Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail)
Scorpion's Tail, Scorpion Tail, Sore Bush, Rooster Comb, Cat Tongue, Bright Eye Bush, Heliotropium parviflorum, Schobera angiosperma
Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail) is an annual or short-lived perennial of upright to sprawling habit. Blooming year-round, it boasts a profusion of small, white flowers with yellow throats, borne in 2 rows along one side of a coiled terminal spike. Rich in nectar, the blossoms attract a variety of bees and butterflies. Each flower produces a fruit that separates into two seeded nutlets. The seeds are favored by birds. The branched stems are clad with alternately arranged, lanceolate to elliptic leaves with deeply veined surfaces. Scorpion Tail occurs naturally in coastal hammocks and strands, and ruderal or disturbed areas. Fast-growing, it is a prolific self-seeder that is used frequently as a groundcover or small shrub.
- Grows up to 18-36 in. tall (45-90 cm) and 24-36 in. wide (60-90 cm).
- Performs best in full sun to part shade in moist to moderately dry, well-drained, sandy, or limestone soils. Moderately drought and salt tolerant.
- Perfect addition to natural landscapes, habitat restorations, butterfly gardens, groundcover, or small shrub.
- No serious pest or disease issues.
- Removing spent blooms will cut prevent unwanted seedlings and promote longer blooms.
- Propagate by seed or cuttings.
- Toxic to horses.
- Native to Florida, Texas, Central, and South America.
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Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Heliotropium - Heliotrope |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Renee Grayson, Flickr
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
Requirements
Hardiness | 8
– 11 |
---|---|
Plant Type | Annuals, Perennials |
Plant Family | Heliotropium - Heliotrope |
Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
Season of Interest |
Spring (Early,Mid,Late) Summer (Early,Mid,Late) Fall Winter |
Height | 1' – 3' (30cm – 90cm) |
Spread | 2' – 3' (60cm – 90cm) |
Spacing | 36" (90cm) |
Water Needs | Low, Average |
Maintenance | Low |
Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
Soil pH | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Showy, Evergreen |
Native Plants | United States, Southeast, Florida, Southwest, Texas |
Tolerance | Drought, Salt |
Attracts | Bees, Birds, Butterflies |
Garden Uses | Beds and Borders, Ground Covers |
Garden Styles | Coastal Garden, Informal and Cottage |