Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
(Blue Porterweed)
Common Names, Latin Name, and Family
Some of its common names include light-blue snakeweed, beach vitex, and Joee.
Its Latin name is Stachytarpheta jamaicensis.
It is found in the Verbenaceae, or verbena, family.
Form
A perennial wildflower that grows about a foot tall and spreads out prostrate.
Leaves
The leaves are alternate with obtusely toothed margins.
Flowers
The blue flowers appear all year.
Habitat
It occurs naturally in dunes, shell middens and disturbed sites.
Native Range
It is native to Florida with its northern limit being around the Tampa Bay area although there is a vouchered specimen in Wakulla County.
Landscape Use
It grows in full sun with average moisture. It does best where it has room to spread out.
The non-native variety is the one most often seen for sale at nurseries and big box stores. It tends to grow to around five feet in height.
Wildlife Uses
The flower nectar attracts butterflies, bees, and beetles. It is a favorite of butterflies.
Propagation
It can be grown from seed and transplants.