Spiked Spiralflag
Costus spicatus
- Native to:
- Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Leeward Is., Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © florian_g (iNaturalist #267842597)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Costaceae
- Genus:
- Costus
- Species:
- Costus spicatus
- USDA Symbol:
- COSP4
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Shrub , Subshrub
- Height:
- 300 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- red, orange, yellow
Wildlife Benefits
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, butterflies
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 6.5 (slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers organic matter-rich environments