It is an increasingly common ornamental shrub in Texas[2] and is cultivated in other parts of the Southwestern United States.

Some sources also refer to it as muicle[4] although this name is usually applied to the related Justicia spicigera when used as a traditional medicine in Central America.

[6] It is found on rocky and dry slopes, grasslands, xerophytic scrub and Mexican pinyon forests.

It is also frequently on crop banks or in sloped arid areas at heights from 1500 to 2450 meters (4920 to 8040 ft) above sea level.

It adapts well to other soils when under cultivation, however, it displays poor tolerance to frost.