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Red Porterweed

Scientific Name
Stachytarpheta mutabilis
Family 
Verbenaceae
Status
Non-Native (ornamental)
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Botanical Description

Stachytarpheta mutabilis, commonly known as Red Porterweed, is a fast-growing perennial shrub typically reaching 3-6 feet (1-2 m) tall. It is widely planted for its showy flower spikes.

Growth Form
  • Upright, loosely branching habit
  • Semi-woody stems
  • Forms open clumps
  • Spreads moderately in warm climates
Leaves
  • Opposite arrangement
  • Oval to lance-shaped
  • 2-6 inches long
  • Rough-textured surface
  • Serrated (toothed) margins
  • Medium to dark green
Flowers
  • Bright red to reddish-orange
  • Small tubular shape
  • Arranged along elongated spikes
  • Bloom sequentially from base upward
  • Long flowering season in warm climates
  • Flowers are highly attractive to butterflies and hummingbirds.
Fruit
  • Small and dry
  • Not showy
  • Often unnoticed in ornamental plantings

Habitat

Grows in Human-Altered Environment (yards, gardens).

Distribution 

Native to tropical Central and South America.

Ecological Importance

  • Strong nectar source for butterflies 

  • Attracts hummingbird- The Bahama Woodstar 

  • Supports pollinators in landscaped areas 

  • Limited ecological contribution compared to native species

Cultural Notes

  • Popular butterfly garden plant 

  • Used for color and height in landscape design 

  • Blooms over extended periods 

  • May reseed in favorable conditions 

  • While attractive and useful for pollinators, it should be managed responsibly to prevent unwanted spread.

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