Chuparosa, Hummingbird-Bush
Justicia californica
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Details & Attributes
| Plant Type(s) | Perennial |
| Native to Arizona | Yes! |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Sun | Full sun, partial shade |
| Pollinators | Hummingbirds |
| Has Spines | No |
| Size In relative feet, width by height |
3' × 3-5' |
| Freeze Tolerant | Yes |
| Flowering Season | March-June |
| Flower Color | Red (sometimes yellow-orange) |
| Minimum Temperature Range | 20-25 °F |
| Leaf Description | Opposite, shed during times of drought |
| Fruit | Capsules which split when ripe |
| View on SEINet | View SEINet Entry |
| Range Map | View SEINet Range Map |
| Description | Within Arizona Chuparosa grows from Yuma in the west to Tucson in the east, and north to the Phoenix area. This is a true Sonoran desert plant, fond of well draining sandy/rocky soils and frost free conditions. A choice plant for low desert pollinator gardens where the fiery red (sometimes yellow-orange) blooms attract hummingbirds. This plant has a lanky, lean look, often dropping its leaves in response to drought, and photosynthesizing through the branches. For this reason it is wise to mix chuparosa with other drought tolerant shrubs/wildflowers such as desert cotton (Gossypium thurberi), Parry's penstemon (Penstemon parryi), pelatozo (Abutilon incanum), and sacred datura (Datura wrightii). Chuparosa can be planted at slightly higher elevations than its natural range if planted in a warm area with reflected heat. |
