Flower Properties

Property	Value
English Name	Heliotrope
MainColor	Violet
PlantType	Herb
Growth Type	Cultivated
Season	August
ImageUrl	Heliotropium-001
Photographer	DP
Location	Glyndebourne
Human Toxicity	Highly_Toxic

Flower Details

Description

Heliotropium arborescens is a tender perennial often grown as an annual, prized for its clusters of fragrant purple or violet flowers with a distinctive sweet scent, reminiscent of vanilla or cherry pie. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

Distribution

Native to Peru; cultivated widely as a bedding plant in temperate regions, including the UK, but not naturalised.

Medicinal/Other Uses

In the past, heliotrope was used in perfumery and folk medicine for respiratory ailments, though it is now avoided due to toxicity.

Edibility

Not edible.

Human Toxicity

Toxic if ingested. Contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids which can damage the liver.

Pet Toxicity

Highly toxic to cats, dogs, and horses; ingestion can cause liver failure.

Active Compounds

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (notably heliotrine) and aromatic oils responsible for its scent.