Clasping Heliotrope
Heliotropium amplexicaule
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Réunion, Uruguay
Harry Rose (www.flickr.com) from South West Rocks, Australia
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Boraginaceae
- Genus:
- Heliotropium
- Species:
- Heliotropium amplexicaule
- USDA Symbol:
- HEAM4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet, blue
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Reported Fauna Sightings
Bees: Brown-belted bumble (Bombus griseocollis), Common eastern (Bombus impatiens), Triepeolus lunatus, ⚠️Western honey bee (Apis mellifera) Butterflies:American Lady (Vanessa virginiensis), Checkered White (Pontia protodice), Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia), Fiery Skipper (Hylephila phyleus), Hedone vibex, Horace's Duskywing (Erynnis horatius), Julia butterfly (Dione vanillae), Ocola Skipper (Panoquina ocola), Salt Marsh Skipper (Panoquina panoquin), White Peacock (Anartia jatrophae)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- butterflies, bees
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to open grasslands and rocky areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Germination Time:
- 14–28 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm conditions without pretreatment. Light may improve germination rates.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI