Scorpion’s-Tail
(Heliotropium angiospermum)
Scorpion’s-Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum)
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Renee Grayson
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
Renee Grayson
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Renee Grayson | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/ | Uploader: Monkeystyle3000 | Publisher: Flickr |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Heliotropium angiospermum, commonly known as Scorpion’s-Tail, is a perennial herb or subshrub native to coastal thickets, rocky areas, and sandy soils in the Neotropics, including Florida, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. It typically grows to a height and width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Scorpion’s-Tail has a sprawling form with slender, hairy stems. Its leaves are lanceolate to ovate, and it produces distinctive curving spikes of small, white flowers that resemble a scorpion’s tail, hence the name. Flowering occurs throughout the year, with peaks in spring and summer, and the flowers are known for their attractiveness to butterflies and other pollinators.
Scorpion’s-Tail is valued for its drought tolerance and unique floral display, making it suitable for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as a border plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained sandy soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells can promote better growth and flowering. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Scorpion’s-Tail is valued for its drought tolerance and unique floral display, making it suitable for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and as a border plant in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained sandy soils. While it is drought-tolerant, occasional watering during prolonged dry spells can promote better growth and flowering. It is generally low-maintenance but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
- Height: 1.5-3 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Fragrant, Groundcover, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Coastal thickets, rocky areas, and sandy soils in the Neotropics
Other Names
Common Names: Cotorrilla, Rabo De Alacrán, Scorpion Tail, Scorpionstail
Scientific Names: , Heliotropium angiospermum, Heliotropium parviflorum, Schobera angiosperma, Heliophytum parviflorum, Heliotropium foetidum, Heliotropium rugosum, Heliotropium oblongifolium, Heliotropium scorpioides, Heliotropium synzystachyum
GBIF Accepted Name: Heliotropium angiospermum Murray