Justicia californica can often still be found labeled as Beloperone californica. The common name is
Chuparosa which means hummingbird in Spanish. The long slender orange-red flowers are great for
attracting hummingbirds. Chuparosa plants
will be in flower after rains from February through the early Fall. Justicia californica is
native to warmer sections of the low desert in California, Arizona and Northern Mexico. The
Chuparosa flowers are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked. Justicia californica
plants will grow to 4 feet tall and can spread 8 feet or more. Chuparosa can be found in the wild
in washes and disturbed areas. The soft grey triangular leaves will vary in size from 1/2 an inch
to virtually nothing, depending upon how much rain has fallen recently.
High resolutionimages of Justicia californica are available.
