Phyla canescens is a species of perennial herbaceous plant in the family Verbenaceae, native to South America.

[1] Phyla canescens is a much-branched, low, creeping perennial plant with wiry stems up to a metre long.

The small, greyish-green and slightly fleshy leaves have short stalks and are in opposite pairs; the margins are either entire or have a few blunt teeth.

They are followed by small dry fruits, which remain hidden in the dried-up flower head until they split in two, when the conditions are suitable for germination.

[1] Phyla canescens is native to South America where it has been recorded in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay.