Native Habitat:
Open forests, grasslands, and rocky slopes in western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers well-drained soils and full sun.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 1–2 feet tall, with compound leaves and slender stems. Produces clusters of pea-like flowers, typically yellow to golden, above the foliage.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Tolerates moderate drought once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Adds seasonal color, vertical interest, and textural foliage to urban meadows, pollinator gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in layered native plantings and low-maintenance borders, supporting pollinators with its nectar-rich flowers.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, bumblebees (Bombus spp.), and butterflies. Foliage and stems provide shelter for insects and ground-dwelling invertebrates.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for minor medicinal purposes and valued ornamentally in naturalized and pollinator-friendly garden settings.