Smooth Heliotrope
Heliotropium curassavicum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Heliotropium curassavicum is a salt-tolerant native forb found across most US states, blooming white flowers from June through October. This drought-resistant plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles in coastal and alkaline habitats.
Smooth Heliotrope (Heliotropium curassavicum) 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.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Smooth Heliotrope as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
4"–16" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 28 more states
Pollinators
bees, butterflies, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Smooth heliotrope is a low-growing perennial with small white or pale blue flowers that bloom from summer through fall. This drought-tolerant native forms spreading mats and thrives in sunny, dry conditions with minimal care.
Growing Smooth Heliotrope
Grow Smooth Heliotrope in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 4 to 16 inches tall and spread 8 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smooth Heliotrope takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Spreading mat habit appears weedy
- Small flowers lack visual impact for formal landscapes
- Common name includes 'weed-like' associations
Wildlife value
The long blooming period provides nectar for bees, butterflies, and beetles from June through October. Its extended flowering season makes it valuable for supporting pollinators during late summer and fall when fewer plants are in bloom.
Common questions
- When does Heliotropium curassavicum bloom?
- Smooth Heliotrope blooms from June through October, producing small white flowers in curved, scorpioid clusters.
- What pollinators visit Heliotropium curassavicum?
- This native plant attracts bees, butterflies, and beetles with its nectar-rich flowers.
- Where is Heliotropium curassavicum native?
- Smooth Heliotrope is native to most US states including coastal regions from Maine to Texas and western states from California to Montana.
- What growing conditions does Heliotropium curassavicum prefer?
- This plant thrives in full sun with low water requirements, making it well-suited for dry, alkaline, and salt-affected soils.
- Is Smooth Heliotrope toxic to dogs?
- Smooth Heliotrope is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
- Is Smooth Heliotrope toxic to cats?
- Smooth Heliotrope is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
- Is Smooth Heliotrope toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Smooth Heliotrope as toxic to livestock.
- Is Smooth Heliotrope HOA-friendly?
- Smooth Heliotrope takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Smooth Heliotrope? 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