Native Habitat:
Open meadows, forest edges, and moist slopes throughout western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Often found in seasonally wet areas with well-drained soils.
 
Bloom Time:
May – August
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 1–2 feet tall, with upright stems and bright red bracts surrounding small yellow-green flowers. Often forms loose clusters in native meadows.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; prefers well-drained soils with moderate moisture. Can tolerate nutrient-poor soils but performs best in fertile, loamy substrates.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds vibrant vertical accents and striking color to pollinator gardens, urban meadows, and naturalized landscapes. Its bright red bracts create visual focal points, and it pairs well with grasses and flowering perennials to create layered native plantings. Ideal for habitat gardens, bioswales, or meadow-style plantings where seasonal color and ecological function are desired.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Attracts hummingbirds, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and native solitary bees. Provides nectar for butterflies and other pollinators; dense foliage offers cover for beneficial insects.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal, ceremonial, and dye purposes.