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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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: October 2026

Toxicity unknown

Hairy Tube-tongue (Justicia pilosella) 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

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

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 459 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

Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Central Great Plains Cross Timbers 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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 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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