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Scorpion's Tail

Heliotropium angiospermum

Last reviewed: June 2026

Scorpion's Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum)
Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

Scorpion's Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec

Native to

FL, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, bees

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 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

Scorpion's Tail is a low-growing native perennial that produces small white or pale blue flowers nearly year-round. This drought-tolerant plant forms a compact mound and thrives in hot, sunny conditions with minimal water requirements.

In an HOA neighborhood

Scorpion's Tail is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

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

Wildlife value

The nearly continuous blooming cycle provides nectar for butterflies and native bees throughout most of the year. This makes it particularly valuable as a consistent pollinator resource in native landscapes.

Common questions

How much sun does Scorpion's Tail need?
Scorpion's Tail grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Scorpion's Tail bloom?
Scorpion's Tail blooms in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December.
Where is Scorpion's Tail native?
Scorpion's Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum) is native to FL, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
Is Scorpion's Tail toxic to dogs?
Scorpion's Tail is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Scorpion's Tail toxic to cats?
Scorpion's Tail is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
What pollinators does Scorpion's Tail attract?
Scorpion's Tail draws butterflies and bees.
Is Scorpion's Tail HOA-friendly?
Scorpion's Tail 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 Scorpion's Tail? 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