Native Habitat:
Open woodlands, grassy slopes, and meadows along the Pacific Coast, including the Willamette Valley. Often found in well-drained soils and disturbed open sites.
 
Bloom Time:
May – August
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Annual or short-lived perennial herb, 1–3 feet tall, with slender stems, lance-shaped leaves, and showy cup-shaped flowers in shades of pink to purple. Spreads by self-seeding in favorable conditions.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils. Tolerates nutrient-poor conditions and dry summers once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds vibrant seasonal color and vertical accent to urban meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its slender form and striking flowers create visual interest in mixed plantings, along pathways, or in low-maintenance wildflower gardens. Ideal for layered plantings and habitat-focused urban designs.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), syrphid flies, and butterflies. Dense foliage provides shelter for small insects.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples and early settlers for ornamental purposes and occasional medicinal uses.