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Native Plant Society of Texas

Runyon's Water Willow

Justicia runyonii

Other common name(s):

Family:

Acanthaceae (Acanthus Family)

Plant Ecoregion Distribution Map

This map uses data from the US EPA. EPA  servers have been offline frequently so maps may not display. We are working on a solution.

Gulf Coast Prairies and Marshes
Lower Rio Grande Alluvial Floodplain, Lower Rio Grande Valley

Plant Characteristics

Growth Form

Herbaceous

Height

1
to
2
ft.

Spread

1
to
1
ft.

Leaf Retention

Evergreen

Lifespan

Perennial

Habitat and Care Requirements

Soil Type(s)

Sand, Loam, Clay, Moist

Light Requirement

Part Shade, Shade

Water Requirement

Low, Medium

Native Habitat

Woodland

Bloom and Attraction

Bloom Color

Purple

Bloom Season

Summer, Fall

Seasonal Interest

Nectar, Larval Host

Wildlife Benefit

Butterflies

Maintenance

Rare in the wild, but is propagated commercially. Stems will fall over as they get longer and become woody when older. Cut stems back after leaves drop. Propagation: stem cutting.

Comments

Blooms April-September. Upright stems with lance shaped leaves that turn a deep reddish maroon color and keep that hue until they fall off. Pale purplish flowers are tubular. The fruit is a capsule with black seeds. Larval host: Malachite Butterfly.
Previous Scientific Name(s): Justicia pacifica, Justicia caudata, Justicia furcata, Adhatoda furcata, Adhatoda furcata var. terminalis

References

Learn about how to propagate Texas native plants.

Material Treatment Method Collection References
Stem Cutting Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to promote root development. This step is optional but recommended for better results. Insert the treated end of the cutting into a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix. Ensure that at least one or two leaf nodes are buried in the soil. Water the cutting thoroughly and place the pot in a warm, humid environment with indirect sunlight. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged until roots develop. After the roots have developed, gradually acclimate runyon's water willow to its permanent location by exposing it to more direct light and reducing humidity over time. Water regularly, ensuring the soil remains moist but well-drained. In the spring or summer, choose a healthy, mature stem from runyon's water willow that is free of pests and diseases. The cutting should be about 4-6 inches long with several leaf nodes. Using sterilized garden shears, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting to reduce water loss. https://www.picturethisai.com/care/propagate/Justicia_runyonii.html

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason