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© Donald Hobern from Copenhagen, Denmark, some rights reserved (CC-BY) · Wikimedia Commons
Heliotropium, Genus, amplexicaule, Species,
- Genus & species
fragrant heliotrope
Overview
Heliotropium amplexicaule is a sprawling perennial herb reaching 12-20 inches (30-50 cm) tall and spreading 24-40 inches (60-100 cm) wide. Stems are branched and covered in short stiff hairs, often trailing along the ground before turning upward at the tips. Leaves are stalkless and clasp the stem, lance-shaped to oblong, 1-3 inches (2.5-8 cm) long, with wavy margins and a rough, hairy surface. Flowers are violet to purple-blue with a yellow throat, about 0.2-0.3 inch (5-8 mm) across, carried in coiled one-sided clusters that unfurl as the flowers open. Bloom extends from spring through autumn in warm climates, with scattered flowering year-round where frosts are absent. The flowers carry a sweet scent. Plants develop a deep woody taproot that resprouts after top growth is cut or frosted. All parts contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that cause cumulative liver damage in livestock and humans if ingested. H. amplexicaule is native to South America and is declared a noxious weed across several Australian states, where it forms dense patches in pasture and disturbed ground. Frost kills the above-ground growth in cooler zones, but the taproot regenerates in spring.
Native Range
Native to subtropical and temperate South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and southern Brazil. Occurs in grassland, along riverbanks, and on disturbed ground. Widely naturalized in Australia, southern Africa, and parts of North America.Suggested Uses
Not cultivated ornamentally in regions where it is declared a weed. In its native range it occurs in open grassland and disturbed sites. Its toxicity and spreading root system limit garden use.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 1'8"
Width/Spread2' - 3'4"
Bloom Information
Flowers from spring through autumn, roughly September to May in the southern hemisphere, with peak bloom in summer. In frost-free climates scattered flowers appear year-round. Frost ends flowering until the taproot resprouts the following spring.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
violet to purple-blue with yellow throatFoliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
