Proboscidea louisianica

Proboscidea louisianica is an herbaceous annual with the appearance of an orchid and a strong fragrance. Its claw-shaped fruit is what gave it its common name of devil's claw.

Proboscidea louisianica is a member of the Pedaliaceae family. It is native to the southern United States and Mexico. It is particularly found in Louisiana. The orchid-like flower consists of 5 fused and irregular petals forming a trumpet with undulating edges. It blooms from July to September. Both the calyx and leaves are hairy. The highly fragrant flowers measure 5cm (2in) in diameter and are white with pinkish-purple to violet spots. The throat is often speckled with purple.

The fruit is what draws the eye, and is the reason this plant has so many unique nicknames! The fruits form a double, strongly curved claw. When still green, they can be pickled and consumed. Once dried, they take on a characteristic hooked or claw-like appearance. These dehiscent capsules tend to cling to anything that brushes against them, dispersing their seeds far and wide.

The devil's claw is a highly branched spreading annual herbaceous plant. It reaches a height of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in). It grows very rapidly under favourable conditions. Its foliage is rather heart-shaped and very hairy.

The devil's claw prefers sheltered locations that are warm and sunny. It thrives in light, organic-rich soils. It will look stunning in pots, or as a standalone plant to fully appreciate its flowering from July to September... and of course, its spectacular fruiting.