FloridaLandscapeIQ
Porterweed (Stachytarpheta jamaicensis) growing in South Florida
Florida NativeFFL QualifiedGrade Florida

Porterweed — South Florida Plant Guide

Stachytarpheta jamaicensis

Family: Verbenaceae · Shrub

Legal status pending editorial verification. Confirm with your county before installation.

Itilizasyon Peyizaj

butterfly gardenfoundation plantingmass plantingnaturalistic borderwildlife gardenrestoration

Etikèt Estil

florida nativenaturalisticbutterfly friendlycoastalwildlife friendly

Gid Kwasans pou Sid Florid

Bezwen Limyè

Full SunPartial Sun

Bezwen Dlo

Low2/10

Once established (12–18 months), Porterweed is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Drought tolerant once established (6-12 months). Water 2x per week during establishment. After establishment, no supplemental irrigation needed in South Florida rainy season. Minimal dry-season supplemental irrigation only. SFWMD drought exempt as Florida native.

Tè ak Fètilizasyon

sandylimestonefillcoastal

Fertilizer: Light balanced slow-release fertilizer — minimal need as Florida native

Schedule: Generally not required as Florida native. Light slow-release fertilizer in February if deficiency observed.

Tolerans Sèl

Moderate (5/10) — some protection from direct spray recommended
Wotè Matire
24 ft
Lajè Matire
24 ft
Vitès Kwasans
fast
Bezwen Dlo
2/10
Nòt Florida
Florida
Pri Enstalasyon
$
Zòn USDA
9b, 10a, 10b, 11
Estati FLEPPC
None
Nòt Iguàn
4/10

Kote pou Achte nan Sid Florid

Jwenn Porterweed nan pepinyè Sid Florid — verifye disponiblite ak pri nan pepinyè pre ou.

Kesyon Souvan Poze

How fast does Porterweed grow in South Florida?

Porterweed has a fast growth rate. In South Florida's warm, humid climate it typically establishes quickly with proper watering and fertilization.

Is Porterweed safe for pets?

Yes, Porterweed is considered pet-safe. Non-toxic to dogs and cats. Fully safe for pet-accessible landscapes.

How much water does Porterweed need in South Florida?

Low water needs (2/10). Once established (12–18 months), Porterweed is drought-tolerant and requires minimal supplemental irrigation in South Florida.

Can Porterweed tolerate salt air in South Florida?

Porterweed has moderate salt tolerance (5/10). It can handle some coastal exposure but should be protected from direct ocean spray.

Is Porterweed available in Miami-Dade County?

In Miami-Dade County, Porterweed is classified as: protected. Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.

Disponiblite pa Konte nan Sid Florid

Miami-Dade County

Protected

Florida native — protected from HOA prohibition under Florida Statute 720.3075.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–11. Tropical climate, year-round warmth and humidity.

Wè Gid Konte →

Broward County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good for Broward County native plant and butterfly garden programs.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical with warm winters and wet/dry seasons.

Wè Gid Konte →

Palm Beach County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Good for Palm Beach County native garden and wildlife habitat applications.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 9b–10b. Transitional zone with occasional winter cold in north.

Wè Gid Konte →

Collier County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Excellent for Collier County native garden and restoration applications.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 10a–10b. Subtropical Gulf Coast with seasonal flooding.

Wè Gid Konte →

Monroe County

Protected

Florida native — protected. Porterweed is extremely common in the Florida Keys and is one of the Keys' most important native butterfly host plants.

✓ Bon pou Kòt

USDA Zone 11. Tropical maritime, highest salt exposure of all 5 counties.

Wè Gid Konte →

Referans konplè òdonans disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl. Toujou verifye egzijans konte aktyèl anvan enstalasyon.

Bezwen yon Fich Espesifikasyon?

Ekspòte yon PDF pou kliyan ak espesifikasyon Nòt Florida, estati legal konte ak risk echèk. Disponib pou abòne Pwofesyonèl.

Jenere Fich Espesifikasyon →

Ask about Porterweed

Get answers grounded in UF/IFAS research and South Florida landscape data.