Heimia salicifolia

Scientific Name (Genus/Species): Heimia salicifolia

Family: (Lythraceae)

Tender shrub to 10′.  Willow-leaved Heimia, Elixir of the Sun.  South US, C & S America.  This unusual plant has many slender, woody stems that are densely covered in mostly opposite, narrow, linear, green leaves.  Small flowers have six, bright yellow, somewhat wrinkled, roundly obovate petals.  The petals are attached to the rim of the tube-shaped floral cup with 12 stamens inserted low in the cup.  The flowers arise from the leaf axils and bloom in profusion all summer.  This plant is very accommodating – in the spring we plant it in our Flower Garden and Order Beds then dig it up in the fall.  It never skips a beat.  4 & T2