Gregg's tube tongue (Justicia pilosella) is in the Acanthus Family family (Acanthaceae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 1,088 research-grade flowering observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.
Nationally it blooms mainly from March to June, but timing varies a lot by state and elevation — see the table below.
When to photograph Gregg's tube tongue: observations by month (U.S.)
About Gregg's tube tongue
Justicia pilosella (syns. Siphonoglossa pilosella and Monechma pilosella), the hairy tube-tongue, Gregg's tube tongue, or false honeysuckle, is a species of flowering plant in the family Acanthaceae. It is native to New Mexico, Texas, and east-central Mexico. A perennial herb reaching 1 ft (30 cm), it is typically found growing in clearings and forest edges in rocky or gravelly soils.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.
Gregg's tube tongue by state
| State | Observations | Peak month | Main season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | 1,086 | April | Mar–Jun |
Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.
Related wildflowers (Acanthus Family)
Photography tips
- Photograph flowers on calm, overcast mornings to avoid wind blur and harsh shadows.
- Get low: a shallow depth of field (f/2.8–f/5.6) isolates a bloom against soft color.
- Stay on trails — trampling meadows kills plants and ruins next year's display.
- Try a kaleidoscope abstract of a single bloom with our online kaleidoscope tool.
FAQ
When is the best time to photograph Gregg's tube tongue?
Nationally, April has the most observations, with the main season from March to June.
Where is Gregg's tube tongue most often seen?
The most observations come from Texas.