Family: Scrophulariaceae

This shrub usually grows about 4-6’ high but some plants can be taller. Clusters of yellow flowers appear in spring mostly, though sometimes in summer as well. Persistent capsules occur after flowers. Plants look like willowy shrubs.

Grow in full sun to bright shade. Provide regular to moderate water (more water in sunnier locations). It is hardy to at least around 15°F but loses leaves in the lower 20s. Otherwise it is evergreen.

The flowers have an ammonia-like scent that attracts a wide array of pollinators that changes throughout the day. Some find the plant smelly, others find it interesting but not offensive.

The genus Buddleia is named in honor of the English botanist Adam Buddle (died 1715), by LinnaeusThe species sessiliflora means "with stalkless flowers". A note on the spelling: the name "Buddleja" is the original spelling of the genus name, while "Buddleia" is a later spelling variation that has gained acceptance over time. The genus, Buddleja, was named after the English botanist Reverend Adam Buddle, (1662 – 15 April 1715) an English clergyman and botanist. There are 118 species of Buddleia.

Native to southern Arizona (it’s become rare in AZ) and the lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas in the United States, as well as much of central and northern Mexico excluding the Chihuahua Desert and Baja California Sur. The shrub grows in thorn savannah, forests, riparian zones, along roadsides and in disturbed areas from sea level to 9000 ft. In Arizona it is usually growing near springs.

Photo by Alänä Atl on iNaturalist
Buddleia sessiliflora on SEINET