rotting in the soil. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to encourage faster and stronger root development. Plant the cuttings in small pots filled with a well-draining potting mix. Keep the potting mix moist. Covering the cuttings with a plastic bag or dome will create a humid environment that promotes rooting. The best time to take cuttings is in the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. 1) https://propagate.one/how-to-propagate-menodora-heterophylla/ 2) https://www.botanikks.com/plants/menodora-heterophylla-moric-ex-dc/559367/1

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason