Blue Porterweed

(Stachytarpheta jamaicensis)

Blue Porterweed bloom year-round and is a low-growing plant. Small blue flowers on long spikes, open in the morning and close during the hottest part of the day. The flowers only last one day. Bees and hummingbirds are attracted to the flowers. As a tea, it is used by Bahamians to lower fever, relieve constipation, and dispel worms; and as a salve used for skin irritations. This species of Blue Porterweed is native to Florida. Nettleleaf, a similar-looking plant is non-native; however, it grows four to seven feet tall.

Information Provided by the Friends of Barefoot Beach Preserve
No Reproduction Without Written Permission
www.friendsofbarefootbeach.org