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Brazilian-tea

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Last reviewed: September 2026

Brazilian-tea (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is a perennial forb native to FL. It blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November. The flowers draw butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Brazilian-tea (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
Photo: (c) Dayron Breto, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Brazilian-tea (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

24"–48" H × 24"–36" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

FL

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Brazilian-tea.

A woody-based perennial with slender flowering spikes that open a few small blue flowers at a time nearly year-round in frost-free spots. It benefits from periodic pruning to keep its naturally leggy habit in check.

Growing Brazilian-tea

Grow Brazilian-tea in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

It is an outstanding, long-blooming nectar source for a wide range of butterflies as well as bees and hummingbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Brazilian-tea need?
Brazilian-tea grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Brazilian-tea bloom?
Brazilian-tea blooms in April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Brazilian-tea native?
Brazilian-tea (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) is native to FL, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Brazilian-tea attract?
Brazilian-tea draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Brazilian-tea? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.