Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Stachytarpheta jamaicensis |
| Family Name: | Verbenaceae |
| Common Name(s): | Blue Porterweed, Jamaica Vervain, Blue Snake Weed |
| Size: | 2-3 feet tall and wide |
| Plant Type: | Herbaceous perennial |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to the Caribbean and parts of Florida |
| Native to: | Caribbean, Florida |
| Native range in the USA: | Florida and other tropical and subtropical areas |
| Conservation Status: | Not threatened |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Spring, after the last frost |
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to minimal shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained, fertile |
| Soil pH: | 6.1 to 7.5 (acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Medium; drought-tolerant once established but prefers consistent moisture |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Light; a balanced fertilizer every few months during the growing season |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune regularly to encourage bushier growth and more flowering |
| Growth Rate: | Fast; can quickly fill in the space in a garden |
| Companion Planting: | Complements other butterfly-attracting plants like Lantana, Milkweed, and Salvia |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | High; once established it requires little water |
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; does not tolerate frost well (below 32°F / 0°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Very high; thrives in hot climates (up to 95°F / 35°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Medium; can withstand moderate winds but may require some protection from strong winds |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate; can handle some salt spray, making it suitable for coastal gardens |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 8-11 |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Insignificant; small nutlets |
| Harvest Time: | N/A |
| Fruit Description: | N/A |
| Edible Plant: | No |
| Edible Parts: | Only leaves, when properly prepared. More information below in Health and Safety. |
| Medicinal: | Not recommended due to potential toxicity. More information below in Health and Safety. |
| Flower Color: | Vivid blue to violet |
| Flower Shape: | Small, tubular |
| Fragrance: | Mildly fragrant |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Throughout the year, peaking in summer |
| Bloom Duration: | Continuous when conditions are favorable |
| Pollination: Self or Other? |
Pollinates as a grouping |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds |
| Pollinators: | Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are key pollinators |
| Problematic Pest: | Sometimes affected by aphids and spider mites |
Health and Safety
| Edible Plant: | Yes, the leaves are used to make herbal teas known for their medicinal properties. |
| Edible Parts: | Leaves, when properly prepared. |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used to treat hypertension and inflammation; often brewed as a tea. |
| Toxic: | The plant can be toxic if not properly prepared. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using for medicinal purposes. |
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | Raw plant parts are considered toxic and should not be consumed without proper preparation. |
| Toxic to Humans: | Potentially toxic if ingested raw or improperly prepared. |
| Toxic to Animals: | Potentially toxic to animals, especially if consumed in large quantities or if the plant is not properly prepared. |
Blue Porterweed (Stachytarpheta Jamaicensis)
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis, also known as Blue Porterweed. This captivating perennial is renowned for its vivid blue to violet flowers that gracefully adorn its sprawling stems. Native to the warm climates of the Caribbean and Florida, Blue Porterweed thrives in sunny gardens where it adds a continuous splash of color from its profuse blooms. With its ability to grow up to 2-3 feet in both height and spread, it is an excellent choice for gardeners looking to fill their landscapes with dense, flowering foliage.
Blue Porterweed’s low maintenance and drought-resistant nature make it a favored choice for sustainable gardening. It effortlessly attracts a variety of pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden while maintaining a lush and vibrant appearance throughout the year. Explore the growth habits, ideal conditions, and landscaping potential of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis on this page, and learn how this robust and ornamental plant can transform your garden into a lively, flourishing haven.
Companion Planting
Companion planting with Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (Blue Porterweed) can enhance the beauty and ecological balance of your garden. Here are some ideal companion plants that are both Florida Native and Florida Friendly. These plants share similar environmental preferences and complement the attractive features of Blue Porterweed:
Florida Native Plants
Butterfly Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Zone Range: 3-9
Benefits: Butterfly Milkweed is a magnet for monarch butterflies and other pollinators, which complements the pollinator-attracting nature of Blue Porterweed. Both plants thrive in full sun and well-drained soil.
Use: Excellent for creating a vibrant butterfly garden.
Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 8b-11
Benefits: Firebush offers beautiful red-orange flowers that contrast nicely with the blue of the Porterweed. It's also a favorite among hummingbirds and butterflies, enhancing the garden's appeal to wildlife.
Use: Suitable for background planting or mixed borders.
Cocoplum (Chrysobalanus icaco)
Zone Range: 10-11
Benefits: Cocoplum features attractive foliage and edible fruits, providing structural background to the lower-growing Porterweed. Its tolerance for salt spray makes it ideal for coastal areas.
Use: Great for hedges or as a part of edible landscapes.
Florida Friendly Plants
Lantana (Lantana camara)
Zone Range: 8-11
Benefits: Lantana's colorful blooms create a high-contrast visual with Blue Porterweed and both plants are excellent at attracting a wide variety of pollinators.
Use: Ideal for borders or as ground cover in sunny areas.
Pentas (Pentas lanceolata)
Zone Range: 9-11
Benefits: With its star-shaped flowers, Pentas attract butterflies and hummingbirds, similar to Blue Porterweed. It thrives under the same sun and moisture conditions.
Use: Works well in mixed beds for continuous blooming.
Salvia (Salvia spp.)
Zone Range: Varies by species
Benefits: Salvias offer a range of colors and maintain a long blooming season, which can help extend the visual interest of your garden when paired with Blue Porterweed.
Use: Perfect for adding height and color diversity in full-sun plantings.
These companion plants not only match the growth requirements of Blue Porterweed but also enhance the overall aesthetic and functional dynamics of the garden, supporting biodiversity and providing a continuous and varied display of colors and textures.