Native Habitat:
Moist meadows, open forests, and streambanks in western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers rich, well-drained soils with partial shade.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 1–2 feet tall, with large basal leaves and erect stems. Produces bright yellow, five-petaled flowers in clusters, followed by hairy seed heads.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Partial shade to full sun; thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal wetness but prefers consistently damp conditions.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides bright seasonal color, textural foliage, and vertical interest in urban meadows, riparian gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in layered plantings along pathways or in habitat-focused urban gardens.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Dense foliage and seed heads provide shelter for insects and ground-dwelling invertebrates.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for minor medicinal purposes and valued ornamentally for meadow and naturalized plantings.