Justicia californica
Beloperone, chuparosa, Chuparosa
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Acanthaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Justicia californica (Beloperone) is a native California shrub in the Acanthaceae family, recognized by Range edge species - this is the northernmost extent of a primarily Mexican genus in North American deserts.
Beloperone is a California native perennial found in eastern Peninsular Ranges and desert regions in dry sandy or rocky washes at elevations below 950 meters. Flowering from March to June, this plant produces dull scarlet flowers with yellow tones, 2 to 4 centimeters long with distinctive lips 1 to 2 centimeters in length. Growing up to 2 meters tall with stems that become largely leafless during flowering and covered in a soft, grayish canescent texture, it develops ovate to triangular leaves 1 to 6 centimeters long. Its leaves are softly puberulent with petioles less than 20 millimeters long, and delicate lance-elliptic bracts that fall away early. The fruit is 1.5 to 2 centimeters long and canescent, containing seeds that are approximately 2.5 to 3.5 millimeters round and distinctively mottled.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Range edge species - this is the northernmost extent of a primarily Mexican genus in North American deserts
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry sandy or rocky soils, especially washes
Elevation: < 950 m
California counties: San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Los Angeles
Outside California: Arizona, northwestern Mexico
Bloom period
Justicia californica blooms Mar-Jun.
How to tell it apart
vs Cuphea: Justicia has 2-lipped tubular flowers; Cuphea has tubular flowers with unequal petals but different arrangement.; vs Epilobium: Justicia has scarlet 2-lipped tubes; willowherb has 4-petaled pink/purple flowers spreading flat.; vs Keckiella: Justicia has dull scarlet 2-4 cm flowers; Keckiella has bright flowers under 2 cm on woody shrub.; vs Gambelia: Justicia has scarlet/yellow 2-lipped flowers; Gambelia has white/yellow snapdragon flowers with purple lines.; vs Penstemon: Justicia has scarlet tubes with fuzzy gray fruits; Penstemon has 5 stamens (1 sterile) and smooth capsules.
Frequently asked questions
Is Justicia californica native to California?
Yes. Justicia californica is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Justicia californica bloom?
Justicia californica blooms Mar-Jun.
Where in California does Justicia californica grow?
Justicia californica occurs in San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, San Diego, Los Angeles, at elevations of < 950 m.
What plant family does Justicia californica belong to?
Justicia californica is in the Acanthaceae family, genus Justicia.
What habitat does Justicia californica grow in?
Justicia californica grows in dry sandy or rocky soils, especially washes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.