Tilo (Justicia pectoralis)

Fragrant Shade-Loving Herb with Traditional Uses

Tilo (Justicia pectoralis), also known as Piri Piri and Willow Herb, is a perennial trailing or climbing herb native to Mexico, Central America, and South America. A member of the Acanthaceae family, it features lance-shaped leaves and delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, lavender, blue, and purple that appear in loose clusters at the ends of its branches. Tilo is commonly found along roadsides in its native range and is also grown as an ornamental flowering plant in the Caribbean, where it has naturalized.

Its aromatic dried foliage contains coumarin and has a long history of traditional use. Indigenous peoples have brewed the fragrant leaves into tea and tonic preparations traditionally associated with digestive issues, coughs, and colds, as well as ceremonial preparations. In the garden, Tilo makes an attractive shade-loving groundcover or small shrub, with delicate blooms that carry a light vanilla fragrance and attract hummingbirds and butterflies.

Cultural & Herbal Significance

Tilo has a long history of traditional use among Indigenous peoples of Central and South America. Its aromatic foliage is commonly dried and brewed as a flavorful tea, traditionally used as a tonic for digestive complaints, coughs, and colds. The plant has also been used in ceremonial preparations, including preparations described as hallucinogenic. These uses are historical and traditional, and the plant's coumarin content is an important characteristic of its aromatic foliage.

Why Grow Tilo?

• Enjoy delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, lavender, blue, and purple with a light vanilla fragrance.
• Grow a versatile perennial that works as a trailing groundcover or compact shrub.
• Add an aromatic herb with a long history of traditional tea and herbal use.
• Attract hummingbirds and butterflies with its delicate, fragrant flowers.
• Fill shady garden spaces with a resilient plant that performs well in rich, moist soil.