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In late summer, fall, and winter - in tropical climates, Crucita covers up in nectar rich, flat-topped clusters composed of numerous, fuzzy, light blue to light purple flowers that make the perfect landing platforms for pollinators of all shapes and sizes. Crucita or Jack in the Bush, Chromalaena odorata, is a naturally evergreen to semi-evergreen, shrub-like to vine-like perennial, typically growing to about 4-6' high and wide in areas where freezes regularly occur. In tropical winter climates where the woody stems do not freeze back, it can become scandent, or vine-like, with plants potentially scrambling up to about 10-20'H. In late fall in South Texas, where this is one of the most common species planted for butterflies, the plants seemingly cover up with pollinators. Provide a full to mostly sunny site in, fertile, average moist, and average to well drained soils. A breathable winter mulch is recommended anywhere hard freezes occur and in drier locations. Caterpillar host: Rounded Metalmark. Item# 10670