Stachytarpheta jamaicensis
(Blue Porterweed)

Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)

Common Names and Latin Name

Light-blue snakeweed, beach vitex, and Joee.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Family

It is found in the Verbenaceae, or verbena, family.

Form

A perennial wildflower that grows about a foot tall and spreads out prostrate.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)

Leaves

The leaves are alternate with obtusely toothed margins.

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)

Flowers

The blue flowers appear all year.

longtailed skipper nectaring on a porterweed flower
Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (blue porterweed)

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.  

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