Scorpion's Tail
Heliotropium angiospermum
Last reviewed: August 2026
Scorpion's Tail (Heliotropium angiospermum) is a perennial forb native to FL, TX. It blooms in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. The flowers draw butterflies and bees. It reads as an intentional, HOA-friendly planting in the right spot.
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
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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.
Growing Scorpion's Tail
Grow Scorpion's Tail in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 36 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records 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.
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