Salt Heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum)

Salt Heliotrope

(Heliotropium curassavicum)

Salt Heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum)

Mary K. Hanson

CC BY 4.0

Image By: Mary K. Hanson

Recorded By:

Estimated Native Range

Summary

Heliotropium curassavicum, commonly known as Salt Heliotrope, is an annual or perennial herb or subshrub native to coastal areas, saline soils, and alkaline habitats in the Americas, from the United States to Argentina. It often thrives in disturbed sites, including roadsides and waste areas, where it can form dense stands. This plant exhibits a variable growth habit, ranging from a prostrate creeper to a somewhat erect shrub, typically reaching up to 0.5 m (1.6 ft) in height. Its stems and foliage are fleshy, with leaves that are thick, oval, or spade-shaped, and sometimes have a whitish coating that reflects sunlight and conserves water. Salt Heliotrope produces abundant inflorescences that are curled, forming coiling double rows of small, bell-shaped flowers. Each flower is white with five rounded lobes and a purple or yellow throat, blooming from spring to fall. The fruit is a smooth nutlet that is not particularly ornamental.

Salt Heliotrope is valued for its ability to thrive in challenging saline conditions and its resilience to drought, making it suitable for xeriscaping and coastal gardens. It is also used for erosion control and as a ground cover in appropriate regions. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and can tolerate low to medium water conditions, preferring soils with medium to fast drainage. While it is not known for its showy flowers, the plant’s unique coiling inflorescences and salt tolerance make it an interesting choice for gardeners. However, it can be potentially invasive in some regions, so caution is advised when planting it outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

Plant Type: Herb, Subshrub
Height: 1-2 feet
Width: 2-3 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate
Flower Color: White
Flowering Season: Spring
Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

Sun: Full Sun
Water: Low, Medium
Drainage: Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rock Garden, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers

Natural Habitat

Coastal areas, saline soils, alkaline habitats, and disturbed sites

Other Names

Common Names: Smooth Heliotrope, Seaside Heliotrope, Seashore Heliotrope, Alkali Heliotrope, Quail Plant, Héliotrope De Curaçao, Strandheliotrop, Köttheliotrop, Eyebright

Scientific Names: , Heliotropium curassavicum, Heliotropium curassavicum var. curassavicum, Heliotropium curassavicum var. xerophilum, Heliotropium xerophilum, Heliotropium angustifolium, Heliotropium chenopodioides, Heliotropium chilense, Heliotropium glaucophyllum, Heliotropium lehmannianum

GBIF Accepted Name: Heliotropium curassavicum L.