Search Plants
Try for Free
English
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Water-willows (Justicia)
Water-willows are a large genus comprising hundreds of species of water-loving plants, all of which grow in wetlands and damp habitats. These plants thrive in the warm tropical climates of Africa, India, and the Americas. The shrimp-like flowers of many species in this genus explain the common name "shrimp plant", and are much-loved by butterflies.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Water-willows
Feedback
Attributes of Water-willows
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Water-willows
Distribution of Water-willows
Feedback
Distribution Map of Water-willows
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Water-willows
Feedback
The genus 'water-willows' hosts a wide range of perennial flowering plants requiring moderate care. Basic needs involve bright, indirect light with evenly moist, well-draining soils, in an environment that is warm and humid. Water significantly reducing during winter. Challenges include susceptibility to pests like aphids and mealybugs and diseases like root rot, particularly if overwatered. Foliage may drop in temperatures below 50°F. Seasonally, they prefer more water and indirect sunlight during spring and summer, reduction in both during winter.
Exploring the Water-willows Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Shrimp plant
This evergreen shrub comes from the understory of tropical forests in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. The shrimp plant is a popular, hardy landscaping choice that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One look at the distinctive bracts at the tips of its stems will tell you exactly how this plant got its common name.
Brazilian-plume
Brazilian-plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub species grows best in the shade, but can still grow in sunlight. Brazilian-plume is often commonly called the “Pine-Bur Begonia” and “Flamingo Flower.” This plant is native to South Africa. It is often planted in tropical gardens because of its bright pink foliage.
Mexican honeysuckle
Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a flowering perennial shrub that grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. Mexican honeysuckle is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Mexican honeysuckle is used to make tea, which dyes the steeping water blue.
American water-willow
American water-willow (Justicia americana) is a perennial aquatic plant that will grow from 30 to 91 cm above the water. Commonly found growing along streams it forms dense colonies that help to stabilize shorelines. Its leaves look like willow tree leaves. Blooms from spring to fall with white orchid-like flowers. It grows by rhizomes that provide food for fish ducks and other aquatic lifeforms as well as beavers nutria and muskrats.
Hummingbird bush
Hummingbird bush (Justicia californica) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow from 61 to 213 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with bright red tubular-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other long-beaked birds. Commonly found growing along rocky hillsides washes or sandy plains. Grows in full sun and prefers sandy well-drained soil.
Water willow
Water willow (Justicia gendarussa) is a shrub that’s indigenous to the tropical parts of Africa and Asia. It is used as an attractive ornamental plant and can be grown into barrier hedges. Dried water willow leaves can reportedly be used to keep insects from attacking clothing.
Brazilian shrimp plant
Brazilian shrimp plant features uniquely shaped blooms that resemble shrimp. In addition to its ornamental qualities, it has traditional medicinal uses in Brazil and is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to gardens.
Squirrel's tail
Squirrel's tail is a shrubby herb native to the tropical parts of Asia and Africa. It has become very invasive in both Australia and Hawaii, where it forms dense infestations along ponds, rivers, and streams, crowding out native plants.
All Species of Water-willows
Shrimp plant
Shrimp plant
This evergreen shrub comes from the understory of tropical forests in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. The shrimp plant is a popular, hardy landscaping choice that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One look at the distinctive bracts at the tips of its stems will tell you exactly how this plant got its common name.
Brazilian-plume
Brazilian-plume
Brazilian-plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub species grows best in the shade, but can still grow in sunlight. Brazilian-plume is often commonly called the “Pine-Bur Begonia” and “Flamingo Flower.” This plant is native to South Africa. It is often planted in tropical gardens because of its bright pink foliage.
Mexican honeysuckle
Mexican honeysuckle
Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a flowering perennial shrub that grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. Mexican honeysuckle is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Mexican honeysuckle is used to make tea, which dyes the steeping water blue.
American water-willow
American water-willow
American water-willow (Justicia americana) is a perennial aquatic plant that will grow from 30 to 91 cm above the water. Commonly found growing along streams it forms dense colonies that help to stabilize shorelines. Its leaves look like willow tree leaves. Blooms from spring to fall with white orchid-like flowers. It grows by rhizomes that provide food for fish ducks and other aquatic lifeforms as well as beavers nutria and muskrats.
Hummingbird bush
Hummingbird bush
Hummingbird bush (Justicia californica) is a deciduous perennial shrub that will grow from 61 to 213 cm tall. It blooms from spring to summer with bright red tubular-shaped flowers that attract hummingbirds and other long-beaked birds. Commonly found growing along rocky hillsides washes or sandy plains. Grows in full sun and prefers sandy well-drained soil.
Water willow
Water willow
Water willow (Justicia gendarussa) is a shrub that’s indigenous to the tropical parts of Africa and Asia. It is used as an attractive ornamental plant and can be grown into barrier hedges. Dried water willow leaves can reportedly be used to keep insects from attacking clothing.
Brazilian shrimp plant
Brazilian shrimp plant
Brazilian shrimp plant features uniquely shaped blooms that resemble shrimp. In addition to its ornamental qualities, it has traditional medicinal uses in Brazil and is known to attract hummingbirds and butterflies to gardens.
Squirrel's tail
Squirrel's tail
Squirrel's tail is a shrubby herb native to the tropical parts of Asia and Africa. It has become very invasive in both Australia and Hawaii, where it forms dense infestations along ponds, rivers, and streams, crowding out native plants.
