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Heliotropium arborescens

Previously known as:

  • Heliotropium peruvianum
Phonetic Spelling
hee-lee-oh-TROH-pee-um ar-bor-ESS-enz
This plant has medium severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Heliotropium arborescens is a tender perennial shrub grown as a summer annual or container plant. In its natural tropical range, it can grow 2 - 6 feet tall by 6 - 8 wide. It is strongly fragrant with a vanilla-like scent.

All parts of the plant are poisonous, but toxic to humans only if consumed in large quantities. However, it is toxic to horses and can induce liver failure.  Although not very palatable, it will be eaten by animals with no other forage, or when hay is contaminated.

More information on Heliotropium.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#fragrant#poisonous#full sun tolerant#well-drained soil#spreading#summer flowers#tender perennials#deer resistant#partial shade tolerant#problem for horses#tropical feel#perennial
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#purple#fragrant#poisonous#full sun tolerant#well-drained soil#spreading#summer flowers#tender perennials#deer resistant#partial shade tolerant#problem for horses#tropical feel#perennial
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Heliotropium
    Species:
    arborescens
    Family:
    Boraginaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Annual
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Seed
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Western South America
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Annual
    Herbaceous Perennial
    Poisonous
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Spreading
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Fragrant
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Fall
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Flowers are small, on a slender, coiled, stem. The buds are a deep lilac and lighten with age to almost white.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Rough
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Ovate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    Rough, dark green leaves (to 3” long) are prominently veined.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Problems:
    Poisonous to Humans
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Medium
    Poison Symptoms:
    Digestive upset and liver damage
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Pyrrolizidine alkaloid
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Fruits
    Leaves
    Roots
    Sap/Juice
    Seeds
    Stems