Mortellaro's Nursery
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Scorpion Tail from Mortellaros
Scorpion Tail
Heliotropium angiospermum
Scorpion Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum) is a tropical wildflower that thrives in warm regions, especially South Texas and coastal areas. This plant is known for its unusual curved flower spikes that resemble the arch of a scorpion’s tail. It is not a Texas native in the sense of being widespread across the state, but it does occur naturally in the southernmost part of Texas and much of the Gulf Coast into Florida and the Caribbean. Because of its tropical origins, it is best suited for warm, frost-free regions of Texas or as a seasonal annual in cooler zones.
In the landscape, Scorpion Tail is an excellent choice for butterfly and pollinator gardens. Its small white flowers attract a wide range of native bees and butterflies, providing nectar throughout much of the year. It prefers full sun to part shade and tolerates the intense afternoon heat of Texas summers. This plant grows well in sandy or loamy soils with good drainage, and while it can handle poor soils, it does not tolerate prolonged wet conditions. In areas with alkaline soils, it performs acceptably, though slightly acidic to neutral soils will give the best growth.
Scorpion Tail typically grows to about 2–3 feet tall and wide, with a somewhat sprawling habit. It works well in mixed wildflower plantings, as a filler in butterfly gardens, or as a seasonal border. Because it is not deer resistant, it may need protection in areas with heavy browsing pressure. In frost-prone regions of Texas, it is best treated as an annual. While it can reseed under the right conditions, it usually does not return reliably after a hard freeze, and roots are killed by cold. Heavy mulching can help it return in the spring. Spacing plants about 18–24 inches apart allows them to fill in without overcrowding.
Scorpion Tail is highly frost-sensitive and can be grown in the ground, or containers as to bring in for winter. In Central and North Texas, it will typically die back completely with the first freeze, but mulching heavily would assist in returning the following spring. Gardeners who wish to keep it going can collect seed in fall and replant in spring. In far South Texas, it may persist through mild winters, but it should still be treated as a tender plant.
Like many species in the Heliotropium genus, Scorpion Tail contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids. These compounds can be toxic to livestock and pets if ingested in significant amounts. While it is not usually considered a major threat in home landscapes, it is best to prevent pets or grazing animals from consuming the foliage.
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Pollinator magnet |
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Container speciman |
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Reseeds lightly |
Flower Color:White |
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Height:2-3 ft |
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Spread:2-3 ft |
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Spacing:18-24 in |
Interesting Notes
Toxic to livestock & pets
USDA Hardiness Zone 9b
Characteristics & Attributes
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Deer Tolerance
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Exposure
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Habit
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Soil pH Preference
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Water Needs
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Texas Native
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Tolerates Poor Drainage
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Toxic to Pets
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