Justicia pilosella, commonly known as hairy tube-tongue, Gregg’s tube tongue, or false honeysuckle, is a perennial herb that is native to semi-arid grasslands, open woodlands, and rocky slopes in New Mexico, Texas, and east-central Mexico. It typically grows to about 12 inches in height and can spread to form small clumps. This species thrives in clearings and forest edges where the soil is rocky or gravelly. The plant is characterized by its hairy foliage and tubular flowers, which are usually orange to red, blooming from late spring to early fall and attracting hummingbirds and butterflies.

In cultivation, Justicia pilosella is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to attract pollinators. It is often used in xeriscaping, rock gardens, and as a border plant in areas with dry, well-drained soils. It requires minimal maintenance once established and prefers full sun to partial shade. While it is not prone to many diseases, overwatering can lead to root rot. Gardeners should be aware that it may self-seed and spread if conditions are favorable, but it is not typically aggressive.CC BY-SA 4.0