Native Habitat:
Open meadows, grasslands, and rocky slopes in western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers well-drained soils and sunny locations.
 
Bloom Time:
May – August
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Annual or short-lived perennial herb, 1–2 feet tall, with slender stems and finely divided leaves. Produces dense, globe-shaped clusters of small blue to lavender flowers.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Tolerates dry, nutrient-poor conditions once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds early- to mid-summer color and delicate texture to urban meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in layered plantings, massed along pathways, or in low-maintenance wildflower gardens.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Foliage provides shelter for insects and ground-dwelling arthropods.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for minor ornamental and ceremonial purposes; valued in naturalized and pollinator-friendly garden plantings.