Native Habitat:
Open forests, grasslands, rocky slopes, and well-drained meadows.
 
Bloom Time:
May – July
 
Growth Habit & Mature Size:
Perennial herb, 12–24 inches tall, with erect stems and narrow, lance-shaped leaves. Produces tubular, blue to violet flowers arranged in clusters along the upper stems.
 
Light & Soil Requirements:
Full sun; thrives in well-drained sandy, loamy, or rocky soils. Tolerates drought and low-fertility soils once established.
 
Willamette Valley Native Companion Plants:
Camassia quamash, Achillea millefolium, Eriophyllum lanatum, Sidalcea campestris, Festuca roemeri.
 
Urban Garden Function:
Provides vertical structure, vibrant seasonal flowers, and pollinator support to urban meadows, rock gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Works well in layered native plantings, low-maintenance borders, and habitat-focused gardens.
 
Wildlife Supported:
Flowers attract native bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Foliage provides shelter for insects and small invertebrates.
 
Historical Use:
Used ornamentally for its showy flowers; valued in naturalized, pollinator-friendly, and low-maintenance urban garden plantings.