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Runyon's Water Willow

Justicia runyonii

Last reviewed: July 2026

Runyon's Water Willow (Justicia runyonii)
Photo: TDogg310 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

12"–24" H × 12"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov

Native to

TX

Pollinators

butterflies

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

Runyon's Water Willow is a compact, evergreen perennial that forms neat clumps with narrow leaves and produces tubular flowers from summer through fall. This low-maintenance native thrives in partial sun with minimal watering once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Runyon's Water Willow 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 provides nectar for butterflies throughout the growing season. Its extended flowering makes it valuable for supporting pollinators from summer into late fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Runyon's Water Willow need?
Runyon's Water Willow grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Runyon's Water Willow bloom?
Runyon's Water Willow blooms in June, July, August, September, October, and November.
Where is Runyon's Water Willow native?
Runyon's Water Willow (Justicia runyonii) is native to TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Runyon's Water Willow attract?
Runyon's Water Willow draws butterflies.
Is Runyon's Water Willow HOA-friendly?
Runyon's Water Willow 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 Runyon's Water Willow? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz