Heimia salicifolia aka Shrubby Yellowcrest

Heimia salicifolia belongs to the loosestrife family. This shrub sheds its leaves. Its common names include sinicuichi and shrubby yellowcrest. Another name is willow-leaf heimia. It grows wild in southeastern Texas, Mexico, and Jamaica. Its range also spans parts of Central and South America. Wild plants grow by streams and in wet ground. Kew places it in a tropical climate with dry seasons.

The shrub has many branches and a spreading shape. Most accounts give heights near 6.6–10 feet [2–3 metres]. RHS gives a top height of 13.1 feet [4 metres]. Its listed spread is 4.9–8.2 feet [1.5–2.5 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden gives a spread of up to 10 feet [3.05 metres]. The narrow green leaves look like willow leaves. They grow to about two inches long. The red-tinged stems add interest when blooms have gone. Single yellow flowers grow where leaves join the stems. Each bloom spans about three-quarters to one inch. Missouri Botanical Garden gives July to October as bloom time. Seed capsules, or pods, hold very small seeds.

Give this shrub soil that drains well and a sheltered spot. RHS calls for full sun. Missouri Botanical Garden prefers part shade. It also calls for rich soil that stays moist. Do not let the soil round the roots dry out fully. RHS lists neutral soil: chalk, loam, or sand. The plant suits shrub borders and hedges. It also suits sheltered beds next to walls. Yellow blooms bring colour in summer and early autumn.

Missouri Botanical Garden lists USDA zones 9–11. RHS gives H3 for mild parts of Britain. Tropical Plants reports that it can take more brief cold. These sources differ on how much cold it can bear. Whether it lives through winter thus depends on local conditions. Frost may kill the stems but leave the base alive. New shoots can then reach 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. In spring, cut off growth that frost has harmed. Add mulch round the base. In colder areas, bring pots indoors for winter. Keep them in a sunny place. Give less water in winter when growing under glass.

Few reports note grave pest or disease problems. Plants under cover can still draw common greenhouse pests. Grow new plants from seed or semi-ripe cuttings. People have used the leaves in folk medicine. They have also used them in fermented drinks. Reported effects include sleepiness and a drunk state. Larger amounts can cause hallucinations, or seeing things that are not there. These uses do not prove the leaves are safe food. The supplied sources do not show that they are safe for pets.