1. Seaside Heliotrope – Heliotropium curassavicum var. oculatum
(heel-ee-oh-TROPE-ee-um
cure-uh-SAH-vi-kum
ah-kew-LAY-tum)
Family: Asteraceae (Sunflower Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S.; along coast and in desert areas that have summer-dry alkaline soils.
herbaceous perennnial
mature height: 6-20 in.
mature width: 4-8 ft.
Low, bluish green, fleshy perennial - stems branch from the base, are erect at first but are soon
prostrate, with the tips ascending. Dies back in fall. Forms colonies that spread by creeping rhizomes.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms/fruits: blooms Apr-Fall. ; White to bluish, tiny flowers in long curved sprays. Centers fading to
green or purple.
Flowers have look very sweet, old-fashioned.
As a groundcover; for rehabilitating disturbed areas. Good along coast and in
Copastal Preairie areas. Excellent bee and butterfly plant. Nice in large pots, planters where they can
drape over the edges. Excellent in sandy soils. Do not eat raw or use in herbal teas – toxic.
Uses in the garden:
Sensible substitute for: non-native perennial/annual groundcovers.
Attracts: bees; butterflies (particularly Skippers and Lady’s). This is one of our best nector sources
for butterflies and other insect pollinators.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to partial shade (flowers less in shade)
Fine-medium texture best; alkali soils best
Medium water use – give occasional summer water; tolerates seasonal flooding
None required
Tolerates salty, alkali soils; seaside conditions
little required. May become invasive with abundant summer water. Competes well
with non-native weeds.
Management:
Propagation: from seed: moderately easy
by cuttings: easy from spring to fall
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 6, 10, 16
7/3/13
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