Justicia ventricosa
Justicia ventricosa
Justicia ventricosa is a vibrant tropical shrub featuring lush green foliage and conspicuous, inflated tubular flowers that range from purple to pink. Its swollen, balloon-like lower lip serves as a distinctive landing pad for pollinators. Growing best in moist, well-drained soil, justicia ventricosa thrives under dappled sunlight, mirroring its native understory habitat. This unique floral morphology aids in distinguishing it from other species.
Brazilian fuchsia
Brazilian fuchsia
The small shrub brazilian fuchsia makes an excellent container plant or in-the-ground garden plant in Mediterranean gardens. The tubular flowers with multi-colored tips attract hummingbirds, and the plant can tolerate high heat and humidity.
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants and unlimited guides at your fingertips...
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Botanist in your pocket
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app
About
Key Facts
Distribution
How To Care
All Species
More Genus
Water-willows
Justicia
Water-willows are a large genus comprising hundreds of species of water-loving plants, all of which grow in wetlands and damp habitats. These plants thrive in the warm tropical climates of Africa, India, and the Americas. The shrimp-like flowers of many species in this genus explain the common name "shrimp plant", and are much-loved by butterflies.
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Herb/Vine
Key Facts About Water-willows
Feedback
Attributes of Water-willows
Leaf type
Semi-evergreen
Ideal Temperature
15 - 38 ℃
Scientific Classification of Water-willows
Distribution of Water-willows
Feedback
Distribution Map of Water-willows
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
How to Grow and Care for Water-willows
Feedback
The genus 'water-willows' hosts a wide range of perennial flowering plants requiring moderate care. Basic needs involve bright, indirect light with evenly moist, well-draining soils, in an environment that is warm and humid. Water significantly reducing during winter. Challenges include susceptibility to pests like aphids and mealybugs and diseases like root rot, particularly if overwatered. Foliage may drop in temperatures below 50°F. Seasonally, they prefer more water and indirect sunlight during spring and summer, reduction in both during winter.
Exploring the Water-willows Plants
Feedback
8 most common species：
Shrimp plant
This evergreen shrub comes from the understory of tropical forests in Mexico, Honduras, and Guatemala. The shrimp plant is a popular, hardy landscaping choice that will attract hummingbirds and butterflies. One look at the distinctive bracts at the tips of its stems will tell you exactly how this plant got its common name.
Brazilian-plume
Brazilian-plume (Justicia carnea) is a shrub species grows best in the shade, but can still grow in sunlight. Brazilian-plume is often commonly called the “Pine-Bur Begonia” and “Flamingo Flower.” This plant is native to South Africa. It is often planted in tropical gardens because of its bright pink foliage.
Mexican honeysuckle
Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera) is a flowering perennial shrub that grows well in full sunlight or partial shade. Mexican honeysuckle is native to Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, and Mexico. Mexican honeysuckle is used to make tea, which dyes the steeping water blue.
American water-willow
American water-willow (Justicia americana) is a perennial aquatic plant that will grow from 30 to 91 cm above the water. Commonly found growing along streams it forms dense colonies that help to stabilize shorelines. Its leaves look like willow tree leaves. Blooms from spring to fall with white orchid-like flowers. It grows by rhizomes that provide food for fish ducks and other aquatic lifeforms as well as beavers nutria and muskrats.
Show More Species
All Species of Water-willows
More Popular Genus
Feedback
Dracaena
Dracaena are popular house plants that are easy to grow. They can tolerate low-light conditions and require little watering. Their leaves range from variegated to dark green. Their characteristic traits include woody stems that grow slowly but offer a striking appearance for small spaces such as apartments or offices.
Fig trees
Fig trees have been cultivated in many regions for their fruits, particularly the common fig, F. carica. Most of the species have edible fruits, although the common fig is the only one of commercial value. Fig trees are also important food sources for wildlife in the tropics, including monkeys, bats, and insects.
Brambles
Brambles are members of the rose family, and there are hundreds of different types to be found throughout the European countryside. They have been culturally significant for centuries; Christian folklore stories hold that when the devil was thrown from heaven, he landed on a bramble bush. Their vigorous growth habit can tangle into native plants and take over.
Maples
The popular tree family known as maples change the color of their leaves in the fall. Many cultural traditions encourage people to watch the colors change, such as momijigari in Japan. Maples popular options for bonsai art. Alternately, their sap is used to create maple syrup.
Prunus
Prunus is a genus of flowering fruit trees that includes almonds, cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines, and apricots. These are often known as "stone fruits" because their pits are large seeds or "stones." When prunus trees are damaged, they exhibit "gummosis," a condition in which the tree's gum (similar to sap) is secreted to the bark to help heal external wounds.
Nightshades
Nightshades is a large and diverse genus of plants, with more than 1500 different types worldwide. This genus incorporates both important staple food crops like tomato, potato, and eggplant, but also dangerous poisonous plants from the nightshade family. The name was coined by Pliny the Elder almost two thousand years ago.
Roses
Most species of roses are shrubs or climbing plants that have showy flowers and sharp thorns. They are commonly cultivated for cut flowers or as ornamental plants in gardens due to their attractive appearance, pleasant fragrance, and cultural significance in many countries. The rose hips (fruits) can also be used in jams and teas.
Oaks
Oaks are among the world's longest-lived trees, sometimes growing for over 1,000 years! The oldest known oak tree is in the southern United States and is over 1,500 years old. Oaks produce an exceedingly popular type of wood which is used to make different products, from furniture and flooring to wine barrels and even cosmetic creams.
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
Nearly 5 years of research
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
Continue reading in our app - it's better
A database of 400000+ plants
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
unlimited guides at your fingertips...
