Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Justicia pacifica
Justicia pacifica (Oerst.) Hemsl.
Runyon's Water-willow
Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)
Synonym(s): Adhatoda furcata, Adhatoda furcata var. terminalis, Justicia caudata, Justicia furcata, Justicia runyonii
USDA Symbol: JUPA7
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Subshrub
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Shape: Lanceolate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Pubescence: Puberulent
Leaf Margin: Entire
Leaf Apex: Acuminate
Leaf Base: Cuneate
Breeding System: Flowers Bisexual
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: One to three feet in height.
Fruit: Capsule green. Seeds black.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: PurpleBloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep
Distribution
USA: TXNative Distribution: Texas Rio Grande Valley and Northern Mexico.
Native Habitat: Moist, partly shady soils.
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Sun , Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Conditions Comments: The foliage of this plant turns a deep, reddish maroon and retains this hue until it drops, usually in January. Then it is time to cut back the plant; for its next growing cycle. Propagation is usually achieved by planting cuttings.
Benefit
Conspicuous Flowers: yesAttracts: Butterflies
Nectar Source: yes
From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
National Butterfly Center - Mission, TX
Web Reference
Webref 23 - Southwest Environmental Information Network (2009) SEINet - Arizona ChapterAdditional resources
USDA: Find Justicia pacifica in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Justicia pacifica in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Justicia pacifica
Metadata
Record Modified: 2023-03-02Research By: Joseph A. Marcus