Preferred habitat: fields, along streams, in and on edge of open woods + + + + Foliage / winter appearance: dormant in winter + + + + Soil conditions:
loam, well drained + + + + Light conditions: dappled shade to full sun + + + + Plant spacing: 2 to 3 feet + + + + Wildlife value: larval food plant for family of butterflies
called heliconians, and toxic properties of plant tissue serve to protect the butterflies from predators; feeds the spring caterpillars of the pretty Gulf Fritillary Butterfly