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Chuparosa

Justicia californica

true

1 gallon; 3 gallon

Chuparosa

In stock

3-4’x4-5’

Sizes:

Chuparosa (Justicia californica syn. Beloperone californica)

Native to the washes and rocky slopes of the Sonoran Desert, thriving in sandy, gravelly, or rocky soils and tolerating highly alkaline conditions. This sprawling, open shrub usually grows to about 4 feet tall and wide. For much of the year it is leafless, relying on its succulent green stems for photosynthesis, but in cooler months or with supplemental water, it will produce small, oval leaves.

From spring to fall—and often after rain—you’ll see its small, showy tubular flowers blooming in shades of bright red, orange-red, or occasionally yellow. These blooms are irresistible to hummingbirds, which are its primary pollinators, though verdins and warblers will also visit, sometimes gleaning insects from the stems.

Chuparosa is drought tolerant but will flower more abundantly with occasional irrigation. Plant it in full sun and well-drained soil for best performance. The dense, twiggy stems provide shelter for small birds and lizards, adding to its value in the wildlife garden.

The flowers have long been enjoyed by people as well—Cahuilla and other Indigenous groups ate them fresh for their sweet nectar or brewed them into tea.

Wildlife Value:
Host Plant: Tiny Checkerspot (Dymasia dymas)
Nectar Plant: Desert Black Swallowtail (Papilio polyxenes coloro); Western Tiger Swallowtail (Papilio rutulus); Pale Swallowtail (Papilio eurymedon); Monarch (Danaus plexippus); Queen (Danaus gilippus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Local Native

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Reflected Heat

Mature size:

3-4’x4-5’

Growth rate:

Moderate - Fast

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring; Summer; Fall

Pruning:

To control growth and shape

Cold Hardiness:

20 Degrees - may die back to roots but typically recovers

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Yes

Monarchs:

Yes

Larval host:

Yes

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Yes

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.