How much sun does Hairy Tube-tongue need?

Hairy Tube-tongue grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Hairy Tube-tongue bloom?

Hairy Tube-tongue blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.

Where is Hairy Tube-tongue native?

Hairy Tube-tongue (Justicia pilosella) is native to NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Hairy Tube-tongue attract?

Hairy Tube-tongue draws butterflies and nectar insects.

Is Hairy Tube-tongue HOA-friendly?

Hairy Tube-tongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Hairy Tube-tongue

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Justicia pilosella

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

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

Native to

NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, nectar insects

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain

Justicia pilosella is a compact native perennial that forms neat, low mounds with small tubular flowers. It blooms reliably from spring through fall, providing consistent color and structure in the landscape. This drought-tolerant plant thrives in partial sun and requires minimal water once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy Tube-tongue is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

The long blooming period and tubular flowers make this an excellent nectar source for butterflies and other beneficial insects. Its extended flowering season provides reliable food from spring through late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairy Tube-tongue need?: Hairy Tube-tongue grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Hairy Tube-tongue bloom?: Hairy Tube-tongue blooms in March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Hairy Tube-tongue native?: Hairy Tube-tongue (Justicia pilosella) is native to NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Hairy Tube-tongue attract?: Hairy Tube-tongue draws butterflies and nectar insects.
Is Hairy Tube-tongue HOA-friendly?: Hairy Tube-tongue is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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