Heliotropium curassavicum (Salt Heliotrope, Quail Plant)

Plant Profile

Heliotropium curassavicum, known as Salt Heliotrope or Quail Plant, is a low, spreading, succulent perennial native to coastal and saline habitats across the Americas. It has fleshy, blue-green leaves and produces coiled spikes (scorpioid cymes) of tiny, white flowers with yellow centers. Highly salt and drought tolerant.

Key Characteristics

• Family: Boraginaceae
• Genus: Heliotropium (hee-lee-oh-TROH-pee-um)
• Species: curassavicum (ku-ra-SAV-ik-um)

Growing Conditions

Full sun, well-drained soil. Excellent salt and drought tolerance. Hardy in USDA zones 8–11.

Landscape Uses

Coastal gardens, saline sites, rock gardens, butterfly gardens. Host plant for some butterflies.

Maintenance

Minimal. Very tough.