Alphabetical Plant Listing

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 gardensgroundcover, 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.

Not sure which Heliotropium - Heliotrope to pick?
Compare All Heliotropium - Heliotrope

Buy Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail)

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

Buy Plants


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

Plant Calculator

How many Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail) do I need for my garden?

%
ft
ft

Your Shopping List

Plant Quantity
Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail)

Find your Hardiness Zone

Find your Climate Zone

Find your Heat Zone

Join Gardenia.net

Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.

Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.

Join now and start creating your dream garden!

Create a New Collection

Optional. For your reference.


Move Selected Plants to a Different Collection


Delete Collection

This field is required.

Rename Collection

This field is required.