Native Habitat:
Moist meadows, streambanks, and open forests in western North America, including the Willamette Valley. Prefers cool, moist, well-drained soils.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 2–4 feet tall, with large, palmately divided leaves and sturdy upright stems. Produces dense spikes of blue to purple pea-like flowers.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun to partial shade; thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soils. Tolerates seasonal wetness but not prolonged flooding.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia leichtlinii, Achillea millefolium, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri, Eriophyllum lanatum.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides bold color, structure, and nitrogen-fixing benefits in urban meadows, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in layered native plantings and pollinator-focused garden beds.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract bumblebees (Bombus spp.), butterflies, and other native pollinators. Foliage supports caterpillars of several native butterflies, while dense foliage offers cover for insects and small fauna.
 
Historical Use:
Used by Indigenous peoples for medicinal and dye purposes; valued ornamentally for its dramatic floral displays and soil-enriching abilities.