Native Habitat:
Open meadows, rocky slopes, and grasslands.
 
Bloom Time:
February – April
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 6–12 inches tall, with slender, grass-like leaves and erect stems bearing one or a few nodding, purple to magenta, bell-shaped flowers. Goes dormant by early summer.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained, sandy or rocky soils. Tolerates dry conditions after bloom.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Eriophyllum lanatum, Festuca roemeri, Lupinus micranthus, Sidalcea campestris.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides brilliant early-spring color and delicate texture in rock gardens, native meadow plantings, and pollinator-focused urban gardens. Perfect for naturalized or xeric garden areas that celebrate seasonal bloom transitions.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract early native bees and small pollinators seeking nectar and pollen before many other plants bloom.
 
Historical Use:
Used ornamentally for early spring blooms; admired for its resilience and natural beauty in dry, open landscapes.