Heliotropium angiospermum (Scorpion Tail)

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.